12 Free Things to Do In Cedar Falls Iowa with Kids

With a quaint downtown district, nature in abundance and plenty of John Deere tractors nearby, Cedar Falls, Iowa represents the American Midwest at its best. From cross-country skiing in the winter to hiking and paddling in the summer, there are outdoor pursuits for every season. There’s plenty of culture too. And many of the top things to do in Cedar Falls are free. Here are 12 of our favorite fun free things to do in Cedar Falls with kids.

1. Downtown Cedar Falls
2. Hearst Center for the Arts
3. Cedar Falls Public Library
4. Rod Library at UNI
5. UNI Botanical Center
6. Cedar Falls Historical Society
7. Little Red Schoolhouse
8. Ice House Museum
9. Hartman Reserve Nature Center
10. Cedar Valley Trails
11. Lost Island Waterpark
12. John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum

When I’m traveling with the kids and grandkids, I’m always delighted to find a destination with a large variety of things to do. And, it’s even better when many of those things are free. Cedar Falls, Iowa is one of those places. Whether it’s indoors or outside, there’s something that works for everyone in my family…and I bet there’s something that will work for your family too.

1. Downtown Cedar Falls

Known as one of the 100 Best Small Art Towns, Cedar Falls, IA is dotted with sculptures throughout the downtown district. It’s a Midwest gem with historic brick buildings fronting local shops and eateries lining the main street. The Cedar River runs through town as the city’s namesake falls cascade at its heart. The downtown area parks are ideal for a picnic and time on the playground. And, in the summer months, you can catch free family-friendly films at Movies Under the Moon in Overman Park. The evening begins with live music followed by a movie. Films scheduled for this summer include Legally Blonde, Wreck it Ralph and Footloose.

2. Hearst Center for the Arts

More art awaits at the Hearst Center for the Arts where hundreds of works by local and regional artists are on display. Catch artwork by local elementary and high school students in the Spring. Or stroll through the eye-catching sculpture garden to get the kids’ attention. Daily admission is free and seasonal events are offered for a nominal fee. A great example is Messy Morning—a creative art activity for kids ages 3-6. Pre-registration isn’t required, just check the website or Facebook page and stop at the front desk to pay the $5 fee.

3. Cedar Falls Public Library

Often overlooked, the public library is an excellent place to entertain the little ones—especially on a rainy day. The Cedar Falls Public Library offers storytime events through the week for the little ones from newborns to age five. Newborns to 23-month-olds have Baby Storytime on Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and Saturday mornings it’s Preschool Storytime for 3 to 5-year-olds. And on Wednesday and Friday, the Toddler Storytime entertains the 2 to 3-year-olds. All storytime events are open to the public and free of charge.

4. The Rod Library

Located at the University of Northern Iowa, the Rod Library is a great stop for checking out the UNI Museum. Older kids and teens can explore military history along with artifacts depicting Native American culture and dinosaur fossils. Currently, a mastodon tusk discovered in a Hampton, Iowa gravel pit in 1933 is on exhibit. The library is also home to several free events throughout the year. One of the most popular is RodCon, UNI’s mini comic book convention. Held annually in April, the event celebrates comic books, gaming, pop culture and science fiction. Perfect for tweens and teens with trivia contests, role-playing and gaming activities.

5. UNI Botanical Center

While you’re visiting the Rod Library, schedule some time to check out the UNI Botanical Center. An impressive variety of tropical plants, ferns and cacti set the stage for the animals who call the Botanical Center and Greenhouse home. See if the kids can find Ernie, the green iguana. And be sure to look for Columbo—an African Grey Parrot. Columbo sits upon her perch during the day watching the world around her and often mimicking the sounds she hears. There’s also a 1,000-gallon goldfish pond.

6. Cedar Falls Historical Society Victorian House and Museum

In 1893, Peter Melendy proposed naming Cedar Falls “The Garden City of Iowa.” The city’s tranquil natural setting and abundant recreational opportunities were his motivation. This year, the Cedar Falls Historical Society is celebrating those opportunities with the exhibit “Parks and Recreation: Cedar Falls at Play.” Kids are invited to read books in the reading loft of the Kid’s Corner or complete a scavenger hunt as they explore the Victorian Home. There’s also a William Lenoir O-Scale Train on display for the little engineers in the family.

7. Little Red Schoolhouse

A perfect example of the more than 9,000 one-room schoolhouses that dotted the Iowa landscape at the turn of the 20th-century, the Little Red Schoolhouse provides a window to the past. From the slate blackboard to the potbellied stove to the original student desks, this 1909 schoolhouse will give the kids a visual for all those grandparent (or great-grandparent) stories that start with “when I was a kid.” The Little Red Schoolhouse is free and open to the public from May through October, Sat-Sun from 1:00 to 4:00.

8. Ice House Museum

If your kids or grandkids think ice has always come from the refrigerator door, the Ice House Museum will enlighten them. It’s the only museum in the United States that tells the ice harvesting story in an original ice house. Built in 1921 to hold 16 million pounds of ice, this round structure still houses the tools once used to cut ice from the nearby Cedar River. There are interactive exhibits, videos and more to open the kids’ eyes to the world of ice before the push button on the fridge. Free admission for ages 12 and under. For anyone over 12, admission is $5.

9. Hartman Reserve Nature Center

Located in the heart of the Black Hawk County metropolitan area, the Hartman Reserve Nature Center is designated as an Iowa Watchable Wildlife Site and Important Bird Area. This wooded isle with its upland forest, prairie and meadows it dedicated to teaching kids about nature and wildlife. Perched on a bluff above the Cedar River, the Hartman Reserve Interpretive Center is home to displays and exhibits highlighting the local wildlife, birds and surrounding landscape. Best of all, it’s connected to the forest through a web of trails and bridges making an excellent place for a nature walk with the kids.

10. Cedar Valley Trails

One of the best ways to experience Cedar Falls is to get outside and explore. With over 100 miles of trails including paved and soft trails along with a number of water trails, the Cedar Valley Trail system provides an abundance of recreation options. Winding through the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan region, the trails are free and open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. All non-motorized and non-equestrian activities are welcome including biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and skating. And, of course, those water trails are there for your paddling pleasure

A favorite among the parks is George Wyeth. Located on the Cedar River within the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area, the park is a favorite for fishing, swimming and paddling. With several water areas within the park, you’re certain to find one that works for your family. The park also has 3.5 miles of paved multi-purpose trails and 10 miles of grass hiking trails. In winter months cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing are the favorite activities.

11. Lost Island Waterpark

Who doesn’t love a waterpark on a hot summer day? If you need a refreshing break during your time in Cedar Falls, head to the Lost Island Waterpark. Free for ages three and under, the little ones can cool off at Starfish Cove. This shallow island loaded up with clownfish, spouting whales, comical spitting fish and miniature slides will keep the younger kids busy for hours. Larger water slides and wave pools will entertain the tween and teens. Price for children over 3 but under 48” tall is $23. Adults and children over 48” tall pay $27.50.

12. John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum

It’s an American icon gone global; the John Deere Tractor is so popular there are even country songs written about it. Explore the history and evolution of the John Deere brand through the artifacts and interactive exhibits at the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo. The kids can grip the handles of a steel plow and test their strength again real horsepower. A blacksmith shop experience brings the sounds of the clanging hammer and the heat from the forge to life.
Everything is free—even for adults. Be sure to check out the new passport experience where the kids (and you) collect passport stamps for your visits to John Deere related locations around the country.

However you choose to spend your time in Cedar Falls, there’s no question it will be a memorable trip for the entire family.