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Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center sports complex in Cottonwood Heights, UT
Photo: Jonathan Baker
View of Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center in Cottonwood Heights, UT
Photo: Leo Lev
View of Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center in Cottonwood Heights, UT
Photo: Joohyun Kim

Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center

4.4(1,273 reviews)$Sports
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 3-16. Toddlers and preschoolers thrive in the youth swim lessons and early childhood programs, while elementary-aged kids love the climbing wall and open gym time. Teens appreciate the fitness areas and organized sports leagues.

About

Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center is a family activity powerhouse offering something for every age under one roof. With an indoor pool perfect for year-round swimming, an exciting climbing wall that challenges young adventurers, and extensive youth programs including sports leagues and classes, this highly-rated facility keeps kids active regardless of the weather outside.

Highlights

  • Indoor aquatic center with lap lanes, recreational swim areas, and family-friendly water features
  • 30-foot climbing wall with routes for beginners through advanced climbers
  • Full-size gymnasium with open play times and organized youth sports
  • Dedicated youth program rooms offering everything from arts and crafts to STEM classes
  • Modern fitness areas where parents can work out while kids participate in supervised programs

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive right when they open on weekday mornings (5 AM) for the quietest pool time, or visit Sunday afternoons when families have the facility mostly to themselves
  2. 2.Sign up for youth programs early as popular classes like swim lessons and climbing clinics fill up quickly, especially at the start of each season
  3. 3.Bring water shoes for the pool area and climbing-appropriate closed-toe shoes if you plan to use the climbing wall
  4. 4.Check their daily schedule online before visiting,open gym times and family swim hours vary throughout the week
  5. 5.Non-residents pay slightly higher fees, so if you visit frequently, a membership pays for itself after just a few visits

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (especially Tuesday-Thursday from 9-11 AM) offer the least crowded experience for families with young children. Saturday mornings from 8-10 AM are also great before weekend crowds arrive. Avoid weekday evenings after 4 PM when after-school programs make the facility busiest.

What to Know

Daily admission fees apply (varies for residents vs. non-residents), with discounted punch passes and memberships available. Ample free parking is available on-site. The facility has a small vending area but no full-service café, so plan to eat before or after your visit.

Seasonal Notes

This indoor facility shines during Utah's cold winters and hot summers, offering climate-controlled fun year-round. Holiday breaks often feature special camps and extended programs for kids. Summer brings expanded youth camp options. Check their website for holiday closures on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Nearby Eats

Head to Cafe Rio (5 minutes away) for build-your-own burritos and tacos that please picky eaters, or visit Chick-fil-A nearby for quick, reliable kid favorites with a play area.

More Activities Near Cottonwood Heights

Park

Butler Elementary School

Free

Butler Elementary School features a community park that's a hidden gem for local families in Cottonwood Heights. The park offers well-maintained playground equipment, open grassy areas perfect for picnics and free play, and sports facilities that make it ideal for active kids looking to burn energy after school or on weekends.

Adventure

Bengal Boulevard

Free

Bengal Boulevard offers families a beautiful paved trail system perfect for biking, scootering, and stroller walks through Cottonwood Heights. With gentle terrain that's ideal for beginners and stunning mountain views, it's an excellent spot for families looking to enjoy Utah's outdoor beauty without tackling difficult trails.

Adventure

Fort Union Boulevard Trail

Free

The Fort Union Boulevard Trail offers families a safe, smooth paved pathway that's ideal for introducing young children to biking, teaching them to ride without training wheels, or enjoying leisurely family strolls. This well-maintained multi-use trail winds through Cottonwood Heights neighborhoods, providing a car-free environment where kids can safely practice their cycling skills while parents enjoy scenic mountain views.

Park

Cottonwood Country Club

4.7Free

Cottonwood Country Club offers families an accessible gateway to Utah's stunning foothills with easy trails perfect for little legs and open green spaces for picnics and play. The combination of maintained paths and natural mountain terrain makes it an ideal spot for introducing kids to hiking while keeping the adventure manageable and close to home.