The best parks & outdoor spots in Waterloo

3 parks & outdoor spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Parks & Outdoors · 3 places · showing the latest additions first

Riverloop Expo Plaza

Parks & Outdoors

Big open-air plaza that turns into whatever Waterloo needs this week: farmers market mornings, food truck feasts, concerts and art fests.…

400 Commercial St

“Big open-air plaza that turns into whatever Waterloo needs this week: farmers market mornings, food truck feasts, concerts and art fests. RiverLoop Expo Plaza keeps the energy high and the neighbors bumping into each other in the best way possible, so swing by and see what's popping.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens

Parks & Outdoors

Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is an easy reset close to home, with thoughtfully curated gardens to wander and plenty of programs…

1927 E Orange Rd

“Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is an easy reset close to home, with thoughtfully curated gardens to wander and plenty of programs to keep you coming back, from kid-friendly storytime and youth activities to hands-on adult workshops and seasonal celebrations. Go wander this week and come home nicer.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Gates Park

Parks & Outdoors

Need a low-effort kid energy dump and a little you-time. Gates Park brings the splash with a spray pad and a modern playground, plus plenty…

820 E Donald St

“Need a low-effort kid energy dump and a little you-time. Gates Park brings the splash with a spray pad and a modern playground, plus plenty of space to spread out so you can cool off, let the kids sprint, and reset the week without leaving Waterloo.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, August 13, 2026

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