Central Iowa Trek the Parks Challenge

Des Moines Parent want you to get outside this summer and explore central Iowa. That is why we have created the ‘Central Iowa Trek the Parks Challenge’. The communities within central Iowa offer many parks, trails, spray grounds, and more. We want you to get out and discover them.

The 2026 Central Iowa Trek the Parks Challenge will kick off on June 1 and run until August 23. During this period, we encourage everyone to visit 30 of the 35 parks on the list.

You must register below by clicking the button to be eligible for any prizes and to receive the map + checklist.

Sign up HERE for the 2026 Trek the Parks Challenge!

Trek the Parks T-Shirt

New year! New color! Our pre-order for the 2026 Trek the Parks shirt is now open through Monday, June 8th. We are thrilled to be partnering with The Side Garage again this year. Pre-order your shirt here and wear it this summer while you trek the parks!

Trek the Park Meetups

We are excited to bring back Trek the Park Meetups! This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other families in our community doing the same challenge as you and cross a park off your list. Save the date for the following meetups!

Trek the Park Kick-Off Party – Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Join us at The Brenton Arboretum for our Trek the Park Kick-Off Party! FREE activities, treats, and more. The entire afternoon is free. Grab the family and cross off your first park on the Trek the Parks Challenge. Join the Facebook event to stay up to date.

Trek the Parks Pop Up Event – Friday, June 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Join us for a fun and easy way to check another park off your Trek the Parks list! We’re popping up at Centennial Park in Ankeny for a casual, family-friendly playdate you won’t want to miss. Hosted with our sponsor: Emma Jordison – Your DSM Home Girl x Century 21. Join the Facebook event to stay up to date.

The Rules

  • Visit a park on the Central Iowa Trek the Parks list submit your photos via this form, and (for extra entries) post a photo of you at the park using the hashtag #DSMOFTrektheParks26 on Facebook or Instagram. Please submit ONE form at the end of the challenge. Include all your photos in ONE form.
  • If you visit and submit a photo of 30 parks, you will be entered to win the grand prize.
  • If you visit and submit a photo of at least 10 parks, you will be entered to win a prize.
  • All winners will be randomly chosen and finalized by September 1, 2026. We will post the winning list on this page and email you on how to claim your prize at that time.
  • NOTE: Please make sure all social media platforms are set as public, not private, so we can see your photos and hashtags if you choose to enter extra entries. 

2026 Parks

** Please note: We are working to add details for each park. Please keep checking back as we update details, links, etc. throughout the Summer. Also, some may not be open by June 1st, but are slated to open early summer. We will keep everyone up to date as much as possible!

1. Brenton Arboretum – Dallas Center

  • Learn more about Brenton Arboretum here.
  • Join us for our first annual Trek the Parks Kick-Off event on Sunday, June 1, from Noon to 3 p.m. It’s going to be a grand time.
  • Enjoy Nature Club is offered on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Register and take a look at other fun events on their event calendar.
  • Head home through Dallas Center and stop for lunch or ice cream at Korner Kone.
  • Need some coffee on your way? Stop at Sugar Grove Goods for some coffee and a treat.

2. Lions Park – Grimes

  • Currently under construction but slated to be open in June!

3. Jester Park Campground Playground – Granger

4. Lions Park – Urbandale 

5. Barrett Boesen Natural Playscape – Urbandale

  • Get dirty and have fun at this natural playscape in Urbandale!
  • Waterford Park is located right across the street and offers disc golf.
  • The bike path runs around the area. Bring your bike!

6. Coronado Park – Urbandale

7. Ashleaf Park – Urbandale

8. Horizon’s Ridge Park – Urbandale

9. Linnan Park – Clive

  • New playground and sprayground coming in June!

10. Triumph Park – Waukee

  • Learn more about Triumph Park.
  • Bring your fishing pole and licenses, and fish!
  • Before or after you spend some time playing, head to PlayGrounds Cafe to grab a smoothie, coffee, and treat.

11. Painted Woods – Waukee

12. Spring Crest Park – Waukee

13. Bondurant City Park – Bondurant

14. Village Park – Altoona

15. Doanes Park – Pleasant Hill

  • Learn more about Doanes Park.
  • Bring a suit and towel to play in the splash pad!
  • Get ice cream at Over the Top Ice Cream, 955 NE 56th St in Pleasant Hill.
  • Check out the Pleasant Hill Public Library up the road at 5151 Maple Dr #2.

16. Mayor Tom Becker Park – Cumming

  • Learn more about this farm-themed playground outside of Des Moines, Iowa.
  • Middlebrook Farm offers Fridays at the Farm every Friday evening, which consists of live music, vendors, food, and fun.
  • Wilson’s Farm in Cumming is now open! They offer U-pick flowers and produce, restaurants, and more. Check out their offerings and events before you head that direction.
  • One of our favorites, Howell’s Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch, is just down the road, where you can find hours of farm fun, plus goat cuddling during the Summer.

17. Middlebrook Meadow – Cumming

18. Ashawa Park – West Des Moines

19. Wild Rose Park – West Des Moines

20. Athene North Shore Recreation Area – Des Moines

21. Gray’s Lake – Des Moines

  • Learn more about Gray’s Lake.
  • The new playground and sprayground will be open this summer.
  • Walk under the bridge over to Water Works Park for more exploration!
  • Join Des Moines Parks and Recreation for FREE Yoga in the Park every Saturday at 9 a.m.

22. Fort Des Moines – Des Moines

23. Stone Park – Des Moines

24. Iowa State Fair Playground – Des Moines

25. Jordan Park – Des Moines

  • Learn more about Jordan Park.
  • New playground and sprayground coming soon!

26. Sayers Park – Des Moines

  • Learn more about Sayers Park.
  • New playground and sprayground this season!

27. Burke Park – Des Moines

  • Learn more about Burke Park.
  • If looking for another park nearby, Union Park and the historic Rocket Slide are always a favorite. Located just over a mile away, it is a perfect park to add to a park day!

28. Margo Frankel Woods State Park – Des Moines

29. Georgetown Park – Ankeny

30. Centennial Park – Ankeny

  • Learn more about Centennial Park.
  • Need a caffeine pick-me-up? Check out Ziggi’s Coffee at 1606 Irvindale Dr.
  • If you’re looking for another place nearby for your kids to move their bodies, Ninja U at 1604 NW State St is worth checking out. 

31. Iowa Arboretum & Gardens – Madrid

  • Learn more about Iowa Arboretum & Gardens.
  • PLEASE NOTE >> This spot does require admission.
  • Spend time walking through the gardens or climb and play in the treehouse!

32. Inis Grove – Ames

33. Carr Park – Ames

  • Learn more about Carr Park.
  • Dog Eared Books will for sure be a family’s favorite.
  • Get pizza by the slice for lunch at Great Plains.
  • The Ames Library also has a fantastic kids’ area!
  • Check out this great blog post about Ames fun.

34. Brookside Park – Ames

35. Winterset City Park – Winterset

Prizes, Prizes!

Huge shout-out to our amazing sponsors and donors who support this fun challenge for families all over central Iowa.

Grand Prize – Only one available. You must visit 30 of the 35 parks to be entered to win.

SpareTime – A full birthday bowling package for 10 guests with pizza/game cards is included! $300 value

Other Prizes – Anyone who visits at least 10 parks will be entered to win the prizes below.