Des Moines
Cowles Commons Lauridsen Fountain
If you’re looking for a place to let the kids cool off downtown, the Lauridsen Fountain at Cowles Commons is
Colo
Hickory Grove Park – Colo Iowa
Hickory Grove Park is a large county park with a stocked pond, several camping sites, and hiking trails.
Mitchellville
Thomas Mitchell Park – Mitchellville, Iowa
Thomas Mitchell Park is a popular camping area, with the perfect creek for splashing in. Stone steps lead down to
Granger
Jester Park – Granger, Iowa
Jester Park is a hugely popular park, with lots of options. The natural playscape sits alongside a bison and elk
Madrid
Ledges State Park – Madrid, Iowa
Ledges State Park has some of the prettiest scenery in the area, with unique, shallow water crossings over the main
Places to get wet
Big Creek State Park – Polk City, Iowa
Big Creek State Park is home to a giant wooden playground, busy beach, and lots of paved trails.