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Brookside Park

4.7
·739 reviews·Ames, United States

A vibrant green space with playgrounds, sports courts, and scenic trails, perfect for family fun and nature escapes.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Arroyo Seco Saints Baseball Team

Brookside Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant green space with playgrounds, sports courts, and scenic trails, perfect for family fun and nature escapes.

4.7
(739 reviews)

"This park is absolutely amazing! It’s clean, beautifully maintained, and has something for everyone."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack for Playtime! :athletic_shoe:

Bring comfortable shoes for walking trails and sports courts. Great for active fun!

Picnic Perfect :sandwich:

Plenty of open spaces and shelters for a relaxing picnic or barbecue.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 739 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Playground

Vibrant Playground

Central area

A safe, creative, and fun-filled playground perfect for kids of all ages.

Scenic Walking Trails

Scenic Walking Trails

Throughout the park

Explore beautiful paths winding through old-growth oaks and cottonwoods.

Sports Courts

Sports Courts

Various locations

Enjoy tennis, basketball, and volleyball in well-maintained facilities.

Picnic & Gathering Spots

Picnic & Gathering Spots

Designated areas

Shaded areas and shelters perfect for picnics, barbecues, and relaxation.

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Planning Your Visit

Park Perks & Planning

Brookside Park offers diverse activities from sports courts to playgrounds. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, especially if you're looking for a quieter experience or want to use the sports facilities without a wait. Pack accordingly for your chosen activity!

Family Fun & Nature

This park is a gem for families, boasting a safe and engaging playground. Its beautiful old-growth trees and walking trails provide a serene escape. Remember to check for available picnic shelters if planning a group gathering or barbecue.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos, pleasant temps
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Family-friendly activities start early
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pack for Playtime! :athletic_shoe:

Bring comfortable shoes for walking trails and sports courts. Great for active fun!

Picnic Perfect :sandwich:

Plenty of open spaces and shelters for a relaxing picnic or barbecue.

Kid-Approved Fun :child:

The playground is a major hit with families, offering safe and engaging play.

Nature Photography :camera_with_flash:

Beautiful old-growth trees make it a fantastic spot for nature photography.

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack for Playtime! :athletic_shoe:

Bring comfortable shoes for walking trails and sports courts. Great for active fun!

Picnic Perfect :sandwich:

Plenty of open spaces and shelters for a relaxing picnic or barbecue.

Kid-Approved Fun :child:

The playground is a major hit with families, offering safe and engaging play.

Nature Photography :camera_with_flash:

Beautiful old-growth trees make it a fantastic spot for nature photography.

Restroom Check 🚽

While amenities are good, consider bringing extra tissues as restroom availability can vary.

What Travellers Say

4.7
(739 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Brookside Park, calling it amazing, clean, and beautifully maintained with something for everyone. The playground is a hit with families, and the walking trails offer a peaceful escape. While generally well-loved, some suggest more restrooms would enhance the experience.

"This park is absolutely amazing! It’s clean, beautifully maintained, and has something for everyone. The playground is perfect for kids—safe, creative, and full of fun equipment. There are plenty of walking trails, open spaces for picnics or sports, and even shaded areas to relax. The landscaping is gorgeous, and we always feel safe and welcomed here. It’s one of our favorite places to spend the day as a family. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful, fun, and family-friendly spot!"

Dani Breon

"A beautiful park to explore and enjoy the many trails it offers. There are plenty of spots to relax and soak in the sounds of nature. The park also has shelters available for gatherings and barbecues. However, more restrooms would be a good idea."

Victoria Moser

"I really enjoy coming here to get my mind off things and go for walks. Also a great spot to play tennis, basketball, and other activities. Tons of space to do whatever you want. I also enjoy taking photos here! It's so beautiful."

Isaac Jarnagin

What People Like

Amazing and clean park
Great playground for kids
Beautiful walking trails

What People Dislike

Could use more restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Brookside Park is accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may vary depending on your location; check local transit schedules for routes serving the park area. Many visitors find it convenient to drive directly to the park.

Yes, Brookside Park offers parking facilities for visitors. It's generally sufficient, but can get busy on weekends and during events. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended for easier parking.

Biking to Brookside Park is a great option if you're local. There are often bike racks available near entrances, allowing you to secure your bicycle while you enjoy the park.

The park features walking trails and facilities that are generally accessible. Paved paths and accessible parking help ensure most visitors can enjoy the park's amenities.

Brookside Park is typically located near main thoroughfares. For specific directions, it's best to use a GPS navigation app that will guide you via the most direct routes from your starting point.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Brookside Park is a public recreational space and generally does not require an entrance fee. Enjoying the playgrounds, trails, and open fields is free for all visitors.

Park hours typically align with daylight, often opening in the early morning and closing at dusk. It's advisable to check local park authority websites for specific seasonal hours, as they can vary.

For larger gatherings or specific events, booking picnic shelters in advance is highly recommended. This ensures you have a reserved spot, especially during peak seasons or weekends.

Brookside Park may host community events, sports tournaments, or seasonal activities. Check local event listings or the park's official social media pages for updates on upcoming happenings.

Yes, Brookside Park is generally dog-friendly, but always check for specific leash laws and designated off-leash areas if available. Responsible pet ownership is encouraged.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a wide range of activities including playing on the playground, walking or jogging on trails, playing tennis, basketball, volleyball, picnicking, and simply relaxing in nature.

Yes, Brookside Park typically has restroom facilities. However, some visitors have noted that more restrooms would be beneficial, so it's good to be prepared.

Absolutely! The park features a safe, creative, and fun playground that is a major draw for families with kids. The open spaces are also great for children to play.

The park is known for its beautiful old-growth trees, including oaks, cottonwoods, and locust trees, offering lovely shade and scenic beauty.

Yes, Brookside Park has areas suitable for barbecues, and shelters are available for gatherings. It's a popular spot for community events and family cookouts.

📸 📸 Photography

The old-growth trees, especially oaks and cottonwoods, provide stunning backdrops. The walking trails offer picturesque scenes, and the playground can be fun for candid shots. Golden hour in the late afternoon is particularly beautiful.

Yes, with its mature trees and natural landscaping, Brookside Park is an excellent location for nature photography. You can capture diverse flora and enjoy the peaceful environment.

Late afternoons during the 'golden hour' offer soft, warm light perfect for photography. Weekday mornings are also great for fewer distractions and a serene atmosphere.

While there aren't specific man-made landmarks, the majestic old-growth trees themselves serve as iconic natural landmarks within the park. The variety of landscapes also offers many photo opportunities.

Drone usage regulations can vary by park and local ordinances. It's essential to check with the park administration or local authorities regarding any restrictions on drone operation before flying.

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