Parents who have pride in their state want to show its best and most exciting sites to their children – and there’s no better way than a road trip. Of course, that means the kids have to be engaged enough to sit still. This family-friendly road trip takes families all around the state in under ten hours of driving and combines thrilling attractions and an educational dose of culture. So strap in and see what the Hawkeye State has to offer!
Buckle up the kids and get ready to hit the road - the ultimate Iowa family road trip adventure begins right outside of Des Moines.
Self-generated/Google Maps
Your first stop is Adventureland, the state’s most popular theme park in Altoona. This old-fashioned amusement park has both thrilling coasters and gentle family rides.
Adventureland Resort
Make sure not to miss The Underground, a unique dark ride that takes you through a darkened and spooky mine.
Adventureland Resort
Ready for something more laid-back? Drive about an hour and a half northeast to Bloomsbury Farm. This working farm offers a host of activities and educational exhibits for visitors.
Bloomsbury Farm/Facebook
The farm offers unique activities and treats all year round, but their fall decor is especially spectacular.
Bloomsbury Farm/Facebook
Getting hungry? You’re only a twelve-mile drive from your next destination in Cedar Rapids - the Quarter Barrel, a unique combination of an arcade and casual family restaurant.
The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery/Facebook
When the kids have tired themselves out on all the retro arcade games, dig into a hearty selection of pastas and sandwiches.
The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery/Facebook
Less than an hour away in Waterloo’s museum district, you’ll find the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium. This interactive museum is a great way for the kids to play - and learn a thing or two.
Bluedorn Science Imaginarium
While most exhibits are self-directed, the museum does host several demonstrations of science experiments daily.
Bluedorn Science Imaginarium
Time to get back on the road and head due west about two hours for your next dining destination - the quirky Unkie’s Entertainer Restaurant and Lounge in Thor.
Tammy M/TripAdvisor
The All-American menu is sure to please kids thanks to unique touches like the restaurant’s name being printed on the sandwich.
Tondalia W/TripAdvisor
A big jaunt to the northwest, you’ll find one of Iowa’s biggest vacation destinations - Arnolds Park, home to a historic amusement park that looks especially stunning at night.
Arnolds Park Amusement Park/Facebook
The park is also home to a maritime museum filled with stunning model ships - the perfect way for kids to learn about the area’s shipping history.
Management/TripAdvisor
We’re headed towards our final destination now - but first, a brief stop-over in Sac City, a little over an hour south. Who wouldn’t want a picture with the world’s largest popcorn ball?
World’s Largest Popcorn Ball/Facebook
To wrap up this epic road trip, see Iowa like never before - on the historic trains of the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum/Facebook
This historic railroad not only offers some of the best views in Iowa, but it also has themed events and dinner trips scheduled regularly. So hop on board!
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum/Facebook
What are your must-visit sites in Iowa for families? Let us know in the comments section? The ideal road trip itinerary will be different for everyone, so before you set out, pay a visit to Iowa’s official tourism website to discover what the state has waiting for you.
Self-generated/Google Maps
Adventureland Resort
Bloomsbury Farm/Facebook
The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery/Facebook
Bluedorn Science Imaginarium
Tammy M/TripAdvisor
Tondalia W/TripAdvisor
Arnolds Park Amusement Park/Facebook
Management/TripAdvisor
World’s Largest Popcorn Ball/Facebook
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum/Facebook
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Address: Adventureland Drive, Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, USAAddress: Bloomsbury Farm, 3260 69th St, Atkins, IA 52206, USAAddress: The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery, 616 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USAAddress: Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, 322 Washington St, Waterloo, IA 50701, USAAddress: Unkie’s Entertainer Restaurant and Lounge, 222 N Ann St, Thor, IA 50591, USAAddress: Arnolds Park Amusement Park, 37 Lake St, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, USAAddress: World’s Largest Popcorn Ball, 1300 W Main St, Sac City, IA 50583, USAAddress: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad | James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, 225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, USA
