Brookside Park in Ames, Iowa
Brookside Park in Ames, Iowa is known for its iconic firetruck from the 1960s that you can climb and play on. But this year it also got a brand new playground that partners perfectly with the firetruck next to it! This playground with its fire truck themed features is a delight. (I mean the dalmatian statue is the cutest and is the perfect touch!). It invites kids to use their imagination while offering unique and classic climbing and multiple sliding features.
We love the variety of swings at this playground–two toddler/adult swings, two standard and two infant bucket swings! Near the entrance of Brookside Park there is a a classic 2-5 year old playground structure that is perfect if your kid needs a quiet place to go play.
Brookside Park is an 82 acre oasis in Ames between Iowa State’s campus and downtown Ames. The mature trees throughout the park are stunning and make the whole park shady. There are multiple open air shelters (a very large one near the new playground.)
Address
Brookside Park is located at 1325 6th St in Ames, Iowa.
Basic Park Details
Type: Places to play, places to play basketball
Bathrooms: Seasonal flushable restrooms and drinking fountain.
Shade: Nearby open air shelter, multiple mature trees
Playground: 2-5 year old and 5-12 year old playground
Trails: Along the Ames paved trail system
Water: None
Official website: https://www.cityofames.org/My-Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks/Brookside-Park
Park Amenities
- Three Open-air picnic shelter (available for rent)
- Lots of benches and picnic tables
- Pickleball court
- 2-5 year old and 5-12 year old playground
- Swings (toddler bucket, standard, toddler/adult swing)
- Wood chips for ground covering
- Open grass area with backstop
- Shade trees
- Seasonal restrooms and water fountain
- Parking lots
- Park is located on Ames trail system
- Sand volleyball court
- Basketball court
- Wooded area
Located Near Brookside Park
Across the street from Brookside Park is the Georgie Tsushima Memorial Skate Park. This skate park is perfect for beginner and seasoned skaters. The skate park is compact but offers a multitude of elements.
Iowa State University’s campus is less than a mile from Brookside Park. I can’t recommend visiting college campuses enough to give your kids a glimpse into college life. Iowa State’s Central Campus is gorgeous and so fun to walk around. We like to park in the Memorial Union Parking Garage for ease. We have also parked for free at the ISC Hub (South of Hilton) and rode the free Orange Cy-ride circulator around campus. My kids talk about when we have done this often!
Take a look at our guide to fun things to do in Ames, Iowa.
