12 Fun Family Friendly Things to Do in Iowa with Kids
The Hawkeye State is a picturesque state that is filled with lakes and state parks, rivers, and lakes.
But there are more enjoyable activities for kids in Iowa besides sightseeing and swimming.
The whole family may enjoy interactive museums, theme parks, historical towns, and various other intriguing locations in Iowa.
Here are some additions to your Iowa schedule that you should consider before packing your bags.
- Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater — Des Moines
What You’ll Experience
Typically, museum exhibits are exclusively for seeing.
On the other hand, the Science Center of Iowa has interactive exhibits that make it a kid’s paradise.
In this museum, kids can “buy” pretend food, “cook” meals in the play kitchen, do leaf rubbings of Iowan trees, blow up giant bubbles, get near a spacecraft, construct LEGO models, and do many other activities.
Due to the immersive nature of the exhibits and the many discoveries you may make in the museum, this outing is among the finest things to do with kids while it’s raining.
The most outstanding family hotels in Iowa are conveniently located nearby because Des Moines is the state’s capital.
Recommended Ages
For curious minds of all ages interested in science, the Science Center of Iowa is ideal.
- High Trestle Trail Bridge — Madrid
What You’ll Experience
Even though this footbridge glows in neon blue after dark, the fun doesn’t begin until much later.
Six viewing platforms on the High Trestle Trail Bridge have interactive panels so that visitors can learn more about the historic area where it was built.
This region in Madrid is known for its popularity with bicycling, picnicking, and hiking.
Bring some binoculars with you and try to locate any roving wild creatures.
This is a recognized geocache location if you want to go on a treasure hunt.
After completing your chosen activities, treat yourself by stopping by the neighborhood smoothie and ice cream businesses.
Recommended Ages
Adults, youths, and children of all ages can take pleasure in the views and activities that High Trestle Trail has to offer.
- Adventureland Resort — Altoona
What You’ll Experience
One of the most well-liked family-friendly attractions in Iowa is Adventureland Resort, which offers over 100 rides and entertainment.
As a family-owned and -operated business, the proprietors of Adventureland are fully aware of what family resorts should be about.
The presentations offer a wide variety of family entertainment, including circus acts, magic shows, and other fascinating events, while the rides range from moderate to crazy.
With all of the activities available at the resort, you can be sure you’ll have one of the best family vacations in Iowa.
One day won’t be sufficient!
Recommended Ages
The adrenaline levels of the rides in Adventureland vary.
You can be sure that rides are available for people of all ages.
Shows, on the other hand, are appropriate for every family member.
- Bloomsbury Farm — Atkins
What You’ll Experience
In America, only Iowa produces more corn than any other state.
That implies that the state must have a large number of corn farms.
One of the well-known farms in Iowa is Bloomsbury, which features a 10-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, sunflower fields, festivals, and other farm activities.
Explore the Fairy Tale Trail, play games, interact with some animals, take rides, watch duck races, or try to escape the corn maze.
Kids can have a lot of fun exploring the wide open spaces of this farm.
Recommended Ages
If you are seeking toddler-friendly activities in Iowa, Bloomsbury Farm will keep the little ones occupied.
The farm is great for parents, school-age children, and teenagers to enjoy themselves and learn about the US agriculture sector.
- Big Creek Beach — Polk
What You’ll Experience
Even though Iowa is a landlocked state, there are still shorelines to be found here.
Its lakes are so stunning that you might mistake them for the ocean.
With its play areas, sports fields, and 13 picnic shelters, Big Creek Beach stands out as one of Iowa’s top family beaches.
Like most other beaches in state parks in Iowa, Big Creek Beach provides picnicking, hiking, and biking in addition to the typical water sports like swimming, boating, and fishing.
The best part is that Big Creek Beach gives families free entrance, free parking, and free kid’s activities, so you can be sure to have a great day on a budget.
Recommended Ages
At both Big Creek State Park and Big Creek Beach, families with children of all ages are welcome.
- Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad — Boone
What You’ll Experience
Have you ever wished you could take a real vintage train ride?
Is Thomas the Tank Engine fans among children?
As you ride their steam-powered trains, Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s vintage excursion provides picturesque views of Fraser, a historic coal mining town, and the Des Moines river valley.
You can choose the Wolf Lunch Train or Wolf Dinner Train for a classy dining experience and a longer, more impressive itinerary.
Other exciting rides, entertaining seasonal events, and a museum to explore after your journey are all available.
The James H. Andrew Railroad Museum houses a library, a theater, and exhibits featuring railroad-related artifacts from Iowa’s past.
Recommended Ages
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad invites all visitors to discover and value Iowa’s historic railroad.
- National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium — Dubuque
What You’ll Experience
Iowa’s eastern boundary is formed by the Mississippi River.
Unsurprisingly, this river is rich in animals and has historical and cultural significance in the area.
Attractions at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, which combines aspects of a zoo, museum, and scientific center, include displays, live animals, and an immersive 4D theater. These characteristics emphasize how important the river is to the ecosystem and humanity.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages can enjoy an educational experience at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.
- Amana Colonies — Iowa County
What You’ll Experience
Time-travel to the era of German immigration to Iowa in the 1800s.
The German Romanians were a self-sufficient people that abandoned seven settlements in Iowa County. They had lovely traditions.
Take a stroll down their old streets or participate in the big gatherings and seasonal celebrations.
The cuisine, pastries, crafts, antiques, and outdoor art are just a few of the fascinating things to discover there. According to visitors, these things are different from European or American culture.
In addition, there are river access points for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, as well as hiking and biking routes.
The colonies’ most enjoyable periods of the year are when the events and festivals take place.
People dress up, decorate the villages, erect food booths, put on shows, and set up stalls selling delicacies.
Depending on the season, locals also carry out ancient customs.
Recommended Ages
Young and elderly fans will learn much from the Amana Colonies and their festivities.
- Zombie Burger + Drink Lab — Des Moines
What You’ll Experience
Do You intend to stay in the capital?
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab is one of the interesting family-friendly locations to visit nearby if the kids like zombie games or literature.
In addition to having a post-apocalyptic motif, this restaurant serves delicious burgers, entrees, and shakes.
The kid’s menu at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab is available for young zombie fans.
Recommended Ages
Toddlers, school-age kids, teenagers, and adults can have meals, burgers, drinks, and shakes at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab.
- Vermeer Windmill — Pella
What You’ll Experience
German settlers have already been covered.
We’ll now talk about how, in 1847, Dutch immigrants headed by Henry Scholte came at Pella, Iowa.
This mill was designed and constructed in the Netherlands, disassembled, brought to Iowa, and then put back together in Pella since the locals there are so proud of their Dutch ancestry.
And the Vermeer Mill serves more purposes than just beautifying the city.
It remains fully operational today, grinding grains into flour used by neighborhood restaurants.
The grains are delivered to the first floor.
A recreation of the miller family’s living and sleeping rooms is located on the second story.
The museum exhibits are on the third story, while storage is on the fourth.
The fifth floor, which is the top, has a fantastic view of Pella.
Recommended Ages
One of the most family-friendly attractions in Pella, a historic city, is the ancient Vermeer Mill.
The tiny hamlet is a particular highlight of the tour and the city’s Tulip Time Festival for both children and adults.
- Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens — Dubuque
What You’ll Experience
We chose the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens from among Iowa’s many lovely botanical gardens.
This arboretum is the biggest in the US, and admission is free.
The gardens also provide tours, a playground, and hiking trails.
Around the picturesque areas of the 56-acre property, festivals, workshops, and special activities for families are also hosted.
Recommended Ages
At the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, families with children of all ages can take advantage of nature’s picturesque views and therapeutic properties.
- LaunchPAD Children’s Museum — Sioux
What You’ll Experience
This enormous structure comprises eighteen permanent exhibitions where kids can learn about the life, society, and the world merely by playing if you’re seeking entertaining activities to do in Iowa with kids.
Educate visitors about food production in the farm and barn exhibits, or introduce them to financial concepts at the market display.
Even infants can explore and refine their senses in a space created especially for them.
They can also make and construct constructions using LEGO blocks in the Build Zone.
The youngsters might need an entire day to spend playing at each exhibit!
Recommended Ages
Children ages 12 and younger who are curious will find paradise at LaunchPAD Children’s Museum.
