3 June 2026
Free Things in Davis, Utah
by Discover Davis
Think you need a pricey amusement park pass or an expensive museum ticket to have an unforgettable day out along the Wasatch Front? Think again. Tucked right between Salt Lake City and Ogden, Davis County is Utah’s ultimate goldmine for budget-conscious families, outdoor lovers, and weekend adventurers.
From towering alpine waterfalls and world-class aviation hangars to sprawling playgrounds, interactive museums, and modern splash pads, Davis County is packed with spectacular attractions that won’t cost you a single dime. Whether you’re trying to keep energetic toddlers entertained, seeking out a new hiking challenge, or looking for a completely free weekend itinerary, you don’t have to sacrifice fun to save money.
Pack your sunscreen, grab the water bottles, and let’s dive into the best free things to do in Davis County.
🌅 Morning: Big Aviation & Waterfall Hikes (Northern Davis)
Start your day early while the mountain air is still cool and the afternoon sun hasn’t hit the pavement.
Museum Stop | Hill Aerospace Museum:
One of Utah’s absolute best hidden gems, and it is 100% free (though donations are welcome).
Take flight into World War ll as you explore the museum artifact collection of over 4,000 objects, each unique and holding a special purpose. Aircraft, military vehicles, missiles, ordnances, military uniforms, artwork and many other types of historical items can be found throughout your tour. Every object is the property of the United States Air Force Museum System. As you walk around, imagine what it would be like to board a bomber, cargo, fighter, helicopter or surveillance plane.
Hiking Stop | Adams Canyon Trail (Farmington):
A classic Davis County trail, Adams Canyon is 3.8 miles out and back. With winding switchbacks that occasionally cross streams and great overlooks of the valley, it’s a beautiful trek. To top off the spectacular views along the way, take in the 40-foot Adams Waterfall at the end of the trail.
Other trail suggestions.
Davis County offers a stunning array of hiking trails that showcase the area’s natural beauty, from rugged mountain canyons to scenic island vistas. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you’ll find something for every skill level. Popular spots include the Farmington Creek Trail, which winds past old vintage car ruins to a hidden 40-foot waterfall, and Flag Rock Trail, which offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake. Davis County’s diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
☀️ Midday: Epic Parks & Splash Pads (Central Davis)
By lunchtime, the kids will want to run wild and cool off from the summer heat.
City Park & Splash Pad Stop | North Cottonwood Commons Park (Farmington):
One of the newest and most impressive parks in the county, North Cottonwood Commons Park features a state-of-the-art playground and a massive splash pad. The water feature mimics a winding natural river with giant tree sculptures that rain water down on excited kids. Whether you’re looking to splash around or just relax on the park’s swinging benches while the kids play, the splash pads in Davis County provide the ultimate free way to beat the heat!
Picnic & Window Shopping | Station Park (Farmington):
Just down the road from the park, this outdoor shopping center is completely free to wander. Bring a packed lunch, sit by the grassy lawns, and watch the choreographed fountain show (reminiscent of a mini-Bellagio) that dances to music every hour.
Window shopping offers a delightful experience with its charming local boutiques, specialty shops and outdoor malls. Stroll through Layton Hills Mall in Layton, where you can browse stylish stores in a completely indoor setting, or explore Bountiful’s historic downtown for unique shops offering everything from antiques to handmade goods. Whether you’re looking for fashion, home decor or something quirky, Davis County’s shopping scene offers plenty of opportunities to browse and discover something new. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon without the pressure of a purchase!
🌇 Afternoon & Evening: Culture, Local History & Shaded Creeks (Southern Davis)
As the day winds down, head south toward Bountiful and Centerville for some local charm and evening relaxation.
Art Stop | Bountiful Davis Art Center (Bountiful):
A beautiful local gallery right on Bountiful’s Main Street. Completely free to the public, featuring rotating exhibits from incredible regional and local Utah artists. (If you happen to visit during the summer, keep an eye out for their free Summerfest or the Bountiful Chalk Art Festival where artists turn the streets into murals!)
Explore the stories of earlier settlers as you walk through amazing local museums. There are many options like the Syracuse Regional Museum, the Heritage Museum of Layton, the historic Whitaker Museum in Centerville, or the Bountiful Museum that display the work, dedication, and love that went into establishing such a great destination. Hundreds of artifacts have been preserved and showcased to create an inspiring experience for anyone who comes to visit. Don’t miss out on the incredible history preserved here!
Evening Cool Down | Deuel Creek Trail
Take a quick evening stroll up Deuel Creek Trail in Centerville. Cross over multiple bridges, swing on a rope swing and make it to the trail’s waterfall.
Other Park Options
Davis County is home to a variety of beautiful city parks, perfect for outdoor relaxation and recreation. Farmington Pond Park offers spacious green lawns, walking paths and a peaceful pond, ideal for picnics or a leisurely stroll. Bountiful City Park features lush green spaces great for picnics, playgrounds, sports fields and it’s right next to the South Davis Rec Center. Barnes Park in Kaysville is a popular community spot with green fields, playgrounds, sports areas and scenic walking paths. With plenty of parks to explore, Davis County is a great destination for enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.
💡 Bonus Free Insider Picks:
Free City Events
Looking to add some local flavor to your day? Davis County communities host incredible, rotating neighborhood events all summer long that don’t cost a thing. See our complete list of local farmers markets, free movies in the park, live music series, weekly food truck roundups, and artisan fairs happening near you!
Eccles Wildlife Education Center
Located right on the edge of the Great Salt Lake wetlands, this center features great indoor wildlife displays and a boardwalk over the marshes for world-class bird watching.
USU Botanical Center
Run by Utah State University (USU), the USU Botanical Center is all about plants. Participate in their mission to guide conservation and grow the community through educational and fun experiences. Have an unbe-leaf-able time walking the gardens and trails, taking classes, attending events and more!
The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve
The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve spans 4,400 acres of wetlands and upland habitat along the eastern edge of Great Salt Lake—one of Utah’s most unique natural treasures. As the largest saline lake in the Western Hemisphere, Great Salt Lake is crucial to both people and nature. The lake is a rich feeding ground for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, supporting between four and six million migratory birds as they journey from as far north as the Arctic to southern points in Central and South America.
