Stay active over the holidays and head over to the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, adjacent to the Jester Park Nature Center!
Escape from the cold and choose from a handful of activities, especially over winter break, as the hours have been extended.
- Climb on the bouldering wall
- Rent cross-country skis or snowshoes (as long as there is at least 6 inches of snow on the ground)
- Put your skills to test with archery or air rifle.
During winter break, Polk County Conservation will be hosting a Winter Skills Series.
This series will focus on one of the many fun outdoor skills that will get you out of the house and active, including bouldering, air rifle, and archery. Sign up for one or all of the classes offered. All equipment is provided. Afterward, we’ll gather together to enjoy a snack and sip hot chocolate.
Things to Do:
- Shoes are required while climbing. Climbing shoes are not available for rent at this location.
- Day Pass: $5
- Minimum Age: 5 | Adult supervision is required for ages 12 & Under
Indoor Archery | Saturdays & Most Sundays
- Participants are provided with the basics that will get them safely shooting and a general feel for archery with a compound bow. You learn about cover eye dominance, archery safety rules, equipment, and proper shooting techniques. Perfect for all skill ranges, from no experience to those who have their own bow! All equipment is provided. Outside bows and arrows are not allowed.
- Unlimited Arrows: $5/Participant
- Minimum Age: 12 | Adult supervision is required for those 16 years & under.
Indoor Air Rifle | Offered the First Sunday of Each Month
- Target shooting is a lifelong sport and can be practiced for most at an early age and continue through adulthood. Learn the basics of air rifle target shooting from certified staff. All equipment is provided. Outside air rifles and/or pellets are not allowed.
- Max 25 Pellets: $5/Participant
- Minimum Age: 12 | Adult supervision is required for those 16 years & under.
Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Rentals
- Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are also available at the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center. However, they will only be rented if there is at least 6 inches of snow on the ground.
- Cross-country skis are sized mainly for adults. Height, weight, and European shoe size required for each reservation. Skis, ski boots, and ski poles are also available to rent.
- Cross-Country Skis $15/half-day (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.)
- Snowshoes are sized for kids and adults, with a weight range of 40-250 pounds.
- Snowshoes $10/half day (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.)
Check out their calendar for a full list of fun programs and events over the holiday season! For more information and programming details, visit www.jesterparknaturecenter.com
Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center Winter Hours:
Saturday | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday | Noon – 4 p.m.
Winter Break Extended Hours (Dec. 28-30) | Noon – 4 p.m.
