8 Iowa Vacation Hot Spots with Kids that Your Family Will Love
Looking for a family getaway that’s just a quick drive away? Iowa has so many fun destinations! From bustling cities to charming small towns, there’s no shortage of vacation spots in Iowa for families with kids. Whether you’re exploring interactive museums, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up Midwest charm, Iowa offers something for every family.
This guide highlights several family vacations you won’t want to miss, with ideas for where to go in Iowa with kids and a few of the best family-friendly places to stay. To help you plan your getaway, we’ve included five kid-friendly Iowa cities packed with fun activities. Plus, there are three unique properties where your family can unwind after a day of exploring. If you’re ready to plan a trip full of memorable adventures, Iowa is waiting! Discover our top picks for 8 Vacation Spots in Iowa that Families with Kids Will Love!
Des Moines
If you’re looking for Iowa family vacation ideas, Des Moines deserves a top spot on your list! Just a quick drive from Minnesota, this vibrant city offers hands-on activities, outdoor fun, and delicious dining, perfect for families.
Start your family adventures at the Science Center of Iowa, where interactive exhibits make learning exciting for kids of all ages. Animal lovers can head to Blank Park Zoo to see tigers, red pandas, and giraffes up close. Looking for something truly unique? Check out the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum. The museum even offers a memorable train ride through Iowa’s stunning landscapes, paired with a lesson in railroading history!
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Ledges State Park, known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and easy hiking trails. It’s one of the best state parks in Iowa. Prefer a scenic bike ride? Try Neal Smith Trail or the Des Moines River Trail. After a full day, wind down at The Hall, a German-style food hall where everyone in the family can find something they love—from burgers to bratwurst. With its mix of attractions and charm, Des Moines is a standout choice for Iowa family vacations!
Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids is a hidden gem for families looking for a vacation spot in Iowa. Just a 4.5-hour drive from Minneapolis, this eastern Iowa city blends cultural experiences with family-friendly fun, making it a perfect weekend getaway with kids.
Start your adventure at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, a Smithsonian Affiliate where exhibits dive into the legacies of Czech and Slovak immigrants. Art-loving families will enjoy the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Meanwhile, younger kids can explore The Iowa Children’s Museum in nearby Coralville. Need to burn off some energy? Head to The Fun Station Cedar Rapids. This massive indoor playground is perfect for active kids up to age 12. Alternatively, older kids and teens will love the thrill of Dragon’s Lair, a mission-driven laser tag experience!
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Indian Creek Nature Center, featuring trails and interactive exhibits for all ages. If biking is more your speed, hit the Cedar River Trail. This 12.6-mile path offers stunning views of urban wildlife and the Cedar River. If you’re searching for a balance of indoor museums for all ages and scenic outdoor adventures, Cedar Rapids is a fantastic choice for where to go in Iowa with kids!
Pella
With its Dutch-inspired charm, Pella is undoubtedly one of Iowa’s best places to visit with kids. Known for its early May Tulip Time festival, this delightful small town offers rich cultural experiences, dynamite Dutch bakeries, and scenic charm all year round, making it a fun family destination for all ages.
Begin your adventure at the Klokkenspel, where musical figures tell the story of Pella’s heritage every 30 minutes. Stroll through Brinkhoff Park to admire the iconic windmill, or head to Central Park, featuring fountains, a sundial, and beautiful green spaces. For a kid-favorite stop, check out the wooden playground at West Market Park, designed by local children.
Explore more Dutch history at Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Mill. Here, you can tour one of North America’s tallest working windmills, visit a log cabin, and learn about Wyatt Earp’s early life in Iowa. End the day by climbing the Cordova Observation Tower for sweeping views. Finally, don’t forget to visit Jaarsma Bakery for authentic Dutch pastries. This family-owned bakery has been serving the community since 1898!
Pella is a must-see among charming small cities in Iowa with kids—rich in history, fun, and flavor.
Keep reading to discover more Iowa Vacation Hot Spots with Kids!
Dubuque
Vacation spots in Iowa don’t get much better for families than in Dubuque! This charming riverside city blends a rich local history with endless family-friendly attractions. Perched along the Mississippi River, Dubuque offers an enchanting downtown lined with shops and restaurants, cozy museums, epic hiking trails, and more.
Start your trip at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Hands-on exhibits and lively aquariums will captivate visitors of all ages. Your kids can even try piloting a river barge! Afterward, head to the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens to explore beautiful gardens together. Of course, riding the Fenelon Place Elevator Company is a must! It’s the world’s shortest and steepest railway and provides unbeatable views of the surrounding area. Movie fans won’t want to miss the iconic Field of Dreams Movie Site. Meanwhile, those with littles will love exploring the Creative Adventure Lab.
Head north along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway for outdoor fun. Stop in Guttenberg for lunch and then hike the trails at Pikes Peak State Park, where limestone cliffs and stunning Mississippi River views await. It’s one of the best state parks in Iowa for families. Alternatively, explore the historic Mines of Spain trails, or check out the Proving Grounds Recreation Area for multi-use paths and scenic exploration. With so much to offer, Dubuque is an unforgettable destination for your next Iowa family vacation!
Related Article: 5 Exciting Spring Break Ideas in Iowa with Kids
Iowa City
Iowa City is a must-visit destination for family vacations. This dynamic city offers a variety of activities for all ages, including art and theater, outdoor adventure, and fossils. No wonder this vibrant college town is one of Iowa’s best places to visit with kids!
Did you know Iowa City is known as the Greatest Small City for the Arts? Start your trip at the Stanley Museum of Art, where kids and adults alike will be inspired by stunning works from Grant Wood and Jackson Pollock, all in a free, family-friendly setting. Wrap up your first day downtown at the Englert Theatre, a historic venue hosting music, comedy, and cultural events. Alternatively, for more hands-on fun with littles in tow, head to The Iowa Children’s Museum. This museum offers plenty of interactive exhibits encouraging young minds to play and learn.
Then, dive into history and natural wonder at the Devonian Fossil Gorge, where you can walk on a 375-million-year-old ocean floor. Outdoor enthusiasts will also love the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. You can bike scenic trails or rent kayaks to explore the lake here. If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss Lake MacBride State Park for swimming, fishing, and boating. It’s Iowa’s largest state park! The Coralville Reservoir’s sandy beach is another family-friendly spot for summer swimming. Whether you’re exploring the arts, local swimming holes, or looking for fossils, Iowa City offers something for every family.
Iowa Vacation with Kids: New Day Dairy GuestBarn, Clarksville
Head to New Day Dairy GuestBarn in Clarksville for a unique Iowa family vacation. This one-of-a-kind farm stay lets you wake up with 24/7 views of happy cows in a working dairy barn. Families will love the included tours, where you can pet a cow, snap selfies, and even name a newborn calf if one arrives during your stay! Inside the cozy GuestBarn, you’ll enjoy a DIY continental breakfast while soaking up peaceful farm vibes.
Kids can explore the farm’s toys, books, and games or roam the private lane, garden, and fire pit under the stars. Add the “Be A Dairy Farmer Challenge“ tour for extra fun. Whether relaxing at the farm or adventuring nearby—think fossil hunting, biking trails, or historic sites—this is one of the best places to visit in Iowa with kids and an unforgettable way to connect with nature!
Want to get off the farm for a bit? There are plenty of adventures nearby, too. About 45 minutes from the farm, you can explore Prairie Fossil Park together. If you want an outing closer to the farm, try canoeing, kayaking, or tubing on the Cedar River. Cedar Bend Park is an excellent spot for hiking, while bikers will adore the trails at Rolling Prairie Bike Trail. Finally, Clarksville’s charming downtown is just 10 minutes away and offers plenty of shops, restaurants, and more for the whole family.
Bridges Bay Resort, Okoboji
Sometimes, the best destinations are resorts with epic family amenities and things to do! Bridges Bay Resort in Okoboji is hard to beat for action-packed vacation spots in Iowa for families. Perfect for a weekend getaway with kids, this resort offers a variety of accommodations, from cozy cabins and spacious condos to traditional hotel rooms. Need room for the whole crew? Some options sleep up to 12!
The fun starts at Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark, where kids and parents alike will love the lazy river, water slides, and splash zones. After a day of play, grab a bite at one of the three on-site restaurants. While kids hit the arcade, adults can unwind in the on-site fitness center. Bridges Bay’s amenities make it one of the best places for families to stay in Iowa.
Okoboji has even more to offer when you’re ready to explore beyond the resort. Visit the Dickinson County Nature Center for interactive exhibits and wildlife spotting. Or, let the kids run around and play at East Lake Park’s playgrounds. Whether you’re splashing at the waterpark or exploring the area, Bridges Bay Resort makes Okoboji one of the top picks for where to go in Iowa with kids!
King’s Pointe Resort, Storm Lake
For a fun-filled getaway, King’s Pointe Resort in Storm Lake is among Iowa’s best places for families. This kid-friendly resort offers a variety of accommodations, including spacious suites and cottages that sleep up to eight, making it perfect for families of all sizes.
The resort’s indoor waterpark will be the epicenter of your trip! From a zero-depth entry pool ideal for little ones to a lazy river and thrilling water slides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. After a full day of splashing, you can refuel without leaving the resort, thanks to its convenient on-site dining options.
When you’re ready to explore more, Storm Lake has plenty of family-friendly activities. Visit the Heritage Tree Museum to learn about unique trees from around the world. Afterward, let kids burn off energy at the playground in AWAYSIS Park. Finally, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along Lake Avenue and Main Street, which are lined with charming shops and local restaurants. Whether you’re soaking up the fun at the waterpark or discovering Storm Lake’s hidden gems, King’s Pointe Resort delivers a memorable experience for families with kids of all ages!
Have Fun Exploring Iowa with Your Kids!
Iowa is packed with unforgettable family adventures, offering everything from vibrant cities to charming small towns and unique stays. Whether you’re exploring top vacation spots in Iowa for families, discovering hidden gems in local parks, or splashing away at one of the best places to stay in Iowa for families, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From hands-on museums to beautiful state parks, these Iowa family vacations promise excitement and connection at every turn. Start planning today and create lasting memories in the best places to visit with kids in Iowa!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
