Historical Attractions in Ames, 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 a working blacksmith, general store....

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 programs and hands-on interactive exhibits ....

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 explore the history of Guthrie....

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 canal, and our authentic 1....

Visit the Rensselaer Russell House Museum in the Grout Museum District, and experience Victorian life in this National Register of Historic Places property, with one of the first Grand Pianos in the region as a highlight!

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 artistry has to be seen to be appreciated, p....

You can't experience Brucemore by looking at a screen. Grab the family, take a tour of the mansion, stroll the gardens, pack a picnic, and attend outdoor theatre. Brucemore, a National Trust Historic Site in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a museum and so muc....

Whether you have half an hour or half a day, there are many things to see and do at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The future president was born in a small, two-room cottage in 1874. Today the Birthplace Cottage, along with other historic b....

he Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center (Farmamerica) was commissioned in 1978 by the legislature to preserve and promote the strong heritage of Minnesota agriculture. This is done through experiential learning at a 120-acre site which encourag....

One of the world's great historic sites, with ancient rock carvings that are sacred to the American Indians. Fascinating family day out in Minnesota, with several special events and guided tours to complete your historic day!

The mission of the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science is to educate, entertain, inspire and to enrich community by making arts and science part of our lives.

Take the family back in time! Fort Osage takes you to a time when Missouri was part of the wilderness in the Old West, and experience life for both the military and civilians.

24 lanes of bowling, two-story Laser Tag arena, huge arcade and even birthday parties. Great adventure in Iowa for those active kids!

Fruit, farm, animals, mazes...yes please! A fun farm filled day out for kids in beautiful Iowa!

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 of species of trees, shrubs and flowers.....

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 the Io....

A beautiful and unique natural playscape in Jester Park for kids over 5 years where their creativity will be challenged!

A family friendly outdoor aquatic center in Iowa with heated water, kiddie slides, lap pools and water slides!

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!

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.

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!

A bouncingly fun experience for kids who enjoy being active and of course bouncing!

The hand-carved turn-of-the-century replica Heritage Carousel is a great addition to any family day out in Des Moines Union Park!

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 visitors. It....

Stroll through sculptures from 22 amazing artists in this beautiful Des Moines park, with 4.4 acres to explore.

167 acres in the heart of Des Moines where families can enjoy walking, biking, and outdoor fun!

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 to do in Des Moines for kids.

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!

Take a look at the fascinating history of ballooning at this Iowa museum, with over 200 years of history to explore!

A fascinating way to celebrate Iowa's aviation heritage, from 1910 through to modern day.

Founded in 1844, the Nelson homestead is one of the premier historic attractions in Mahaska County, historic buildings offering a glimpse of what life was like for Iowans in 19th century America.

Described as a 'playground for the imagination', the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium provides fun hands-on exhibits that demonstrate how science affects everyday life, great for curious kids in Iowa!

Unearth the treasures of the past and gaze into the future at the Grout Museum of History and Science. You'll be surrounded by history and astounded by what is yet to come as you explore the world through interactive displays and hands-on exhibits.

The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum honors the service and sacrifice of all Iowa veterans from the Civil War to present with 35 interactive exhibits, interactive activities and more

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.

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.

Outdoor family fun for kids of all ages in Iowa, with zooming Go Karts, mini golf and even a driving range.

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

Come and enjoy over 150 acres of beautiful river bottom land, view the nature center and enjoy picnic areas and an observation tower.

The Danish Windmill Museum is for all people interested in Denmark, Danish Customs, Scandinavian traditions and, of course, windmills, and Elk Horn's Danish Windmill is America's only authentic working Danish Windmill dating back to 1848!

The Charles H. MacNider Museum is a non-profit, municipally owned institution with exhibits either educational or aesthetic in nature centering around working with objects of art. Also features Kids' Club with activity-based exploration!

Indoor and outdoor fun for all ages at this Iowa waterpark next to Storm Lake. All year round swimming fun!

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!

Get soaked and stoked on our frontier-themed custom rides and attractions! Make The Wasserbahn your personal family playground!

The Shelby County Historical Museum opened in 1975 as a Bicentennial project, and since has grown to four buildings including the Leland and McIntosh Log Cabins. A great exploration of Iowa's history!

13 acres of indoor / outdoor waterpark with exciting waterpark attractions, and great family water fun with slides, waves, and play!

Family owned and operated campground in Iowa with a playground, mini golf and heated pool! Family fun all round!

Create your own art pottery studio suitable for all ages and abilities.

3 level indoor playland in Iowa, to entertain and exhaust kids under 12 with all the classic features like crawl tubes, climbing nets, slides, balls, tunnels and more!

Swimming, fishing & boating on a lake plus nature trails, campgrounds & concessions on 1,000 acres in Iowa!

Vast 210 acre site with hiking and biking trails, educational centre with numerous natural history exhibits, fishing, and more.

Explore the life of artist Grant Wood, and THE house that inspired the painting American Gothic! Creative and historical family day out in Iowa!

A family fun attraction with kid friendly, hands-on fun with over twelve interactive exhibits and 28,000 square feet of space that inspires all children up to 12 years old to imagine, create, discover and explore through the power of play!

Located in Cherokee, Iowa, the Sanford Museum and Planetarium has exhibits and activities for the whole family, on a variety of subjects including: Archaeology, Art, Astronomy, Geology, History, Natural History, and Paleontology!

A national historic landmark located in the center of Iowa City, Old Capitol served as the first state capitol from 1846-1857 and became a museum in 1976, restored to the 1840s-1850s time period and dedicated to enlivening Iowa history for all.

Get to understand the planet and it’s wonderful nature in the UI Museum of Natural History with its five major exhibit areas: Iowa Hall, Hageboeck Hall of Birds and Mammal Hall, Biosphere Discovery Hub and the Diversity of Life exhibits.

A beautiful family farm with fun activities and cute animals for those budding farmers from pre-K to 3rd grade to enjoy!

The SPAM Museum. See it for yourself in all its 16500 square feet of majestic glory. The SPAM learning inside is immense. Prepare your mind and your station wagon! One of the many fun family places to go if you're looking for things to do with kids i....

Classic amusement park FUN in Iowa for the whole family! Built in 1889, this historic theme park has classic rides and attractions, as well as dining, shopping, and live concerts - all on the shores of Lake Okoboji!

Arrrr those swashbucklers will love putting their way through the 18th century, with waterfalls, and pirate ship ruins in this fun 18-hole mini golf course!

Explore railroad history at this former 1899 Rock lsland Depot - now the RailsWest Railroad Museum, for history and locomotives in Iowa!

Located along the scenic Upper Iowa River in extreme Northeast Iowa, Chimney Rock Campground are perfect for all family adventures out in nature! They also specialise in Canoe Rental as they are located on the Iowa River!

Historic, and teeming with wildlife and adventure, this Iowa State Park gives you hiking and skiing trails, picnic areas, river activities and camping - all ready and waiting to join in your outdoor family day out adventure!

A historical experience at the Mormon Trail Center, where you can re-live the lives of those part of the great "Mormon Migration"

Experience adventure underground at this amazing natural wonder, with tours, mini golf and panning for gemstones too!

Gained from a visit to Lauritzen Gardens today are tranquility, appreciation of nature's beauty and wonder, inspiration for visitors' own gardens and the pleasure of watching the seasons change and garden spaces evolve through time. In the future, c....

Fascinating exhibits on the history of Omaha, and amazing rotating exhibits on the cultures of the world!

A unique center featuring African American Arts Exhibits, and where families can learn all about the rich cultural and heritage of jazz music!

As Nebraska's largest and most distinguished art museum, Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha has served as the premier center for visual art since opening in 1931. Joslyn's collection features work from antiquity to the present, with an emphasis on 19th- and ....

A fun and hands-on experience for kids, where they can challenge themselves, learn, explore, and discover how the world works and learn through play!

Step into the rainforests, deserts, wander through an ocean and more all through total immersion exhibits at this family friendly Nebraska zoo!

Walking or hiking the trails of Fontenelle Nature Association is an experience unlike any other within the Omaha metro area. FNA owns and manages 2,000 acres of conservation land and 26 miles of marked trails. These unique areas have been protected s....

The National Farm Toy Museum welcomes kids of all ages to explore the thousands of tractors, implements, farm dioramas, toy-manufacturing displays, and pedal tractors on exhibit around the museum! Family toy fun in Iowa!

One of only eleven Latino museums in the entire USA, El Museo Latino is an educational experience on the history and culture of the Latino Heritage.

Waterpark fun at Coco Key Water Resort slides, a kiddie pool, water attractions and lots of family fun to cool you down!

Is this Heaven? No...it's Iowa. Those infamous words from the movie "Field Of Dreams" can be re-lived at this movie site location!

Thrilling rides, water park fun, as well as go-karts and mini-golf: an exciting family day out in Nebraska!

Explore an ancient flooded cave where you can take a safe but slightly spooky boat trip through! Not a whole day out but a terrific stop the kids will really remember.

Guttenberg RV Park is a relaxing campground for the whole family nestled in historic Guttenberg. A great place to take some time away together and enjoy what nature and the mighty Mississippi River have to offer!

BounceU Omaha is indoor inflatable fun with parties, bounce houses, slides, obstacles & parents night out!

An Omaha family entertainment center filled with great fun for active kids and their families. Skating, rock climbing, laser tag, bumper cars and even a roller coaster!

It's farm fun at Farmamerica with 360-acres including a visitor center, a pond & prairie, historical buildings, plus a collection of antique farm equipment!

There are numerous opportunities for you to enjoy a self-guided tour or join a ranger for a hike, walk, talk or historic demonstration. Most trails are moderately strenuous, however, there are some trails accessible to mobility impaired visitors.

The Sioux City Public Museum preserves and shares the heritage of Sioux City through a variety of exhibitions, programs and historic structures, telling stories of the community through exhibitions, educational programs and events.

A creative interactive art gallery for kids (and adults!) to experience the colorful and fascinating world of art! A fun (and maybe messy!) family day out in Sioux Falls.

Come check out our body slide, waterfall spa, activity pool with water basketball, children's pool with water geysers, kids' slide, prehistoric fish and much more!

Family fun at this sweet pumpkin patch, with caramel apples, the hay-rack rides, and the Pigtucky Derby Pig Races! Over 50 attractions, live shows and entertainment to top your family day out off in Nebraska!

Skiing and snowboarding with lessons from 6 years, offering 4 green runs, plus snow tubing and terrain training parks.

Charming farm fun in Nebraska City, with hiking, tree adventures, forest rides, seasonal activities, and great memories!

Indoor fun for little ones up to 5 years at Pipsqueaks, with slides, rides, toddler zone and ways to let that imagination soar! Open seasonally over winter

15,000 sq feet of Minnesota bounce playland! Kids can bounce their heart away for the day in a fun and colorful environment!

Welcome The Woodbury County Conservation Board invites you to explore nearly 5,000 acres of unique conservation lands. You will find a tremendous variety of outdoor recreational opportunities ranging from lake fishing to river canoeing, from swimmi....

A visit to Stone Park would not be complete without a visit to the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. The center features a variety of interpretive displays, including a "walk-under" prairie, a 400-gallon aquarium of native fish, and natural history diora....

Over 30 species of wild animals native to Minnesota at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo. A lovely animal experience for all ages

Explore the Silver Lake area in style with boat and bike rentals! Outdoor fun in Rochester for those active kids!

A fun Minnesota family campground with pools, slides, play zones, a petting zoo, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts plus local boat hire and fishing. Day guests are welcome too! Phew!

All of the various species on display in both the aquarium and large terrarium are either native to Nebraska or have been successfully introduced here. One of the many fun family places to visit if you're looking for things to do in Lincoln for kids.

A 70,000 square foot water park, full-service restaurants, award-winning bowling center, large indoor speedway, golf course, laser tag arena - all in a resort with day admission!

Seasonal family day out fun in Minnesota with pumpkin patch, a corn maze, backwoods golf, wagon rides and animals too!

25,000 square feet of indoor waterpark in Iowa, with daily admission, and tons of water fun to be had!

Fun and learning flow together along the Mississippi River! Hands-on features and interactive exhibits ready for kids to explore in both indoor and outdoor spaces!

The Strategic Air & Space Museum is committed to providing guests with engaging experiences that will inspire the young - and the young at heart - as they explore the worlds of aviation, history, science and technological innovation.

A living natural cave. You are invited to visit and witness the ongoing miracle that created this natural masterpiece of underground panorama. One of the many fun family places to visit if you're looking for things to do with kids in Iowa

An insight into the fascinating history of the county's past, including the rural way of life.

Founded in 1867, the Putnam is home to over 150,000 artifacts and specimens, the Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science offers permanent and changing exhibits,and houses Iowa's only 3D IMAX Theatre.

18 hole championship mini-golf with fun obstacles geared towards kids, but still perfect for the whole family!

A family friendly campsite in Whitewater Valley on Minnesota’s premier trout stream with a petting zoo, sports, fishing and wagon rides!

A great child friendly place to visit if you're searching for fun places for kids in Iowa is the Family Museum, whose aim is to inspire life-long learning in children through interactive arts and science activities and exhibits

A family campground with a water park in Minnesota, conveniently located on the Zumbro River on 77 acres of woods, rivers and creeks.

Camping fun in the oldest campground in Illinois, with 50 acres set for all campers and tents!

A fun and challenging mini golf for the whole family, with elevations, ponds and waterfalls. Geared towards kids but just as fun for adults!

Explore the fascinating history of the Pony Express, the 19th century postal service on horseback that became legend in the American West!

900 animals representing 160 species on 40 acres. Includes children's zoo, carousel, playground and miniature train. Animal fun in Illinois!

Learning and fun rolled into one! Three floors of hands-on exhibits, birthday parties, gift shop, field trips, summer day camps, special programs, and more. For ages 1-12 with adult companions.

The preservation of something which is changing and often, in these areas, disappearing is the purpose of the End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum. Hear the old steam locomotive puff and chug throughout the countryside. Hear the puffing and chugging ....

An action-packed Wisconsin adventure park with multi-attraction indoor experience for youth & adults, with trampolines, toddler area, extreme nets & more!

Undeniably an educational trip but a visually fascinating one for imaginative kids covering art in the mediums of pottery, printmaking, painting, jewelry, glass, and fibers.

Explore the history of Laura Ingalls Wilder at this historic museum, with collections housed in a series of interesting buildings, plus memorabilia from the "Little House on the Prairie" TV series is also on display too!

Great fun for active kids in Lincoln with go-karts, batting cages, adventure challenges, bowling, mini golf, water wars - and more! Phew!

10,000 years of history! Many people and cultures have made Nebraska their home.Come see fascinating artifacts and hear amazing stories from our rich past. One of the many fun family places to go if you're looking for things to do with kids in Nebras....

Come and visit more than 350 animals, all from a child's eye view! The Zoo consists of 19 beautifully landscaped acres in the heart of Lincoln.

Build, dance, play, climb, create, sing, and laugh at the Lincoln Children's Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska. Here you can be whatever and wherever your imagination takes you! The Lincoln Children's Museum offers three floors and 45,500 square feet of ha....

Coffee Mill, named after a historic navigational point along the mighty Mississippi, offers the best of coulee skiing with a unique "bowl" arrangement for convenient lift accessibility and protection from cold winter winds.

Skiing and snowboarding with lessons for all ages, with 33% green runs, plus tubing 2 terrain training parks.

Water fun in Lincoln at the BIGGEST pool in the city, with a main pool, slides, and kids section! Fun sandy beach too for those active kids!

Skiing and snowboarding with lessons from 4 years, offering 15 green runs, plus 3 terrain training parks.

From inflatable jumpers to the space foam pit and endless play sets, this is a sure bet for keeping the kids happy all afternoon in Lincoln, Nebraska!

Diverse exhibits encouraging hands-on learning at this children's museum in Illinois, perfect for those inquisitive minds up to 12 years!

A museum part of the University to allow the general public to understand, learn about and be enriched by Earth Sciences. A fascinating and educational experience for the kids and the parents in Illinois.

Tour this National Historic Site to learn about the life of one of the world's most influential female aviators. A fascinating day out for kids in Atchison, Kansas.

Experience a HUGE indoor playground, with bouncers, slides, play structures, toddler area, and arcade...where kids AND adults can play!

Skiing and snowboarding with lessons from 4 years, with terrain split between green and blue runs, plus covered lift serviced tubing hill and several terrain training features.

Family fun on wheels with Galaxie Skate Center, with retro nights and family nights!

2 acres of kids fun in Illinois with go-karts, roller skating, laser tag, bumper cars and more!

Wall to wall trampolines, with open jump, dodgeball, foam pits and lots of bouncing fun in Sioux Falls!

Home to 1,000 amazing animals, the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls offers up-close views of animals including giraffes, tigers, & rhinos!

A day of bouncing fun for kids of all ages!

Over 480 acres of outdoor trails, and the largest indoor interconnected zoo exhibits in the USA at this incredible zoo, with over 5,300 animals to experience!

A family fun theme park with more than 75 rides and attractions on 90 acres, and is the largest amusement park in the upper Midwest! Impressive!

The House on the Rock is the grand vision of Alex Jordan, who believed that sights and sounds were the most effective means of stimulating the senses. He wanted guests to question his creation, to come to their own conclusions and to turn his world o....

At Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center, we believe in fostering appreciation and inspiring stewardship of the natural world through quality environmental education, conservation practices, and outdoor experiences for all visitors. The beautiful....

A fun play structure in the Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Minnesota, with an area for those under 5s and with disabilities.

Check out one of the most popular water parks in Minnesota! From slides, lazy rivers, to shipwrecks, this is one water park ready to make a SPLASH!

Enjoy 5,000 sq ft of fun in Nebraska, with play maze, tunnels, ball pit, dress up, video games, birthday parties and more!

Ideal for kids aged 5 - 12, this very fun and hands-on museum features 40 interactive, kid-powered exhibits that highlight mechanisms and simple machines, where they can try, build and play as they learn!

The Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bike Museum is dedicated to enhancing an understanding and encouraging an interest and appreciation in the career of Donald Kent "Deke" Slayton, the History of Bicycling, Wisconsin Astronauts, and aviation in Monroe ....

Your ticket to summer fun with this splashing water park in Sioux Falls, as well as go karts, batting cages and paintball!

Family fun on the slopes with skiing and snowboarding, including with lessons from 3 years. Snowshoeing, cross country skiing and tubing too!

The Aquatic Center is one of the finest indoor public pools in Nebraska. The pool is open seven days a week, 12 months out of the year. A variety of programs are offered to meet the needs of the community.

Fun indoor play where the outside is enjoyed inside! With inflatables, basketball, jumpers, and adventure playgrounds, it's perfect for those active kids!

A nature playground for the whole family with over 1,100 acres of gardens, woods and trails.

The magic of Crayola comes to life in Minnesota for kids, where they can create, play, and enjoy hands-on fun in over 60,000 sq ft of adventures!

One of the country's leading family theme parks, offering 27 rides and attractions for ALL ages, as well as adventure golf and the highest Sky Trails rope course in the world!

Previously Underwater Adventures Aquarium, this fun Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium has over 10,000 sea creatures that the whole family can experience!

Soar over some of the most amazing landscapes in the USA with this fully immersive experience using special effects, and cutting edge technology!

An indoor park! 1 acre of parkland indoors with features including swimming, sports and a nearly 40 ft high climbing tree themed adventure play frame with unusual features and a large toddler area.

A charming art gallery with over 200 formal exhibits and offers a gift shop that features even more artists.

Located inside the Radisson Hotel Bloomington, near Mall of America and soaring 90 feet above the Twin Cities' skyline, Water Park of America entertains both the young and young at heart!

Travel Thru Time at the Platte County Museum with fossils, Indian stone tools, Victorian clothing and more!

Nebraska's family water fun park, offering terrifying plunge slides, fun family rides, interactive water play zone and more.

Kids fun in Nebraska at this cute pumpkin patch, with a hay bale maze, pony rides, nature walks, a petting zoo, and a zip line!. Sweet family fun for all ages!

Fun for active kids in Kansas City with go-karts, zip lines, bowling, coasters, laser tag, bumper cars, a carousel, and SO much more!

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum properties includes eight buildings (six historically significant buildings and two exciting), & interactive museums offering the chance to explore Samuel Clemens' childhood and experience the beloved stories he c....

The Mark Twain has been a unique feature on the Hannibal riverfront for more than twenty years. We strive to offer visitors and residents of Hannibal a uniquely authentic riverboat experience on the "Mighty Mississippi".

Active kids and families - this is for you! With skating, roller hockey, dodgeball and indoor soccer, the Columbus Event Center is a day out for the active family in Nebraska.

We are a family entertainment center featuring family-friendly games and attractions including bowling, laser tag, 3-story kids fun factory, black light ropes course, bump n' spin cars and much more!