7 events in Iowa to take your kids to before summer ends
The end of summer is around the corner, but there’s still time to plan some fun in the sun. Here are seven events in IA to take your kids to before August ends.
I don’t know about you, but I feel like it’s hard to believe the summer is almost over. Personally, I’m more of a cold-weather gal, but I’ve been trying to embrace each season and enjoy all the different elements they have to offer. I’ve found that one of the best ways to do that is to get outside and engage with my family, friends, and community in new and exciting ways. Thankfully for Iowa residents, this is an easy task to accomplish, especially over the next few weeks.
These events are family-friendly and affordable, and they’ll help you create another batch of core memories for yourself and your kids before the summer ends. All you need to do is pick one or two (or all seven!) that you want to go to, grab your SPF, and head out for another warm-weather adventure with the people you love most.
1. Moonlight Movie Night, Waverly – August 15
Waverly’s Moonlight Movie Night sounds like a dream come true. Spend an evening under the stars with your family while you relax and watch “The Wild Robot.” Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs and head to Kohlmann Park before the movie starts around dusk. Popcorn is provided free of charge. The event is presented by the Waverly Chamber of Commerce & Main Street and the Waverly Public Library and is frequently cited as one of the community’s most loved and memorable events.
Note: The movie is rated PG and has a run time of about one hour and 40 minutes. Some reviews have indicated that the content can be emotional, so maybe pack some tissues just in case!
For more information, please click here.
2. Princess City Carnival, Pocahontas – August 15-16
First up is the Princess City Carnival in Pocahontas. This two-day event coincides with the Princess City Car Show, making it the perfect family celebration regardless of where everyone’s interests lie. The car show takes place on the south end of Main Street, and the carnival takes place on the north end, so you can walk back and forth to make the most of your weekend. About six to eight carnival rides will be available for children of various ages, along with plenty of carnival games and food options to choose from.
The Poky Chamber of Commerce encourages people interested in attending the Princess City Carnival to stay up-to-date on the latest information through their Facebook page, which you can access here.
3. Charles City Art-A-Fest, Charles City – August 16
If your kids are more interested in art than carnivals, we’ve got you covered. The Charles City Art-A-Fest takes place on Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is completely free to attend and includes live performing artists, food from regional and local vendors, and interactive arts activities for kids. The Art-A-Fest will be held rain or shine in downtown Charles City’s Central Park. The Charles City Farmers Market (which is open until 12 p.m.) will be held adjacent to the park, so you’ll be able to double up on your free fun.
Checking out local artists, eating great food, buying some produce, and working on crafts with your children? That sounds like the perfect summer day to me! For more information, click here.
4. Ghost Saturday, Dyersville – August 16
Ghost Saturday is scheduled for August 16 at the “Field of Dreams” movie site in Dyersville. The event is free to attend and begins at 6 p.m. The hour-long show is billed as “family-friendly,” and it features the famous Ghost Players in the “Greatest Show on Dirt.” The official “Field of Dreams” website requests that you bring your own seating to the show.
Additional events are scheduled here throughout August, September, and October, including a Tim McGraw concert, the Velocity Music Festival, and the Dekalb Children’s Fall Festival. You can learn more about those events here.
5. Family Market Nights, Conrad – August 21
Conrad’s Family Market Nights feature food trucks, local vendors selling a variety of handmade goods, specialty items, art, and produce stands. The next event is scheduled for August 21 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The businesses on Main Street also extend their hours, so you can browse and shop to your heart’s content.
There will be live music at the Oakview Nursing Home, billed as the “Concert Under The Oaks,” and the Show & Shine Car Show will feature both modern and classic cars. Click here for everything you need to know about attending the Family Market Night in Conrad.
6. Iowa Cubs’ Peanuts Day, Des Moines – August 24
The Iowa Cubs are holding a “Peanuts Day” at the ballpark to celebrate the beloved characters Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, and their band of friends. There will be themed entertainment and jerseys, kid-friendly activities, hot dogs, soft drinks, and more. Additionally, kids will have the opportunity to run a lap around the bases following the game. Pretty cool, right? (Plus, it’ll give them a chance to run off some of the sugar they’ve consumed while you were all watching the game.)
Tickets range in price from $12 to $56, depending on where in the ballpark you’d like to sit. Buy your tickets in advance here. The game and Peanuts Day are scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
7. Pizza on the Prairie, Orient – August 29
Did someone say pizza? Orient’s Pizza on the Prairie will be held at the Wallace Farm from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is free to attend. Live music kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and will last until the evening is finished. Brick oven pizzas made from scratch are available throughout the night, as are a selection of sides, drinks, and desserts. You and your family can bring your favorite yard games with you or opt to borrow the ones at Wallace Farm while you’re there.
As if that wasn’t fun enough, there’s also an outdoor art exhibit featuring five permanent sculptures, along with a temporary exhibit on Prairie Art. You’ll need to bring your own blanket or lawn chair for this event, and space is limited, so make sure you get there early! Reservations are required to attend, and you can make yours through the following link.
Note: Leashed pets are usually welcome at Wallace Farms, but they’re not allowed to attend special events like Pizza on the Prairie. However, if you have a service animal, they are always permitted to accompany you.
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