Parks in Ames, Iowa: A Guide to Trails, Playgrounds and Green Spaces

©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins

Ames offers a wide array of beautiful parks that boast amenities galore, ranging from modern playgrounds, trails, sports courts and athletic fields, and lush nature.

Many of these community spaces have been in active operation for decades, serving local families, university students and regional visitors alike. Whether you are seeking a quiet place to read, a rigorous workout or a venue for a family gathering, exploring the many parks in Ames, Iowa, will reveal why this region is so deeply loved by its residents.

Kathryn Gamble

Historic Community Hubs in Central Ames

Brookside Park

One of the biggest and most historic parks in Ames is Brookside Park. Located in central Ames, Brookside celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025. Brookside features trails that run along and across Ioway Creek, wooded areas, a modern playground and athletic fields. The old-school fire truck turned into a playground feature has been at Brookside for decades as a landmark that’s still fun for kids to climb on and pretend to drive.

Georgie Tsushima Memorial Skate Park

Nestled near Iowa State University, the park is a favorite gathering spot for student groups as well as families and retirees. If there is a skater in the family, they will want to cross Sixth Street from Brookside to take on the Georgie Tsushima Memorial Skate Park, which offers more than 10,000 square feet of fun.

Bandshell Park

For those looking for a peaceful outdoor getaway just blocks from the hustle and bustle of downtown shopping, Bandshell Park is the ultimate destination. It serves as a beautiful historic respite to lay down a blanket for a picnic or catch live music during seasonal summer concert series.

Bandshell Park’s roots trace all the way back to 1909 – making it officially the city’s very first and oldest municipal park.

Rick Lozier

Nature Preserves and Waterfront Trails

Moore Memorial Park

True natural beauty is on full display across the rolling 90 acres of Moore Memorial Park. A smooth, hard-surface perimeter trail connects directly to the central playground and public picnic shelters. The path gracefully winds past a quiet fishing pond and through a dense wooded canopy as it encircles the property.

Because of its peaceful layout and wide paths, it is widely considered an absolute paradise for local dog-walkers. Thanks to its two large, rentable shelter houses, Moore Memorial Park also serves as a premier city location for graduation parties, outdoor weddings and summer reunions.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park

The outdoors come alive at Ada Hayden Heritage Park on the northern end of Ames. This massive environmental asset is a favorite for water sports enthusiasts and fitness lovers alike.

Visitors can walk, jog or bike along miles of immaculate trails that completely wrap around the twin lakes. If you prefer to get right out onto the water, the park features convenient launch ramps for kayaking, paddleboarding and non-motorized boating.

All-Inclusive Playgrounds and Sports Complex Hubs

Inis Grove Park and the Ames Miracle Field

Inis Grove Park is a space designed for everyone. It is home to the Barnes Family Inclusive Playground – which features a treehouse-inspired theme over a completely rubberized surface to assist children with sensory, cognitive and physical disabilities.

Directly adjacent is the Rotary Club of Ames Miracle Field. This custom athletic complex features a specialized, cushioned rubber turf field that is fully accessible to wheelchairs and assistive devices, allowing adaptive sports leagues and families of all abilities to play ball together.

🏓 Regional Recreation & Sports  

Beyond traditional green spaces, the city has rapidly upgraded various parks to accommodate growing athletic trends. Newcomers can easily access:

• Dedicated pickleball courts and lined tennis facilities
• Challenging public disc golf courses woven through local timber
• Year-round youth and adult sports programs managed by Ames Parks and Rec

Several other parks are scattered across Ames and provide offerings for the growing popularity of sports such as pickleball and disc golf.

Looking for organized activities? Ames Parks and Recreation offers a wide array of youth and adult sports and programs.