Iowa Orchard has a few locations; this location has pick-your-own apples but no other activities. There is no admission fee; you pay by the weight (two different size bags). There is another location in Urbandale with fun activities (but no u-pick apples).
This is also the location for u-pick strawberries during summer.
Jester Park Equestrian Center Pumpkin Patch is new this year, with a horse drawn wagon ride out to their pumpkin patch where each person gets to pick one out and participate in other farmyard games before taking a wagon ride back to the main equestrian center. You pay one admission price and then the pumpkin and other games are all included.
I found a local Groupon to make admission more affordable, use my affiliate link and check it out!
Jester Park is a hugely popular park, with lots of options. The natural playscape sits alongside a bison and elk herd, several campgrounds flank miles of wooded trails. Discovery Pond is a beautiful spot to explore, and there is regular nature programming held throughout the park. They are currently building an indoor nature center in the middle of the park, but the detour signs are clearly marked in order to acces both sides of the park. There is easy creek splashing access here, you can see more specific details about how to get into the water in this post.
Windcrest Park is a small natural area with a pond for fishing and trails.
Centennial Park is the largest park in Granger, with a playground, baseball diamond, walking paths, and horseshoe pits.
