☀️Hello Granger: Summer Edition☀️

Welcome to the Hello Granger Summer Guide!

Summer is short, and before we know it we'll be shopping for school supplies again. To help you make the most of summer, I've rounded up some local resources to have all in one place.

I hope it helps make summer a little easier and a lot more fun.

No shame in needing a break this summer! Text, call, or message your way to a little time off.

Mya Browne
📞 515-322-9788
Experienced with kids, completed the Iowa State University Babysitting Course.

Chloe Crawford
📞 515-975-9983
Chloe is 12 years old but ready to babysit, she has completed the certified babysitter course.

Abigail Crawford
📞 515-795-7223
Experienced babysitter comfortable caring for up to three children at a time.

Jayden Graham
📞 515-829-8241   
Facebook: @tendertailstots
Freshman at Iowa State University with previous childcare experience.

Charissa Klocke
Facebook: @charissa.klocke

Cadence Klocke
Facebook: @cadence.klocke

Charissa & Cadence each have more than four years experience working with children from infant to elementary-age. They are available individually or together for larger groups.

Olivia Miner
📞 515-422-4619
Sophomore in the nursing program at the University of Iowa with previous experience working with children

We don’t have a pool in Granger or Woodward, but there are a few great options just a short drive away.

Dallas Center Pool
13 miles/18-minute drive
1108 Vine Street, Dallas Center | 12:30-7 p.m. | $5 for ages 2+, $2 for under 2
We like this one because it’s easier to keep track of the kids but still fun with a shallow play area, diving board and open swim space. Open daily and take cash, check and cards. 

Clive Aquatic Center
13 miles/18-minute drive
1801 NW 114th Street, Clive
Open Swim: 11:30-6 p.m. | $9 for ages 3–54, $7 for seniors (55+) and military, and $2 for ages 2 and under.
Toddler Time: Fridays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. | $5 
Family Night Discount: Mon.-Thurs. from 9:30 to 11 a.m. | $15/family
This one is more than a pool–it’s got a lazy river, water slides, diving board, splash pad, and a zero-depth kids area with sprays and a slide. And a family night discount! Credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted.

Cascade Falls Aquatic Center
14 miles/21-minute drive
2350 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny | 12-7 p.m. | General: $11, Seniors (60+): $7, $3 for ages 2 and under
This one’s a water park experience with a lazy river, water slides, diving boards, a FlowRider surf machine, splash features, and a zero-depth play area. It’s a whole-day experience. Credit cards and cash accepted. 

Help your kids avoid the "summer slide." A little reading throughout the summer can help keep their skills sharp and make heading back to school a little easier. Plus, the library's Summer Reading Program makes it fun with prizes and special events!

🌱"Plant A Seed, Read" with the Granger Public Library!
2226 Broadway St. | M.–Th.: 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri.: 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat.: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Sign up for the Granger Public Library's Summer Reading Program and get a free slushie (June 8–10, 12–4 p.m.) while supplies last, just for registering!

Then, throughout the summer, have your kids track their reading and earn prizes for ever 15 minutes they read! Plus, they’ll receive an entry into a prize drawing each time they visit the library.

Special Wednesday programs (2–3 p.m.) are also part of the program and require separate registration. Upcoming events include Summer Reading BINGO on June 17, and a magic show on June 24.

Watch the library's event calendar to register!

🦕”Unearth a Story” at the Woodward Public Library!
118 Main St. | M., W., F: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tu. & Th. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. -12 p.m.

The Woodward Public Library's Summer Reading Program runs throughout June and is open to all ages. This year's "Unearth a Story" theme features dinosaur-inspired activities, robotics, crafts, games, movies, and more. Click here to check out the daily events!

Also track your reading to earn prizes, with a special Prize Day on June 30.

If you're looking for activities to keep the kids busy this summer, several local churches are offering Vacation Bible School programs in the coming weeks.

Stone Bridge Church
📅 When: June 28–July 1, 6–8 p.m.
📍 Where: 18280 Wendover Rd., Granger
✨ Theme: Illumination Station
👉 Click here to register
Be part of the first VBS in the church’s new building! Kids entering K–5th grade will learn about Jesus, have fun, and help make some of the first memories in this new space.

Woodward United Methodist Church
📅 When: Jul 19-21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
📍 Where: 108 W. 5th St., Woodward
✨ Theme: Rolling River Rampage
👉 Click here for more info.
Kids ages 4 and up are invited to a fun-filled VBS experience! Each evening includes a light supper, and opportunities to learn about Jesus.

Assumption Catholic Church
📅 When: July 20-24, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
📍 Where: 1906 Sycamore., Granger
✨ Theme: Paul and the Underground Church
👉 Click here to register
Kids entering K–5th grade are invited to attend. A suggested free-will offering of $21 per student helps support the program, but no child will be turned away. If the cost is a concern, contact Cathy Davidson at [email protected] or 515-314-3841. Volunteers are also needed! Students entering 6th grade through adults are welcome to help, and Silver Cord hours will be honored. Contact Cathy to get signed up.

Granger Emmanuel United Methodist Church
📅 When: Aug. 4-6, 5:30-7 p.m.
📍 Where: 1910 Locust St., Granger
✨ Theme: Rolling River Rampage
👉 Click here for more info.
Kids ages 4+ are invited for a creative, fun-filled VBS experience. A light supper is included each evening. High school and adult volunteers are welcome (background check required).

These free summer activities are a great way to get out of the house, explore the area, and make memories without breaking the budget.

🎬 Movie in the Park
Grab a blanket and head to Centennial Park on Friday, August 28 for a free showing of Cars (2006) at 8:00 p.m. Admission is free!

🎯 Cornhole fun
Grab some friends or family and enjoy a game of bags this summer! Boards are available at Centennial Park, and bag sets can be checked out through Granger Parks & Rec by emailing [email protected].

🦬 See Bison & Elk at Jester Park
12130 NW 128th St., Granger
This is a regular stop for us. You can get up-close views of the bison and elk, and there's a natural playscape nearby with water and sand for kids to enjoy.

🛼 Roller Skate in Dallas Center
Mound Park, 1600 Walnut St., Dallas Center
The Dallas Center skating rink is open Tuesdays and Fridays during the summer with free admission and free skate rentals. Enjoy music, games, themed nights, and concessions.