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The Best Places to Visit In Iowa With Kids & Teens
America’s Heartland. Iowa is all about farming, fields, and fun. There really is more to do than stare at the miles of farmland pass you by as you explore the plains states. There is so much interesting history art and culture to be found in the state of Iowa state. Let the landscape, culture, and richness of Iowa inspire you as you explore Iowa with kids and teens.
Your family will be captivated by all of the history and exciting places to explore and learn about in Illinois. These Iowa family travel destinations are great places to add to an exciting family travel itinerary of America’s grasslands and plains states. If you are wanting to road trip or learn virtually, keep reading because you can explore and have awesome adventures in Iowa with kids and teens.
Iowa With Kids & Teens – Road Trip!
Are you ready to let your family experience everything Iowa has to offer? If that’s the case, then an Iowa with kids & teens road trip is the perfect way to use the world as your classroom. Road-tripping allows you to explore and experience a place just like the locals. That’s the great thing about road trips (and GPS); you can wander wherever you like. Road-tripping can be such an adventure and a great way to learn.
In our family, road-tripping is a series of car journeys from one destination to another to do a field trip. A 5-day road trip usually means at least three of those days will be filled with activities and attractions. But if you live locally or regionally, you may decide to take that road trip in smaller chunks and plan several field trips around the great state of Iowa. Below are all the resources you need. Included are super fun ideas that will also super-size your child’s learning about US History, Geography, and famous people & places. So have fun using the world as your classroom with intentional family travel. Let’s explore the historical sites in Iowa!
Iowa Historical Sites & Parks
- Amana Colonies: National landmark that consists of seven villages formed by German Pietists, who maintained an almost completely self-sufficient local economy for 80 years, located in Amana, Iowa.
- Ledges State Park: State park in Madrid, Iowa.
- Maquoketa Caves State Park: State park in Maquoketa, Iowa.
- Pikes Peak State Park: State Park in McGregor, Iowa.
- High Trestle Trail: 25-mile recreational trail from Ankeny, Iowa, to Woodward, Iowa.
- Grotto of the Redemption: Grotto in West Bend, Iowa.
Iowa Museums & Galleries
- Living History Farms: Open-air museum in Urbandale, Iowa.
- Des Moines Art Center: Art Museum in Des Moines, Iowa.
- Putnam Museum: History and Natural Science Museum in Davenport, Iowa.
- American Gothic House: Museum and art center in Eldon, Iowa.
- Figge Art Museum: Art museum in Davenport, Iowa.
Iowa – Gardens, Zoo & Aquariums
- Blank Park Zoo: Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa.
- Reiman Gardens: Garden in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa – Add These To Your Itinerary
- Field of Dreams Movie Site: Field filmed in the movie “Field of Dreams” starring Kevin Costner, located in Dyersville, Iowa.
- Adventureland: Amusement park in Des Moines, Iowa.
- Iowa Speedway: Car racing track in Newton, Iowa.
- Hoyt Sherman Place: Performing arts theater in Des Moines, Iowa.
Iowa offers so many exciting things to do! Museums, outdoor activities, and exciting adventures throughout the state. Are you finding it hard to fit it all in or afford to do it all while you are visiting? Luckily, there are great online resources at many of the museums and parks so you can keep learning about Iowa.
Iowa Places To Visit For Virtual Travel & Learning
Make the most of learning about Illinois by taking a few virtual field trips and incorporating the Iowa State Study pack into your pre- and post-visit activities. Your kids will enjoy hands-on activities and museums more when they have a little understanding of the people and places they will be visiting. Add in a good book, some digital activities to learn history and geography, and some super art for easy ways to inspire and educate. It’s all in these US State Study resources.
Iowa – Use The World As Your Classroom
The Iowa State Study pack makes it easy for your family to have fun learning about Iowa at home (virtually) or on the road.
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Iowa State Study Pack$11.00
Learn About Iowa’s Famous People
- Amelia Jenks Bloomer – Activist
- Carrie Chapman Catt – Activist
- William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody – Military/ Frontiersman
- Herbert Hoover – President
- Glenn Miller – Musician
- John Wayne – Actor
Learn About Iowa’s Famous Landmarks:
- Effigy Mounds National Monument
- Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
You will also find resources for science, art, and geography to round out a packed week (or longer) of learning resources for kids aged 3rd grade to 12th grade.
The Iowa State Study has all the resources in a PDF. You and your kids can pick and choose which ones you want to complete. It is a carefully curated course with separate sections for elementary & middle/high schoolers. There are exciting videos and selected lessons so your family can easily learn online.
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Iowa State Study Pack$11.00
Iowa Family Travel Questions Answered
Iowa has a variety of attractions that are perfect for families. the resources in this post will help you choose what to add to your Iowa travel itinerary You’ll want to include:
State parks: Iowa has 71 state parks, with something to offer everyone. Families can enjoy hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and swimming. Some popular state parks for families include Lake Macbride State Park, Backbone State Park, and Maquoketa Caves State Park.
Themed attractions: Iowa has a number of themed attractions that are perfect for families, including:
🧭Adventureland: This amusement park has rides and attractions for all ages, including water rides, roller coasters, and a children’s area.
🧭Blank Park Zoo: This zoo is home to over 1,500 animals from all over the world. Families can see lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, and more.
🧭Science Center of Iowa: This science museum has interactive exhibits on everything from the human body to the solar system.
Historical Sites: Iowa is home to a number of historical sites, including:
🧭Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum: This museum tells the story of President Herbert Hoover, who was born and raised in Iowa.
🧭Granger House Museum: This museum is a Victorian mansion that was once home to the Granger family. Families can tour the house and learn about life in Iowa in the late 19th century.
🧭Amana Colonies: These seven villages were founded by German immigrants in the 19th century. Families can visit the villages to learn about German culture and history.
Here are some budget-friendly family activities in Iowa:
🗝Visit a state park. Iowa’s state parks offer a variety of free activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming.
🗝Visit a museum. Many museums in Iowa offer free or discounted admission for children.
🗝Attend a festival or event. Iowa has a number of festivals and events throughout the year, many of which are free or low-cost to attend.
🗝Have a picnic in the park. Iowa has many beautiful parks where families can enjoy a picnic lunch.
🗝Visit a library. Iowa’s libraries offer a variety of free programs and activities for children.
Homeschool, Travel & Learn With The Let’s Study The Americas, the Caribbean, Australia & Oceania Bundle
No more cobbling your curriculum together and hoping it works! Everything you need is included in these World Geography bundles!
Use The World As Your Classroom
Exploring The Midwest?
Minnesota, Missouri & Illinois are exciting stops for families that love to use the world as their textbook. These posts will help you homeschool, travel, and learn together. Have fun! Below are a few more resources to help you use the world as your classroom.
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