Jester Park – Granger

Jester Park is a local favorite of ours and it’s easy to see why! With the most unique natural playscape in central Iowa, Jester Park offers an abundance of learning resources.

Place/Event: Jester Park Natural Playscape
Location: 11407 NW Jester Park Dr, Granger, IA 50109 (Take NW 128th street to enter the park on the north side right by the playscape)
Cost: Free
Grade/age range: PreK-5th
Group size: large or small (Great for large groups!)
Hands-on: Yes
Stroller friendly: Playscape: Yes. Trails: No.
Bathrooms: Yes, but rustic (no running water)
Food: No
Water: Yes – drinking fountain by bathroom

The Jester Park Natural Playscape is made out of all natural materials and deigned to stimulate free play in nature. Plan to spend a couple hours enjoying the playscape and more for the entire park.

Bring:

• Water shoes, clothes to get wet and muddy, towels
• sun screen and bug spray
• Water bottles, picnic lunch and snacks
• Buckets, shovels, bug catching nets, exploring toys, squirt toys etc.
• Lawn chair for parents

There are no picnic tables in the playscape area. Shelter #6 is the closest picnic area located across from the Bison. 

Don’t Miss Hickory Ridge Trail at the bottom of the playscape area.

This is a great place for large group activities or imaginative role playing. Bring costumes for even more fun. Let the kids dress up and be explorers, early native Americans or pioneers!

While at the playscape, visit the Elk and Bison Educational Plaza and learn all about early Iowa history!

Jester Park has a fun large traditional metal playground in the campground near the modern restrooms. There are eight miles of trails and plenty for all ages! The park will soon be building a new nature center. 

We have enjoyed many of the conservation programs. Call and talk to the program director if you have specific group needs or to arrange a field trip program.