Ultimate Guide to Family Friendly Road Trip Stops on I-80
If you are road-tripping through Iowa along Interstate 80, you may be looking for a perfect quick stop to have kids burn energy, have a picnic, stretch your legs, or spend a little time in nature. Luckily, this stretch of interstate has several great parks and adventures just a few minutes off the interstate. Keep this list handy for your next trip!
**Times off the interstate are estimated via Google Maps and could vary by time of day and depending on traffic.
Forest Grove Park
Distance: I-80 exit 301, 4 minutes
Address: 6000 Forest Grove Road, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
This park has a newer nature-themed playground with seasonal restrooms. My kids loved the slides, all of the rock walls to climb, and the multitude of swings! The large nearby open-air shelter is a perfect place for a picnic.
West Lake Park
Distance: I-80 exit, 5 minutes
Address: 14910-110th Avenue, Davenport, Iowa 52804
This county park has a little something of everything for a quick pit stop to a couple of hours break. There are multiple playgrounds to explore, a children’s forest where you can identify 50 different types of trees, and a beach open to the public. If you need a moment in nature, I definitely recommend a stop here.
Herbert Hoover Birthplace
Distance: I-80 exit 254, 2 minutes
Address: 110 Parkside Drive, West Branch, Iowa 52358
This stop is a bit different but the perfect spot for anyone or any kid who loves history! Two minutes off the interstate you can visit the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. It is a small quick stop where for free you can walk through a small museum, President Hoover’s childhood home, see a blacksmith shop, his childhood church, and where he is buried. (There is a cost to visit the Presidential Library.)
City Park Playground
Distance: I-80 exit 244, 5 minutes
Address: 200 Park Road, Iowa City, Iowa 52246
As you drive to the backside of this park, you will see the large playground. This shaded playground built on the hill is beautiful. My kids loved exploring the different levels on the two towers. The big slides were also a hit!
Thomas Mitchell Park
Distance: I-80 exit 149, 8 minutes
Address: 4590 NE 180th Street, Mitchellville, Iowa 50169
Thomas Mitchell Park is a bit farther off the interstate but you won’t regret stopping here especially if you love nature. There are plenty of trails to walk and a creek to discover. Also, the new playground here is amazing! The large boxy structure instantly captivates. There is so much to discover in this unique structure! This playground is surrounded by mature trees with plenty of picnic tables.
Northview Park
Distance: I-80/35 Exit 129, 4 minutes
Address: 4871 78th Street, Urbandale, Iowa 50322
Northview Park is an all-inclusive playground tucked back behind several baseball fields. This playground offers play for children of all abilities and ages (including toddlers) and features multiple ziplines, poured-in rubber surfacing, and fencing that goes around 3 sides of the playground.
Colby Park
Distance: I-235 Exit 4, 3 minutes
Address: 6900 School Street, Windsor Heights, Iowa 50324
This brand new playground will awe your children and will be unforgettable. This lime-green playground has multiple playground features for your kids to explore. There are picnic tables around the park for a picnic lunch. There are also modern restrooms located on the east side of the community center. This playground does feature a spray ground that is open during the summer months.
Lawbaugh City Park
Distance: I-80 exit 93, 2 minutes
Address: 115 S 3rd Street, Stuart, Iowa 50250
Lawbaugh City Park in Stuart is your picturesque small-town Iowa city park. The mature trees and open area are the perfect place to let your kids run and have a picnic. The park has multiple playground features and an ever-favorite zip line! (Three blocks away you’ll find Stuart Scoop at 117 NE 2nd St, a classic small-town ice cream shop that is open year round.)
Omaha Arches Playground
Distance: I-80 exit 454, 6 minutes
Address: 1001 Douglas Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102
This is another playground that your kids will not forget. It is like no other park and features three large arches that have countless features to discover. This playground is fully fenced-in with one entrance/exit. There are also modern restrooms right outside the park. If you want a longer stop this playground is part of the Gene Leahy Riverfront that offers so much to discover.
No matter how long your road trip is, these parks along I-80 offer the perfect way to refresh and recharge before hitting the road again.
