There’s a new reason to get outside and play! Join us for the first-ever PLAYing in the Park—a free, family-friendly festival celebrating music, books, and nature—coming to North Ridge Park in Coralville on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from noon to 3 p.m.

Families are invited to grab a picnic blanket and enjoy musical performances, hands-on activities, and a sunny afternoon of play. This event is the perfect way to welcome warmer weather and kick off a season of outdoor fun.

Live Performances All Afternoon

Enjoy a fantastic lineup of local musicians and pop-up performances the whole family can enjoy! We’re thrilled to welcome:

• Kevin Burt

• Blake Shaw

• Swampland Jewels

Between sets, enjoy pop-up performances from Young Footliters Youth Theatre, Tippi Toes Dance, and museum staff who are ready to keep the fun going from start to finish.

Activities, Games, and Play

Families can move, create, and play at a variety of interactive stations hosted by:

• The Iowa Children’s Museum

• West Music

• Coralville Public Library Book Bike

• Champagne Academy of Irish Dance

• Young Footliters

• Girl Scouts

Whether it’s strumming a ukulele, building with museum materials, or dancing your heart out, there’s something here to spark every child’s imagination.

Discover the New Book Walk

This event celebrates the opening of North Ridge Park’s new Book Walk, a permanent outdoor installation that combines reading and nature. Created in partnership with The Iowa Children’s Museum, Coralville Public Library, and Coralville Parks & Recreation, the Book Walk is a playful way to encourage early literacy in a beautiful outdoor setting. This project also had special support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Boston Children’s Museum.

Local Food & Drink

No festival is complete without snacks! Grab a bite from Stone Wall Pizza or sip on something tasty from Timber Grove Coffee Co. while you enjoy the festivities.

The Start of ICM2Go Season

PLAYing in the Park also marks the kickoff to ICM2Go, our summer outreach program that brings The Iowa Children’s Museum into neighborhoods across the Corridor. This year, all Coralville-based ICM2Go events will take place in North Ridge Park, making this festival the perfect starting point for a summer of outdoor adventures.

We can’t wait to see you at North Ridge Park for an afternoon of community fun, creative play, and fresh air!

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