Family Friendly Fun: Welcome to Iowa

When traveling to a new city, it is important to consider what the city and state has to offer for the entire family. Although the state of Iowa is not a traditional family vacation hot spot, it is a great place to gather with family. Located in the heart of the Midwest, most of the state is just a day’s drive from the major population centers of the region, think Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and more. 

Larger cities, such as Dubuque and Des Moines feature many of the same conveniences of major cities, but also offer the slower pace associated with smaller towns. Despite its reputation as an agricultural powerhouse, the state of Iowa has much, much more to offer. ​

In Iowa City, Friday night is the night to be in the Pedestrian Mall for LIVE music. Bring a chair and a picnic basket or grab some food from a local cafe.

Garp Fest @ Codfish Hollow

Entertainment 

Though the “Hawkeye State” is known for its corn production, Iowa’s entertainment scene is nothing to scoff at.

The state offers music lovers of all types the chance to see a concert, with country, classic rock, hip hop and pop stars all making stops throughout the state.

Iowa has a few amazing family friendly venues, such as Codfish Hollow, which is a converted barn that hosts both local and national indie bands, as well as GARP Fest, a 2 day music festival with 30 bands that occurs each September.

​Located in a fairly rural part of the state, a visit to Codfish Hollow is an adventure in itself. 

Another top entertainment venue in Iowa is the Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre. The theatre hosts top music acts of all types, as well as dance and art performances. Located right in Des Moines, the venue is a must stop for families looking for a fun experience. The venue enhances listener’s experience is by the visually stunning and auditory enhancing architecture. 

Iowa Cubs Taylor Davis is known for his long running "sight gag" and fans hope he makes it to the The Big Show soon.

Sports & Family Fun

Though Iowa does not have a major professional sports team, the state is home to a variety of college and semi-professional teams, each of which have a dedicated following. Iowa is home to a number of single A minor league baseball teams, such as the Quad City River Bandits, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, and the Burlington Bees.

​The Iowa Cubs are the Triple A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. An Iowa Cubs game is a great chance to catch top, young, up and coming Chicago Cubs prospects, as well as star players returning from injury.

Minor league baseball games are notoriously quirky, with many teams having specific game time traditions. Games are cheap and can be a great family bonding opportunity. 

At the college level, Iowa fans are notoriously passionate. The bitter rivalry between the University of Iowa and Iowa State is always a fun game to watch, no matter the sport. The school’s football teams have been meeting since 1894, which is one of the older rivalries in all of college football. Because the two schools are in competition so regularly, a traveling trophy, called the Cy-Hawk Trophy was created. It goes to the winner of the most recent athletic competition between the two schools, whether it be for soccer, basketball or football. If you’re unable to catch one of these amazing in-state rivalry games, don’t fret. Both schools have long running rivalries with out of state schools, such as the Minnesota/Iowa football rivalry, the Iowa State/Missouri or Iowa State/Kansas State rivalry, which always make for exciting contests in their own rights. 

Outdoor Recreation

​For families looking for a more wild experience in Iowa, the state does not disappoint. Iowa is home to an unexpected amount of mountain bike trails with everything from more extreme downhill tracks for experienced riders to crushed gravel paths for those just getting into the sport. Bike rentals are surprisingly affordable and are available at a variety of locations throughout the state. The state also offers miles and miles of paved and gravel bike paths that are perfect for a mellow family outing. 

Check out Sidetracks Bike Trail RATINGS

Looking to cool off in the heat of summer? Look no further thanIowa’s Charles City Whitewater Park. Constructed in 2011, the park offers visitors lots of recreation options. From kayaking, to Stand Up Paddleboarding, to tubing, the park also has a few non-water related options as well. A disc golf course, art walk, amphitheater, and play area make this a must stop for families visiting the area. 

No matter age or interest, Iowa has something for everyone. With lots of art walks and concert venues, families can find a few ways to enjoy Iowa’s entertainment scene. Sports fans can be treated historical rivalry games in nearly any sport. Adventurous families can head to the trails or the river to get their adrenaline fix at one of Iowa’s many outdoor recreation hotspots. Music lovers can attend live shows and immerse in a variety of genres. Although not a tropical destination, Iowa has everything you would want in a family vacation, and more!

​Contributed by: Haley Kieser
haleyskieser@gmail.com