As the summer weather warms up, we’re all looking for a way to beat the heat. What are your go-tos? Air conditioned museums, theaters, trampoline parks, and libraries are one way to keep cool, but let’s be honest—it’s so nice to be outside and even better to wear those kiddos out for naps and bedtime! Water balloons and sprinklers are great for at home, but the Cedar Rapids area has an abundance of water activities. Check out this list of Cedar Rapids area splash pads, pools, and beaches to help make the most of your summer!
Check with the individual locations for more information on yearly schedules, daily hours, pricing, and additional information. Let’s dive right in and find your new favorite summer hangout!
SPLASH PADS
Cedar Valley Park: 2250 Blakely Boulevard SE, Cedar Rapids
Cleveland Park: 1600 8th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids
Daniels Park: 940 Oakland Road NE, Cedar Rapids
Mom comment: “We love Daniels park because it’s nicely shaded!”
Fross Park: 1501 Main Street, Center Point
Gill Park: 3450 Hawthorne Street, Marion
Greene Square Park: 5th Street SE between 3rd Ave SE and 4th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
Guthridge Park: 704 Emmons Street, Hiawatha
Hayes Park: 1924 D Street SW, Cedar Rapids
Hidder Park: 10th Street and 14th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids
Jacolyn Park: Jacolyn Drive and Gordon Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids
Lisbon City Park: South Jackson Street, Lisbon
Memorial Park: Palo
Noelridge Park: 4900 Council Street NE, Cedar Rapids
Mom comment: “I love this splash pad! It’s not usually super busy and there are plenty of water features to keep the kiddos running around. As a bonus- there are shaded areas for parents to sit. Plus, bathrooms and a small playground just a few feet away.”
Redmond Park: 3rd Avenue and 16th Street SE, Cedar Rapids
Thomas Park: 343 Marion Boulevard, Marion
Mom comment: “This seems to be everyone’s favorite splash pad and it is super fun! It is always super busy, so we avoid it on days we’re not up for a lot of commotion, but when we’re looking to make friends-it’s great! You could spend the whole day here. Your kids will want to keep running between the splash pad, sandbox and playground!”
Time Check Park: 5th Street and J Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids
Tucker Park: 101 B Avenue, Hiawatha
Twin Pines Park: 3500 42nd Street NE, Cedar Rapids
Willowood Park: Splash Pad at Marion Municipal Swimming Pool: 1855 35th Street, Marion
Mom comment: “This one is actually located inside the Marion Swimming Pool.”
SWIMMING POOLS
Bender Pool (Indoor): 940 14th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids
Mom comment: “We love that this one is open year round!”
Bever Park Pool: 2700 Bever Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids
Cherry Hill Aquatic Center: 341 Stoney Point Road NW, Cedar Rapids
Ellis Pool: 916 Ellis Boulevard NW, Cedar Rapids
Jones Pool: 201 Wilson Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids
Marion Municipal Swimming Pool: 1855 35th Street, Marion
Mount Vernon City Pool: 2nd Avenue North, Mount Vernon
Noelridge Aquatic Center: 4900 Council Street NE, Cedar Rapids
BEACHES
Coralville Lake: (Sugar Bottom, Sandy Beach, and West Overlook Beaches): 2850 Prairie Du Chien Road Ne, Coralville Lake, Coralville
FW Kent Park: 2048 Highway 6 NW, Oxford
Lake Macbride: 3525 Highway 382 NE, Solon
Palo Beach: 4530 McClintock Road, Palo
Hannen Lake: 1949 Benton Iowa Road, Blairstown
Looking for a nearby waterpark? Check out our Top Outdoor & Indoor Waterparks in Iowa post!
Interested in signing your kiddo up for swim lessons? Check out our Cedar Rapids Summer Swim Lessons Guide!
We live in Center Point and love the splash pad at Fross Park because it is fenced in for our little one!
That is great to know! I have never actually been to the one at Fross Park but that is a huge bonus for those with younger kids… thank you!
Don’t forget to add that the newly remodeled Green Square now has a splash pad, too….
Thank you Cecilia! I have not been to Green Square since it was remodeled, so I will have to check it out. We will get that one added!
Lost Island in Waterloo is one of our favorite day trips!
Thank you, Angie! You’re right! We do have a few great water parks here in Iowa, including Lost Island, that make great day trips! I was thinking of including them as well… I may just do that!
Palo has a nice smallish splash pad and park right by the gas station.