Provo and Orem have an impressive park system for cities their size — over 30 parks between them, ranging from neighborhood pocket parks with a single playground to large recreation areas with sports fields, splash pads, pavilions, and trail access. For families, the park system is one of the best quality-of-life advantages of living in the valley.
This guide covers the best parks for families, organized by what you're looking for.
Best All-Around Parks
Bicentennial Park
Location: 600 N 400 E, Provo
One of Provo's largest and most popular parks. Bicentennial has something for every age — large playground structures, open grass fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, covered pavilions for picnics and parties, and walking paths. The playground equipment is modern and well-maintained. The park hosts community events throughout the year and is one of the best spots for a family afternoon.
Best for: Families with kids of mixed ages, birthday parties, and community events.
Canyon View Park
Location: Near Provo Canyon mouth
Excellent location at the mouth of Provo Canyon, connecting to the Provo River Parkway trail. The park has a playground, open fields, picnic areas, and easy access to the river trail — meaning you can let kids play at the park and then walk or bike into the canyon. The mountain views from the park are some of the best in the city.
Best for: Combining playground time with a canyon walk or bike ride. Great staging area for Provo River Parkway activities.
Rock Canyon Park
Location: End of N Temple Dr, Provo
The trailhead park for Rock Canyon — Provo's most popular canyon trail. Beyond the trailhead, the park itself has a playground, sports fields, a covered pavilion, and ample parking. It's the perfect spot to combine a family hike (the first mile of Rock Canyon is easy and scenic) with playground time.
Best for: Active families who want to hike and play in the same outing.
Best Playgrounds
Pioneer Park
Location: 500 W Center St, Provo
A well-maintained neighborhood park with an excellent playground, open grass, and shade trees. The playground equipment is newer and designed for a range of ages (toddler through early elementary). The downtown location makes it easy to combine with a Center Street lunch or walk.
Kiwanis Park
Location: 820 N 1100 E, Provo
A beloved neighborhood park near BYU with a shaded playground, walking paths, a small stream feature, and a peaceful atmosphere under mature trees. Kiwanis is the kind of park where families spend entire afternoons. The stream and tree cover make it cooler than most parks in summer.
Best for: Toddlers and young children. The shaded, enclosed feel makes it easy to keep an eye on little ones.
All Together Playground
Location: 715 E 200 S, Orem
An inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities, including wheelchair-accessible equipment and sensory-friendly features. This is one of the best inclusive playgrounds in Utah County and a valuable resource for families with children who have physical or sensory needs. The park also includes standard playground equipment for all children.
Best for: Inclusive play. Families with children of varying abilities.
Best for Sports & Activities
Joaquin Park
Location: Near BYU campus area, Provo
A popular park for pickup basketball, soccer, and casual sports. The courts are well-maintained and the fields are large enough for full games. Located near campus, it draws a mix of students and families.
Orem City Center Park
Location: Near State St, Orem
Orem's central park with sports fields, walking paths, a large playground, and space for community events. The SCERA Center for the Arts is adjacent, making it possible to combine park time with a performance or outdoor movie in summer.
Best for Water Play
Splash Summit Waterpark
Location: 200 N 1450 W, Provo · Admission fee
Provo's waterpark with slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and splash pads. Open June through August. Not technically a "park" in the free-admission sense, but it's the best water-play destination in the area for families. Day passes are reasonably priced, and season passes pay for themselves quickly if you go regularly.
Splash Pads
Several Provo and Orem parks feature free splash pads that operate during summer months. These are perfect for younger kids on hot days. Check the Provo City and Orem City Parks & Recreation websites for current splash pad locations and operating schedules — they vary by year.
Best for Peaceful Escapes
Nielsen's Grove Park
Location: 400 S 800 E, Orem
The oldest public park in Utah, dating back to the 1800s. Nielsen's Grove is a shaded, tranquil retreat with mature trees, manicured gardens, a koi pond, and walking paths. It's not a playground park — it's a place to sit under ancient trees, read a book, and enjoy the quiet. Beautiful for a family picnic or a peaceful afternoon.
Best for: A calm, nature-focused park experience. Not ideal for active kids who need playground equipment.
Utah Lake State Park Shoreline
Location: 4400 W Center St, Provo · Day use fee
The shoreline paths at Utah Lake State Park offer waterside walks with mountain views. It's more of a nature space than a traditional park — no playground, but plenty of open space, birding opportunities, and lake access. Good for families who enjoy nature walks and water exploration.
Park Tips for Families
Shade matters in summer. Parks with mature trees (Kiwanis, Nielsen's Grove, Bicentennial) are significantly more comfortable on hot days than open-field parks.
Pavilion reservations. If you're planning a birthday party or group gathering, reserve a covered pavilion through Provo Parks & Recreation. Popular pavilions book up weeks in advance during summer.
Combine parks with trails. Canyon View Park connects to the Provo River Parkway, Rock Canyon Park connects to Rock Canyon trail, and several other parks sit adjacent to trail systems. Build a half-day outing that includes both.
Bring water and sunscreen. Utah's dry air and strong sun dehydrate and burn faster than you'd expect, even at parks with shade.
Related Guides
- Free Things to Do in Provo
- Provo River Parkway Guide
- Complete Provo Hiking Guide
- Provo Neighborhoods Guide
- Summer Activities in Provo
- Family-Friendly Restaurants in Provo
- Dog Parks & Pet Life in Provo
Last updated: April 2026. Park amenities, hours, and splash pad schedules vary — check with Provo Parks & Recreation for current information.