Are reservations needed for Pony Tales?

It’s recommended to book in advance as sessions can fill quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Are young children safe around the ponies?

Yes, trained staff supervise all interactions to ensure safety for children and animals.

How long is each Pony Tales session?

Each session lasts approximately one hour, including storytime and meet-and-greet.

Can I bring snacks or food?

Yes, but please be mindful of outdoor etiquette and clean up afterward.

Is there a cost for the activity?

Yes, there is an admission fee, which varies seasonally. Check the center’s website for current prices.

What should I do if it rains?

Sessions are typically outdoors; in case of rain, activities may be canceled or rescheduled, so check ahead.

Kids' Pony Adventures at Jester Park Equestrian Center

Jester Park Equestrian Center, located just outside Iowa City, offers an exceptional experience for young horse enthusiasts seeking an engaging outdoor activity. Known for its friendly atmosphere and scenic grounds, this center combines storytelling and interactive pony encounters, creating a memorable outing for families and children. The Pony Tales session is more than just a ride; it’s an opportunity for kids to connect with these gentle creatures while immersing themselves in a delightful story. Set in a lush, open space, the event encourages visitors to relax with blankets or chairs as the ponies listen to tales, making the scene both charming and interactive. These sessions typically feature well-trained ponies and are led by experienced staff committed to safety and fun. What makes Pony Tales stand out is its dedication to fostering a genuine bond between children and animals in a beautiful rural setting, all within easy reach of Iowa City. The center’s picturesque landscape offers plenty of photo-worthy moments, especially during the peaceful outdoor storytelling. Visitors often appreciate how this activity combines education, entertainment, and outdoor fresh air, making it a perfect low-impact family adventure. Whether you're a local or passing through, Pony Tales at Jester Park Equestrian Center offers a uniquely charming way to introduce young minds to horses while soaking up the natural beauty of Iowa’s countryside.

About Jester Park Equestrian Center

Jester Park Equestrian Center in Granger, Iowa, operates as a public equestrian facility offering a variety of horse-related experiences for visitors of all ages. The center presents guided trail rides through Jester Park’s timber overlooking Saylorville Lake, seasonal horse-drawn rides and holiday wagon or sleigh outings, and special programs such as Pony Tales story-and-meet sessions and field trips designed for educational groups. Women’s workshops use horse interaction for personal growth on a waitlist basis, and several popular activities maintain waitlists to manage capacity. The facility also offers a John Thomas Poppy Tower plaque program that allows individuals to purchase a stainless steel plaque mounted on decorative poppy tower leaves along the Brandon Lay Challenge Trail as a lasting tribute.

Field trips run from spring through fall and include hands-on opportunities to learn about horse care, picnic areas, and guided interaction. Guided trail rides provide wrangler-led instruction for beginners and families. Holiday horse-drawn rides last approximately 30 minutes and operate on sleighs or wagons when available. The center emphasizes guest safety, pre-registration for select workshops, and organized waitlist management to accommodate demand. As a feature within Jester Park, the equestrian center connects visitors to the park landscape and lake views while offering structured equine experiences, educational outreach for groups, and commemorative plaque placement along a public trail. Programs are scheduled seasonally and require reservations for many offerings; staff manage group logistics, safety briefings, and horse handling instruction to ensure a well-organized visit for schools, families, and private groups and community partners.