From splash pads and beaches to library adventures and outdoor movies, here are 18 free things to do with kids in Iowa this summer.
Summer fun doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. In fact, some of the best family memories are made with little more than sunscreen, a packed lunch, and a sense of adventure.
Whether you’re looking to fill a random Tuesday afternoon or simply keep the kids entertained during school break, Iowa is packed with free activities for families. Here are 18 ways to have fun this summer without spending a dime.
1. Cool off at a splash pad
When the Iowa humidity kicks into high gear—and you know it will—splash pads are a parent’s best friend.
Pack a picnic lunch, throw a change of clothes in the car, and let the kids run wild. Bring a bucket or some water toys for an extra kick of fun.
A few worth checking out include:
- Ashby Park Splash Pool in Des Moines
- Oleson Park Splash Pad in Fort Dodge
- Memorial Park Splash Pad in Spirit Lake
- Central Park Splash Pad in Grinnell, where illuminated water jets make an evening visit a must
2. Join your local library’s summer reading program
There’s something special about a local public library (and no, it’s not just the air conditioning). Summer reading programs are a great way to encourage reading, but they often include free performers, crafts, STEM activities, scavenger hunts, and prizes as well.
Best of all, they help keep reading skills sharp while school is out. Check with your local library to see what’s on the calendar.
3. Unlock free attractions with the Iowa Adventure Pass
Speaking of libraries, your library card might be more powerful than you think.
Many Iowa libraries participate in the Iowa Adventure Pass program, which provides free admission to participating museums, gardens, zoos, and cultural attractions around the state.
Depending on your library, you may be able to score passes to destinations such as the Science Center of Iowa or Blank Park Zoo. Again, for free!
4. Catch a children’s museum pop-up
The Iowa Children’s Museum is bringing the fun beyond its walls this summer.
Families in Eastern Iowa can find free pop-up play events, hands-on activities, and interactive learning experiences at parks, libraries, and community events throughout the season. Just another reason to love this beloved children’s museum.
5. Take the Trek the Parks Challenge
Love a public park? Want to add a little adventure to your summer?
The Trek the Parks Challenge is where it’s at. The challenge encourages families to visit parks throughout Central Iowa, snap photos, and track their progress. Kids get the excitement of a scavenger hunt, and parents get an easy excuse to explore somewhere new.
6. Explore an Iowa State Park
Sure, people confuse Iowa with Ohio and Idaho, but that doesn’t dampen our state spirit. It really is a beautiful place, and Iowa’s state parks show it off with miles of trails, scenic overlooks, playgrounds, wildlife-viewing opportunities, and educational programs.
Challenge your kids to spot birds (a goldfinch, perhaps), identify wildflowers, or simply see who can find the coolest rock.
7. Spend a day at the beach
Yes, Iowa has beaches.
The Athene North Shore Recreation Area at Easter Lake has quickly become a summer favorite in Central Iowa.
Other family-friendly options include:
- Coralville Lake in Coralville
- Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs
Bonus: Lake Manawa is home to Dream Playground, Iowa’s largest ADA-accessible playground.
8. Attend a small-town festival
Iowa practically specializes in summer festivals.
From community celebrations and county fairs to heritage festivals and town anniversaries, you’ll find free parades, live music, kids’ activities, and community events almost every weekend.
And let’s be honest—kids (and adults, if we’re being honest) never get tired of collecting candy from a parade route.
9. Catch a free outdoor movie
Pack lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, and bug spray (sigh) for a movie under the stars.
Many Iowa communities, including Waukee, Des Moines, and Waterloo, host free outdoor movie nights throughout the summer. Check your local parks department calendar for upcoming screenings.
10. Have a picnic
If you’re having a 90s summer, soaking up all the nostalgia and finding ways to make life feel simpler, a picnic lunch is just the ticket. It somehow makes even an ordinary lunch feel special.
Head to a local park, spread out a blanket, and enjoy sandwiches, fruit, and snacks outdoors. Keep it easy. Bonus points if you let the kids help pack the basket.
11. Go on a nature scavenger hunt
Create a checklist and see who can spot:
- A butterfly
- A squirrel
- A yellow flower
- A feather
- A heart-shaped leaf
- A bird’s nest
It’s free, easy, and surprisingly entertaining. Bonus points if you spot a hawk or an eagle.
12. Build a backyard obstacle course
Pool noodles, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, and lawn chairs are all you need to create an Olympic-worthy obstacle course. Time each family member and see who takes home the gold medal.
13. Run through the sprinkler or set up water play
A summer classic for a reason. Enough said.
Or transform your backyard with water balloons, kiddie pools, or the good old-fashioned Menards buckets.
You can even elevate some water play by grabbing a tarp and some soap. A super-easy slip-and-slide can provide hours of fun, trust.
14. Go fishing
Iowa offers plenty of family-friendly fishing spots. If you’re near Lake McBride, Lake Rathbun, or Saylorville Lake, those are great, but you can also just trot over to your nearest stream or pond. Even if nobody catches anything, kids usually love the adventure.
15. Hold a family sports day
Challenge the kids to basketball, kickball, baseball, or a game of HORSE.
Want extra points? Teach them the completely made-up rules of Calvinball.
And if you want to get in on all the World Cup glory, grab a soccer ball and enough spirit (aka energy) to chant, “USA, USA!”
16. Try geocaching
Think of it as a real-life treasure hunt. Using a smartphone and a free app (search Geocaching in your app store), families can search for hidden caches all over Iowa. Here are some fan favorite spots across the state.
17. Visit a local nature center
Many Iowa nature centers offer free exhibits, trails, educational displays, and wildlife viewing opportunities, including:
- Indian Creek in Cedar Rapids
- Hartman Reserve in Cedar Falls
- Jester Park in Granger
18. Go stargazing
Far from city lights, Iowa’s night skies can be surprisingly spectacular. Bring a blanket, look for constellations, count shooting stars, and see who spots the first satellite. Bonus points if you catch a peek at one of these celestial events.
The best summer memories are often free
The good news? Kids rarely remember how much you spent. They remember running through sprinklers, collecting parade candy, hunting for treasures in the woods, and staying up late for movies under the stars.
So start checking a few of these (free!) adventures off your summer bucket list.
