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 is a popular camping area, with the perfect creek for splashing in. Stone steps lead down to

Granger

Jester Park is a hugely popular park, with lots of options. The natural playscape sits alongside a bison and elk

Madrid

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 is home to a giant wooden playground, busy beach, and lots of paved trails.