10 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Iowa City

Iowa City is a vibrant and bustling college town that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for families of all sizes. Whether you’re looking for a day of outdoor adventure, educational activities, or simply some quality family time, Iowa City has something for everyone. Here are 10 fun things to do with kids in Iowa City.

1. Hike at Macbride Nature Recreation Area

The Macbride Nature Recreation Area is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in Iowa City. With more than 1,200 acres of forest, meadows, and wetlands, the Macbride Nature Recreation Area offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. There are more than 10 miles of trails to explore, with something to suit any age and ability level. From easy loops for a leisurely stroll to more challenging trails for the more adventurous, Macbride Nature Recreation Area offers a little something for everyone.

The Macbride Nature Recreation Area also offers a variety of educational activities for kids. The Macbride Nature Learning Center, located in the heart of the recreation area, offers interactive exhibits, programs, and events designed to help kids learn about the natural world. There are also plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife, with bird watching, fishing, and other activities.

The Macbride Nature Recreation Area is a great place to spend the day, and is sure to provide hours of fun for kids of all ages.

2. Take a Tour of the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is one of Iowa City’s most iconic landmarks, and taking a tour of the campus is a great way to explore the area. The University of Iowa offers a variety of guided tours, including a one-hour walking tour that covers the highlights of the campus, as well as specialized tours of the library, museums, and other attractions.

The University of Iowa also offers a variety of educational programs for kids, including summer camps, field trips, and other educational activities. Kids can learn about history, science, and other subjects while exploring the beautiful campus.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Iowa City or just visiting for the day, taking a tour of the University of Iowa is sure to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

3. Explore Iowa City’s Pedestrian Mall

Stretching from the University of Iowa to the Iowa River, the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The mall is a vibrant and bustling area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. From souvenir shops to restaurants to ice cream parlors, the Pedestrian Mall has something to offer everyone.

Kids will love exploring the Pedestrian Mall, with its colorful shops and street performers. There are also plenty of activities to keep kids entertained, from puppet shows to ice cream stands to face painting. The Pedestrian Mall is the perfect place to spend an afternoon in Iowa City.

Kids will also love the fact that the Pedestrian Mall is a car-free zone, making it a safe and enjoyable place to explore.

4. Have a Picnic at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area

Terry Trueblood Recreation Area is a great place for a family picnic. Located on the banks of the Iowa River, the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area offers plenty of space for picnicking, as well as a variety of activities and attractions. There are plenty of trails for a leisurely stroll, as well as a playground for the kids.

The Terry Trueblood Recreation Area also offers plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife, with bird watching, fishing, and other activities. There’s also a disc golf course, which is perfect for a competitive family game.

The Terry Trueblood Recreation Area is the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing family picnic.

5. Take a Ride on the Iowa City Trolley

The Iowa City Trolley is a great way to explore the city, and it’s a fun and unique experience for kids. The trolley runs from the University of Iowa to the downtown area, with stops at various attractions along the way. The trolley is a great way to get around the city, and it’s sure to be an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

The Iowa City Trolley is also an educational experience, with educational tours available for schools and other groups. Kids will love learning about the history of the city and its attractions, while riding on the trolley.

The Iowa City Trolley is a great way to explore the city, and it’s sure to be a fun experience for kids of all ages.

6. Visit the Iowa Children’s Museum

The Iowa Children’s Museum is a great way to spend a day with the kids. The Museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities, designed to help kids learn about the world around them. From an interactive kitchen to physics experiments to art projects, the Iowa Children’s Museum is sure to keep kids entertained for hours.

The Iowa Children’s Museum also offers a variety of educational programs, including summer camps and field trips. The Museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, from movie nights to holiday celebrations.

The Iowa Children’s Museum is a great way for kids to learn and explore, and is sure to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

7. Catch a Show at the Englert Theater

The Englert Theater is one of the most iconic landmarks in Iowa City, and it’s a great place for kids to catch a show. From Broadway musicals to family films to live performances, the Englert Theater has something for everyone. The theater also hosts a variety of educational programs and events, designed to help kids learn about the performing arts.

The Englert Theater is a great place to spend an evening, and it’s sure to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

8. Take a Boat Ride on the Iowa River

The Iowa River is one of the most beautiful attractions in Iowa City, and taking a boat ride on the river is a great way to explore the area. There are several boat rental companies in the area, offering a variety of boats for rent, from kayaks to canoes to paddleboats. Taking a boat ride on the Iowa River is a great way to get a different perspective of the city, and it’s sure to be an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

The Iowa River also offers plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife, with bird watching, fishing, and other activities. There’s also a variety of educational programs offered by the Iowa River Environmental Education Center, which is sure to be an educational experience for kids.

Taking a boat ride on the Iowa River is a great way to explore the area, and it’s sure to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

9. Visit the Iowa City Public Library

The Iowa City Public Library is a great place to spend a day with the kids. The library offers a variety of programs and events, designed to help kids learn and explore. From storytime to art classes to educational programs, the Iowa City Public Library is sure to keep kids entertained for hours.

The Iowa City Public Library also has a variety of books, magazines, and other materials for kids to explore. Kids can find books on a variety of topics, from science to history to literature, and they can even check out movies and video games.

The Iowa City Public Library is a great place to spend the day, and it’s sure to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

10. Visit the Iowa City Farmers Market

The Iowa City Farmers Market is a great place to spend a day with the family. The market is open year-round, and offers a variety of local produce, crafts, and other items. Kids will love exploring the different stands, and the market also offers a variety of educational opportunities. Kids can learn about where their food comes from, and how it’s grown and harvested.

The Iowa City Farmers Market is also a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs, and it’s sure to be a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Summary

Iowa City is a vibrant and bustling college town that offers plenty of fun and exciting activities for families of all sizes. From outdoor adventure to educational activities to simply some quality family time, Iowa City has something for everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Iowa City or just visiting for the day, there’s plenty to do with kids in Iowa City. From hiking at Macbride Nature Recreation Area to catching a show at the Englert Theater, there’s something for everyone. So come explore Iowa City and discover all that the city has to offer.