Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines: which has better splash pads?
Quick answer
Des Moines has more pads (~10 vs Cedar Rapids's ~6) including the iconic Cowles Commons fountains downtown. Cedar Rapids's NewBo District splash pad and Bever Park anchor a smaller but well-curated rotation.
Side by side
- Des Moines: Cowles Commons, Brenton Skating Plaza fountain, Gray's Lake, Greenwood.
- Cedar Rapids: NewBo District pad, Bever Park, Daniels Park, Ellis Park.
- Season: ~140 days both metros.
- Pricing: free at all listed pads.
- Cedar Rapids invested heavily in NewBo post-2008 flood — splash pad anchors the district.
Verdict
Des Moines wins on count; Cedar Rapids wins on NewBo's revitalization story.
Iowa
Des Moines splash pads →Iowa