A Big List of Fun Things to Do With the Kids This Winter in Eastern Iowa

A Big List of Fun Things to Do With the Kids This Winter in Eastern Iowa

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Need help beating the winter boredom? We've got you covered! Check out some of the kid-friendly places to take your family this January and February here in Eastern Iowa:

Trampoline Parks

Indoor Play Areas

Museums/Activity Centers

Escape Rooms

Laser Tag

Arcades

Bowling

READ MORE: Where to Go Outdoor & Indoor Ice Skating in Eastern Iowa

Rollerskating Rinks

Indoor Pools That Offer Day Passes

Axe Throwing

  • Axe-cade on Main - 136 E Main St, Anamosa
    • No age restrictions
  • Hurling Hatchet - 100 E 2nd St, Cedar Falls
    • No age restrictions, but ages 14 and under must have an adult present
  • Big River Bowling - 2902 E Kimberly Rd, Davenport
  • Island Social - Q Casino & Resort, Dubuque
    • Must be at least 14 years of age to participate - ages 14 to 17 must be accompanied by guardian
  • Turkey River AXEperience - 305 N High St, Elkader
    • Minimum throwing age is 12 - throwers 15 and under must have an adult with them
  • BowlDogs - 1355 Hayes Lane, North Liberty
    • Throwers under the age of 18 must be supervised by a parent
  • ChillAxe - 122 E Bremer Ave, Waverly

Indoor Mini Golf

Kids Art Studios/Classes

Indoor Nature Centers

Other

  • Malibu Jack's - 858 Middle Rd, Bettendorf
    • Featuring go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, large rides, motion theater, arcade games, and more
  • FunCity Resort - Catfish Bend Casino, 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington
    • A hotel/resort with go-karts, a play area, bowling/duckpin bowling, laser tag, and an arcade
  • The Slime Kitchen - Coral Ridge Mall, Coralville
    • An interactive kitchen where customers can make customized slime
  • Happy Joe's Pizza & Jungle Bungle - 201 W 50th St, Davenport
    • A pizza restaurant with a three-story indoor climbing structure and an arcade with a redemption counter & prizes
  • Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark - 350 Bell Street, Dubuque
    • A hotel/resort with a 25,000-square-foot indoor waterpark
  • Olliewood Action Sports - 3125 Cedar Crest Ridge, Dubuque
    • An indoor skatepark with a skateshop and all-ages music venue
  • Fairfield's Immersive Art Fun House - 702 South 5th Street, Fairfield
    • A two-story art installation filled with neon glow paint - "From eight-foot spin-art spirals and intricately patterned panels to windmill-like spinning gizmos, floor-to-ceiling rotating columns, revolving geodesic spheres, and even a fully dressed dummy whirling overhead like a superhero caught in a ceiling fan, the total effect is definitely one of superlative fun." - Iowa Source
  • Kitty Corner Social Club - 20 S Clinton St, Iowa City
    • "... a unique destination where humans can relax, unwind, and connect with cats available for adoption."
    • All ages welcome

Sporting Events

  • GT Arenacross AMA Championship Series - Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids
    • Dates/Times
      • Friday, January 16th at 7 p.m.
      • Saturday, January 17th at 6 p.m.
    • "Experience the thrill as Supercross riders from across the nation compete on the largest indoor track filled with tight turns, massive jumps, and intense obstacles. This adrenaline-packed event is the best family show on dirt, perfect for motorsports enthusiasts, kids, and families alike, offering non-stop excitement from start to finish."
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Battle By The River Rodeo - Xtream Arena, Coralville
    • Dates/Times
      • Friday, January 23rd at 7 p.m.
      • Saturday, January 24th at 7:30 p.m. (Family Fun Night starts at 5:30 p.m. -  includes pony rides, meet & greets, autographs, and more)
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Professional Championship Bull Riders & Barrel Racers - Vibrant Arena, Moline
    • Dates/Times
      • Saturday, January 24th at 7 p.m.
      • Sunday, January 25th at 2 p.m.
    • "The Greatest Bull Riders in the world compete against the toughest Bulls in nation. Along with Cowgirls Championship Barrel Racing fast horses competing nightly."
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • World Championship Ice Racing - Vibrant Arena, Moline
    • Saturday, January 31st at 7 p.m.
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Bullriders Of America Finals - Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
    • February 6th & 7th at 7:30 p.m.
      • Family Night on February 6th
    • "Join the fun at Bridge View Center over 2 action-packed days as the cowboys try to hold on for 8 seconds. Following each day of competition, the bull riders will host a meet and greet session for all fans. Friday night is a special Family night with fun games on the dirt before the show starting at 5:30 p.m. with mutton busting following during the show."
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Bulls, Bands, & Barrels - Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids
    • Saturday, February 7th at 6:30 p.m.
    • "Before the lights go down and the music cranks up, you’ll be on the edge of your seat watching world-class bull riders face off against rank, high-flying bulls, lightning-fast barrel racers battle the clock, and freestyle bullfighters risk it all. Then, when the dust settles, the stage lights up for a LIVE concert featuring Hudson Westbrook with special guest, Tyce Delk!"
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Extreme Enduro - Hippodrome, Waterloo
    • Saturday, February 7th at 6 p.m.
    • "Watch the best racers in the midwest battle bar to bar for Extreme Enduro supremacy or bring your bike and join in on the action!!"
    • No advance ticket sales - general admission $20 for ages 13+ and $15 for ages 5 to 12
  • Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour
  • Battle for the Bluff Rodeo - Five Flags Arena, Dubuque
    • February 20th & 21st at 7:30 p.m.
      • Kids Day on February 21st - doors at 5:30 p.m.
    • "The Battle for the Bluff will showcase three premiere rodeo events: bull riding, bareback bronc riding, and saddle bronc riding."
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Waterloo Bull Riding Challenge - National Cattle Congress, Waterloo
    • February 20th & 21st at 7 p.m.
    • Purchase tickets HERE

FREE Admission January & February Events

  • Hello 2026! - North Liberty Library
    • Friday, January 9th from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
    • "Join us for an exciting evening filled with fun, games, and festive cheer as we welcome the New Year! Enjoy bounce houses, treats, and special guest appearances from some of your favorite characters. Create a unique DIY tattoo and manifest your 2026 aspirations with our fire pit. The annual Balloon Drop will be at 7pm."
  • LEGO Build Day - Ketelsen RV, Hiawatha
    • Saturday, January 10th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • "Imagine getting to build whatever you want in the biggest pile of LEGO you have ever seen! We will have over 800 lbs of Lego spread out, and you can come build anything you’d like! So bring your imagination and ideas!  The best part is that if you want to take home your build, you can! We can weigh whatever awesome creation you make for just $10/pound, and it is yours!"
  • 3rd Annual Wildlife Weekend - Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
    • Saturday, January 10th at 9 a.m.
    • "Enjoy guided birdwatching along the scenic Des Moines River, where bald eagles are expected to be out in force. Inside, warm up with engaging presentations from wildlife experts, interactive displays, and kid-friendly crafts and games." Check out a full schedule of events HERE
  • Icestravaganza - Freight House Market Place, Davenport
    • Dates/Times
      • Friday, January 16th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
      • Saturday, January 17th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
      • Sunday, January 18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Featuring ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations, an outdoor activity zone, complimentary hot cocoa, a family-friendly glow party, food, drinks, and more
  • Dolly Parton's Birthday Party - Cedar Rapids Public Library
    • Saturday, January 17th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    • "Join the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation to celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday with a morning of family-friendly fun! The celebration features story times, activities, cookies, and a dance party. Drop-in for a 'Happy Birthday' sing-along at 10:15 am, story times at 10:30 am and 11:30 am, and a dance party at 11 am. The Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library will hold a children’s book sale for $1 each, and community partners will provide activities and resources."
  • National Ice Skating Month Celebration - ImOn Ice Arena, Cedar Rapids
    • Saturday, January 17th from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Admission and skate rental are FREE
  • Winterfest - Amana Colonies
    • Saturday, January 24th
    • Featuring a 5K, a wine & beer walk, games, chili, and more
  • Frost Fest - Coralville Recreation Center
    • Saturday, January 31st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • "This frosty event combines the fun of a classic kickball tournament with an exhilarating lineup of winter sports to experience including snowshoeing, broomball, and snow focused contests. Warm-up at the Coralville Recreation Center with hot cocoa, movies, a winter craft and games."
    • Registration for the kickball tournament is required HERE
  • Family Karaoke - Cedar Rapids Public Library
    • Saturday, January 31st from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    • "We set up the machine and provide the tunes (and lyrics), while you get to show off your amazing vocal talents. Bring your cheering squad and your set list for a fun afternoon making music together. No need to register; a running sign-up sheet will be on site to make sure everyone gets a turn to rock the house. All ages welcome!"
  • Freeze Fest - Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, Iowa City
    • Sunday, February 1st from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    • "Freeze Fest offers indoor and outdoor activities for all ages—games, crafts, hiking, survival skills, and birdwatching. Outdoor activities will be included weather permitting."
  • Kids Movie Nights - PinSeekers, Tiffin
    • Sunday, February 1st at 3:30 p.m.
    • "Free movie series showing family-friendly, PG-rated animated movies. Free bag of popcorn for all kids. Doors to open at 3:30 with Kid's BINGO starting at 3:45 and going until 5:00 when the movie starts. And 50% off of Indoor Mini Golf from 2:30-4:00 for those coming to the movie."
  • Superb Owl Party - Cedar Rapids Public Library
    • Thursday, February 5th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • "Are you ready for some raptors? Join us to celebrate all things owl beginning at 5:30 pm with a scavenger hunt, owl art, and owl games. Stay for an informative presentation from Raptology and see these majestic creatures in person! This program is first-come, first-served; wristbands will be handed out an hour in advance."
  • Ice Harvest Festival - Ice House Museum, Cedar Falls
    • Saturday, February 7th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Featuring ice harvesting demonstrations, kids' activities, food, and more

Ticketed January & February Events

  • Winter Movie Series - Five Flags Theater, Dubuque
  • Carnival Party for Kids - PinSeekers, Tiffin
    • Sunday, January 18th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Featuring concessions for purchase, a balloon artist, a face painter, an indoor putting course, games, and more
    • Admission is $10 ($5 goes to Tiffin Community Fund)
  • Winter Bounce - Five Flags Arena, Dubuque
    • Dates/Times
      • Friday, January 23rd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
      • Saturday, January 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
      • Sunday, January 25th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • "In partnership with Tough Entertainment, this exciting 3-day event features an array of inflatable attractions, obstacle courses, mechanical bull*, warp speed arena*, and mini golf*, providing fun for families and kids of all ages. Enjoy bounce houses and interactive games while creating lasting memories! *Select activities are not included in admission."
    • Admission is $11 per child
  • Monster X Tour - Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids
    • Saturday, January 24th at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. (Pit Party from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
    • "See these incredible 10,000-pound, car crushing giants compete in racing, wheelie contests, and then rock the house with amazing freestyle action during the MONSTER X TOUR! Plus, you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pre-event Autograph Pit Party!"
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Ice Fest - National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, DubuqueJanuary 24th & 25th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Featuring face painting, a hot cocoa bar, fire pits & s’mores kits, Winter Olympic artifacts, and moreIncluded with general admission tickets or River Museum membership
  • Cedar Rapids Princess Day - DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, Cedar Rapids
    • Saturday, February 7th at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., & 4:30 p.m.
    • "Enjoy 10 enchanting performances and activities designed to delight both you and your little ones. Each session also includes a special meet & greet, where you can meet every character individually for photos, hugs, and autographs. Activities include captivating stories, sing-alongs and dances, fun crafts and games, and so much more!"
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Father Daughter Dance - Andersen Community Center, Center Point
    • Saturday, February 7th from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
    • "Dress up for a special night with your daughter, niece or grandchild. There will be a DJ, dessert and drinks!  Pictures taken by a photographer will be available for purchase if you desire.  All ages are welcome."
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Cedar Rapids Comic & Toy Show - DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, Cedar Rapids
    • Saturday, February 14th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • "Join us for a day of geeky goodness! This is THE pop culture celebration for Eastern Iowa! Vendors, artists, and authors from 5 states selling comics, toys, posters, Pokémon, anime, video games, TCG cards, original art, as well as special guests. No advance tickets - just pay at the show."
  • Carden Circus - Burlington Riverfront Entertainment
    • February 17th & 18th at 6:30 p.m.
    • "Are you & the family ready for all the thrills & excitement with our GLOW 2.0 Circus feature NEW, one-of-a-kind performances??!! Our Circus family can't wait for YOU to experience the laughter & wonder, our wonderful animal family, the music & magic, amazing aerialists and classic circus acts that all ages will love!"
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Mississippi Valley Bounce House Extravaganza - Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport
    • Dates/Times
      • Friday, February 20th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
      • Saturday, February 21st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
      • Sunday, February 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • "Beat the winter blues with BIG family fun! Bring the kids to an all-ages bounce house event packed with nonstop jumping and smiles. Relax in our Parents Lounge with TVs, cold beverages, and a place to unwind while the kids wear themselves out."
    • Admissions is $10 per bouncer
  • Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience - Brooklyn Opera House
    • Sunday, February 22nd at 6 p.m.
    • "This nationally touring, award-nominated show features a live band, impeccable vocals, custom costumes, and the best part? It's completely G-rated and family friendly."
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Be Like Blippi Tour - Burlington Riverfront Entertainment
    • Friday, February 27th at 6 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
    • "Get ready to see the world more curiously as you move like, play like, and explore just like Blippi!  Join Blippi and Meekah live on stage in a high-energy live show packed with music, laughter, and surprise, featuring fan-favorites like 'The Excavator Song,' 'Monster Truck,' 'Dino Dance,' and 'Curious Like Me.'"
    • Purchase tickets HERE
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READ MORE: A Big List of January 2026 Events Across Eastern Iowa

20 Major Iowa Fairs & Festivals to Look Forward to in 2026

2026 has arrived, and it's going to be another busy year in the Hawkeye State! Here are details on 20 of the biggest annual fairs & festivals across the state of Iowa for 2026, listed in order of date.

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

Filed Under: winter, Kids, events, Eastern Iowa
Categories: Local News, Events

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