6 Ways to Entertain Toddlers in Cedar Rapids

Guaranteed fun activities for you and your little one!

Load up the littles and head to Cedar Rapids for a quick vacation getaway. It's a great place to make first vacation memories.

1. Play, Bounce, Run and Dance

  • The Fun Station
    Explore the large multi-level play maze with slides, ball pits, obstacle courses, climbing walls, and arcade and more!. The play center is designed for ages 12 and under and Tot Tuesdays (for ages 1-4) are offered weekly, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Fun Nights are Thursdays with discounted admission and pizza packages available.
  • AirFX Trampoline Park
    AirFX Trampoline Park is the ultimate fun destination for the entire family. Featuring wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, basketball, soft play, ninja warrior courses, Clip 'n Climb climbing walls, Lazer Frenzy and an outdoor mini-golf course – there is something for everyone here! The 40,000-square-feet of family fun at AirFX Trampoline Park includes a Kid's Zone for small children.
  • Rock the Block at NewBo City Market
    Late spring through early summer, your family can dance your Friday evening away in the NewBo City Market's Yard with their weekly FREE concert series.
  • Morgan Creek Park & Playground
    Check out the Morgan Creek Arboretum which has over 250 species of trees and shrubs, a modern campground, reservable open shelter, playground, and extensive trail system - including groomed cross-country ski trails. This park is famous for its crab apple blossoms in the spring.
  • Bever Park & Playground
    Tucked away into a residential neighborhood, Bever Park features flower gardens, Old MacDonald’s Farm, playgrounds, swimming pool, pavilions, and bocce ball and tennis courts.
    Noelridge Park, Playground & Greenhouse.
  • Noelridge Park, Playground & Greenhouse
    This signature park features an aquatic center, accessible and inclusive playground, splash pad, walking trail, fit lot, tennis/pickleball courts, universally accessible restroom with adult changing stations, award-winning gardens, and greenhouse. The greenhouse features a permanent display of large tropical plants.
  • Thomas Park & Playground
    Marion's largest park offers a giant playground, bike trail, sledding hill and more.

2. Active Learning

  • Wickiup Hill Learning Center
    When you're ready for fresh air, toddlers will delight in events like Toddlers and Toadstools and Science for Squirts. In addition to events, the exhibits are designed especially for kids - they'll be encouraged to "follow a magical dragonfly" on a learning adventure.
  • Indian Creek Nature Center
    Let the kids play in the outdoor classroom discovering the prairies, animals and more. Relax in the Bird Room, explore at the interactive watershed table, see how much energy the solar panels are producing at the Energy Portal, and pick up some raw honey or maple syrup in our Creekside Shop.
  • Cedar Rapids Public Library
    A building full of engaging stories, regular programming for children of all ages including weekly baby and toddler story and play times, a rooftop garden (closed during winter) and lobby cafe. Our library is a destination!
  • Morgan Creek Park Butterfly Arboretum
    A one mile crushed limestone trail loops and winds through over 250 species of trees and shrubs. The collections include: native and exotic shade trees; ornamental trees and shrubs; prairie grasses and forbs; crab apples; lilacs; and the butterfly garden.

4. Meet the local animals!

  • Old MacDonald’s Farm
    Located in Bever Park, this petting farm is home to farm animals and North American waterfowl. Completely free and open for more than 100 years, this local favorite is open May through September.
  • Bloomsbury Farm
    You will find activities for kids of all ages! Whether you want to bounce on the Jumping Pillow, ride the barrel train, try out the super slide, climb tractor tire mountain, meet the animals, mine for gemstones, grab some ice creame or enjoy one of the seasonal festivals, you are sure to have a blast at Bloomsbury Farm!
  • Bass Family Farms
    Looking for a fun day with your family? Bass Family Farms offers events of all kinds; from hayrack rides and local food tasting to our pumpkin patch and ice cream.Get out in the fresh-air and enjoy seasonal festivals, healthy living, mini-golf, sling shots ad more!
  • Prairie Patch Farm
    Meet the llamas at the Prairie Patch Farm! Reserve your chance to hang out, snuggle, hike and get a selfie with some of the cutest llamas around! Note: Each under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

5. Splish, Splash

During the summer months, Cedar Rapids Parks and Rec provide splash pads and water features throughout the city where kids can cool off.

  • Cedar Valley Park, 2250 Blakely Boulevard S.E.
  • Cleveland Park, 1600 8th Avenue S.W
  • Daniels Park, 940 Oakland Road N.E.
  • Greene Square, 400 4th Avenue S.E.
  • Hayes Park, 1924 D Street S.W.
  • Hidder Park, 10th Street and 14th Avenue S.E.
  • Jacolyn Park, Jacolyn Drive and Gordon Avenue N.W.
  • Noelridge Park, 4900 Council Street N.E.
  • Redmond Park, 3rd Avenue and 16th Street S.E.
  • Time Check Park, 5th Street and J Avenue N.W.
  • Twin Pines Park, 3500 42nd Street N.E.

6. Snack Attack

  • Almost Famous Popcorn is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and parents. While popcorn is popped fresh daily, don’t let the scent fool you — popcorn isn't all that’s offered. Enjoy 24+ flavors of hand-dipped ice cream and premium fudge, along with more than 100 flavors of vintage soda.
  • Sweet Mercantile
    Kids of all ages will delight in the nostalgia of the Sweet Mercantile Soda Fountain & Candy Shop located in historic Czech Village. Toys, games and old-time sweets will delight your senses in the candy shop, while the vintage soda fountains offers sodas, floats, milkshakes, malts and more!
  • Marion Chocolate Shop
    Stop in and take a whif of the handmade fine-chocolates in Uptown Marion.
  • Frydae
    Head to Uptown Marion for delcious delights of unique fries and out-of-this-world ice cream!

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