It’s that time of the year again—those last handful of precious weeks before school starts. But between school-supply shopping and classroom meet-and-greets, there’s still plenty of time to make the most of summer.
Here are eight family-friendly Iowa day trips to squeeze in before fall.
1. Take a beach day at Clear Lake
Nothing says summer quite like a beach day. While Iowa has plenty of lakes to choose from, we recommend you try Clear Lake. This peaceful small-town retreat has something for everyone, whether you feel like getting into the water or not. Of course, there’s a public beach which grants access to a portion of the 3,600 acres of spring-fed fresh water. Nearby, there’s also a splash pad, perfect for children of all ages. Need a break from swimming? There are miles of bike trails that go around the lake, as well as boat rentals and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.
2. Catch a view of the Loess Hills
If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, look no further than the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, which spans the length of Iowa’s western border. The Loess Hills were formed by windblown soil towards the end of the last ice age. While you can find loess formations all over the world, only China’s are as deep and expansive as those in Iowa. There are plenty of scenic overlooks and activities to do along the drive, so kids and parents can stretch their legs and enjoy this unique Iowa scenery.
3. Chase thrills at Lost Island
Lost Island is split into two parks, a theme park and a waterpark. You can easily spend a day at each spot, so for a day trip, you’ll likely have to choose one or the other. The waterpark is ranked among the best in the country and features 11 major slides, a lazy river, special kids areas, a wave pool, and more. The theme park is also highly regarded and is split into five themed realms, with more than 80 acres of rides and attractions. Waterpark admission starts at $34.00 per person, while theme park tickets start at $45.00.
4. Step back in time at Living History Farms
For Iowa history lovers both young and young at heart, there is no better place to spend the day than at Living History Farms in Urbandale. This interactive, 500-acre outdoor museum tells the story of more than 300 years of farming in Iowa. The heart of the museum is a 1876 town called Walnut Hill, which branches off into three farms, each representing a different century, starting in the 1700s. Interpreters throughout the site demonstrate authentic farming techniques and other skills and trades from years gone by. The farm is open Tuesday through Saturday, and general admission starts at $17.00 per person.
5. Say g’day to the wallabies
If you happen to find yourself near Des Moines on a nice summer day, then be sure to stop by the Blank Park Zoo. While there is a wide range of habitats, animals, and exhibits to check out, one favorite is the walkthrough Australia exhibit, where you can walk alongside wallabies. Kids will also enjoy the Kids Kingdom, where they can pet and feed a cast of characters, including Nigerian dwarf goats, a llama, and Papa the donkey. There’s also a castle playground, a maze, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Admission ranges from $15.00 to $20.00 per person.
6. Wander through Dubuque’s gardens
As far as Iowa destinations go, Dubuque is probably one of the best for day trips. There’s an aquarium, the Mississippi, a neat downtown, and gorgeous gardens, which is our recommendation for this list. There are two standout options depending on what you are looking for.
The first is the long-established Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. This spot is free to visit and spans more than 50 acres. It includes an arboretum, several themed gardens, art installations, and a playground.
If you have younger kids, another option is the newly opened Wanderwood Gardens. It’s described as an immersive woodland playground with several themed areas, including a treehouse, a mini village, a splash zone, a mine camp, obstacle courses, a potting shed, a frog pond, trails, and much more. Reservations are recommended due to popularity. Admission starts at $5.00 for kids and $12.50 for adults.
7. Go on a bison safari
Not too far from downtown Des Moines is the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge. The area has a wide variety of activities, including hiking trails and a nature center. One of the most distinctive features of the animal sanctuary is the drive-through auto tour, which gives you the chance to spot bison roaming the prairie, all from the safety of your vehicle. It’s kind of like going to Yellowstone without the 16-hour drive.
8. Ride the rails in Boone
There’s no better way to enjoy a view of the beautiful Des Moines River Valley than by train. The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad offers multiple train excursions, but the most popular is the family-friendly Fraser Train. The 11-mile round-trip ride lasts about an hour and 45 minutes and takes you to the former coal mining town of Fraser. During the trip, you’ll also cross over the famous 156-foot-high Bass Point Creek High Trestle Bridge, which offers some of the most expansive views. Tickets start at $25.00.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
