Free Family Activities in Eastern Iowa
No-cost Things to Do in Cedar Rapids and Surrounding Cities
When you're watching every penny, finding no-cost family activities that are fun for everyone can be a challenge. Fortunately, families living in Eastern Iowa have several options for a no-cost day of family fun.
Free Family Activities in Eastern Iowa – Iowa City and Surrounding Cities
Heritage Museum of Johnson County
Visitors to the museum can discover the unique history of Johnson County in this 1876 Historic Coralville Public School. The turn-of-the-century school room allows visitors to travel back in time and learn about the challenges students faced in this era. The museum is located in Coralville, Iowa and has no charge for admission.
Family members of all ages will be amazed with the over one million specimens on display. Collections include Bird Hall which has over 1,100 mounted birds from North America and nearly all the specimens from Iowa. In the Mammal Hall, visitors will delight in seeing a rare giant panda from China, skeleton of a whale and musk ox. In Iowa Hall, your family can learn all about Iowa's ecology, geology and archaeology.
The Museum of Natural History is located in Macbride Hall on the campus of the University of Iowa in Iowa City. A visit to this museum is sure to create lasting memories and with free admission the visit is very easy on your family budget.
Amana Colonies
Families with older children will enjoy exploring the antiques, heritage and quaint shops of the Amana Colonies. Stroll down the streets and do some window-shopping or stop in the charming shops for a sampling of fudge, cheese or other tasty treats. The Amana Colonies are rich with history and seven authentic German villages that were founded as a religous commune in the mid-1800s. Named as a National Historic Landmark, the Amana Colonies are one of Iowa's most popular attractions. While there, be sure to visit Iowa's only operating woolen mill at the Amana Woolen Mill.
No-Cost Family Activities in Eastern Iowa – Cedar Rapids and Surrounding Cities
Bike on Cedar Valley Nature Trail
Pack your bikes and get ready for a day of fun on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. This 52 mile trail links Cedar Rapids to Waterloo. Relatively level terrain with a combination of paved and crushed limestone surfaces make for an easy ride through Eastern Iowa's scenic landscape.
Brucemore
Located in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Brucemore is one of 21 properties of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This 26-acre estate features a formal garden, greenhouse and Queen Anne-style mansion built in 1886. There is no charge for viewing the exhibits, but a guided tour does have a small fee. There are several events hosted on the lawn of the Brucemore throughout the summer including theater performances and a hot air balloon glow.
Concerts and Festivals
Throughout the summer, many Eastern Iowa cities have free concerts in the park. Marion, Iowa located just outside of Cedar Rapids, has a free concerts every Thursday night in August. The concerts are held at the City Square Park located in the heart of downtown Marion.
Festivals are plentiful in Eastern Iowa throughout the summer months which provide fun for family members of all ages. From the Freedom Festival in Cedar Rapids held for 17 days (June 18 through July 4) to the Iowa City Arts Festival, there is something to keep families entertained without spending a cent.
Whether exploring the rich history of Eastern Iowa or taking in the scenic countryside, families in Eastern Iowa can find plenty to do without spending a dime.
Finding Free Things to do in Eastern Iowa is Easy
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