Hallbrook Park

Hallbrook Park is one of those low-key neighborhood spots in Urbandale that locals tend to keep to themselves. The playground has a solid mix of slides, swings, and a climbing structure, so kids of different ages actually have something to do instead of fighting over the same piece of equipment. Pack a cooler — there are BBQ grills and shaded picnic tables that make it genuinely worth sticking around for a few hours. The open grass field is big enough for a pickup game or just letting the dog run, and the walking and bike paths connect right into the surrounding neighborhood, which keeps the whole vibe pretty relaxed. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of park you end up coming back to every weekend.