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EARLY-BIRD RATE FOR SUMMER SWIM PASSES ENDS 4/30/2026!
Passes may be purchased online, by phone, or in person at the Parks & Recreation Department office in the City Services Center or the Northwest Recreation Center.
The five outdoor aquatic centers and pools operate seasonally, generally from the last day of school until the first day of school in the fall. Pre-season (Memorial Day) and post-season (Labor Day) swimming is available at some of the pools.
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GOLF SEASON IS HERE!
All three 18-hole golf courses - Ellis, Gardner, and
Twin Pines - and Mini Pines are open for the 2026 golf season.
Tee Times:
- Through April 25, 8am-5:30pm; first
come, first served beginning at 6pm
- April 25 – May 9: 7am-6pm; first
come, first served beginning at 6pm
- Beginning May 10: 6:30am; first come,
first served beginning at 6pm
Season passes can still be purchased online or the courses. Visit CityOfCR.com/GolfShop to buy your pass or book your tee time at CityOfCR.com/BookTeeTimes. Or download our Cedar Rapids Golf mobile app to manage everything in one place; click here for instructions.
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AMERICAN RED CROSS
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION
Are you 15+ and interested in taking Lifeguard training classes? We have a swim skills class that includes a 150-yard swim, 2 minutes of treading water, and a 50-yard continuous swim, as well as a 10-pound timed brick retrieval to prepare teens and young adults for future lifeguard duties.
Friday-Sunday: 4/24-4/26, 5/8-5/10
Friday 5–10 PM, Saturday 8 AM–9 PM, Sunday 8 AM–9 PM | $159 (NR $169)
Northwest Recreation Center/Bender Pool
Register at CityofCR.com/LifeguardTraining
AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARD REVIEW
Has it been two years or more since you last took a lifeguard class, and you want to demonstrate your knowledge and skills? Register for one of our Lifeguard Review classes.
Saturdays: 5/2 | 8 AM–8 PM | $106 (NR $116)
Northwest Recreation Center/Bender Pool
Register at CityofCR.com/LifeguardReview
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RECASSIST: INCOME-BASED ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Eligible families and Individuals can receive a 50% discount on the following:
- Swim Passes for family, individuals, or seniors. Discount taken from regularly priced passes
- Up to five (5) eligible programs per person
Applications can be submitted online or in person at the Northwest Recreation Center.
1340 11th Street NW, Monday-Friday,
8 AM–5 PM
View income guidelines and documentation at CityofCR.com/RecAssist.
| | Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation is committed to providing programs for senior adults. We offer additional adult and family programs to help people of all ages stay connected to their peers throughout the year. Join us for these ongoing and upcoming engaging activities and events! | | |
BIRDING BASICS
Ages 55+
1st Friday of the month, May – October
5/1, 6/5, 7/3, 8/7, 9/4, 10/2 | 9 – 10:30 AM
FREE | Prairie Park Fishery
Register Now
SENIOR FITNESS CLASS
Ages 55+
Tuesday/Thursday, May 5 – 28
9 – 10 AM
$35 (NR $42) | Northwest Recreation Center Register Now
FRIENDS AT THE LODGE
Ages 55+
Ongoing Tuesdays | 1 – 3 PM
FREE | Donations appreciated | Jones Park Lodge
BOOMERS & BEYOND - CARDS & COFFEE
Ages 50+
Wednesday/Friday, Year-round
Noon – 3:30 PM
FREE | Northwest Recreation Center
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ADULT PICKLEBALL
Ages 40+
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
8 AM – 12 PM
$3/or punch pass | Northwest Recreation Center
DROP-IN OPEN GYM/GAME ROOM
Ages 55+
Monday-Friday: 1 – 3 PM
Saturday: 3 – 6 PM
Sunday: 1 – 4 PM
SENIOR LINE DANCING
Ages 55+
Ongoing Mondays | 1 – 2 PM
FREE | Northwest Recreation Center
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SEASONAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS | | | |
ACTIVITES
GOURD BIRDHOUSES FOR ADULTS
Ages 18+
Wednesday, April 22 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM
$11 (NR $12) | Ushers Ferry | Register Now
SPRING FAMILY NERF®
Ages 8+
Sunday, April 26 | 2 – 5 PM | Ushers Ferry
$28 (NR $35) Family of 4 |
$8 (NR $9) Single
Register Now
BUTTERFLIES OF IOWA
Ages 18+
Wednesday, May 20 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM
FREE | Ushers Ferry | Register Now
*NEW* TASTE OF SUMMER: HISTORIC FOOD SAMPLER
Ages 18+
Tuesday, June 9 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM
$11 (NR $12) | Ushers Ferry
Register Now
*NEW* WATER VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE
Ages 18+
Tuesdays, June 16 - July 21
Games start at 6:30, 7:30 or 8:30 PM
$170/team | Ellis Pool | Register by 6/10
| Register Now for Spring/Summer Adult Softball and other Adult sports! | Register Now for Spring/Summer Youth Sports and activities! | |
ADA MODIFICATIONS
Reasonable modifications are made for anyone who meets essential eligibility requirements for participation in recreational programs. Request modifications at least two weeks before programs.
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PlayCR - the Cedar Rapids Parks &
Recreation's Spring/Summer 2026 program guide is available online. Browse online for hundreds of activities and events for all ages and abilities.
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Northwest Recreation Center is located at 1340 11th Street NW.
At the Northwest Recreation Center, you can enjoy the game room with billiards, foosball, and table tennis, and the gym for basketball and pickleball when available. Facility policy prohibits youth ages 5 and under from using the facility unless accompanied by an adult or in a program.
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Northwest Recreation Center
Open Gym/Game Room: Spring/Summer
Adult | Ages 18+ | $1 or punch pass
Tuesdays: 12 – 2 PM
Saturdays: 12:30 – 2:30 PM
Youth | Ages 6-17 | $1 or punch pass
Monday-Friday: 3 – 5 PM (school days) Monday-Friday: 1 – 5 PM (no school days) Saturday: 3 – 6 PM
Sunday: 1 – 4 PM
Senior | Ages 55+ | $1 or punch pass Monday–Friday: 1 – 3 PM
Saturday: 3 – 6 PM Sunday: 1 – 4 PM
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LEARN TO SKATE
Mondays, April 13 - May 18 & Saturdays, April 25 - May 30
Classes will be held on Mondays or Saturdays during the 6-week session. Ice skating classes are offered for children and adults. Register Now.
MOTHER'S DAY SKATE
May 9, 12:30 - 2:30 P.M. or 3:00 - 5:00 P.M.
Mothers skate FREE!
ZAMBONI CLASS
May 23, 12:00 - 3:00 P.M. | Registration deadline is May 11
$90 per person. Contact D.Kurtovic@creventslive.com for details.
SUMMER CAMP
July 13 - 17, 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
$200 per skater. Contact D.Kurtovic@creventslive.com for details.
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Bender Pool is ADA accessible and features a hydraulic chair, sloping steps, and traditional pool ladders. The pool also has a slide and basketball hoop. Bender Pool's locker rooms are equipped with showers, electrical outlets, baby changing tables, and lockers. Bring or rent a locker padlock.
Please note: Several Bender Pool programs will wrap up in early May as we transition to the summer aquatics season.
- Open Swim (Sundays, 1–4 p.m.) ends 5/3
- Lap Swim (M/W, 6:30–7:25 p.m.) ends 5/13
- Lap Swim (Saturdays, 7:30–8:45 a.m.) ends 5/2
- Lap Swim (Sundays, 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.) ends 5/3
- Water Exercise (M/W, 5:30–6:25 p.m.) ends 5/13
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OPEN SWIM
All Ages
Sundays | 1 – 4 PM
$5.75/person or pass
LAP SWIM
15+ years, 11+ years on M/W evenings
M/W/F | 11 AM – 12:45 PM
M/W | 6:30 – 7:25 PM
Sat | 7:30 – 8:45 AM
Sun | 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM
$5.50/person or pass
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ADULT 18+ SWIM
T/Th | 9 – 9:55 AM
M/W/F | 10 – 10:55 AM & 1 – 3 PM
$5.25/person or pass
No 1 - 3 PM swim 3/16, 3/18, or 3/20
WATER EXERCISE
15+ years
Tu/Th | 8 – 8:55 AM
M/W/F | 9 – 9:55 AM
M/W | 5:30 – 6:25 PM
$6.25/person or pass
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SWIM LESSONS
Our updated registration process is designed to open more spots and help each child get the most out of their lesson experience. Classes are available for all ages and skill levels.
At the first class, swimmers complete a quick evaluation so they can be placed in the level that best fits their skills and comfort in the water. Returning participants are placed based on their previous session.
Register Now!
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2026 Off-Leash Dog Park Permits
Do you have a dog with energy to burn? Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation offers off-leash dog parks where pups can run free, explore, and enjoy time outside all year long.
Please note: 12th Avenue Dog Park is temporarily closed for maintenance. Follow Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation on Facebook for updates.
Locations:
Cheyenne Off-Leash Dog Park,
1650 Cedar Bend Lane SW
K-9 Acres, 5200 Golf Course Road, Marion
12th Avenue Dog Park, 405 12th Avenue SE.
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An annual permit is required. 2026 permits are now available for $50, and are valid through December 31, 2026.
Purchase your pass online at CRRec.org, call 319-286-5566, or visit the Parks & Recreation office at the City Services Center or Northwest Recreation Center.
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OLD MACDONALD'S FARM EVENTS & PROGRAMS | | | |
Located in Bever Park on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids, Old MacDonald's Farm is a free petting farm where visitors can meet farm animals and North American waterfowl.
RESERVE YOUR YOGA GOAT PARTIES, BIRTHDAY PARTIES, and GROUP TOURS TODAY!
Learn more about our parties and tours online at CityofCR.com/OldMacDonald'sFarm.
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OPENING DAY AT THE FARM!
All Ages
Monday, May 4 | 10 AM – 6 PM
FREE*
CHALK THE FARM
All Ages
Monday, May 4 | 10 AM – 6 PM
FREE*
STORY TIME AT THE FARM
Ages 0-5 with Parent
Fridays, 5/15, 5/29, 6/12, 6/26 | 10:30 AM
FREE*
ANIMALS ON THE FARM
Ages 3-7
Tuesday, June 9 - 30 | 10:15 - 11 AM
$30 (NR $37) | Register Now
*NEW* MOO-GICAL FARM
All Ages
Tuesday, June 9 | 1 - 2 PM
FREE* | OMF Amphitheatre
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*NEW* MAGIC MAKERS
Ages 7-11
Tuesday, June 9 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM
$20 (NR $24) | Red Oak Pavilion
Register Now
FARMER FOR A DAY
Ages 6-10
Thursdays, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/9, 7/16
8 - 9:30 AM
$30 (NR $37) | Register Now
LITTLE HOOVES YOGA
Ages 6+ with Adult
Saturday, June 13, July 11, August 1
9:30 - 10:30 AM
$14 Adult (NR $15) / $7 Child (NR $8)
Register Now
WALK LIKE A DUCK, QUACK LIKE A DUCK
Ages 3-6
Wednesday, June 24 | 10:15 – 11 AM
$8 (NR $9) | Register Now
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OLD MACDONALD'S FARMERS MARKET
Wednesdays | June 3 - September 23 | 4 - 6 PM
The open-air Farmers Market is back at Bever Park, just outside Old MacDonald’s Farm, bringing fresh flavors and local finds to your week.
Stroll through a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and seasonal favorites, all in a relaxed park setting. It’s a great way to support local growers and makers while enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.
Many vendors accept WIC (HACAP Wom, Infants, and Children) and Senior Farmers Market vouchers from the Heritage Area Agency on Aging, making it easier for more community members to take part.
Interested in become a vendor? Visit CityOffCR.com/OMDFarmersMarket to learn more and apply.
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USHERS FERRY TOURS & PROGRAMS | | | |
Tucked into the scenic Seminole Valley, Ushers Ferry Historic Village offers a glimpse into life in a small Iowa town between 1890 and 1910. With nine ADA-accessible historic buildings and family-friendly programming, it’s the perfect place to explore local history while making new memories. Call 319-286-5699 to reserve a tour now.
CURATOR’S TOUR OF USHERS FERRY (All Ages)
Take a fully guided walk through Ushers Ferry with the curator and uncover real stories behind its homes and businesses. Learn how early pioneers and later waves of immigrants shaped Linn County and Cedar Rapids. This tour offers a rich, behind-the-scenes look at local history and culture.
SENIOR “STEP-ON” TOUR (18+ yrs.)
Bring your senior group or assisted living residents for a unique, accessible experience at Ushers Ferry Historic Village. Tours are available March – November by appointment.
LIVE, LEARN, & PLAY TOUR (Up to 75 Students/Children)
This fun, fast-paced tour invites students to step into life a century ago at Ushers Ferry. Groups explore a one-room schoolhouse with a guide, play classic children’s games from the past, and visit village homes and businesses to see how families once lived and worked.
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Therapeutic Recreation programs are designed with purpose and care to support physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. The focus is on helping people participate fully in recreation and daily life through activities that build confidence, independence, and connection. Recreation becomes more than something to pass the time. It becomes a tool for growth.
This approach recognizes that inclusive and accessible recreation plays an important role in quality of life. Whether serving people with disabilities, older adults, or Special Olympics athletes, Therapeutic Recreation creates opportunities for everyone to engage at their own pace, feel supported, and experience the benefits of meaningful play and participation.
Click the image to the right to view the latest Therapeutic Recreation newsletter. Register for programs here. Learn more at CityOfCR.com/TherapeuticRecreation.
| | | THERAPEUTIC RECREATION & SPECIAL OLYMPICS SPORTS | | |
THRIVENT NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK
All Ages
Tuesday, June 2
6:35 PM Game Starts
Veterans Memorial Stadium | $13/person
SOFTBALL
Ages 18+
Wednesdays, June 3 – July 29
5:30 – 7 PM | Cleveland Park | FREE
SWIM LESSONS
Ages 8-17
Mondays/Wednesdays, June 15 – July 29
9 – 9:45 AM | Jones Pool | $60 (NR $68)
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UNIFIED SOFTBALL
Ages 15+; must have a buddy to play
Tuesdays, June 16 – July 21
5:30 or 6:30 PM Games | Cleveland Park | FREE | Register Now
Buddy can be any age, and can be a family member, friend, staff member, or guardian
*NEW* BAGS FOR ALL:
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
Ages 15+
Saturday, June 27
9:30 AM - 3 PM | Jones Park | FREE
Register Now with a partner or solo
BINGO NIGHT
Ages 10+
Mondays, June 15, July 13, August 17
5 – 7 PM | Jones Lodge | $5/person
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MAKE AN IMPACT...VOLUNTEER AS A SPECIAL OLYMPICS COACH!
Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation is looking for volunteers to coach Special Olympics teams this season. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger than the game. Coaches help athletes grow in confidence, build friendships, and feel connected to a team and community that supports them.
The time commitment is manageable, with one practice per week for about an hour over a ten-week season, totaling roughly 25 hours per sport. Training and background checks are provided, so you’ll have the support you need to get started.
No coaching experience is required. Just a willingness to show up, encourage, and be part of the experience. Learn more and apply at CityOfCR.com/P&RVolunteers.
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CELEBRATE IN A SPACE THAT FITS YOUR UNIQUE STYLE & BUDGET
Planning something worth celebrating? From retirement parties and baby showers to corporate retreats and small weddings, Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation offers ADA-accessible venues that make it easy to bring people together.
Choose from a range of indoor and outdoor spaces across the city, each with its own character and flexibility to match your event. Whether you’re keeping it simple or planning something more elevated, you’ll find a setting that helps make the moment feel just right.
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CR NEWS NOW - Subscribe to CR News Now to receive short messages from the City of Cedar Rapids via email or on your mobile phone. You can choose to receive text, email, or both.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE Go to CityofCR.com/Subscribe. Click on CR News Now “short messages.” Click the "Sign Up" button under Text & Email Alerts to fill out the form:
1. Enter your name. 2. Choose how you would like to receive messages (text, email, or both) and enter your mobile phone number (SMS alerts) and/or email.
3. Select the type(s) of messages you would like to receive. Under Parks & Recreation Announcements, choose each category you would like to receive program cancellations and updates for. If there isn't a category specific to your interests, select "Parks & Rec Info & Events.
4. Fill out your address, city, state, and zip code. 5. Click on “Sign Up Now.”
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CEDAR RAPIDS PARKS FOUNDATION | | | |
Friends of Cedar Rapids Parks Foundation
Great parks don’t happen by chance. They grow through community support, shared vision, and people who care. That’s where the Cedar Rapids Parks Foundation (CRPF) comes in. Since 2016, this community-driven organization has worked alongside, yet independently from, Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation to enhance and expand opportunities for everyone to enjoy.
By becoming a Friend of the Parks Foundation, you help bring meaningful projects to life. Monthly support fuels improvements across the park system and helps create spaces where people can gather, play, and connect. Friends also receive invitations to special events, discounts on merchandise, and other perks throughout the year.
From supporting the Rollin’ Recmobile fleet to improvements at Old MacDonald’s Farm and tree restoration through ReLeaf for Parks, CRPF continues to make a lasting impact across the community.
When you become a Friend, you’re not just giving back. You’re helping shape the future of Cedar Rapids parks.
| | | | Know someone who would enjoy Play Times? Send it their way. They can sign up below to stay connected to everything happening in Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation. | | Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation | CRRec.org | | | | |
