If you are looking for Cedar Rapids family events in the Spring, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a round-up of this season’s need-to-know events! Bookmark this page, as we will be updating it throughout the season. Looking for more events? Check out our Events Calendar!
Do you know of an event we should add? Email us at info(at)crmoms.com!
Cedar Rapids Area Spring Events Calendar
NOTE: Due to recent health concerns, please make sure to check out each event’s page to confirm events are proceeding as scheduled.
ONGOING CEDAR RAPIDS SPRING EVENTS
Little Lunchers at Twisters Gymnastics (Mondays @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm) NEED time to run errands, go out to lunch with friends or just A LITTLE time to yourself? Sign up your child for Little Lunchers. Must be 3 years old and potty trained. Your child will enjoy GYMNASTICS activities, games, books, and MORE! BRING A SACK LUNCH & DRINK Pre-registration required at iowatwisters{dot}com (under special events). Twister Gymnastics. Cost: $20
Music on the Move (Wednesdays, 9:15-10:00 am, 2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month @ 9:15-10 am & 10:15-11 am) Sing, play, listen, laugh, move, learn and bond with your little one (baby – preschooler). We will have fun each week tickling our senses while playing with (learning!) music, language, motor, and pre-academic skills. Lisa is a board-certified music therapist – all children are welcome! Register here. Unity Center of Cedar Rapids. Cost: $12.60/class
Storytime With a Twist (First Thursday of the month, 10:00-10:30 am) Reading and dancing are so much fun! Storytime With A Twist is a fun, active morning activity for your little one! Join us the first Thursday of each month (with few adjustments for holidays or school breaks) for a creative movement class and story time led by instructors at The Pointe School of Dance! Children ages 2-5 are invited to join us for the fun! In 30 minutes, we’ll read a story, dance, and play fun and active games! Spaces are limited – reserve your spot today! The Pointe School of Dance.
Multi Sport Open Gym (Fridays @ 2:00-4:00 pm) The open gym will be in two of our three buildings. The first building has tons of gymnastics and parkour equipment for the kids to play on. Our second building will have anything from volleyball, basketball, soccer, football, and any other sports that can be played on turf or a court. Twister Gymnastics. Cost: $10/child or $8/child after 2:45 pm
STEM Family Free Night (Last Friday of the month, 5:00-8:00 pm) Help solve a unique Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math challenge in the STEM Studio focused on problem-based learning. Iowa Children’s Museum. Free
Free First Saturdays for Students (First Saturday of the month, 9:30 am-4:00 pm) Students of all ages (preschool through college) are invited to visit the NCSML’s exhibits for free on the first Saturday of each month. Visitors will also be able to take part in different themed activities and celebrations. College students must bring a current school ID card. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Free.
Wheel Try It (First Saturday of the month, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm) This is a 2.5 hour wheel throwing workshop. In this class, we will assist you in learning how to center the clay on the wheel and how to create cups and bowls, with in-depth demonstrations. This class is more about the process of working with the wheel than a specific project. Great for kids and adults who are interested in developing a set of skills for working with clay. Each participant will complete at least 1-2 cups or bowls. This class is all about the experience and learning how to work with the pottery wheel. This is a great way for kids and parents alike who are interested in working with clay to experience it firsthand. Minimum age is 9 years old. All skill levels welcome. Pre-registration required. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $35
Storytime at Barnes N Noble (Saturdays @ 11:00 am) Children storytime on Saturdays. Read a book and participate in activities afterwards. Collins Rd Barnes N Noble. Free.
Preschool Open Gym (Saturdays, 11:15 am-12:15 pm) Looking for something to do for a mom’s group or an activity for your child? We provide a preschool open gym for ages 3-6 years old that is ran inside our preschool area. This is an unstructured time that allows your child to explore, play and do the activities they want to. Supervision is provided, coaching and spotting is kept to a minimum. Great way to let your kids burn off some energy! It is inside, so no matter the weather outside, it is a good experience! Think of it as a huge, padded playground! Some spotting and one to one attention (depending on size of open gym, safety first!) Kids First Gymnastics. Cost: $10
CoderDojo (First and third Saturdays, 1:00-3:00pm) CoderDojo is a free K-5 STEAM program by NewBoCo K-12 Education that encourages creativity, fosters entrepreneurship, and helps kids learn to code. Attendees are welcomed at 1 pm and everyone is given the details on what stations are available that day. This is an opportunity for kids to explore technology, coding, critical thinking at various entry levels. You can always expect several computer science options that range from Code.org’s Hour of Code to database development, web development, or custom projects to help kids learn a new skill. Stations may include a varitey of robotics, VR, app development, HTML, intro to coding, circuitry, engineering challenges and more! Parents, feel free to stay and learn along side your child! NewBoCo K-12 Education. Free
CRSA After School-Program (January 6 – March 9) The CRSA will offer FREE Winter after school program for players ages 6-9. The sessions will consist of foot-skills, agility/coordination exercises, and games. Must register. CRSA Indoor Facility. Free
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (March-April, various times) Come support Cedar Rapids’s United States Hockey League team. ImOn Ice. Tickets: $12.75-$25
Cedar Rapids River Kings (March-June, various times) Come support Cedar Rapids’s Indoor Football League team. U S Cellular Center. Tickets: $13-$55
Cedar Rapids Kernels (April – September, various times) Come support Cedar Rapids’s Minor League Baseball team. Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Click on the dropdown menus below to see Family Friendly Events in Cedar Rapids for the months of March, April, and May!
FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS IN MARCH
Daddy Daughter Date Night (March 1, 6:00 – 8:00 pm) Dads looking for something fun to do with your daughter? Bring her out to our Daddy Daughter Date Night! A evening full of fun! Admission includes entrance into our play maze, $5 game card and a refillable drink cup! We will also have balloon twisting from Living Characters! Tickets can be purchased at the door the evening of the event! Add on Rock Climbing for just $5. The Play Station. Cost: $12
Story Time & Play Time (March 4, 9:00-11:00 am) Come spend the morning at Kids First and enjoy a few stories. Following that is play time to burn off some energy on our large, padded, indoor playground. No previous experience is needed and the children are supervised by experienced and safety trained coaches. Kids First Gymnastics. Free +$5 for additional play time.
Concert in the Commons (March 5, 12:00-12:30pm) Entertainment by a String Quartet from Cedar Rapids Community Strings will fill the library with classical music at this week’s Concert in the Commons. Cedar Rapids Public Library Downtown. Free
River Kings Meet & Greet (March 5, 6:00-8:00 pm) Join us for your chance to meet the Cedar Rapids River Kings team! They’ll be announcing their team line-up and be available to mingle with guests! Help them kick off their season in Cedar Rapids! Lindale Mall. Free
Kids Dream Winter Film Series: Trolls (March 6-8 @ 10:00 am) Join us Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10AM to view your favorite family flicks for just $3! Grab the family and head to your nearest participating Marcus Theatres® location! Wanna snag FREE tickets to the show? It’s easy – visit one of our participating agents at American Family Insurance, and you can receive two FREE tickets to your choice of this year’s titles! If you cant make it to your local agents office, just click here! Marcus Cedar Rapids Cinema. Cost: $3
Hike it Baby! Hike (March 6, 9:30-10:30 am) Parents and their children from birth to school age are invited to join the Cedar Rapids Hike It Baby chapter for a family-friendly hike at the Nature Center! Hike It Baby is a national non-profit organization that offers new parents an opportunity to connect and get into nature with their young children. Dress appropriately for the weather, as we will be outdoors for the full hour. Baby carriers and all-terrain strollers are welcome, but strollers are not suitable for all trails. Feel free to pack a lunch to enjoy with the group on the patio afterwards! Pre-registration is required. Indian Creek Nature Center. Cost: $5/non-members, free/members
Kid N Canvas (March 7, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm) Back by popular demand, Kids Llama – Kid N Canvas classes are for kids about 8 to 16. Join us at Hy-Vee (279 Collins Rd NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402) cafe on Saturday Morning 10 am. All supplies (canvas, paints, brushes and apron) are provided for you, but please on clothes that are ok to get paint on. Class lasts about 1.5 to 2 hrs. Hy-Vee is providing a $10 gift card (per ticket) to shop with while your kids are painting. Check in at 9:45 am, painting starts at 10 am. Collins Rd Hy-Vee. Cost: $20/painting
2020 NewBo Puzzle Tournament (March 7, 10:00 am & 1:00 pm) NewBo City Market is bringing back our NewBo Puzzle Tournament! Assemble a team of up to 4 people and head on down to NewBo City Market for a fun day of puzzles! For the Family Round, taking place at 10 a.m., you must have at least one participant age 15 or younger. For the Adult Rounds, taking place at 1 p.m., all participants on your team must be 16 or older. Winners will be decided by the order in which they finish, or whichever teams have the least pieces remaining at the end of two hours. Your team entry gets you access to the tournament, your puzzle (which you’ll get to keep at the end!), and a free age-appropriate beverage for each of your teammates at NewBo Beer and Wine! Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place! *Only one purchase required per team of up to 4 participants. Additional rules and information to come. NewBo City Market. Cost: $35-50/team
Community Cultural Celebration and Expo (March 7, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm) Celebrate the diversity and connect with one another at the fourth annual Community Cultural Celebration and Expo! Join organizations and cultural groups from across the metro area at the Downtown Library from 10 am – 2 pm for musical performances, dance, demonstrations, and information. All are welcome! Cedar Rapids Public Library Downtown. Free
Paper Bag Princess Day (March 7, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm) Join us on Saturday, March 7 from 11 am to Noon to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Princess Elizabeth. Bookseller Terri will read The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. We’ll make paper bag crowns and slay dragons. (We’ve heard that one has been sighted in the Cedar Rapids Area!) We hope you can join us to celebrate the princess of empowerment on International Women’s Day weekend. M and M Books.
Kids Kitchen Takeover Class: St. Patrick’s Day Theme (March 7, 1:00-2:00 pm) Join Nicole, your Collins Road Hy-Vee Dietitian, for some fun in the kitchen~St. Patrick’s Day style. The class is designed for 3 to 8 year olds but kids of all ages are welcome. Adult supervision and registration is required. Collins Rd Hy-Vee. Cost: $10/child
Latin Dance Public Demo (March 7, 1:30-2:30 pm) Help generate interest in latin dance by participating in this public demonstration. When the demos are over the audience will join in, too. This event is lead by Gloria Zmolek and her group Baile Latino. Cedar Rapids Public Library Downtown. Free
It’s Maple Syrupin’ Time (March 7-8 and 14-15) Bring the family for a maple syruping experience! Discover how easy it is to tap maple trees and make delicious maple syrup. This is a great family STEM science experience to learn about weather, tree physiology, and the chemistry of syrup making. Use the sugar maker’s tools to tap a tree, visit the Sugar House to learn how sap becomes syrup, and enjoy a taste of ICNC’s real maple syrup on ice cream. ALL maple syruping programs will meet at the Penningroth Barn (intersection of Otis and Bertram Roads). Indian Creek Nature Center. Cost: $4/person, Free/2 and under
Trail Trekkers: Maple Syruping (March 11, 10:00-11:00 am) This unique, fun activity can only be experienced in late winter! Listen to Native American legends, tap a tree, and visit the Sugar House (6665 Otis Rd SE) to see how sap is made into delicious maple syrup. The hour ends with a taste of our real maple syrup on ice cream! For preschoolers with adult. Indian Creek Nature Center. Cost: $4/person 3+
Teen Hang Game Night (March 12, 6:00-8:00 pm) Area Teens! Because of the school cancellations in February we are moving out game night to March! Join us for a free and fun game night at the Music and Arts Academy, exploring all kinds of exciting games and creative opportunities. Bring a game & bring a friend while enjoying game night spaghetti and garlic bread! Open to all teens with an interest in art and music! The Music and Arts Studios at the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy. Free
Kids Dream Winter Film Series: The Addams Family (March 13-15 @ 10:00 am) Join us Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10AM to view your favorite family flicks for just $3! Grab the family and head to your nearest participating Marcus Theatres® location! Wanna snag FREE tickets to the show? It’s easy – visit one of our participating agents at American Family Insurance, and you can receive two FREE tickets to your choice of this year’s titles! If you cant make it to your local agents office, just click here! Marcus Cedar Rapids Cinema. Cost: $3
Breakfast with the Island Princess (March 14, 9:30-11:30 am) YOU are invited to join us for a breakfast buffet with the Island Princess….(you know the one that rhymes with SHOWANNA).
Enjoy photo opportunities, table activities, sing-a-longs and more! Collins Rd Hy-Vee. Cost: $8.99/buffet , $4.99/ kids 12 and under
Community Music Day (March 14, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm) Join Harmony School and other area musicians for a day to celebrate music! Crafts, games, performances, composition studio, instrument petting zoo. Musicians and audiences of all ages and levels welcome! Cedar Rapids Public Library Downtown. Free
Spring Gnomes (March 14, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm) Saturday Family Workshop– create a fun personalized spring gnome for your garden from clay. Pre-registration online is required for classes and most workshops. Kids ages 8 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $18
Who Was Louis Armstrong? A Story Time (March 14, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm) We are partnering with the Cedar Rapids Public Library for a children’s story program based on the Who Was series of biographies. These sessions will feature a reading of a Who Was biography and a hands-on activity to connect kids to the inspiring life of each story time’s subject. Join us on the second Saturday of each month to celebrate important historical and contemporary African Americans. This program is most beneficial for children between the ages of 6-12 years old. All are welcome. Cedar Rapids Public Library Downtown. Free
Cloud and Rain Chime (March 14, 2:00 – 3:30 pm) We will help you create a musical chime from slabs of clay, celebrating the arrival of spring. Pre-registration online is required for classes and most workshops. Kids ages 8 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $18
3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Photos (March 17, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm) We are doing it again!!! This is one of my favorite holidays {I obviously have to give a shout out to my heritage!} so we want to celebrate!! Are you and your family or friends planning on hitting up the SaPaDaPaSo parade at 1pm?! Well swing by the studio and get a photo in your green gear!! No appointment necessary! AE Photography. Cost: $10
CANCELLED SaPaDaPaSo St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Post Parade Celebration (March 17, 1:00-6:00 pm) JOIN THE FUN!!! The 45th Annual SaPaDaPaSo St. Patrick’s Day parade celebration in downtown Cedar Rapids kicks off at 1PM. The official post parade awards ceremony and celebration will be held at the East Bank venue & lounge located directly on the parade route immediately following the conclusion of the parade. All ages welcome. Judging results will be available at approximately 4:30 PM. Downtown Cedar Rapids. Free
Pot O’gold (March 17, 3:00-8:00 pm) Lots of fun activities for the family *arts and crafts *scavenge hunt *games *treats. Lindale Mall
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – Live (March 17, 6:30-8:00 pm) “Won’t you be my neighbor?” Daniel Tiger and all of his friends from the beloved PBS KIDS television series are hopping aboard Trolley to your town with DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE! Along with “O” the Owl, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, Mom and Dad Tiger and many more, Daniel Tiger will take live audiences on an interactive musical adventure to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, sharing stories of friendship, helping others and celebrating new experiences. This live theatrical production filled with music, dancing, laughter and “grr-ific” surprises will warm the hearts of multiple generations. Paramount Theatre. Cost: $32-52
Little Sprouts: Bobcats! (March 19, 10:00-11:00 am) To go along with our cat themed week at Wickiup Hill, we will explore the world of bobcats and cats all around the world. Ages 3-6, but younger and older siblings welcome. Online registration required two days before program. Wickiup Hill Learning Center. Cost: $3/child
Robot Film Series: Wall-E (March 19, 3:00-6:00 pm) To celebrate 100 years of robots, we will be showing some of our favorite robot films! We will be kicking the series off with a family favorite, WALL-E. WALL-E is about the last robot left on Earth – which can be a bit lonely – until he meets the scout robot, EVE, and leaves on an epic adventure through the galaxy. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Cost: $5/adult, Free/18 and under
Pajama Storytime: Museum Heist (March 19 @ 6:30 pm) Learn about this Paris museum’s famous portrait, the Mona Lisa, and when it was stolen. Then we’ll create our own portraits for an “exhibition,” and don a disguise before we stage a heist! Wear your PJ’s and bring a stuffed friend to cuddle with. We’ll meet in the galleries for stories at 6:30 pm, surrounded by the artwork in the galleries, and then create a work of art to take home. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Free
Kids Dream Winter Film Series: The Secret Life of Pets 2 (March 20-22 @ 10:00 am) Join us Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10AM to view your favorite family flicks for just $3! Grab the family and head to your nearest participating Marcus Theatres® location! Wanna snag FREE tickets to the show? It’s easy – visit one of our participating agents at American Family Insurance, and you can receive two FREE tickets to your choice of this year’s titles! If you cant make it to your local agents office, just click here! Marcus Cedar Rapids Cinema. Cost: $3
Disney Nature Series: African Cats (March 20, 10:00 am & 1:00 pm) African Cats features the real-life love, humor and determination of the kings of the African savannah: Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion. Registration required. We supply the popcorn, please bring a water bottle. Wickiup Hill Learning Center. Free
Tonight’s for Teens: Board Game Night (March 20, 4:00-7:00 pm) Join us for an evening of board games and free snacks! If you have a game that you have been itching to try and no one to play it with, feel free to bring it along. Otherwise, we will be providing plenty of games to try. Tonight’s for Teens is a series of programs designed by teens in our youth council, for teens. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Free
Shrinky Dink Saturday (March 21, 10:00-11:30 am) Design your own, or use our templates, to create unique keychains, magnets and pins! $10/craft package includes 1 each- key chain, magnet, pin back, sheet of shrinky dink and use of coloring materials. More than one person can share a package. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are included in the workshop- additional shrinky sheets are $1.50 each. Class will be held inside the Kirkwood Culinary Kitchen. NewBo City Market. Cost: $10/kit
Drop-In Workshop Rockin’ Robin (March 21, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm) Help us welcome spring by making a bird in its nest. Each project is available for creation between 10:30 am until 2:30 pm. Workshops start on the half hour, and participants are welcome to stay until they are finished with their projects. Grab your friends and family to create something fun together! All age levels welcome, kids 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is not available–just stop in and have some fun! Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $15/project
Harlem Globetrotters (March 21 @ 2:00 pm) We’re pushing the limits of basketball and having even more fun. Don’t miss the one and only Harlem Globetrotters in an all-new tour. There will be new high-flying dunks, hilarious stunts, a new record-breaking attempt and unforgettable family moments. See the Pushing The Limits World Tour live. U S Cellular Center. Cost: $27-97
Slide In Movie Night (March 21, 5:00-8:00 pm) Join us for Slide in Movie Night on Saturday, March 21, 2020 we will be showing Playing With Fire Movie on our big screen projector system! Enjoy the movie, play on our indoor play adventure area and enjoy time with family! The Play Station. Cost: $7 after 5pm. Adults are always free
37th Annual Maple Syrup Festival (March 21-22) Help us celebrate the 37th anniversary of our signature event! Enjoy a taste of real, handcrafted maple syrup fresh from the tap, and stay for a weekend of family fun. The Maple Syrup Festival features syrup making demonstrations, a look at the action inside the Maple Sugar House, and live music while you enjoy a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast with real maple syrup handcrafted at the Nature Center. Buy tickets in advance and save! Tickets are good for either Saturday or Sunday and are also available the day of the event. Indian Creek Nature Center. Cost: $8(10)/adults, $4(5)/children, free/3 and under
Kids Dream Winter Film Series: Artic Dogs (March 27-29 @ 10:00 am) Join us Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10AM to view your favorite family flicks for just $3! Grab the family and head to your nearest participating Marcus Theatres® location! Wanna snag FREE tickets to the show? It’s easy – visit one of our participating agents at American Family Insurance, and you can receive two FREE tickets to your choice of this year’s titles! If you cant make it to your local agents office, just click here! Marcus Cedar Rapids Cinema. Cost: $3
Grandparent Day at Ushers Ferry (March 29, 1:00-4:00 pm) Why wait for Grandparent’s Day in September? Have some old-fashioned fun and create some special memories now! Learn about each other’s lives, interests, skills, and chores when you share your memories. Enjoy games, crafts, music, treats, a spelling bee in the schoolhouse, and more. For 5-17 year olds with grandparent. Ushers Ferry Lodge. Cost: $6.25/child with free accompanying grandparent
Kids Kareoke (March 29, 1:00-4:00 pm) Come and join us for a fun afternoon of family friendly karaoke! We will have walking tacos and beverages available during this time – pricing available at the event. Chappy’s Safari.
Mommy & Son Date Night (March 29, 6:00 – 8:00 pm) Mom’s looking for something fun to do with your son? Bring him out to our Mommy Son Date Night! A evening full of fun! Admission includes entrance into our play maze, $5 game card and a refillable drink cup! We will also have balloon twisting from Living Characters! Tickets can be purchased at the door the evening of the event! Add on Rock Climbing for just $5. The Play Station. Cost: $12
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FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS IN APRIL
Kids Dream Winter Film Series: Ugly Dolls (April 3-5 @ 10:00 am) Join us Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10AM to view your favorite family flicks for just $3! Grab the family and head to your nearest participating Marcus Theatres® location! Wanna snag FREE tickets to the show? It’s easy – visit one of our participating agents at American Family Insurance, and you can receive two FREE tickets to your choice of this year’s titles! If you cant make it to your local agents office, just click here! Marcus Cedar Rapids Cinema. Cost: $3
Hike it Baby! Hike (April 3, 9:30-10:30 am) Parents and their children from birth to school age are invited to join the Cedar Rapids Hike It Baby chapter for a family-friendly hike at the Nature Center! Hike It Baby is a national non-profit organization that offers new parents an opportunity to connect and get into nature with their young children. Dress appropriately for the weather, as we will be outdoors for the full hour. Baby carriers and all-terrain strollers are welcome, but strollers are not suitable for all trails. Feel free to pack a lunch to enjoy with the group on the patio afterwards! Pre-registration is required. Indian Creek Nature Center. Cost: $5/non-members, free/members
Meet the Critters (April 4, 10:00-11:00 am) Meet in the classrooms to learn about our live education animals, what they eat, and how we care for them. See for yourself what makes reptiles and amphibians similar to each other and what makes them unique. Indian Creek Nature Center. Cost: $5/non-member, $2/member, free/2 and under
Daniel Tiger and Abby Brown (April 4 @ 10:30 am) Come to Hiawatha Public Library and meet our special guests, Daniel Tiger and Abby Brown from Iowa PBS! This event is open to children and their caregivers. Hiawatha Public Library. Free
Cactus (April 4, 2:00 – 3:30 pm) Cactus–Let’s create a desert oasis by creating cacti from clay. Pre-registration online is required for classes and most workshops. Kids ages 8 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $18
Trail Trekkers: Senses Exploration (April 8 and 11, 10:00-11:00 am) Warm up all of your senses – smell, feeling, looking, listening and even tasting. Use your scientific detective tools to explore the nature center in the springtime! For preschoolers with adult. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities. Indian Creek Nature Center. Free
Glass Flower Suncatcher (April 11, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm) Glass Flower Suncatcher — Create a cheerful flower suncatcher using warm glass. Pre-registration online is required for classes and most workshops. Kids ages 8 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $18
Who Was Maya Angelou? A Story Time (April 11, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm) We are partnering with the Cedar Rapids Public Library for a children’s story program based on the Who Was series of biographies. These sessions will feature a reading of a Who Was biography and a hands-on activity to connect kids to the inspiring life of each story time’s subject. Join us on the second Saturday of each month to celebrate important historical and contemporary African Americans. This program is most beneficial for children between the ages of 6-12 years old. All are welcome. Cedar Rapids Public Library Downtown. Free
Playtime Poppy: Pinocchio (April 16-18) Washington High School.
MasterChef Junior Live! (April 17, 7:00-8:30 pm) MasterChef Junior Live! is coming to Cedar Rapids! Due to popular demand, this high-energy, interactive stage production is extending its debut tour to 40 new U.S markets in 2020 bringing the culinary hit TV show MasterChef Junior directly to fans and foodies alike…LIVE on stage! The family-friendly show will feature head-to-head cooking demonstrations and fun (sometimes messy!) challenges with past MasterChef Junior contestants, and an overall immersive audience experience fun for all ages. Bring the whole family to see MasterChef Junior Live! Limited VIP Packages are available that include a premium seat, meet and greet experience, signed show poster, photos, and more. It’s a recipe for a guaranteed good time! Get your tickets today! Paramount Theatre. Cost: $39-128
Pajama Storytime: Notre Dame (April 19 @ 6:30 pm) Notre Dame Cathedral is famous for its gargoyles, bells, stained glass windows, and also for a certain hunchback… Stop in for some stories and a cool craft inspired by this Gothic landmark. Wear your PJ’s and bring a stuffed friend to cuddle with. We’ll meet in the galleries for stories at 6:30 pm, surrounded by the artwork in the galleries, and then create a work of art to take home. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Free
Kids Self Defense Class (April 25, 1:00-2:30 pm) This 1.5 hour hands-on training class taught by There’s No Quit! will provide your children (ages 6-11) with observation skills to recognize and prevent a violent encounter and basic safety principles and techniques to protect themselves in the event of one. Hiawatha Public Library. Cost: $15
A Year With Frog and Toad (April 25 @ 1:00 pm) This whimsical family musical follows two best friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. Part vaudeville, part make believe, and all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad celebrates a friendship as unique as these unforgettable characters. Old Creamery Theatre. Cost: $12
Mom’s Day Vase (April 25, 2:00 – 3:30 pm) Create a vase in this workshop, just in time for you to fill with flowers and give to your favorite mom on Mother’s Day! Pre-registration online is required for classes and most workshops. Kids ages 8 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $18
Riverdance – New 25th Anniversary Show (April 30 @ 7:30 pm) A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Twenty-five years on, composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely re-imagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage and costume designs. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary power and grace of its music and dance – beloved by fans of all ages. Fall in love with the magic of Riverdance all over again. Paramount Theatre. Cost: $53-78
FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS IN MAY
Maifest 2020 (May 2-3) The Colonies come alive with the colors of spring as the villages celebrate on Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd. You’ll experience German food and music along with a Saturday morning parade. The Festhalle Barn area will be the home of diverse ethnic cultures as food trucks line the parking area with a variety of ethnic cuisine. Music and dance will fill the Festhalle as ethnic dancers will perform. Sunday afternoon Wine, Beer, and Food Walk is a great time to sample some of the best that the Colonies have to offer. Our famous Amana Colonies Maipole Dancers perform all weekend long at various spots. Amana Colonies
A Year With Frog and Toad (May 2, 9 and 16 @ 1:00 pm) This whimsical family musical follows two best friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. Part vaudeville, part make believe, and all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad celebrates a friendship as unique as these unforgettable characters. Old Creamery Theatre. Cost: $12
Face Pinch Pot Bowl (May 9, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm) Face Pinch Pot Bowl — Who will you create? Add facial features to bring a pot to life! Pre-registration online is required for classes and most workshops. Kids ages 8 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio.Cost: $18
Who Was Stevie Wonder? A Story Time (May 9, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm) We are partnering with the Cedar Rapids Public Library for a children’s story program based on the Who Was series of biographies. These sessions will feature a reading of a Who Was biography and a hands-on activity to connect kids to the inspiring life of each story time’s subject. Join us on the second Saturday of each month to celebrate important historical and contemporary African Americans. This program is most beneficial for children between the ages of 6-12 years old. All are welcome. Cedar Rapids Public Library Downtown. Free
Trail Trekkers: Sounds of Spring (May 13 and 16, 10:00-11:00 am) As the weather warms up, so does the frog chorus! Listen for frogs at the wetlands. Learn about the frog life cycle and special frog features, sing frog songs, and go on a frog watching hike. For preschoolers with adult. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities. Indian Creek Nature Center. Free
Pajama Storytime: Happy Birthday, CRMA! (May 21 @ 6:30 pm) Celebrate the museum’s 125th birthday with us! We’ll read birthday books together and then make party favors to take home! Wear your PJ’s and bring a stuffed friend to cuddle with. We’ll meet in the galleries for stories at 6:30 pm, surrounded by the artwork in the galleries, and then create a work of art to take home. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Free
Iowa Renaissance Festival (May 23-25 and 30-31) The Iowa Renaissance Festival celebrates 29 years of family fun! Come experience two weekends of live entertainment featuring comedy, swordplay, music, magic, and even horseback jousting. Explore a marketplace full of unique merchandise from around the land. Enjoy tasty treats and drinks in the royal food court (including adult libations like honey mead). The village awaits your visit! Amana Colonies. Cost: $12/adults, $6/kids
Baby Animal Festival (May 23 – June 14, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm) Looking for something to do with the kids while school is out? Our Baby Animal Festival is the best place to be. Spend your days playing with our barnyard babies and 20+ spring time attractions! From the littles all the way up to adults, we have something to keep everyone entertained all day! Bloomsbury Farm. Cost: TBA
Clay Corral Reef (May 23, 2:00 – 3:30 pm) Let’s go underwater and sculpt a beautiful creation found under the sea. Pre-registration online is required for classes and most workshops. Kids ages 8 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $18
Catch a Fish (May 30, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm) Catch a Fish — It was THIS big! Sculpt a fish from clay to proudly hang on your wall. Pre-registration online is required for classes and most workshops. Kids ages 8 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio.Cost: $18
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