Family Time: Outdoor Style - Summer

Cedar Rapids has long been called the City of Five Seasons, with the fifth season being the time to enjoy the other four.

Check out these unique adventure-filled activities the whole family can relish in Summer!

Summer

Summer is prime family time, and one of the most unique experiences you can have in the whole Midwest is hiking up a pile of trash! No joke. Take the entire family for a hike up Mt. Trashmore, a former city landfill with six million tons of trash amazingly transformed into a suburban recreational site featuring 4 different trail options. The panoramic view of the city from the summit (an elevation of 948-feet) is worth every step.

Take in summer’s full beauty at Ellis Park’s Shakespeare Garden, the gorgeous grounds at Brucemore, the incredible showcase at Noelridge Park offering a colorful maze to wander and chase butterflies and the Linn County Master Gardeners impressive learning garden at Lowe Park in Marion. With nearly 100 city parks, Cedar Rapids is brimming with public space
to explore and play. Hit up Bever Park for an extra special experience at Old MacDonald’s Farm. This long-time favorite has been entertaining families free of charge for more than 100 years. Visitors can get up close and personal with farm animals, like chickens, goats, cattle and more.

Beyond the parks, Cedar Rapids is amped all summer long with outdoor concerts at the McGrath Amphtheatre, patio dining, the twice-monthly Downtown Farmer’s Market, a full slate of summer fairs and festivals, CRBT Movies on the River Bank and an increasing presence of public art visible throughout the city.

When you’re ready to boil over, cool off in the city’s public pools, acquatic centers or splash pads, from the fully-loaded Cherry Hill Aquatic Center to the local favorite Hayes Park Splash Pad and everything in between. And get out on the water after a stop at Soko Outfitters to rent kayaks and paddle boards.

Related Stories

Related Content: