Treehouse Village Playground at Iowa Arboretum
The new Treehouse Village Playground at Iowa Arboretum outside Madrid, Iowa transports you to an immersive treehouse world. As you scan your paid ticket to enter the gate, you are welcomed by a wooden walkway with a treehouse gazebo. As you continue on the path, a long wooden suspension bridge takes you to the large playground structure. This adventurous bridge was the highlight of two of my kids’ days. They loved how it bounced and swayed. My other child preferred to take the paved sidewalk around toward the exit to enter the main playground area.
The large playground structure uses mostly wood and ropes to immerse you in the nature experience. A wooden ramp takes you up to the second level. The second level has two large rope areas to relax on or for the more daring kids and adults to run and jump on. As a parent, I loved there was a bench up high for me to sit on.
There are several slides that will take you to the bottom level. On the bottom, you will find several different rope structures to climb through, on and up. My kids loved attempting the climbing rope to the top level. They also loved taking the climbing rope to their secret hideout, a perfect place for kids to hang out and use their imagination.
This park also has several auxiliary items. They have two standard swings and also a wheelchair swing. The zipline with a molded bucket seat also was a big hit. It does hang low and has a bounce, so kids who weigh closer to 100 pounds may be too heavy for it as it hits the ground due to the weight.
The Treehouse Village Trail–a paved trail–is an accessible trail loop through the village. The trail leads to two special features that are hidden from the playground, a treehouse gazebo and treehouse platform. The platform was absolutely beautiful!
Iowa Arboretum & Gardens
Iowa Arboretum & Gardens has 400 acres of nature to discover which inspires curiosity and a love of nature. As you enter Peach Ave, on the east side you will find the Treehouse Village (along with several different trails). On the west side of Peach Ave, you will find the Hughes Education Center where you check in when you arrive. The west side feels like a traditional arboretum. There are many different areas to sit, relax, and observe nature. My kids especially enjoyed the hammock area; they also loved all of the butterflies flying around the Children’s Garden. I loved sitting under the weeping willow watching the fountain in the small pond.
Admission
- Ages 13 and over $12
- Ages 3-12 $7
- Ages 2 and under Free
The best way to visit the Iowa Arboretum is to become a member. There are multiple membership options available. The Iowa Arboretum also participates in the AHS Reciprocal Garden Network. They allow up to two named members on the membership card to enter for free. This reciprocal membership includes members of Reiman Gardens in Ames and Des Moines Botanical Gardens.
You may purchase tickets online to reserve entry time into the Treehouse Village area ahead of time. Capacity will be limited to ensure safe playing for all.
Hours
Seasonal Hours: Mid-March to Mid-November (weather dependent, shift to seasonal hours will be posted on their social media and website.) Weekdays open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Winter Hours: Treehouse Village is closed. The main campus is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address
Iowa Arboretum is located at 1875 Peach Ave outside Madrid, Iowa. When you arrive, check-in at the Hughes Education Center.
Basic Park Details
Type: Places to play, places to enjoy nature
Bathrooms: Portable restrooms in the Treehouse Village area, indoor restrooms in the Hughes Education Center with height adjustable changing table
Shade: Large shade trees throughout the park.
Playground: 5-12 year old playground
Trails: Paved trail loop in Treehouse Village, multiple non-paved nature trails throughout the park
Water: Two small ponds on the west side of the arboretum (not near Treehouse Village)
Official website: https://iowaarboretum.org/
Located Near Iowa Arboretum & Gardens
Ledges State Park is located less than ten minutes away from the arboretum which makes it a great place to stop after playing at the Treehouse Village. My kids love playing in the creek at Ledges.
If you head through Madrid on your way back to the Des Moines metro, we love The Filling Station for ice cream (open seasonally.)
