Quick to pick up a beverage or snack. Great pizza or burgers and fries, onion rings, cheese balls…read moreand lots of other choices. Friendly staff.

FW Kent Park continues to be a family favorite. Both because of how close it is to Iowa City (it's…read morejust three miles west of Tiffin on Highway 6) and it's beauty. We popped over this weekend for some fresh air and fall family photos. I am always just in awe of how busy the park is year round. Since my last review both of my kiddos have had the chance to take school field trips out to visit the Conservation Education Center, which is located at the park. It offers year-round educational programs and workshops. The staff is knowledgeable and the kids always have a blast. There's something for everyone at this gem. A bird blind for bird watchers. Access to the entire shoreline for anglers. Nine miles of trails for hikers and cross-country skiers. Seven historic bridges for photographers and families looking for fun family photos :) A large campground for campers-- available April through October. As well as a handful of picnic shelters (available via reservation). And, of course, Kent Park beach, my family's favorite (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) -- it is pristine, free and a great time. Overall, FW Kent Park is a wonderful place to get outside and clear your head. Drive over and explore today!

Kiwanis Park is a very secluded park you'd drive right past if you didn't know it was there. But…read morethat'd be a mistake! There is playground equipment, a picnic shelter, lots of green space and trailhead parking -- all alongside hiking/jogging/bike paths. The paths are awesome, come walk your doggo on them or have your kiddo learn how to ride their bike sans training wheels here. This park was renovated in the early 2000s-- so a cool feature it has is natural playground equipment instead of all metal/plastic. Lots of rocks, sand, wood and concrete pipes were integrated with tons of elevation changes for kiddos to climb on. Community Gardens are also featured at this park. So check that out, too. It is a great way to get outside, meet your neighbors and grow your own food!

This park is tucked away and near the interstate-- definitely not a park you'd know about unless…read moreyou live in the area. Having lived in Iowa City most of my life, I didn't know it existed till we moved nearby. With it a few minutes away, this is a go-to park for us and our littles. You can easily access it driving, running or biking down Rohret Road to Duck Creek Road. There is ample free street parking. The park features a few shelters, picnic tables and grills. As well as a plenty of playground equipment to keep your kiddo entertained! This is a personal favorite park because it has a biking trail, hiking/jogging trail and is perfect for a dog walk. Biggest con-- there are no restrooms or water. But come check it out!

This is a great park if you have children. It features a splash pad for children in the summer and…read morea nice playground. It has a covered area with tables for birthday parties and grills for public use. The easiest way to find it and park is on Lakeside Drive. Street parking so not ideal. Park is also a Pokestop, and is active with Pokeswarms, so you can attach a lure and play while the kids play.

Oh Napoleon Park. What don't you have?…read more There's a playground-- with a fabulous rubber surface under a sail providing some shade from the relentless Iowa summer. My six year old can climb and play with friends while his big sister hits and throws with teammates on the softball field. I love it. There's a merry go round, teeter totter, and climbing structure. The playground is nestled between ballparks and the concession stand-- a haven for littles. This complex also boasts a plethora of parking, a picnic shelter with picnic tables, restrooms, concession stand and eight softball fields. (Some of which have shade, but about half of them do not-- you've been warned.) The surfaces of the fields themselves are pretty decent, as are the dugouts. Oh, and let's not forget that there are lights at each field! Overall, a pretty solid spot for a complex and playground in Iowa City.

Hey, Guys! The Iowa Raptor Project is back…read more After a pandemic-caused hiatus, this Iowa City gem is open to the public. Let me throw some buzz words at you. It is... OUTDOORS. Socially distanced. Free. Kid-friendly. Educational. Easy parking. Good for groups. I have been enjoying the IRP since I was a kiddo. It is absolutely amazing that some of their residents are older than I am! From owls to eagles to turkey vultures and more. You'll see some amazing raptors-- most of which were injured and could no longer live in the wild due to that. (My kids LOVE hearing how old each bird is, what their name is and their story.) Stop by then go on a hike or swing by the beach at McBride State Park! PRO TIPS: Sunscreen and bug repellent, please. Water Bottles are encouraged. No dog! Shhhhhhh. Stop in the bird blind. Bring a picnic. Make a donation.

The Raptor Project isn't flashy or huge, but it's one of my go-to spots when I need to get away for…read morea little while. There's something calming about spending time looking at the birds and then taking a little hike out around the MacBride Nature Area. I've found a couple nice spots to hammock as well. It's not often that you get to see birds of prey close enough to really take in their colors and patterns. Don't just stick to the most well-known like the bald eagle, the owls, and the peregrine falcon. While turkey vultures may not be the prettiest birds, they're still cool to see up close. And spend time with the kestrels - my motto is "kestrels are the best-rels". They also have Family Days regularly featuring a different type of bird with activities for the kids as well as having some of the birds out of the cages for educational purposes.

This park has a large prairie with several trail loops that wind through it and I especially love…read morethat it's mostly flat - making this one of my favorite places to ride my clunky cruiser bike (hills and this 40lb fixed-gear are a no-go). The park is mostly made up of prairie however there are loads of volunteer trees sprouting up and no one seems to be doing any prairie management, so I envision this park will need to be renamed to the "Waterworks Wooded Park" within the next ten years. It's nestled next to the Iowa River, just off I-80 and with entrances on two sides of the park (one at the back of Mackinaw Village neighborhood off Foster Road and the other off the North half of Dubuque Street), it's easily accessible and a nice space to catch a couple deep breaths and see some wildlife at the end of the day.

Small but well-shaded and maintained park, perfect for reading a book or enjoying a picnic lunch…read more I wandered over to this park in search of a shaded place to enjoy my food truck loot. I've driven past it a hundred times but I'll definitely be stopping there more often in the future!