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Summer Bucket List: splash pads in Iowa City & Cedar Rapids

6/13/2019

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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!
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Enjoying small water features at Hayes Park in Cedar Rapids.
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Penn Meadows Park, North Liberty
This small, baseball themed splash pad has lots of close seating for grownups, simple fountain features, and a nearby playground with both toddler as well as big kiddo structures. Pack your sunblock because this one is almost all sun.
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Fairmeadows Park, Iowa City
This splash pad has some gentler water features and shade, making it a solid option if your kiddos are on the younger side.
Photo credit: Suzanne Halekas
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Tower Court Park, Iowa City
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With simple fountain features and the shade of a large tree, Tower Court is a great option for little ones and splash. Note that there is street parking only for this park.
Photo credit: Juli Johnson
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Wetherby, Iowa City
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If you have older kiddos who  like more splash and spray, this busy splash pad may offer them some more intense features.
Photo credit: Juli Johnson
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Ped Mall F​ountain, Iowa City
Close to the Ped Mall Playground as well as the Iowa City Public Library, this fountain is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
Photo credit: Suzanne Halekas
Tiffin City Park, Tiffin
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.
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Cedar Valley Park, Cedar Rapids
​Surrounded by mature trees, this splash pad is one of our favorites! With a nearby play structure and plenty of green space, it is a great park for running and play, though pack some bug spray as the nearby creek can make it a bit buggy.
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Noelridge Park, Cedar Rapids
Located at the northeast corner of the park, this tucked-away splash pad offers an alternative to the busy Noelridge pool scene.
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 Hayes Park, Cedar Rapids
This splash pad has some more forceful features that rotate through a cycle. The nearby structure has some interesting climbing options and the splash pad is quite sunny.
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Cleveland Park, Cedar Rapids
While this splash pad definitely shows its age, it has the distinct advantage of relatively low water intensity, making it friendly for even the littlest explorers.  Nearby shade and bathrooms are also a plus!
Other Cedar Rapids Splash Pad locations:
Daniels Park
​Greene Square Park
Hidder Park

Jacolyn Park
​Redmond Park

Time Check Park
Twin Pines Park
Marion Area Splash Pad locations:
Thomas Park
​Gill Park
Hiawatha Area Splash Pad locations:
Guthridge Park
Tucker Park
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Lisbon City Park, Lisbon
This zero-depth entry wading pool goes all the way to 18 inches deep, making it a great place to cool off in the summer heat. It is also fully fenced and has an awesome nearby dragon-themed structure.
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Zeller Memorial Park, Palo
This quiet splash pad makes a lovely stopping point if you are on your way to or from Wickiup Wandering Woods. With a features that are inbetween gentle and intense, it is a nice spot for children who vary in age.

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!
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Beautiful & Practical: Mama Metal from Fox + Bear

4/11/2019

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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.
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 I know you are full-time working mom with two beautiful little ones.  How did you come to start designing jewelry in addition to that?
I started creating jewelry last winter. I was searching for some extra special mama metal pieces to gift to a couple close mom-friends but couldn’t find quite what I wanted. So I decided to make my own! It took quite a bit of trial and error but eventually I was able to get the results I wanted. ​
I love the idea of getting creative and making exactly what you are looking for yourself! What are some of the characteristics of the jewelry you were looking for and how does Fox + Bear manifest that?
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Nikki Hines, modeling Fox + Bear creations
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. ​
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I love the combo of beauty and function! How would you describe Fox + Bear style for us in three words?
Organic. Indie. Whimsical.
Thanks so much for sharing about Fox + Bear, Nikki! If someone is intrigued and wants to learn more, where can they go to get their own Fox + Bear Mama Metal?
Anyone interested in purchasing jewelry by Fox + Bear Designs can visit my page on Facebook @FoxPlusBearDesigns and send me a message. I have in-stock and ready to wear pieces listed in albums, and I’m happy to work on custom pieces.  With Mother’s Day fast approaching I’ve set aside 10 custom spots for anyone interested in treating the special mother in their life or treating  themselves to exactly what they want. 

Want more on pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting? Connect with Nested Mama on Facebook and Instagram.
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    Author

    Johanna received a Ph.D. in English in 2014.  Now a postpartum doula and educator of childbirth, breastfeeding, and infant sleep, she blogs about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting.

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