• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University with Kids ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University with Kids
© Jinying/stock.adobe.com

2. American Gothic House & Center ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
American Gothic House & Center
© American Gothic House & Center

3. Arnolds Park

Category: Activities
Arnolds Park
© Arnolds Park

4. Blank Park Zoo, Iowa

Category: Kids & Family
Blank Park Zoo, Iowa
© Nadine Haase/stock.adobe.com

5. Carl A. and Peggy J. Bluedorn Science Imaginarium

Category: Kids & Family
Carl A. and Peggy J. Bluedorn Science Imaginarium
© Arkady Chubykin/stock.adobe.com

6. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum

Category: Kids & Family
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum
© Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum

7. Brucemore, Iowa

Brucemore, Iowa
© Brucemore

8. Charles H MacNider Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Charles H MacNider Art Museum
© Charles H MacNider Art Museum

9. Crystal Lake Cave, Iowa

Category: Activities
Crystal Lake Cave, Iowa
© Crystal Lake Cave

10. Adventureland Park

Tours
Adventureland Park
© Adventureland Park

11. Danish Windmill Museum and Welcome Center

Category: Attractions
Danish Windmill Museum and Welcome Center
© Henryk Sadura/stock.adobe.com

12. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Center with Kids

Category: Attractions
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Center with Kids
© The Greater Des Moines Botanical Center

13. Effigy Mounds National Monument

Category: Activities
Effigy Mounds National Monument
© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

14. Field of Dreams Movie Site

Field of Dreams Movie Site
© Field of Dreams Movie Site

15. Gray's Lake Park

Category: Activities
Gray's Lake Park
© ArmadilloGrafix/stock.adobe.com

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

Category: Kids & Family
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Grout Museum of History & Science
© Grout Museum District

17. Guthrie County Historical Village and Museum

Category: Attractions
Guthrie County Historical Village and Museum
© Guthrie County Historical Village and Museum

18. Indian Creek Nature Center, Iowa

Category: Activities
Indian Creek Nature Center, Iowa
© Manuel Capellari/stock.adobe.com

19. Iowa Children’s Museum

Category: Kids & Family
Iowa Children’s Museum
© Iowa Children’s Museum

20. Jester Park Natural Playscape

Category: Activities
Jester Park Natural Playscape
© Oliver/stock.adobe.com

21. Living History Farms

Category: Activities
Living History Farms
© Living History Farms

22. National Balloon Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
National Balloon Museum
© National Balloon Museum

23. National Farm Toy Museum, Iowa

Category: Activities
National Farm Toy Museum, Iowa
© National Farm Toy Museum

24. Sanford Museum and Planetarium, Iowa

Category: Kids & Family
Sanford Museum and Planetarium, Iowa
© Sanford Museum and Planetarium

25. Science Center of Iowa with Kids

Category: Kids & Family
Science Center of Iowa with Kids
© Science Center of Iowa

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • The rural state of Iowa is charming, quaint, and beautiful and offers a plethora of fun things to do with kids.
  • Bordered entirely by rivers to the east and the west and home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the country, the Hawkeye State boasts an array of outdoor recreational activities such as the historic Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Spook Cave, and the secluded Wilson Island State Park.
  • The state has a rich history that dates back to the 1600s, which can be explored in interesting museums, art galleries, and historical sites, while outdoor fun can be enjoyed at places like Reiman Gardens and Arnolds Park.
  • Here are some of the best things to do with kids in Iowa.

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