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15 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Northeast Iowa 🌽

15 items

Andrea Reiher

As someone who calls Northeast Iowa home, these are some of my favorite places to take the whole family. From outdoor adventures and hands-on attractions to local gems that are actually worth the drive, here are 10 fun things to do with kids in North...

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Sections

Outdoor Activities

Arts & Entertainment

Local Favorites

Outdoor Activities

Believe it or not, this Iowa waterpark is consistently ranked the best in the nation. I like Lost Island because everyone can find something to do, whether that means racing down water slides, splashing in the pools or just cooling off for the aftern...

Lost Island Waterpark

I love having a full theme park right here in Northeast Iowa, especially when my 3 kids are in the mood for something a little more exciting. There are rides and attractions for different ages and thrill levels, and I like that we can make an entire ...

Lost Island Themepark

Palmer's is one of my favorite places for a family outing because there is so much to do. We can race go-karts, play mini golf, hit the batting cages, bounce on the giant jumping pillow or try the driving range, and there's even paintball. It's aweso...

Palmer's Family Fun

I love wandering through the Cedar Falls Farmers Market on a nice morning because there’s so much more than produce. I usually end up browsing the arts and crafts vendors, checking out the baked goods and grabbing something from one of the food or co...

Cedar Falls Farmers Market

I especially like visiting the Waterloo Farmers Market when Iowa produce is at its peak. There’s something very satisfying about coming home with a bag full of locally grown fruits and vegetables that actually taste like they’re supposed to.

Waterloo Urban Farmers Market

Hartman Reserve is one of my favorite places around Cedar Falls when I just want to get outside for a while. I love that we can walk or bike the wooded trails and get a genuine dose of nature without turning it into some enormous expedition.

Hartman Reserve Nature Center

I’ve always liked George Wyth because you can make a visit as active or as laid-back as your family wants. We can bike or hike the trails, enjoy the scenery and spend a few hours outside without having to drive far from town. There's even a beach whe...

George Wyth State Park

I really like Big Woods Lake when we want to get outside but aren't looking for a strenuous hike. The trails are great for an easy family walk or bike ride, and I love having the lake views along the way.

Big Woods Lake Campground

Arts & Entertainment

I’ve taken my kids to the Grout Museum District, and I love that there’s enough variety to keep everyone interested. We can explore history, science and military exhibits in the same outing, and it’s one of my go-to ideas when we want to do something...

Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Grout Museum of History & Science

As someone who loves theater and live entertainment, I’m always going to be a fan of taking kids to see an actual performance instead of watching another screen. I love that Gallagher Bluedorn brings concerts, touring productions and family-friendly ...

Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

I like Maple Lanes because bowling is only part of the outing. We can hit the lanes for some family competition, head to the huge arcade afterward and grab food while we’re there, so it’s an easy place to turn a couple of games into an entire afterno...

Maple Lanes Bowling Center

I’ve always loved libraries, and the Cedar Falls Public Library is one of my favorite free things to do with kids. We can browse for new books, spend some time in the children’s area and check out whatever activities are happening, and it’s especiall...

Cedar Falls Public Library

Local Favorites

Books and coffee are already two of my favorite things, so pairing The Nook with The Reader’s Cup is pretty much my idea of a perfect downtown stop. I love browsing for a new book and grabbing a coffee or treat while we’re there, then spending a litt...

The Nook and The Reader's Cup

I love stopping at Peekaboo Baby when I'm shopping for little ones because there are always so many cute things to browse. It's a fun place to look for baby and kids' clothing, toys and gifts, especially when I'm already spending some time downtown C...

PeekaBoo Baby Boutique

I love Get Air for those days when the kids have way too much energy and we need an indoor place where they can actually burn some of it off. The trampolines make it fun for a range of ages, and it's an especially great option in the cold winter mont...

Get Air Trampoline Park