Located in Polk City, Big Creek State Park has a little bit of everything: Picnic areas, a beach, boat launches, hiking trails, and plenty of places to camp. It also happens to have one of the most impressive playgrounds in the state of Iowa, a sturdy structure that has stood the test of time.

You’ll find Big Creek State Park at 8794 NW 125th Ave. in Polk City.

Maydy / TripAdvisor The park sits on the shores of Big Creek State Lake, which was created as part of the Saylorville project to protect the city from flooding.

The park is open year-round, and you’ll always find Iowans enjoying its peaceful shores and walking paths.

IAHilltopper / Flickr In the summer, the lake is full of happy swimmers and people fishing in the clear waters.

The playground fort here, while massive, is structurally simple.

Maydy / TripAdvisor This is a place where children can take a break from screen time, school work, and everything except their own imaginations.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself abandoning your picnic and joining your little ones on this play structure.

Google The balance beams, giant tires, monkey bars, and castle towers are there to encourage your creativity.

Make a trip to Big Creek State park part of your spring or summer plans.

Big Creek Marina Facebook It’s only 11 miles from Des Moines, but you’ll feel like you’re in your own world.

If you can’t make it to Polk City anytime soon, this list has plenty of other perfect playgrounds in Iowa to explore.

Maydy / TripAdvisor

The park sits on the shores of Big Creek State Lake, which was created as part of the Saylorville project to protect the city from flooding.

IAHilltopper / Flickr

In the summer, the lake is full of happy swimmers and people fishing in the clear waters.

This is a place where children can take a break from screen time, school work, and everything except their own imaginations.

Google

The balance beams, giant tires, monkey bars, and castle towers are there to encourage your creativity.

Big Creek Marina Facebook

It’s only 11 miles from Des Moines, but you’ll feel like you’re in your own world.

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