Easter Lake Park Shelter #1 Playground

Honestly, the zipline alone makes this one worth the drive out to Easter Lake. It’s the kind of feature that has kids lining up and parents actually sitting down for a minute — there are benches and shade trees, so you’re not roasting in the sun while you wait. The equipment itself has some real character to it, not just the same generic stuff you see at every other park in Des Moines. Throw in views of the lake, a big open grass field for burning off extra energy, and restrooms nearby, and you’ve got a solid afternoon without much planning. Best for the 5–12 crowd, though younger siblings will want in on that zipline too.