If you have ever served on a YSA (Young Single Adult) activity committee, you know the struggle is real. You spend weeks planning a ward activity or FHE (Family Home Evening), only for half the ward to skip it because it sounds like just another awkward mingle in the cultural hall. On top of that, planning anything outdoors in Utah means you are constantly at the mercy of unpredictable weather.
To get high attendance, you need activities that are low-pressure, highly social, and genuinely fun. Whether you are planning a massive multi-ward event, a stake activity, or just a fun Friday night out for your friend group, here are the 10 best YSA activity ideas in Utah County that people will actually want to show up for.
1. Host a Padel Event at Padel Den (Orem)
If you want the ultimate combination of high-energy sports and relaxed socializing, indoor padel is rapidly becoming the favorite group activity in Utah Valley. Padel is a fast-paced racket sport played on an enclosed glass court. It is a hybrid of tennis and squash but has a massive advantage: the learning curve is almost zero. Even if half your ward isn’t “athletic,” they can jump on a court and have competitive rallies within ten minutes.
Because it is played in doubles, it forces communication and makes it incredibly easy to rotate partners for mingling. Padel Den offers climate-controlled indoor courts and premium lounge areas where people can hang out, eat pizza, and watch the matches.
- Book Your Activity: Check out our Host Events page to reserve courts and set up an unforgettable ward event.
2. Hit the Bays at Topgolf (Vineyard)
Topgolf is a classic YSA crowd-pleaser because it requires absolutely no golf experience to enjoy. You can rent several adjacent bays for your ward or FHE group, allowing everyone to rotate through taking swings at the giant neon targets. The bays are climate-controlled, and there is plenty of comfortable seating for those who just want to chat and eat fries while others play.
- Check them out: Topgolf Vineyard
3. Escape the Room at Getout Games (Provo)
Escape rooms are incredible for breaking the ice and forcing people to work together. Getout Games in Provo offers some of the most immersive escape rooms in the area. You can split a larger YSA group into several smaller teams and race against the clock (and each other) to solve puzzles and escape before the hour is up.
- Check them out: Getout Games
4. Throw Axes at Heber Hatchets (Provo)
Axe throwing sounds intense, but it is actually a fantastic, low-pressure group activity. At Heber Hatchets, coaches teach everyone the proper throwing technique before letting you loose on the wooden targets. It is highly competitive, very loud, and gives everyone plenty of downtime to talk and cheer each other on between turns.
- Check them out: Heber Hatchets Provo
5. Experience Clean Comedy at Dry Bar (Provo)
Finding clean entertainment for a large church group can sometimes be tricky, but Dry Bar Comedy is the perfect solution. Located right in downtown Provo, they record live stand-up comedy specials that are entirely clean and alcohol-free. It is a fantastic Friday or Saturday night activity for a large group that wants to sit back and laugh.
- Check them out: Dry Bar Comedy
6. Sing Your Heart Out at Heart & Seoul Karaoke (Provo)
Public karaoke can be intimidating, but Heart & Seoul Karaoke offers private, soundproof rooms. You can rent a large room for your group, shut the door, and let everyone sing their favorite throwback hits without the pressure of a massive audience. It is hilarious, memorable, and a great way to get people out of their shells.
- Check them out: Heart & Seoul Karaoke
7. Go Bouldering at Momentum Indoor Climbing (Lehi)
Utah is an outdoorsy state, and indoor bouldering perfectly captures that adventurous spirit while keeping you out of the cold (or heat). Momentum in Lehi has a massive bouldering area. Because you don’t need ropes or harnesses for bouldering, the entire group can stay in the same area, working on climbing “problems” together and cheering each other on.
- Check them out: Momentum Indoor Climbing Lehi
8. Mix Custom Scents at The Wick Lab (Provo)
If your ward wants a break from highly physical activities, The Wick Lab is an amazing alternative. It is an interactive candle-making studio where your group can sit at the fragrance bar, mix their own scented oils, and pour custom candles. It is relaxed, aesthetic, and everyone leaves with a great party favor.
- Check them out: The Wick Lab
9. Roll Back in Time at Classic Skating (Orem)
Sometimes the best activities are nostalgic throwbacks. Classic Skating is a massive indoor roller rink that is perfect for large YSA or stake events. Renting out the rink guarantees a night of upbeat music, terrible skating skills, and a lot of laughs. They also have an arcade and bounce houses if you want to switch things up.
- Check them out: Classic Skating
10. Go Bowling at FatCats (Provo)
Bowling is an FHE staple for a reason. It is inexpensive, accommodates large groups effortlessly, and provides structured downtime for conversation. FatCats in Provo also features an arcade and glowing mini-golf, meaning there are plenty of options if some people in the group get tired of the bowling lanes.
- Check them out: FatCats Provo
Make Your Next Ward Activity Unforgettable
Sick of the same old cultural hall setups? Bring your YSA group to Padel Den for a night of active, high-energy fun that people will actually talk about on Sunday.
We make hosting incredibly easy. Tell us your group size, and we will help you arrange private court rentals, structured match play, and lounge access so your committee can stop stressing and start playing.
