Most people drive through Orem on their way somewhere else, or they end up at University Mall and call it a day. But Orem has its own legitimate list of things worth doing, including some of the best entertainment venues and outdoor access points in Utah County. Here’s what’s actually worth your time.
Get Outside
Provo River Trail runs right through Orem and connects south toward Provo. It’s a paved multi-use trail that’s good for walking, running, or biking. Easy to access from several points in Orem and long enough to actually get a workout in without doubling back immediately.
Olmstead Nature Trail up Provo Canyon is a short, easy trail that most people skip in favor of longer hikes. It’s good for families with younger kids or anyone who wants a quick dose of canyon air without committing to a full hike. The canyon access from Orem is fast — you’re in the mountains in under fifteen minutes.
Seven Peaks Water Park is the summer activity in Orem. Big waterpark with slides, a wave pool, and enough to keep a family busy for a full day. Seasonal, crowded on weekends, and genuinely fun if you go in with the right expectations.
Geneva Road corridor along Utah Lake has improved for walking and biking. If you want a flat, easy outdoor route with good views of the lake and the mountains behind it, it’s worth checking out, especially in spring and fall.
Mount Timpanogos trails are accessible from Provo Canyon, a short drive from Orem. The Timpanogos Cave National Monument and the various alpine trails around it are some of the best hiking in the state. If you haven’t done the full Timp summit hike, it’s a bucket list item for Utah County residents.
Eat Something
Pizzeria 712 on State Street is legitimately one of the best restaurants in all of Utah County. Wood-fired pizza, thoughtful seasonal menu, good drinks. It’s the kind of place people drive from Salt Lake for on purpose. Make a reservation on weekends.
State Street has a solid run of local restaurants between fast food chains. Thai Ruby is a reliable Thai option, and there are several smaller locally-owned spots scattered along the corridor worth exploring. Orem doesn’t have a concentrated restaurant district the way Provo does, but good food is there if you look.
Zupas started in Utah and Orem has a location. Quick, affordable, and better than most fast casual options. Good for lunch when you don’t want to spend much time deciding.
Magleby’s Fresh has a location in Orem and is the go-to breakfast and brunch spot in this part of the county. Large menu, big portions, good for groups. Sunday mornings get busy so arrive early or expect a wait.
Do Something With People
Classic Skating in Orem is a Utah County landmark. Roller skating, laser tag, an arcade, and birthday party packages that have been running since the 80s. It feels nostalgic in a good way. Good for families, groups, or anyone who wants to do something fun that doesn’t require much planning.
Trafalga Family Fun Center has go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, and an arcade all in one spot. It’s the kind of place that works for birthday parties and group outings. Multiple age ranges can all find something here without anybody being bored.
Nickel City is a large arcade with redemption games, skee-ball, and the usual lineup. The nickel-per-play model is what makes it stand out. You can spend a couple hours and a reasonable amount of money and come home with a bag of cheap prizes. Kids love it, and honestly adults do too.
Scera Pool is Orem’s outdoor public pool, open in summer. Affordable, well-maintained, and a good option for families who don’t need a full water park experience but want somewhere to swim.
See Something
Scera Shell Outdoor Theatre is one of the gems of Orem. An outdoor amphitheater in a park setting that does Broadway musicals, concerts, and film screenings throughout the summer. Affordable tickets, great atmosphere, and the kind of experience that makes you feel good about living here. Bring a blanket and snacks — they allow outside food.
Timpanogos Storytelling Festival happens every September and draws nationally recognized storytellers to venues in Orem and nearby Lehi. It’s been running for decades and is recognized as one of the top storytelling festivals in the country. Great for families and a genuinely unique event that Utah County should be better known for.
Orem Public Library runs a surprisingly solid calendar of community events throughout the year. Story times, author visits, summer reading programs, and community lectures. It’s free, it’s local, and it’s more active than most people assume. Worth checking their calendar if you’re looking for low-cost things to do with kids.
Thanksgiving Point sits right on the Lehi/Orem border and is one of the best family destinations in the county. The Museum of Natural Curiosity, Farm Country, Ashton Gardens, and the Butterfly Biosphere are all there. It’s a full day out and there’s enough variety that it works for almost any age.
Stay in the Loop
Orem doesn’t always get as much coverage as Provo in local media, which means events and openings in this part of the county can fly under the radar. The Beehive Report covers all of Utah County — Orem included — so you’re not missing things just because they aren’t happening right in downtown Provo.
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