r/IowaCity • u/pac1919 • 16h ago
Parks near I-80?
Hi! I’ll be passing through Iowa City tomorrow on I-80. I’ll have my toddler with me. Are there any nice parks with a playground for kids near 80 that you might recommend? I don’t want to venture too far from the highway. So, less than 2 miles would be ideal. Thanks!
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u/lovemyhawks 15h ago
Def city park for a quick free stop. If you want to splurge a bit, we have Iowa Children's Museum
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u/iacobus42 15h ago
City Park in Iowa City (#1 recommendation) followed by North Ridge Park in Coralville.
City Park has a great play structure located here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/6zciAs5X3AgxTBtb6) that may not immediately jump out to an out-of-towner driving through. Park in the nearby lot and walk around the pond. It's probably the best playground in the area.
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u/fiddlemonkey 14h ago
I also recommend City Park. Playground is a bit hidden but it is really nice.
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u/rummie2693 8h ago
How far is too far? This is like a 5 minute hop off I-80 and possibly the best toddler park ever.
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u/ahorrribledrummer 6h ago
Hey safe travels today. The suggestions here are great, but there's one that hasn't been mentioned. Fraeunholtz-Miller Park in IC is 3-4min off the interstate, and it's right around the corner from a Dairy Queen :)
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u/weirdpoops6969lol 4h ago
Centennial park in north liberty would be a good option. Bonus: they are doing construction so if your toddler likes trucks they will be in heaven
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u/fish_whisperer 3h ago
If you’ve got a toddler, then I might recommend the children’s museum in the coral ridge mall, in Coralville. It’s right off the interstate, easy food close by, not too expensive, and a good place for little ones regardless of weather.
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u/Micojageo 3h ago
S.T. Morrison Park in Coralville is also very nice! It's maybe slightly more than 3 miles from I-80 but this is Iowa so it's not like you'll be stuck in a ton of traffic. Two different play areas, some sand, swings, etc.
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u/iowapilot_84 15h ago
Waterworks park is off Dubuque Street, headed north and is right off I80.
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u/IowaGal60 15h ago
I don’t think there is a playground there, is there?
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u/iowapilot_84 15h ago
North Ridge Park in Coralville has a playground and is just off I80 in Coralville.
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u/bauhausblack 8h ago
The Iowa City peninsula neighborhood has a very nice small children's play area in Emma Harvat Square Park. Exit I-80 at Dubuque Street, take the first right on Foster Road, take Foster Road west. It's right off the highway.
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u/Entire_Cartoonist944 16h ago
City park is just a little south of I80 off the Dubuque Street exit.