From Memorial Day to Labor Day in the Corridor, it is officially splash pad season! While my kiddos certainly have their favorites, we love to pack a  picnic and set off to explore a new-to-us location to get our splash on.

Here, I'm highlighting some of our favorite splash pads to frequent, as well as offering an extensive list of places to splash as you make your way around Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and surrounding communities this summer.  Enjoy! And, share your favorite in the comments!

Looking for a way to get your splash on without the crowds? Check out this list of awesome creek stomping locations in the Corridor!

With a fence surrounding it, the Tiffin City Park splash pad makes it easier to keep an eye on little ones as they play. The pad is very sunny, but a nearby picnic shelter can offer some shade.

Do you have a favorite place in the Corridor to cool down in the summer heat? Share with us in the comments below!

And, if you are looking for the scoop on outdoor adventures in the Corridor, check out Nested Mama's options for Local Family Fun!

If you are anything like me, all thoughts of jewelry beyond stud earrings and the occasional silicone teething necklace went out the window once I had little ones. I didn't like the feeling of a necklace being yanked as I held and wore my kiddos, and the thought of them mouthing most jewelry motivated me to keep it all in a drawer.  That's why I'm beyond thrilled to share about a local-to-me, super stylish mama whose "mama metal" creations make beautiful and practical jewelry for parents of little ones a reality.

I  was looking for some uniquely shaped centerpieces, as well as different options for chains. Fox + Bear offers a variety of options to personalize your chain including adding semiprecious gemstone beads, fine silver charms, and multi-strand chains. I love the addition of a charm because you can adjust the length of the necklace by changing where you clip the clasp. ​