Orem's best things to do with kids are mostly free. The Orem Public Library runs storytimes four days a week, plus a LEGO Lab on Thursdays. The All-Together Playground at City Center Park was built for kids of every ability. In summer, three city splash pads open. In winter, the Family Fitness Center's 50-meter pool and the SCERA's Christmas shows carry the season.
Details are from the Orem Public Library, Orem City Recreation, SCERA and University Place websites, read Nov. 9, 2026. For grown-up plans, see things to do in Orem.
Orem with kids at a glance
| Place | Ages | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orem Public Library storytimes | Babies to grade 3 | Free | Tue.-Fri. mornings; fall block ends Nov. 27 |
| All-Together Playground | All | Free | Year-round |
| Nielsen's Grove Park | All | Free | Year-round |
| Splash pads (3) | Little kids | Free | Late May to early Sept., Mon.-Sat. |
| Family Fitness Center pool | All | Day pass | Year-round, closed Sundays |
| SCERA Center shows and classes | All | Ticketed | Year-round |
| University Place and The Orchard | All | Free to visit | Daily; Sundays noon-6 |
The library: free, four days a week
The Orem Public Library at City Center Park is the best free stop in Orem for young kids. In its fall storytime block (Sept. 3 to Nov. 27, 2026), the library lists:
- Toddler Tales (ages 0-3): Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10 and 11:10 a.m., in the Kid Zone.
- Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m., in the Storytelling Wing.
- Bouncing Babies (birth to 12 months, not yet walking): Fridays at 10 a.m.
- Bilingual Storytime (Spanish and English, all ages): Thursdays at 4 p.m.
- Music & Movement (18 months to 3, with a caregiver): Mondays at 10 a.m.
- LEGO Lab: Thursdays at 4:30 p.m., free play, no registration. Kids 7 and under need a caregiver.
- For older kids: Big Kid Adventures for grades K-3 on the third Wednesday of the month, and a monthly book club for grades 4-6, both with registration.
The library also runs 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, with a free book at the finish. Library cards are free for Orem and Provo residents; see our Utah Valley libraries guide.
Parks and playgrounds
- All-Together Playground, City Center Park. Utah County's first all-abilities playground, built by more than 4,100 volunteers in 2016. It's next to the library, so storytime and the playground make an easy morning. Our All-Together Playground guide has the story and layout.
- Nielsen's Grove Park. Orem's own tourism page calls it the oldest public park in Utah. It has a pond and paths, a good walk with a stroller.
- Sharon Park for sledding. The city says Sharon Park is often used for tubing and sledding in winter.
- Twenty city parks in all. Every one, with acreage and playgrounds, is in our Orem parks guide.
Splash pads (summer)
Orem has three city splash pads, free to use:
| Splash pad | Address | Nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Hillcrest | 650 E. 400 S. | Shaded seating; reservable pavilion |
| Palisade | 1313 E. 800 N. | Canopies for small parties, May-Sept. |
| Scera Pool | 701 S. State St. | Next to Scera Park; pool admission $5.50 to $6.50 in summer 2026, free for 2 and under |
In 2026 the city ran them 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, from late May to early September, closed Sundays. Our Utah Valley splash pads guide compares them with the rest of the county.
Swimming in winter
The Orem Family Fitness Center has a 50-meter pool, a lazy river, a bouldering wall and childcare, and it's open Monday through Saturday. Hours and day-pass prices are in our Orem Family Fitness Center guide. For more indoor pools, see indoor pools in Utah Valley.
The SCERA: shows, movies and classes
The SCERA Center for the Arts is Orem's historic arts center, with theater, movies and classes for kids. SCERA lists:
- A Christmas Story: The Musical, Dec. 4-19, 2026.
- Christmas Maker's Market, an outdoor market with vendors, food trucks and Santa, Dec. 11-12.
- Shows for young audiences, youth theater, youth dance, art classes including pottery, homeschool programs and summer camps.
In summer, the SCERA Shell outdoor theater takes over; see our SCERA Shell guide.
University Place and The Orchard
University Place is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m., which makes it one of the few things open on a Sunday afternoon. The Orchard, its outdoor park, hosts the Orchard Lighting on Monday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m., with music and fireworks. More in our University Place guide.
Rainy and snowy days
- The library. LEGO Lab and the Kid Zone are free and indoors.
- Trampoline parks and indoor play: see trampoline parks and indoor play in Utah Valley.
- Museums: our Provo museums guide covers the free BYU museums in Provo.
- Bad-air days: on winter inversion days, indoor plans beat the park; see inversion season and air quality.
Related guides
- Things to do in Orem
- Things to do in Lehi with kids
- All-Together Playground
- Orem Family Fitness Center
- Splash pads in Utah Valley
- University Place guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Orem with kids for free?
When is storytime at the Orem library?
Does Orem have splash pads?
What's playing at the SCERA for families this Christmas?
Where can kids swim in Orem in winter?
Is there an all-abilities playground in Orem?
What's the oldest park in Orem?
What can kids do in Orem on a Sunday?
Sources
The facts in this guide were checked against these sources. Hours, fees and rules change, so confirm anything time-sensitive with the source before you go. How we make Provo.com.
- Orem Public Library: storytimes and kids' programs, Orem Public Library. Checked November 9, 2026.
- Orem splash pads, City of Orem. Checked November 9, 2026.
- Orem City Recreation: Parks, Orem City Recreation. Checked November 9, 2026.
- The Pools at Scera Park, Orem City Recreation. Checked November 9, 2026.
- Orem City Recreation: Sharon Park, Orem City Recreation. Checked November 9, 2026.
- SCERA Center for the Arts, SCERA. Checked November 9, 2026.
- University Place hours, University Place. Checked November 9, 2026.
