The Ultimate Guide to Council Bluffs Parks & Playgrounds

Nothing beats time spent at a park. It’s fun for kids and costs nothing to visit. When my kids were little, it was a win-win every time we went to the park.

Council Bluffs, Iowa, has some of the best parks in the Metro, and I’m telling you, if you never venture over to that city, you’re missing out. Whether you want to enjoy the playgrounds, run through the spray grounds, or have a picnic with a nice view, you’ll find what you’re looking for at these parks in Council Bluffs.

Belles' Play Garden, a whimsical playground at River's Edge Park in Council Bluffs — Belles’ Play Garden

What makes Council Bluffs’ parks unique?

While just over 64,400 people live in Council Bluffs, the city has a remarkable number of parks. The Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation Department manages a park system of 28 parks. And thanks to a booming public art scene, new parks and renovated parks have distinct looks to them, especially Belles’ Play Garden at River’s Edge Park with its 15-foot-tall pelican play structure and fall-safe ground.

In addition to city-managed parks, Lake Manawa State Park is located in Council Bluffs and has the epic Dream Playground you’ll want to check out. It’s the largest ADA-accessible playground in Iowa. Note: If you’re not a resident of Iowa, there is a $5 entry fee to this particular state park.

Spraygrounds, or splash pads, are located at Bayliss Park, Fairmount Park, and near Belle’s Play Garden.

Top parks in Council Bluffs for families

Not sure which parks to visit first? Here are four of my family’s favorite Council Bluffs parks.

Two kids play in the spray ground at Bayliss Park while their dad watches — Bayliss Park

Bayliss Park (100 Pearl St. in downtown Council Bluffs) features a small splash area on the north side of the fountain. This quaint splash pad is perfect for young children. There isn’t a playground, though, so it’s best enjoyed in the summer when the water is turned on. While at Bayliss, you’ll also find historical monuments, picnic spaces, and the sights and sounds of our iconic fountain.

A large play structure at Dream Park located inside Lake Manawa Park — Dream Park

Dream Playground (located in Lake Manawa State Park, 93 Dreamland Road) is my family’s favorite park in Council Bluffs. The place is huge and it’s creatively designed with nods to the area’s history. There is a separate playground space for younger kids, too.

Fairmount Park (East Graham Avenue and Park Entrance) is home to an extensive interactive water playground with several family-friendly elements that are fun for children of all ages. While at Fairmount Park, you’ll also find a scenic overlook, a playground, hiking trails, picnic shelters, and ample parking.

A wide view of Belle's Play Garden with fake reeds and a large pelican — Belle’s Play Garden

Belle’s Play Garden at River’s Edge Park (4250 River’s Edge Parkway) Tom Hanafan’s River’s Edge is a large park along the Missouri River waterfront. The playground, Belles’ Play Garden, recently opened near the River’s Edge pavilion, and its beautifully-designed features include a pelican with a slide. The splash area at River’s Edge Pavilion is located near the pelican, and and it operates seasonally in the summertime.

Helpful list of Council Bluffs parks with playgrounds

A play structure of Fairmount Park — Fairmount Park

I’ve shared some of my favorite playgrounds, but there are plenty more to discover. Here’s a list of the outdoor playgrounds in Council Bluffs:

Bahnsen Park, 1720 Ave. L
Belle’s Play Garden, 4250 River’s Edge Parkway
Big Lake Park, 2600 N. Eighth St.
Broadway Skate Park, 1300 W. Broadway
CB Rec Complex, 2900 Richard Downing Ave.
Cochran Park, 100 S. 21st St.
Dream Playground, located inside Lake Manawa State Park at 93 Dreamland Road
Fairmount Park, East Graham and Park Entrance
Graham Park, Frank Street and Gleason Avemue
Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park, Harry Langdon Boulevard and East South Omaha Bridge Road (near the entrance to the Wabash Trace Trail)
Kimball Park, 1801 N. Broadway
Kirn Park, 100 1/2 Fifth Ave.
Malmore Park, 3600 Scott Drive
Peterson Park, 2500 S. Eighth St.
Prospect Park, 100 Harrison St.
Roberts Park, 1000 N. 25th St.
Sternhill Park, 1031 N. Eighth St.
Sunset Park, 1000 16th Ave.
Trolley Park, 2803 Ave. B
Twin City Park, 3300 Renner Drive
Valley View Park, 1300 Franklin Ave.
Westwood Park, 1200 S. 35th St.

Follow the City of Council Bluffs on social media to get updates on activities held in parks around the city. Most activities are free and include live concert series, movie screenings, and festivals.

Playgrounds aren’t the only thing found in Council Bluffs parks. Whether you want to hike a trail or fish or mountain bike, you can do it at one of these parks.