Tower Park

The Iconic Tower Landmark

Tower Park gets its name from the striking water tower that stands tall within its grounds - a local landmark you can't miss when passing through the area.

Tucked into the heart of Des Moines, this park is a popular gathering spot for locals of all ages looking for a bit of outdoor fun.

Splash Zone Adventures

Let's be honest - the sprayground is what draws most families here during Iowa's warm months. This water play area is fantastic for kids who want to cool off without committing to a full pool day.

The designers added a clever touch with a mini replica of the park's namesake water tower among the various spray features. Kids absolutely love the interactive button that activates the water flow - you'll often spot little ones racing each other to be the first to press it and get the water party started.

The sprayground is open from May 1 through September 30, with daily hours from 9 am to 8 pm.

Beyond Water Play

When the kids have had enough water fun (or need to dry off a bit), the park's playground offers plenty of climbing, sliding, and swinging opportunities.

Parts of the playground sit under trees, providing some welcome shade on hot summer days. That said, the park as a whole isn't heavily wooded, so you might want to bring sunscreen during peak hours.

Gather & Relax

On the north side, you can find a covered picnic area with at least three benches sheltered under an awning - a fantastic setup for birthday celebrations or family get-togethers.

Nearby, there's a building housing restrooms and changing facilities with all the basics: flushing toilets and sinks for washing up after water play. It's nothing fancy, but definitely convenient when you're spending the day with kids at the sprayground.

Get Moving

Paved trails wind through the park, ideal for a morning jog, an evening stroll, or just stretching your legs while the kids play.

These paths connect the different areas and provide views of the park's green spaces.

For the more athletically inclined, Tower Park has recently improved basketball courts, tennis courts, and a soccer field with an additional soccer arena. Some visitors have repurposed parts of the courts for pickleball games too.

Good to Know

Throughout the year, the park hosts various neighborhood activities and community events.

One small heads-up: parking can get tight during popular times, especially weekend afternoons with good weather. Some visitors end up parking along nearby 50th Street when the lot fills up.