The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Iowa
Make your family trip to Iowa unforgettable with our tried-and-true suggestions
Wondering what there is to do in Iowa? From our experience, plenty. As frequent visitors traveling as a family of four, we’re always on the hunt for fun, new adventures to enjoy with our kids. Whether you’re planning a summer getaway, a winter escape, or just passing through, we’ve rounded up our family’s favorite Iowa experiences you won’t want to miss.
Field of Dreams
Dyersville, Iowa
A visit to the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville is one of the most iconic and nostalgic stops in the state, especially for families and baseball fans. Made famous by the 1989 film, this peaceful ballfield carved into Iowa cornfields delivers a surprisingly magical experience that feels both simple and unforgettable.
What To Do:
⚾ Play on the famous field
Bring a glove and ball if you can. Having a catch in the middle of the corn is the signature experience and one of the most memorable moments for families.
🏠 Tour the original farmhouse
Guided tours of the movie’s farmhouse are offered seasonally, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at where the film was made. Booking ahead is recommended during busy months.
👻 Meet the Ghost Players (summer)
On select summer days and special events, costumed “Ghost Players” appear on the field to play catch and interact with visitors—something kids especially enjoy.
🛍 Visit the Dugout & gift shop
You’ll find classic baseball-themed merchandise, snacks, and apparel onsite, perfect for picking up a souvenir.
📸 Soak in the scenery
Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, the rolling cornfields and quiet rural setting make this a beautiful photo stop.
Bridges of Madison County
Winterset, Iowa
A visit to the covered bridges of Madison County is one of Iowa’s most charming and scenic experiences—especially for families who love easy outdoor exploring with a touch of movie history. Made famous by the novel and film The Bridges of Madison County, these picturesque wooden bridges are scattered throughout the countryside near Winterset, creating the perfect relaxed road-trip adventure.
What To Do:
🚗 Take the scenic covered bridge drive
The most popular way to explore is by car. Bridges are spread out but well-marked, making it easy to create a fun bridge-hopping route. Kids often enjoy “checking off” each bridge as you find them.
📸 Stop for photos (each bridge has its own personality)
Every bridge looks a little different. The most famous is Roseman Covered Bridge, but others like Holliwell and Cutler-Donahoe are just as beautiful—and often less crowded.
🧺 Pack a simple picnic
Many bridge sites have small parks or grassy areas nearby, making them great low-key picnic stops.
🚶 Short, easy walks
Most bridges require only a brief walk from the parking area, making this a very family-friendly outing with minimal hiking.
Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park
Ankeny, Iowa
A definite favorite for my kids! We do not pass through Iowa without a visit to Urban Air. If your family needs an energy-burning indoor stop in Iowa, Urban Air Adventure Park in Ankeny is a solid pick. This isn’t just a trampoline park, it’s a full indoor adventure space packed with climbing, jumping, and obstacle-style attractions that keep kids moving for hours.
What To Do:
🤸 Jump on wall-to-wall trampolines
The Apex trampolines and performance zones are the heart of the park, giving kids plenty of room to bounce, flip, and burn energy.
🧗 Try the climbing walls and ropes course
For kids who want more of a challenge, the climbing walls and elevated ropes course add a fun confidence-building element.
🚡 Ride the Sky Rider (indoor zipline)
One of the standout attractions, the Sky Rider lets kids glide across the park for a mini thrill experience.
🏀 Slam Dunk & dodgeball zones
These areas are always crowd favorites—perfect for friendly competition and high-energy play.
🧒 Little kids’ play area (7 & under)
Families with younger children will appreciate the dedicated space designed just for smaller jumpers.
Visit the State Capitol
Des Moines, Iowa
A visit to the Iowa State Capitol is one of the most impressive and family-friendly stops in Des Moines. Sitting high on a hill overlooking downtown, this stunning historic building is known for its iconic gold dome, beautiful interiors, and, best of all, free admission.
Whether you’re doing a quick city stop or spending a full day in Des Moines, the Capitol offers an easy, educational experience that works well for families with kids.
What To Do:
🌿 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The **Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers a calm, beautiful break from the city. The tropical dome is warm year-round (great in winter), while the outdoor gardens along the river shine in spring and summer. Plan about 1–2 hours.
🚴 Principal Riverwalk
For fresh air and skyline views, stroll the **Principal Riverwalk. This paved, stroller-friendly path follows the river and makes an easy add-on between bigger attractions. Plan 30–90 minutes.
🖼 Pappajohn Sculpture Park
The **Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a free, quick outdoor stop in downtown. Families enjoy spotting the giant sculptures, and it’s an easy win when you want something memorable without a big time commitment. Plan 30–60 minutes.
🛍 Historic East Village
The **Historic East Village is a walkable neighborhood filled with local shops, coffee spots, and casual dining. It’s perfect for browsing, grabbing a treat, or slowing down between activities. Plan 1–2 hours.
Adventureland Park
Altoona, Iowa
Whether you are passing through or there for a visit, Adventureland Park in Altoona is one of the top family thrills in the Des Moines area. This classic Midwest amusement park combines roller coasters, kid-friendly rides, and a full water park, making it an easy full-day, or even two-day, destination for families.
What To Do:
🎢 Ride the roller coasters
Thrill seekers will want to head straight for signature rides like The Monster and other high-speed coasters. Older kids and teens especially love this section of the park.
👨👩👧👦 Explore the family & kids rides
Adventureland does a nice job balancing thrills with gentler rides. The midway area includes plenty of options for younger kids who aren’t ready for big coasters.
💦 Cool off at Adventure Bay Water Park
Your park ticket includes access to the adjacent water park, making this a huge value on hot Iowa summer days. Expect wave pools, slides, and splash areas.
🎠 Catch live shows and entertainment
Throughout the day, the park hosts family-friendly performances and character moments that provide nice breaks between rides.
🍿 Enjoy classic park treats
From funnel cakes to quick-service meals, there are plenty of spots to refuel when your crew needs a break.
Effigy Mounds
A visit to Effigy Mounds National Monument in northeast Iowa is one of the most unique and meaningful outdoor experiences in the state. This protected area preserves more than 200 prehistoric Native American mounds—many shaped like animals such as bears and birds.
What To Do:
🥾 Hike the Fire Point Trail
This is the most popular family-friendly trail, leading to scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River. The hike is moderately easy but does include some hills and stairs.
🐻 Spot the animal-shaped mounds
Keep an eye out for the famous bear and bird effigy mounds along the trails. These ancient earthworks are the highlight of the visit and a great learning moment for kids.
🏞 Enjoy Mississippi River views
Several overlooks provide beautiful river valley scenery, especially in spring and fall. It’s worth bringing a camera.
🎓 Stop at the visitor center
Before heading out, spend a few minutes in the visitor center exhibits to understand the cultural significance of the mounds and the Native American history of the site.
🚶 Take a ranger-led program (seasonal)
In warmer months, ranger talks and guided walks are sometimes offered and can add helpful context for families.
Discover more About Iowa
Planning a trip to Iowa? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting Iowa.
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