Winter is upon us and if you are anything like me being stuck in the house with wild children is enough to drive you crazy. Here is a list of great places in the area to take your children when it is too cold to go outside and too boring to stay home all day.
Libraries!
The local libraries put on so many great events each week.
The Hiawatha Public Library has story time on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:00. We love to go and play with their kitchen set and then head in to listen to the fantastic librarian. There is usually a fun craft as well. The story times are aimed at kiddos under five but my seven-year-old loves going and participating as well. Check out their website for all the events they put on for kids each week!
150 W Willman St, Hiawatha, IA 52233
The Marion Public Library If you haven’t checked out the new Marion Library you definitely should! It is amazing. It is like a mini children’s museum in there. My kid’s ages one to seven all loved the play set, puppet theater, kitchen, and of course the video game room. They have so many things for adults as well. Check out their website to keep up on future kids’ events and story times!
1101 6th Ave, Marion, IA 52302
Cedar Rapids Public Library. This library system has multiple locations for fun mornings out reading and exploring books! The Ladd Location has story times on Mondays at 10:00! Check out their website or follow them on Facebook to keep track of their activities.
450 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
The Fun Station (formerly the PlayStation)
The Fun Station is entertaining for all ages. My kids love going there when it’s cold outside. They will play for hours in the maze and enjoy the rock climbing walls as well. Take your kiddos on Tuesdays and they get a free 10 inch pizza with the price of their ticket. They run lots of food specials throughout the month as well.
200 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Pizza Ranch
Do your kids enjoy arcade games? If so, Pizza Ranch has a great arcade with lots of fun games for kids to enjoy. They have multiple locations in Cedar Rapids and Marion. We love to eat lunch or dinner there and then wear the kids out with games.
Chick Fil A
This is the perfect place to go for lunch and to play! Get yourself and your kiddos some lunch and let them play in the Play Place. Maybe you will even get lucky and can sit outside the play place and enjoy the rest of your lunch in peace while they go down the slide an endless amount of times. Check out one of their locations!
The Shell
The shell has ride-on toys, sports fields, mini roller coasters, inflatables and workout equipment for your kiddos to burn off energy. They have specific times that you can reserve a spot check them out here.
4655 Tower Terrace Rd, Cedar Rapids, IA 52411
The play Café- Marion
The play café is a great place to take your kiddos when you want to sit down and drink some coffee while your kids play. No need to chase them around as this quaint play space allows your kids to play in a safe space while you can enjoy some conversation with other adults. Which we all know we need after being stuck inside with little people for too long. They put on lots of fun events as well throughout the months check them out here
143 Marion Blvd Suite A, Marion, IA 52302
Air FX Trampoline Park
Air Fx is so fun to take your toddlers through school agers! I love that there is something for each one of my kids to do there. If you are stuck at home on a Thursday or Friday they have toddler time from 9-11 the crowds are lower than the weekend as well. Check out their website for deals and specials.
1100 N 18th Ave, Hiawatha, IA 52233
Iowa City Children’s Museum
If you are able to make the trip to Coralville- The children’s museum is a great way to spend a cold day! They have so many exhibits to entertain your kiddos for hours. If you love it with a membership you get to attend member hours and enjoy other perks as well! Check them out!
1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, IA 52241
Hope this helps you stay sane these next few months once the fun of the Holidays is over and we so desperately need to get out of the house.
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