The days stretch long and warm, the parks fill with the sound of kids playing, and suddenly every weekend feels like an invitation to get outside and do something. Across Des Moines County, you'll find wooded trails, peaceful waterways, and welcoming green spaces that make it genuinely easy to slow down, log off, and enjoy the season together.
Here are five great ways to make the most of summer in Greater Burlington.
Explore Starr's Cave Park and Preserve
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Starr's Cave Park and Preserve has a knack for making people feel like they've discovered something special. Tucked around Flint Creek, this little gem features shaded woodland trails, gentle stream crossings, and the kind of interesting rock formations that make kids want to stop and look a little closer. The preserve's nature center gives the whole experience an extra layer of meaning by helping visitors understand the world they’re exploring.
It's the sort of place where a morning walk turns into a full-on nature adventure without anyone really planning for it. The trails offer miles of exploration for all ability levels, the scenery is beautiful, and it's easy to see why local families keep coming back.
Ride Bikes Along the Flint River Trail
There's something about a family bike ride that just feels like summer. The Flint River Trail delivers exactly that, winding through both urban areas and lush green surroundings at a pace that lets you actually take things in. The relatively flat terrain is a real plus for families with younger riders, and the trail is long enough to make the outing feel like a real adventure without being overwhelming.
Stop wherever you feel like it. Eat a snack by the water. Let the kids chase a butterfly. The Flint River Trail is the kind of place that doesn't demand much and gives back plenty.
Play Disc Golf in Dankwardt and Perkins Parks
If your family has never tried disc golf, Greater Burlington is a wonderful place to start. Both Dankwardt Park and Perkins Park offer well-designed courses that welcome beginners while still giving seasoned players something to think about. Dankwardt's course moves through a nice mix of wooded areas and open spaces, keeping things interesting from hole to hole. Perkins Park brings its own character and charm to the game.
Disc golf has a way of bringing out everyone's competitive side while keeping the whole thing lighthearted and fun. It's easy to learn, it costs almost nothing to play, and it's a great excuse to spend a few hours outside together.
Visit the Inclusive Playground at Dankwardt Park
Dankwardt Park is already one of Greater Burlington's most beloved family destinations, and the addition of a new inclusive playground has made it even more special. Designed so that children of all abilities can play together, the space is thoughtful in the best possible way. Every piece of equipment, every detail, was chosen with inclusion in mind.
For parents, that means peace of mind. For kids, it just means a really fun place to play. Add in the park's beautiful surroundings and other amenities, and you've got a spot worth putting on the summer itinerary.
Camp at Big Hollow Recreation Area
When you're ready to turn a day outside into a whole weekend outside, Big Hollow Recreation Area is the place to go. With expansive lakes, quiet campgrounds, and a setting that practically begs you to put your phone down, Big Hollow offers the kind of experience that reminds you why summer is worth celebrating.
Spend the days fishing, hiking, or paddling across calm water in a canoe or kayak. Let the kids roam a little. Then settle in around the campfire as the stars come out overhead. Big Hollow has a way of leaving people refreshed in a way that a regular Saturday at home simply cannot.
Come See What Greater Burlington Is All About
From wooded preserves and river trails to welcoming parks and lakeside campgrounds, Greater Burlington has no shortage of places for families to get outside and enjoy the season. These aren't just activities to fill the time. They're the kinds of experiences that people talk about on the drive home and remember long after the summer is over.
