Perfect Parks for Teens and Tweens in Des Moines
We all know tweens and teens still love to move their bodies in challenging ways and spend time enjoying the outside. As my kids have gotten older, I have been searching for parks that welcome them into using their bodies, imagination and opportunities to bond with their friends.
Tips I have learned as an experienced mom along the way. I always have a ball or two packed in the van. This opens up the world to all sorts of play. I try to go to playgrounds that aren’t as busy. This gives my teens and tweens the freedom to climb and explore the playground without worrying about little ones. I have also learned to give kids of all ages (especially tweens and teens) time to find their groove. We often have to trudge through the first 30 minutes for everyone to find their rhythm anytime we spend time outside.
Billy O Phillips Park
Address: 2500 Lexington Drive in Norwalk, Iowa
Billy O Phillips is a super fun park for older kids. It has a giant climbing structure tweens, teens (and younger kids) will love. My kids loved climbing and playing on the structure. The playground is great to play and there are other fun amenities as well! There is also a huge field nearby for kids to run and play. Definitely a must!
Cohen Park
Address: 1000 Scott Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa
Cohen Park is unique to Central Iowa with three large boulders to climb! Make sure everyone has tennis shoes and watch them test their bodies. Cohen Park also has an interactive ball wall which is a cool way that brings technology into outdoor movements, so make sure you bring a soccer ball along!
Water Works Park
Address: 2251 George Flagg Parkway in Des Moines, Iowa
Water Works Park is not your traditional park but it is in the hub for so much. The wooden play structure at Reichardt Family Natural Play Area may briefly entertain your teens. But while your younger kids play on it, the large grassy area, the nearby ponds, public art installation the River Constellation, the crab apple trees, tunnel to Gray’s Lake all offer so much for your teen to explore. This park is really a place where the whole family can enjoy being outside.
Pete Crivaro Park
Address: 11055 E Railroad Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa
Pete Crivaro Park has a standard playground and splash pool. But the feature here that pulls older kids into is the Foot Golf Course! Along the same layout of the disc golf course is a footgolf Course. Around the disc golf baskets there are holes for the footgolf. The same golf rules apply to try to get the ball in the hall with as few kicks as possible. Footgolf is easy to learn, social experience and active!
Stone Park
Address: 2100 SE 5th Street in Des Moines, Iowa
Stone Park is one of the many parks now that have a futsal ball court. Futsal courts are small hard surfaced courts with low walls. They are perfect for any ball lovers! Stone Park also has a beautiful basketball court and brand new pickle ball courts! This park is great for the whole family as it has a fun climbing structure that is challenging to teens and also a spray ground for a quick cool down.
Warrior Park
Address: 511 Orchard Hills Drive in Norwalk, Iowa
Warrior Park in Norwalk offers a full sized ninja warrior course. This challenge course is perfect for those competitive teens who love to challenge themselves and others. My teens (and younger kids) love timing each other and racing mom and dad too. It is fun to watch the different ways and rules my teens create to make the challenge course more challenging.
Western Gateway Park/Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Address: 1205 Locust Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa
This is not your traditional playground, but it is a perfect place for your teens to hang out and explore. The new water feature at Western Gateway Park (especially as the sun is setting) is a fun experience and completely socially acceptable to get a little wet while hanging out with friends. Down the block at Pappajohn Sculpture Park is the perfect place to walk around, climb the hills, walk along the ledge and offer a versatile teen friendly experience.
Triumph Park
Address: 700 NW Douglas Parkway in Waukee, Iowa
Triumph Park is the king of parks in Central Iowa. This park can be incredibly busy, but when it is sprinkling it clears out quickly which would make it a perfect time for your tween or teen to explore. If you are able to go to this park when not busy (early morning, later evening, or rainy day) it is the perfect place for your older kid to challenge their body. My big kids love playing tag and games here.
