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If you’re looking for the best places to take kids, look no further than Iowa. This Midwestern state has plenty of attractions that will keep both kids and adults entertained. From amusement parks to museums to outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in Iowa.
To help you plan your next family trip, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best places to take kids in Iowa. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, these destinations are sure to provide hours of entertainment and create lasting memories. So pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready for a fun-filled adventure in Iowa!
Adventureland Resort
Adventureland Resort is a top-rated amusement park located in Altoona, Iowa, and is one of the best places to take kids in the state. The park boasts over 100 rides, shows, and attractions, including some of the most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides in the country.
The park is divided into different themed areas, including Adventure Bay Waterpark, Adventureland, and Outlaw Gulch. Each area offers a unique experience and a variety of rides suitable for all ages.
Adventure Bay Waterpark is a great place to cool off during hot summer days. The waterpark features a wave pool, lazy river, and a variety of water slides, including the popular Tornado and Splash Over.
Adventureland is the heart of the amusement park and features a variety of thrill rides, including the Dragon roller coaster, the Storm Chaser, and the Galleon pirate ship. For younger children, there are plenty of gentle rides, such as the Frog Hopper and the Ladybug Bop.
Outlaw Gulch is a western-themed area of the park and features rides such as the Outlaw roller coaster, the Chuck Wagon Ferris wheel, and the Raging River rapids ride.
In addition to the rides, Adventureland Resort offers a variety of dining options, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down dining experiences. The park also hosts a variety of shows and events throughout the year, including live music and fireworks displays.
Adventureland Resort is a must-visit destination for families with children of all ages. With its wide range of rides, attractions, and entertainment options, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Blank Park Zoo
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines is a must-visit destination. This 49-acre zoological park is home to over 800 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and many more.
One of the most popular attractions at Blank Park Zoo is the Carousel. Your kids will love riding on the beautifully crafted animals while listening to the cheerful music. The cost is $2.00 per rider for members and $3.00 for non-members, with no charge if you ride along with your child.
Another exciting activity is the camel ride, which is available for an additional fee. Your kids can also feed parakeets, take a train ride, and explore the indoor rainforest Discovery Center.
Blank Park Zoo is committed to animal welfare and conservation, and they offer many educational programs and events for kids of all ages. You can even book a behind-the-scenes tour to get an up-close look at the animals and learn more about their care and habitat.
Overall, Blank Park Zoo is a great place to take your kids for a day of fun and learning. With so many exciting activities and opportunities to see and interact with animals, your family is sure to have a memorable experience.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
If you are looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a great place to visit. With over 7 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, this attraction offers a variety of activities for children of all ages.
Hours and Admission
The Botanical Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays and most major holidays. General admission costs $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and military personnel, $9 for students aged 2-12, and children under 1 year old get in for free.
What to See and Do
The Botanical Garden has a lot to offer for kids. Here are some of the highlights:
Discovery Garden: This interactive garden is designed specifically for children. It features a variety of hands-on activities, including a water play area, a maze, and a treehouse.
Butterfly Wing: This indoor exhibit allows visitors to observe live butterflies and learn about their life cycle and habitat.
Outdoor Gardens: The Botanical Garden has several outdoor gardens, including a rose garden, a water garden, and a conifer garden. These gardens are a great place to explore and learn about different types of plants.
Classes and Workshops: The Botanical Garden offers a variety of classes and workshops for children, including art classes, gardening classes, and nature walks. Check the calendar on their website for upcoming events.
Tips for Visiting
The Botanical Garden offers free parking, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot.
Bring sunscreen and hats for outdoor exploration.
The Botanical Garden has a cafe on site, so you can grab a snack or lunch during your visit.
Check their website for special events and exhibits before planning your visit.
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a great place to take your kids for a fun and educational experience. With a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Iowa Children’s Museum
If you’re looking for a place to take your kids that will engage their imagination and creativity, The Iowa Children’s Museum is a must-visit. Located in Coralville, this museum offers a unique learning experience that is both fun and educational.
At The Iowa Children’s Museum, kids can take an imaginary trip to the moon, explore the science of skateboarding, create messy masterpieces, and explore a pirate’s ship—all in one afternoon! The learning laboratory is a unique space where kids can let their imagination soar, make mistakes, and create lasting memories.
The museum has several exhibits that cater to different age groups, including infants, toddlers, and young children. Some of the most popular exhibits include:
- The Amazing Acres Farm: This exhibit allows kids to experience life on a farm, complete with a barn, a tractor, and farm animals.
- The Play Power exhibit: This exhibit encourages kids to use their creativity and imagination to build structures using foam blocks.
- The Bubble-ology exhibit: This exhibit teaches kids about the science of bubbles and how they work.
The Iowa Children’s Museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, including summer camps, workshops, and special events. Admission is affordable, and the museum is open seven days a week.
The Iowa Children’s Museum is a fantastic place to take your kids for a day of fun and learning. With its interactive exhibits and engaging programs, your kids will have a blast while learning new things.
Science Center of Iowa
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for kids, the Science Center of Iowa is a must-visit destination. Located in Des Moines, the Science Center offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that will keep kids engaged and entertained.
One of the highlights of the Science Center is the Blank IMAX Dome Theater, which features stunning films on a giant screen. The theater offers a variety of films, including documentaries and feature films, so there’s always something new to see.
In addition to the IMAX theater, the Science Center has a variety of exhibits that cover a wide range of topics. Kids can explore space in the “Why the Sky?” exhibit, learn about the human body in “Body Worlds Vital,” and discover the science of motion in “RACE: Are We So Different?”
The Science Center also offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including summer camps, workshops, and special exhibits. Be sure to check the calendar before your visit to see what’s happening during your trip.
The Science Center of Iowa is a great destination for families with kids of all ages. With its hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, it’s a fun and educational way to spend a day in Des Moines.
Living History Farms
Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor museum located in Urbandale, Iowa. It is a great place to bring your kids if you want to teach them about the history of agriculture in the Midwest. The museum covers 500 acres and tells the story of how Iowans transformed the fertile prairies of the Midwest into the most productive farmland in the world.
At Living History Farms, your kids will have the opportunity to experience life outside of their time period. They can explore a 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, an 1850 Pioneer Farm, a 1900 Horse-Powered Farm, and an 1875 town. In each of these areas, they can see how people lived and worked during those times.
One of the best things about Living History Farms is that it is very interactive. Your kids can participate in hands-on activities such as grinding corn, churning butter, and even riding in a horse-drawn wagon. The staff at Living History Farms are knowledgeable and friendly, and they are always happy to answer any questions your kids may have.
If you’re looking for a fun and educational day out with your kids, Living History Farms is definitely worth a visit. It’s a great way to teach your kids about the history of agriculture in the Midwest, and they’ll have a blast exploring the different farms and participating in hands-on activities.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 500 acres | The museum covers a large area, so there’s plenty to explore |
| Interactive exhibits | Your kids can participate in hands-on activities such as grinding corn and churning butter |
| Knowledgeable staff | The staff at Living History Farms are friendly and knowledgeable, and they’re always happy to answer any questions |
| Four different farms | Your kids can explore a 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, an 1850 Pioneer Farm, a 1900 Horse-Powered Farm, and an 1875 town |
| Horse-drawn wagon rides | Your kids can take a ride in a horse-drawn wagon and experience what it was like to travel in the past |
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids in Iowa, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque is a must-visit destination. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history and ecology of the Mississippi River and its surrounding areas, and it offers a variety of exhibits and activities that are sure to engage and entertain kids of all ages.
Biodiversity Hall
One of the highlights of the museum is the Biodiversity Hall, which features a variety of live animals and interactive exhibits that showcase the diverse ecosystems of the Mississippi River. Kids can get up close and personal with turtles, snakes, and other reptiles, as well as see a variety of fish and other aquatic creatures in their natural habitats.
River Museum
The River Museum is another must-see attraction at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Here, kids can learn about the history of the Mississippi River and its impact on the development of the Midwest. They can explore a replica of an 1890s steamboat, see a collection of antique boats and engines, and learn about the role of the river in commerce and transportation.
Overall, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is a great place to take kids in Iowa. With its engaging exhibits, live animals, and interactive activities, it’s sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
Pella Historical Village
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, a visit to the Pella Historical Village is a must. This attraction offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history and Dutch heritage.
The village features several historic buildings, including the Vermeer Windmill, which is the tallest working windmill in the United States. Kids will love seeing the massive sails turning in the wind and learning about how windmills were used in the past.
Another highlight of the village is the Scholte House, which was built in 1847 by the founder of Pella, Dominie Hendrik Pieter Scholte. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house to see what life was like for a wealthy Dutch family in the mid-1800s.
In addition to the windmill and Scholte House, the village also has a collection of historic buildings that have been moved to the site from around Pella. These buildings include a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, and a blacksmith shop.
One of the most unique features of the village is the miniature town, which shows what Pella looked like in the 1800s. Kids will love seeing the tiny buildings, canals, and trains, and then walking through the life-size versions of the same buildings in the village.
The Pella Historical Village is a great place to take kids who are interested in history and culture. With plenty of interactive exhibits and knowledgeable guides, it’s sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family.
Reiman Gardens
If you’re looking for a fun and educational place to take your kids in Ames, Iowa, look no further than Reiman Gardens. This 17-acre garden offers a variety of exhibits and activities that will keep your children entertained for hours.
One of the highlights of Reiman Gardens is the live, exotic butterfly exhibit. Your kids will be amazed as they walk through the enclosed butterfly habitat and see these beautiful creatures up close. In addition to the butterflies, Reiman Gardens also has a variety of other aquatic wildlife to see at Lake Helen.
The Children’s Garden at Reiman Gardens is another must-see attraction. Your kids will love exploring the interactive areas, playing in the “hideout,” and tumbling on the mounds designed for kids of all ages.
Reiman Gardens also has a stunning trial garden where growers get to test their new hybrids and creations. Take in the sights from the top of the Hillside Water-Wise Garden, and you’ll see plants like Sedum ‘Sunset Boulevard,’ Lavender ‘Wee One,’ plus shrubs and Bald Cypress trees, and more!
Reiman Gardens is a delightful day trip for families with kids. With its beautiful gardens, interactive exhibits, and educational opportunities, it’s a destination that your children will love and remember for years to come.
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park is a must-visit destination for families with kids who love adventure and exploring the outdoors. The park is located in eastern Iowa and offers visitors the opportunity to explore over 13 caves, natural bridges, and hiking trails.
The park’s main attraction is the 1,100-foot Dancehall Cave, which is the largest and most popular cave in the park. Visitors can explore the cave by walking through it, but be prepared to climb over rocks and crawl through tight spaces.
Aside from Dancehall Cave, there are several other caves to explore, including Hernando’s Hideaway, Shinbone Cave, and Wye Cave. Some of the caves are better suited for experienced spelunkers, while others can be explored by walking.
The park has over 6 miles of trails for visitors to hike, with varying degrees of difficulty. There are also picnic areas, playgrounds, and a campground for those who want to spend the night.
Entrance to the park is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks, as there are no food vendors in the park. The park is open from 4:00 AM to 10:30 PM, and visitors are advised to bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes.
Maquoketa Caves State Park is a great destination for families with kids who love the outdoors and exploring. With its numerous caves, hiking trails, and picnic areas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Take Kids in Iowa
Iowa is a great state to visit with your kids, offering a variety of fun and educational activities and places to visit for the whole family. From museums and amusement parks to scenic trails and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Iowa.
When planning your trip, consider visiting some of the top attractions like Adventureland Park, the National Mississippi River Museum, and the Science Center of Iowa. These destinations offer a mix of entertainment and education, making them perfect places for families with kids of all ages in the state of Iowa.
For those looking to explore Iowa’s natural beauty, the state’s hiking trails and outdoor recreation areas are not to be missed. The High Trestle Trail Bridge in Madrid provides stunning views of the Des Moines River Valley, while Big Creek Beach in Polk County offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.
If you’re interested in Iowa’s rich history, be sure to check out the Amana Colonies in Iowa County or the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville. These sites offer a unique glimpse into Iowa’s past and are sure to be a hit with history buffs of all ages.
Iowa is a great place to take your kids for a fun and educational vacation. With so many great attractions and activities to choose from, you’re sure to create lasting memories with your family in the Hawkeye State.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Places to Take Kids in Iowa
What are some free indoor activities for kids in Des Moines, Iowa?
Des Moines has several free indoor activities for kids. The Science Center of Iowa is a great place to take kids to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. The Des Moines Public Library also hosts free events and activities for kids, including storytime, crafts, and games.
What are the top 11 places to take kids in Iowa?
There are many great places to take kids in Iowa, but here are 11 of the best.
- Adventureland Park
- Blank Park Zoo
- National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
- Science Center of Iowa
- Lost Island Waterpark
- Amana Colonies
- Des Moines Art Center
- Iowa Children’s Museum
- Maquoketa Caves State Park
- Field of Dreams Movie Site
- Living History Farms
What are some fun things to do with kids in Des Moines?
Des Moines, Iowa has plenty of fun places to do with kids. You can take them to Adventureland Park, Blank Park Zoo, or the Science Center of Iowa. Another great option is to visit Gray’s Lake Park, which has a playground, walking trails, and a beach area.
What are some family-friendly vacation spots in Iowa?
Iowa has many family-friendly vacation spots. Dubuque is a great choice, with its historic sites and nature-based attractions. Okoboji is another popular vacation spot, with its beautiful lakes, beaches, and water activities.
What are some fun places to visit in Iowa during the summer?
There are many fun places to visit in Iowa during the summer. Adventureland Park, Lost Island Waterpark, and the Iowa State Fair are all great options for families. You can also take a trip to one of Iowa’s many lakes or rivers for swimming, boating, and fishing.
What are some kid-friendly stops to make while traveling through Iowa?
If you’re traveling through Iowa with kids, there are several kid-friendly places you can stop. The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque is a great place to learn about the Mississippi River and its wildlife. The Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville is also a fun stop, where you can visit the famous baseball field from the movie.
