There are many reasons to choose a fun Iowa family vacation destination for spring break this year. From scenic outdoor spaces to affordable things to do and places to stay, Iowa is a fantastic option for a lowkey (but super fun!) spring break with kids. Head to Cedar Rapids or Des Moines for a balance of indoor museums and outdoor fun. Alternatively, Pella is one of the best cities in the United States with a European feel. Here, you can munch on Dutch treats and learn about Dutch heritage in Iowa. Or, maybe you’re hoping to have a splashing good time at a hotel with a waterpark? No matter what you’re looking for, some of Iowa’s best places to visit with kids shine during the spring. Please keep reading to discover our top picks for the best spring break ideas and destinations in Iowa with kids!
Cedar Rapids
The vibrant city of Cedar Rapids is known for its fun, family-friendly attractions and dynamic art scene. Parents looking for spring break ideas in Iowa with kids will find tons of exciting things to do across the city, from kid-friendly museums to trendy restaurants. Less than 4.5 hours from Minneapolis and Chicago, its eastern Iowa location also makes it an accessible spring break destination or weekend getaway for many Midwest families.
If you have Czech or Slovakian heritage or like hidden gem museums, you should start your trip at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. A designated Smithsonian Affiliate, this museum offers several fascinating exhibits on the lives and legacies of Czech and Slovakian immigrants to the United States. Then, if your kids are interested in art, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is a must-stop. Meanwhile, littles may prefer The Iowa Children’s Museum in nearby Coralville. Want to let kids burn off a little energy? Head to The Fun Station Cedar Rapids, a 3-story indoor playground (designed for kids infant to age 12). Alternatively, older kids and teens will love the challenge of the Dragon’s Lair. This mission-oriented laser tag experience will surely please kids and adults alike!
Then, outdoor enthusiasts will find beautiful trails at Indian Creek Nature Center. The nature center also provides indoor and outdoor exhibits for all ages. Or, if the snow has cleared, embark on an epic bike riding adventure across the Cedar River Trail. This 12.6-mile trail offers endless views of urban wildlife and flora along McCloud’s Run, Cedar Lake, and the Cedar River. With so much to offer, no wonder Ceder Rapids is hailed as one of the best vacation spots in Iowa for families!
Spring Break Iowa: Des Moines
If you’re wondering where to go in Iowa for spring break with kids, put Des Moines at the top of your list! Families love visiting Des Moines for its friendly Midwestern charm and robust list of family-friendly attractions. Centrally located in Iowa, Des Moines is less than 4 hours from Minneapolis and only about 5 hours from Chicago.
When you’re ready to explore, Des Moines has exactly what you want this spring break! Start at the Science Center of Iowa. Located in the heart of the city, this hands-on museum makes learning fun and effortless for all ages. Then, if you have animal lovers in your family, put Blank Park Zoo on your Des Moines itinerary. The zoo features a variety of animals, including tigers, seals, lions, giraffes, red pandas, rhinos, and much more! For something unique, book one of the Saturday excursions offered by Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum. Aboard the train, your family can enjoy incredible scenery on a classic train car while learning about railroading history in Iowa. Then, check the show schedule at Des Moines Community Playhouse. It’s one of the oldest and largest community theaters in the United States!
Then, begin your outdoor adventures at Ledges State Park. Featuring sandstone cliffs and dense forests, this unique state park is a fun, family-friendly place to explore! Alternatively, Neal Smith Trail, Saylorville Lake Shore Trail, and Des Moines River Trail are great options for families looking to get outside. Finally, top off your exploration with dinner at The Hall. This German-style food hall is a great place to ensure everyone gets to eat what they want, from German fare and burgers to pizza – pleasing even the pickiest of eaters!
Pella
Beloved for its Tulip Time festival, Pella is undoubtedly one of Iowa’s best places to visit with kids! This enchanting, Dutch-inspired town is a hidden gem on our list of spring break ideas in Iowa with kids for its culturally rich heritage and distinctly European feel. Southeast of Des Moines, Pella is less than 5 hours from both Minneapolis and Chicago.
Start your visit at the iconic Klokkenspel. Every 30 minutes, the Klokkenspel features musical figures that share the tale of Pella’s history and heritage. Then, find more Dutch inspiration at Brinkhoff Park. Kids will marvel at the windmill, while parents can enjoy any spring blooms that are starting to emerge. Central Park is another lovely green space worth exploring, featuring a large fountain, a Civil War statue, a sundial, and a windmill. If playgrounds are more your style, you’ll find a thrilling one at West Market Park. Kids will love learning that local children designed this large wooden playground! Afterward, head to Cordova Park & Observation Tower, where you can climb the tallest observation tower in a public park in the Midwest. The views are worth the climb!
Continuing your exploration of Dutch-themed attractions, Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Mill reopens for the season on March 18. Here, you can tour the Vermeer Windmill. This is one of the tallest working windmills in North America. Then families can also explore a log cabin, general store, Dutch costume displays, and more. Did you know that Wyatt Earp grew up in Pella? Learn about his life and escapades at the on-site Wyatt Earp Experience. Finally, make sure to munch on tasty treats from Jaarsma Bakery. They specialize in Dutch pastries and have been family-owned since 1898.
Dubuque
Iowa’s unique history comes alive in Dubuque. Located along the Mississippi River and dating back over 200 years, Dubuque’s historical charm and enchanting main street are only two of the many reasons parents love embarking on family vacations to this Iowa destination. Its eastern location puts Dubuque 3.5 hours from Chicago and 4.5 hours from Minneapolis.
Make the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium your first stop in Dubuque. With aquariums filled with unique fish and other marine creatures and interactive exhibits, this museum will quickly become a family favorite. Your kids can even try their hand at piloting a river barge! Then, treat kids to a unique experience on the shortest and steepest railroad in the world at the Fenelon Place Elevator Company. If you have a movie buff in the family, make sure to stop at the iconic Field of Dreams Movie Site. Meanwhile, those traveling with toddlers and young kids may prefer stopping at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens or the playful Creative Adventure Lab.
When you’re ready to explore local nature, head north along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. From here, you can explore many scenic sights near the Mississippi River. Make the inviting river town of Guttenberg your lunch stop. Afterward, take a hike at Pikes Peak State Park. The park offers more than 11 miles of trails meandering through limestone cliffs, a waterfall, and epic views of the Mississippi River. Alternatively, the Mines of Spain is another great hike near Dubuque. Plaques along the trail highlight historical facts, stories, and legends about the founding of Dubuque and its local mines. Families may also like exploring the multi-use trails at Proving Grounds Recreation Area.
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Spring Break Iowa: Waterpark Hotel Adventure
Some of Iowa’s best spring break ideas with kids aren’t cities filled with activities – they are family-friendly hotels! There are two hotels in Iowa with indoor waterparks that we love for families. Each one offers a fun spring break escape with kids, where you can splash, play, and connect together. Keep reading to learn about these fun Iowa hotels with indoor waterparks!
Bridges Bay Resort, Okoboji
Are you looking for action-packed spring break ideas in Iowa for families? Book a stay at Bridges Bay Resort in Okoboji. Offering accommodations from cabins and condos to traditional rooms, there’s much to love about staying here with kids. You can even find options that sleep up to 12 people.
Once you’re settled in your room, most of the action can be found at Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark. The all-ages tube slide and the lazy river mean everyone can spend the day relaxing and splashing together! Then, three on-site restaurants, an arcade, and a fitness center round out your on-site spring break amenities. Plus, its fantastic location lets you explore the many family-friendly things to do in Okoboji! Don’t miss checking out Dickinson County Nature Center or the playgrounds at East Lake Park during your trip.
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King’s Pointe Resort, Storm Lake
Suppose you’re looking for a hotel with a waterpark. In that case, King’s Pointe Resort has to be one of the best vacation spots in Iowa for families! Located in Storm Lake, this kid-friendly resort includes spacious suites and cottages. Cottages can sleep up to eight people!
During spring break, the indoor waterpark will be the highlight of your trip! Featuring everything from stress-free dips in the zero-depth entry pool to a lazy river and thrilling slides, the indoor waterpark has something to offer all ages. On-site dining means all the fun happens in one place, too! If you want to explore the area, however, families love the Heritage Tree Museum, the playground at AWAYSIS Park, or strolling along Lake Avenue and Main Street (home to many shops and restaurants!).
Keep Exploring Iowa with Kids!
We hope this article featuring our favorite spring break ideas in Iowa with kids helps you plan your adventures! There are so many great options for Iowa family vacations across the state. No matter what types of activities you’re looking for, from museums to indoor waterparks, Iowa has what you need for a fun spring break with kids! We hope you keep exploring some of Iowa’s best places to visit with your kids.
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.
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