Happy Hollow Park

Locals in this corner of Iowa City know Happy Hollow is one of those spots you keep a little quiet so it doesn’t get overrun. The shade trees do serious work here — even on a hot July afternoon, the littles can play without you sweating through your shirt on the bench. It’s geared toward toddlers and preschoolers, so you’re not fighting for space with older kids doing their own thing. Pack a lunch, claim a picnic table near the BBQ area, and honestly you’ve got yourself a full afternoon. Parking is easy, the restrooms are there when you need them, and the soccer field and basketball court mean older siblings or dads won’t be bored either.