Do It Like a Local, A Weekend Guide to Ankeny, Iowa

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I may be biased as I make my home in Ankeny, but this it truly a wonderful place to live and raise my family. The city has a park- with playground- within waking distance of every home and bike trails have replaced unused train tracks throughout the town. We have a wide variety of stores and restaurants, an historical complex that won't allow us to forget where we came from and

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Hawkeye Park
This park, in the center of town, hosts many city events. Baseball, sand volleyball and tennis courts bring athletes out for team sports while the playgrounds, bicycle and walking trails attract families. Canoes can be rented at lakeside and there are plenty of tables to picnic. Don't forget extra bread for the ducks. Summer weeken... More >
This park, in the center of town, hosts many city events. Baseball, sand volleyball and tennis courts bring athletes out for team sports while the playgrounds, bicycle and walking trails attract families. Canoes can be rented at lakeside and there are plenty of tables to picnic. Don't forget extra bread for the ducks. Summer weekends bring movies under the stars or live bands to the bandshell.
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Prarie Ridge Sports Complex (Baseball)
Ankeny is one of 19 "Playful Cities" in the US. Prairie Ridge Sports Complex may be the busiest place in town with soccer, football and baseball games from early spring to late fall. Ankeny Summerfest, the first weekend after Independence Day, covers the grounds with music, carnivals and community events.
Located in a business area and near three very good restaurants (Waterfront Seafood Market, Outback Steakhouse and Chips) you may also notice spices on certain days as the headquarters of Tones Spices is just behind.
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Leaning Tower of Pizza
Voted Ankeny's Best Pizza six years in a row by the readers of the Ankeny Press Citizen, you'll likely have to wait for a table. You'll be waited on by local high school students who will treat you like long lost friends. Pizzas are hand made with fresh ingredients and the sandwiches are mighty.
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The Playground For Kids
When the weather won't allow for outdoor play and the kids are bouncing off the walls, this is where their parents bring them. Bounce houses, inflatables and climbing structures for kids up to 14 years. A limited menu of finger foods and muchies is available for purchase. Be sure to check the website or local Press Citizen newspaper... More >
When the weather won't allow for outdoor play and the kids are bouncing off the walls, this is where their parents bring them. Bounce houses, inflatables and climbing structures for kids up to 14 years. A limited menu of finger foods and muchies is available for purchase. Be sure to check the website or local Press Citizen newspaper for coupons!
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Otter Creek Golf Course
Ankeny's premier public golf course recently underwent a total transformation. Beautiful rolling greens, a luxurious club house, pro shop and a causal restaurant now draw locals as well as golfers from across the Midwest. Add in the wonderful trail system and the large public park and this is a family friendly afternoon.
Canoes can be rented at lakeside and there are plenty of tables to picnic.
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Holiday Inn Express Ankeny
Just off I-35, but you'll have to meander back a bit to get to this hotel. Located in a business area and near three very good restaurants (Waterfront Seafood Market, Outback Steakhouse and Chips) you may also notice spices on certain days as the headquarters of Tones Spices is just behind. Spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast and free wifi make this hotel a great value. More
Just off I-35, but you'll have to meander back a bit to get to this hotel. Located in a business area and near three very good restaurants (Waterfront Seafood Market, Outback Steakhouse and Chips) you may also notice spices on certain days as the headquarters of Tones Spices is just behind. Spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast and free wifi make this hotel a great value.
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About the Author

Jody L Halsted
Jody L Halsted
Jody Halsted has been blogging since 2004, when she became a stay at home mom to her eldest daughter. As frequent travelers, Jody and her husband heard "You can't travel after you have a baby." When internet searches for family traveling turned up results for Walt Disney World and similar vacation spots, Jody began sharing her family travel how-to's in her first travel blog, Have Kid Will Travel. In 2010 Jody launched FamilyRambling®, a website designed to inspire family travel, provide tips to make it easier and share first hand trip reports. New for 2011 Jody is sharing her love of family travel in Ireland by launching Ireland With Kids, a website designed to promote family travel in the Emerald Isle. Jody also writes for various online and print publications. Jody is active in social media, sharing her knowledge via Facebook and Twitter as well as bringing together social media experts for her own I_Blog Conference. To follow Jody's travels be sure to visit the Family Rambling Facebook page (facebook.com/familyrambling). For more about Jody visit JodyHalsted.com.
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