Things to do in Ames with kids

Iowa is a very rural state, but one that should never be overlooked. It is charming, quaint, beautiful, and jam packed with places to go with kids!

There is a plethora of places to enjoy the great outdoors, such as the very cool Spook Cave, the historic Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and the secluded Wilson Island State Park.

The beautiful and the quirky will always be just around the corner, with the National Farm Toy Museum and Fort Custer Maze, and the whole family will love the rural farm fun with Center Grove Orchard and Bloomsbury Farm – a real taste of the Iowa hospitality and charm!

Don’t think for a second that Iowa can’t be thrilling – just head to Adventureland Park or the classic Arnolds Park – one of the oldest amusement parks in the WORLD!

And don’t forget to get those baseball fans down to the Field Of Dreams Movie Site!

Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa…

There are so many fun things to do in Ames with kids, we have a feeling you just might not want to leave!

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  • Perfect Games

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    3 miles
    Ames, IA
    24 lanes of bowling, two-story Laser Tag arena, huge arcade and even birthday parties. Great adventure in Iowa for those active kids!
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Center Grove Orchard

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    12 miles
    Cambridge, IA
    Fruit, farm, animals, mazes...yes please! A fun farm filled day out for kids in beautiful Iowa!
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Iowa Arboretum

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    13 miles
    Madrid, IA
    A visit to the Iowa Arboretum's 378-acre facility located in scenic Boone County is an experience you won't want to miss. This site offers 40 acres developed as a 'Library of Living Plants' showcasing hundreds…
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad

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    14 miles
    Boone, IA
    The Iowa Railroad Historical Society is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization which is dedicated to the preservation of, and educating the public about, the history of Iowa's railroads. Enjoy learning about the history of railroading at…
    0.0 3 Reviews

  • Jester Park Natural Playscape

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    18 miles
    Granger, IA
    A beautiful and unique natural playscape in Jester Park for kids over 5 years where their creativity will be challenged!
    0.0 4 Reviews

  • Cascade Falls Aquatic Center

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    22 miles
    Ankeny, IA
    A family friendly outdoor aquatic center in Iowa with heated water, kiddie slides, lap pools and water slides!
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Playground For Kids

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    22 miles
    Ankeny, IA
    Great indoor play for kids in Iowa with inflatables, Treehouse fun, slides, ball rooms, parties - and so much more! Great for kids up to 12 years!
    0.0 2 Reviews

  • Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park

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    25 miles
    Grimes, IA
    Their patented style of fun with trampoline covered floors and walls provided high level angular bounces kids can't get enough of. Session types include open jump, 3D Dodgeball and SkyRobics fitness classes.
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Adventureland Park

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    26 miles
    Altoona, IA
    Theme Park and Water Park fun in Iowa for the whole family! Thrills, spills, and entertainment for your family day out - what more could you want!
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Pump It Up Urbandale

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    28 miles
    Urbandale, IA
    A bouncingly fun experience for kids who enjoy being active and of course bouncing!
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Heritage Carousel

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    29 miles
    Des Moines, IA
    This hand-carved turn-of-the-century replica carousel is a great addition to any family day out in Des Moines Union Park!
    0.0 2 Reviews

  • Living History Farms

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    29 miles
    Urbandale, IA
    Living History Farms tells the story of 300 years of agricultural history through three working farms - a 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, 1850 Pioneer Farm, 1900 Horse-Powered Farm and 1875 Town with eleven shops including…
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Des Moines Botanical Center

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    29 miles
    Des Moines, IA
    he Des Moines Botanical Center is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational, and community resources to thousands. Its goal is to provide botanical displays and educational services for its…
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Science Center of Iowa

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    30 miles
    Des Moines, IA
    Imagine. Experiment. Play! At the Science Center of Iowa, the experience is yours! From the inner workings of the human body to the outer reaches of the solar system, science surrounds you with dynamic live…
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Pappajohn Sculpture Park

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    31 miles
    Des Moines, IA
    Stroll through sculptures from 22 amazing artists in this beautiful Des Moines park, with 4.4 acres to explore.
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Gray’s Lake Park

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    31 miles
    Des Moines, IA
    167 acres in the heart of Des Moines where families can enjoy walking, biking, and outdoor fun!
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Blank Park Zoo

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    35 miles
    Des Moines, IA
    The Blank Park Zoo manages 49 acres of land. Of that, 22 acres have been developed into animal exhibits or facilities. One of the many fun family places to visit if you're looking for things…
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

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    37 miles
    Prairie City, IA
    Spend the day driving through a 700 acre enclosed area and witness amazing bison and elk, as well as hiking, birding and mushrooming in this nature filled family day out adventure in Iowa!
    0.0 2 Reviews

  • Guthrie County Historical Village

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    45 miles
    Panora, IA
    The Guthrie County Historical Village, located on a beautiful 4-acre complex near the Middle Raccoon River and old Lenon Mill Park on the southwest side of Panora, Iowa, features ten buildings and numerous exhibits that…
    0.0 1 Review

  • National Balloon Museum

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    45 miles
    Indianola, IA
    Take a look at the fascinating history of ballooning at this Iowa museum, with over 200 years of history to explore!
    0.0 1 Review

  • Pella Historical Village

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    56 miles
    Pella, IA
    Whatever your idea of a vacation is, you'll Experience it in Pella. Immerse yourself in the old-world charm of the Netherlands as you stroll along our brick streets visiting our Dutch storybook storefronts, the Molengracht…
    0.0 2 Reviews

  • Iowa Aviation Museum

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    64 miles
    Greenfield, IA
    A fascinating way to celebrate Iowa's aviation heritage, from 1910 through to modern day.
    0.0 1 Review

  • Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum

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    70 miles
    Oskaloosa, IA
    Founded in 1844, the Nelson homestead is one of the premier historic attractions in Mahaska County. The property now features historic buildings from all over Mahaska County, providing visitors a glimpse of what life was…
    0.0 1 Review

  • Bluedorn Science Imaginarium

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    73 miles
    Waterloo, IA
    Described as a 'playground for the imagination', this interactive science center provides fun hands-on exhibits that demonstrate how science affects everyday life.
    0.0 2 Reviews

  • The Lost Island

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    73 miles
    Waterloo, IA
    Water fun in Waterloo at The Lost Island! With slides, a lazy river, and even go karting and 18 hole mini golf! Great family fun in Iowa.
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Grout Museum of History and Science

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    73 miles
    Waterloo, IA
    Unearth the treasures of the past and gaze into the future at the Grout Museum District. You'll be surrounded by history and astounded by what is yet to come as you explore the world through…
    0.0 4 Reviews

  • Phelps Youth Pavillion and Fun Space

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    73 miles
    Waterloo, IA
    Using imaginative programs, visual adventures and interactive experiences to cover such subjects as Creativity Across Cultures, Farm, Construction Zone, Artists' Studio, Fun Stage, Time Machine and the Caribbean Kinder Island.
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Palmers Family Fun

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    74 miles
    Waterloo, IA
    Outdoor family fun for kids of all ages in Iowa, with zooming Go Karts, mini golf and even a driving range.
    0.0 2 Reviews

  • Feldhackers Family Fun Center

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    77 miles
    Creston, IA
    A family fun center in Iowa with bowling and a lazer maze, with a focus on offering a safe environment for kids and parents to strengthen their relationship
    0.0 1 Review

  • Grotto of the Redemption

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    77 miles
    West Bend, IA
    The Grotto is a composite of nine separate Grottos, each portraying a scene in the life of Christ. The Grotto includes the largest collection of precious stones and gems found anywhere in one location. The…
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Fort Custer Maze

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    78 miles
    Clear Lake, IA
    Not just a family thing - it's a MAZE thing! Fort Custer Maze is 2 miles of maze for kids to challenge themselves in, as well as a Jump-A-Roo inflatable! What a way to spend…
    0.0 2 Reviews

  • Cypress Grove Nature Park

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    78 miles
    Melrose, IA
    Come and enjoy over 150 acres of beautiful river bottom land, view the nature center and enjoy picnic areas and an observation tower.
    0.0 2 Reviews

  • Danish Windmill Museum and Welcome Center

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    80 miles
    Elk Horn, IA
    The Danish Windmill Museum is for all people interested in Denmark, Danish Customs, Scandinavian traditions and, of course, windmills. Elk Horn's Danish Windmill is America's only authentic working Danish Windmill. The Mill, originally built in…
    0.0 1 Review

  • Kids Club At MacNider Museum

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    81 miles
    Mason City, IA
    Kids' Club is an activity-based exploration of the visual arts and the treasures of the MacNider Museum for children ages 5 through 12 ! The Charles H. MacNider Museum is a non-profit, municipally owned institution…
    0.0 1 Review

  • Kings Pointe Waterpark

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    90 miles
    Storm Lake, IA
    Indoor and outdoor fun for all ages at this Iowa waterpark next to Storm Lake. All year round swimming fun!
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Bloomsbury Farm

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    91 miles
    Atkins, IA
    So much more than a farm for this family day out, as the kids will love the petting zoo, haunted houses and an adventure play park!
    0.0 4 Reviews

  • Clarion Amana Colonies & Wasserbahn Resort

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    91 miles
    Williamsburg, IA
    Get soaked and stoked on our frontier-themed custom rides and attractions! Make The Wasserbahn your personal family playground!
    0.0 5 Reviews

  • Shelby County Historical Museum

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    91 miles
    Harlan, IA
    Welcome to the Shelby County Historical Museum, located at the corner of Pine Street and Morse Avenue in Harlan. Opened in 1975 as a Bicentennial project, the facility has grown to four buildings including the…
    0.0 1 Review

  • The Beach Ottumwa

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    94 miles
    Ottumwa, IA
    13 acres of indoor / outdoor waterpark with exciting waterpark attractions, and great family water fun with slides, waves, and play!
    0.0 4 Reviews

  • Morwood campground

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    95 miles
    Hazleton, IA
    Family owned and operated campground in Iowa with a playground, mini golf and heated pool! Family fun all round!
    0.0 2 Reviews