The Ames area provides a plethora of outdoor activities to do when the weather is warm. Here is a list of ten things to do, but these are just the tip of the iceberg.

Take a trip down the Skunk River

The Skunk River is popular for tubing, canoeing and kayaking in the Ames area.

Many people embark from either Peterson Pits or Sopers Mill, both north of Ames.

Visit Ada Hayden

Ada Hayden is one of the many parks in Ames and is located just north of Ames on U.S. Highway 69, which is Grand Avenue at that point.

Here you can kayak, canoe, fish, grill out and hike around on the trails.

Go for a hike

There is no shortage of places to hike in the Ames area. You can go to Ada Hayden, Peterson Pits and McFarland Park. Ledges State Park is a great place to go and is located south of Boone, Iowa, off of U.S. Highway 17.

Go camping

Ledges is also a great place to go camping. Twin Anchors is located 12 miles east of Ames on U.S. Highway 30 near Colo, Iowa.

Play some outdoor sports

Iowa State’s campus is surrounded with outdoor sports facilities.

There are two frisbee golf courses, multiple sand volleyball courts, softball fields, golf courses and open areas of grass.

Go for a bike ride

Whether you’re training for RAGBRAI or just going for a leisurely ride, Ames is very bicycle-friendly.

You can ride your bike on the trails at Ada Hayden or anywhere around town. Brookside Park has a nice trail that takes you under Lincoln Way to Stuart Smith Park.

Visit Reiman Gardens

Located just south of Jack Trice Stadium, Reiman Gardens has a butterfly house, greenhouse and many outdoor gardens to stroll through and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.

During the summer — Memorial Day to Labor Day — it is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ISU students are admitted for free with their student IDs.

For more information, visit reimangardens.com.

Go for a picnic or grill out

Just about every park in Ames has charcoal grills available near the picnic shelters. All you need to do is bring the things you need to have a good meal — cooking supplies, food and friends.

Spend a day out on the lake

Big Creek State Park, located near Polk City, Iowa, has a lake, beach, park and places to go hiking.

Head over to Big Creek Marina where you can rent various watercraft, grill or hang out at the beach.

Get a frozen treat

After being out in the sun, a frozen treat hits the spot. A few of the places to find refreshments include Orange Leaf, Dairy Queen, Coldstone Creamery and Aspen Leaf.