Top Things To Do In Iowa With Kids – Perfect Family Gateway
Planning a family gateway but wondering what are the things to do in Iowa with kids? This midwestern state offers a wealth of activities that are perfect for kids and family gateway. From interactive museums and outdoor adventures to alluring parks and thrilling amusement parks, Iowa is packed with family-friendly destinations that will make your trip memorable and fun.
Top Fun Things To Do In Iowa With Kids
Whether you’re looking to explore nature, dive into history, or simply have some fun, this guide will help you discover the best things to do in Iowa with kids. Get ready for a journey full of excitement, learning, adventure, and unforgettable family moments!
1. Field of Dreams Movie Site
Location: Dyersville, Northeastern Iowa.
Have you seen the movie Field of Dreams? If you have seen the movie you can easily remember the famous baseball field of The Field of Dreams Movie Site. This is the place where the classic 1989 movie “Field of Dreams” starring Kevin Costner was filmed.
If your children love baseball this is the place you must visit in Iowa. Kids can play catch on rolling corn fields of Dyersville and enjoy baseball tournaments. Tournaments are divided into youth baseball and senior baseball.
Special events are also been organized each summer, making it a fun and nostalgic outing for families.
2. Blank Park Zoo
Location: Des Moines, Central Iowa.
You won’t miss visiting Blank Park Zoo if your family loves animals. You must put it into your Iowa family trip bucket list. The zoo features a wide variety of animals around the world.
There are several classes for children to join and participate in fun and hands-on activities as well as opportunities to meet Zoo animals. The classes are divided into 4 sections Ages 1 – 2.5 years are called Polliwogs, Ages 2 – 4 years are called Zoo Tots & Zoo Tots Cooking, Ages 5 – 7 years are named Zoo Juniors and Ages 8 – 11 years are named ZooQuest.
There is also a Ruby’s Readers Book Club to enjoy books. Your children can also spend the school break by joining the safari camps. The safari camp includes activities like hands-on lessons, games, art, zoo explorations, and live animal encounters. The zoo has four safari camps —spring, summer, winter, and School’s Out Safari. Overall Blank Park Zoo might be a great option for your family and kids to spend with animals.
3. Lost Island Water Park
Location: Waterloo, northeastern Iowa.
Your family gateway might be incomplete without visiting Lost Island Water Park in Iowa. The theme park has family-friendly rides and attractions that consist of rollercoaster rides, and water rides. A few of the theme park rides and attractions are Sea Swell, Zulawa Wave, Kukui Station, Kapulele Gliders, Mama Pezaki, and so on.
Lost Island Water Park is one of Iowa’s largest water parks. If you love water and looking to cool off by joining some water-based fun activities, visit Lost Island Water Park and experience the island gateway and the major waterslides.
4. Maquoketa Caves State Park
Location: Maquoketa, eastern Iowa.
Maquoketa Caves State Park is the most unique and naturally beautiful place in Iowa. It has the most caves than any other national park. The park has enormous bluff towers that represent geological time of thousands of years.
Hiking through the six-mile trail system provides access to the caves and park facilities. The park’s standout features include the impressive “Natural Bridge,” towering 50 feet above Raccoon Creek, and the massive 17-ton “Balanced Rock,”
There are 13 caves including the 1,100-foot “Dancehall Cave” Hernado’s Hideaway, Shinbone Cave, and Wye Cave.
Camping is allowed either in the newly upgraded campground or any of the hike-in sites. The camping reservations can be made through the online reservation system. The park also has picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family outing.
5. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Location: Dubuque, eastern Iowa.
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is a complete blend of aquarium, museum, and science center. The educational experiences bring history and rivers to life.
The campus is 14 acres long on the bank of the Mississippi River. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, and watch a variety of aquatic animals, including river otters, alligators, and fish native to the Mississippi.
If you love history science and nature you must visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Iowa.
6. Pikes Peak State Park
Location: McGregor, northeastern Iowa.
In the Pikes Peak State Park, there are a total of eleven and one-half miles of hiking trails, consisting of dirt, grass, or crushed rock. The park also has picnicking opportunities. A stone picnic shelter along with two open “gazebo” shelters is there to enjoy the leisurely outdoors.
October is the best time to visit the park due to the fall colors. Keep in mind October is also the busiest month. Amenities and services like Archeological Sites, Bicycling, Bird Watching, and Wildlife Viewing are also available in the park.
Pikes Peak State Park offers some of the most stunning views of the Mississippi River in Iowa. The natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a great spot for family bonding.
7. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Location: Des Moines, central Iowa.
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a place to explore nature and gardens in Des Moines, Iowa. It features a wide variety of plant species in both indoor and outdoor gardens. Kids and families can learn about different types of plants and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers seasonal flower displays, interactive exhibits, and special events. Kids will enjoy walking through the outdoor gardens and exploring the tropical conservatory.
Visit the garden shop if you are a garden enthusiast. You will find some unique and precious handmade local goods like books, houseplants, stationery, seeds, home decor items, and art.
Explore the hidden gnomes in the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and find the true nature.
8. Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Location: Dubuque, eastern Iowa.
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a family-friendly place that enriches lives through nature. This place allows your kids to enjoy, educate, and inspire through nature.
The garden grants activities like strolling, walking, and hiking. Legacy Tree Trail is a good option to hike through the garden and take rest in the park benches when necessary.
There is a partnership between Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden and Carnegie-Stout Public Library named StoryWalk. This provides an outdoor reading experience by displaying children’s books along the Legacy Tree Trail.
Additionally, Conifer Trail leads to three conifer collections that highlight the grounds. The collections are Walter, Hermsen, and Edna Mozena Conifer Collections. The playground in the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a fun and purposeful addition for the kids.
Besides you can enjoy the summer gardens. Some of them are Annual Gardens, Cactus Garden, Children’s Gardens, Garden of Eat’n, Formal Herb Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Wildflower Garden, and many more. Overall a beautiful place to visit in Iowa with plenty of open space for kids to run and play.
09. Effigy Mounds National Monument
Location: Harpers Ferry, northeastern Iowa.
Effigy Mounds National Monument is a significant cultural and historical site in the Upper Mississippi River Valley, Iowa. It preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native Americans. Some of the mounds are shaped like animals.
The monument offers several hiking trails that lead to the mounds. The trail provides beautiful views of the Mississippi River along the way.
It is a great place for families to enjoy outdoor activities together as well as learn about Native American culture.
10. Adventureland Resort
Location: Altoona, central Iowa.
Adventureland Resort is a large amusement park; perfect for adventure-loving kids. The park features 100 + rides, shows, and attractions as well as a water park.
You can have thrilling adventurous classic coasters like Tornado and Outlaw, modern thrills, Draken Falls, and Flying Viking. On top of that Adventure Bay water park has thrilling slides and several water activities to cool down from the summer sun.
After spending the whole day and exploring the rides and attractions at the theme park you can enjoy your evening around the campfire. It also provides you space for tent camping.
Adventureland Resort is a complete package for having fun, adventure, and cherished family memories. The resort offers accommodations for those who want to extend their stay and keep the fun going.
11. Iowa Hawkeyes Football
Location: Iowa City, eastern Iowa.
Iowa Hawkeyes football is a beloved tradition in the state, offering an exciting atmosphere that’s perfect for families. Game days at Kinnick Stadium are full of energy, making it a fun and thrilling experience for fans of all ages.
Kinnick Stadium, home of the Iowa Hawkeyes, is easily accessible by car with nearby parking lots. The stadium is equipped with family-friendly areas
Final Thoughts
Iowa is more than just rolling fields and friendly faces—it’s a treasure trove of family-friendly adventures waiting to be explored. Whether your kids love animals, water, theme parks, museums, or natural beauties we have covered everything in this blog. Now that you know some of the top things to do or visit in Iowa with your kid you can just pack and head over to an unforgettable family adventure in Iowa!
