Summer Bucket List: Favorite Parks in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City

Looking for new adventures with your kids this summer? Here is a list of our favorite parks in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and surrounding communities. So pack a picnic, slather up that sunscreen, and enjoy the season!

Thomas Park, Marion
Thomas Park boasts a large three-story play structure, toddler structure, sand, swings, and climbing dome. Tall trees offer plenty of shade. A large splash pad can help you keep cool in the summer months. A crushed trail connects to several other Marion parks, so bring the stroller and park hop!

Squaw Creek Campground Playground
This large playground in the center of the campground is a hit with toddlers and older kids alike. Squaw Creek also has a lovely trail system, but it is not stroller friendly. Bring your carrier for a hike through prairie, wetland, and woods. Make a stop at the day-use playground for a full-day adventure.

F.W. Kent Park, Oxford
Lots of shade and a large structure make this a great spot for a summer picnic. The lake is currently undergoing restoration during summer 2018, but when that is complete, keep this location in mind for a trip to the beach or a hike around the lake, too.

Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Area Wandering Woods, Toddville
The natural playscape found at Wickiup Wandering Woods can fill a day with nature-inspired play. Sand, natural building materials, and more keep imaginations busy. To cool off, head inside and enjoy several play-based exhibits.

Noelridge Park, Cedar Rapids
This playground opened the Fall of 2017, and it offers features designed for ADA compliance. In addition to play, watch geese on the pond or walk across the bridge and enjoy the beautiful flowers of Noelridge Gardens.

Photo credit Erin Steffen

Penn Meadows Park, North Liberty
A large structure, toddler-sized structure, and splash-pad all in one area make it possible to enjoy the park with kids of multiple ages. Shade canopies between the structures as well as a large tree provide plenty of shade. With nearby fields, pack a kite to fly or some balls for catch or soccer.

Bever Park, Cedar Rapids
Located in SE Cedar Rapids, Bever Park is home to Old MacDonald’s Farm. Cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, and more can be found at the farm. Bring some coins if you’d like to feed the animals. The playground includes features nice for toddlers, and the wooded trails make you forget you are right in the city.

 Kiwanis Park, Iowa City
Surrounded by paved trails perfect for biking, triking, or a stroller, Kiwanis Park offers tons of sand, tunnels and a unique layout sure to inspire imaginative play. Don't forget to pack your sand toys!

Photo Credit Becca Dirks

Tiffin City Park, Tiffin
A large tree-theme structure and nearby splash pad make this park a popular one for summer adventures. Bring a stroller or trike and enjoy the trail that continues behind the baseball fields.

Pinicon Ridge Campground Playground, Central City
Play structures of various sizes, a zip line, and ADA accessible features make Pinicon Ridge a unique and delightful playground. The nearby pedestrian bridge offers a lovely view of the river. For a full-day adventure, hike down from the Woodpecker Hill trailhead to Horseshoe Falls and splash in the water or climb the observation tower. Enjoy the paved path along the river for bike or a stroll, too. (Note: Woodpecker Hill Trail and the Observation Tower are on the opposite side of the river from the campground.)

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Mercer Park, Iowa City
This park offers a large structure with unique features, sure to entertain kids of a variety of ages. For those nostalgic for a merry-go-round from your childhood, Mercer Park includes that, too!

Photo Credit Becca Dirks

Beaver Kreek Park, North Liberty
Recently renovated, the park includes an updated structure, zip-line, sand, and shallow creek, all surrounded by large trees. Because it is ringed by homes and buildings, this park feels like an oasis. Pack a picnic and have fun!

Want more outside fun? Check out this list of Spring Adventures.

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