Posted in Iowa Road Trips, Unique Dining March 24, 2022 by Raymond Goldfield

This Family Friendly Road Trip Through Iowa Leads To Whimsical Attractions, Themed Restaurants, And More

Parents who have pride in their state want to show its best and most exciting sites to their children – and there’s no better way than a road trip. Of course, that means the kids have to be engaged enough to sit still. This family-friendly road trip takes families all around the state in under ten hours of driving and combines thrilling attractions and an educational dose of culture. So strap in and see what the Hawkeye State has to offer!

Buckle up the kids and get ready to hit the road - the ultimate Iowa family road trip adventure begins right outside of Des Moines.

Your first stop is Adventureland, the state's most popular theme park in Altoona. This old-fashioned amusement park has both thrilling coasters and gentle family rides.

Make sure not to miss The Underground, a unique dark ride that takes you through a darkened and spooky mine.

Ready for something more laid-back? Drive about an hour and a half northeast to Bloomsbury Farm. This working farm offers a host of activities and educational exhibits for visitors.

The farm offers unique activities and treats all year round, but their fall decor is especially spectacular.

Getting hungry? You're only a twelve-mile drive from your next destination in Cedar Rapids - the Quarter Barrel, a unique combination of an arcade and casual family restaurant.

When the kids have tired themselves out on all the retro arcade games, dig into a hearty selection of pastas and sandwiches.

Less than an hour away in Waterloo's museum district, you'll find the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium. This interactive museum is a great way for the kids to play - and learn a thing or two.

While most exhibits are self-directed, the museum does host several demonstrations of science experiments daily.

Time to get back on the road and head due west about two hours for your next dining destination - the quirky Unkie's Entertainer Restaurant and Lounge in Thor.

The All-American menu is sure to please kids thanks to unique touches like the restaurant's name being printed on the sandwich.

A big jaunt to the northwest, you'll find one of Iowa's biggest vacation destinations - Arnolds Park, home to a historic amusement park that looks especially stunning at night.

The park is also home to a maritime museum filled with stunning model ships - the perfect way for kids to learn about the area's shipping history.

We're headed towards our final destination now - but first, a brief stop-over in Sac City, a little over an hour south. Who wouldn't want a picture with the world's largest popcorn ball?

To wrap up this epic road trip, see Iowa like never before - on the historic trains of the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.

This historic railroad not only offers some of the best views in Iowa, but it also has themed events and dinner trips scheduled regularly. So hop on board!

What are your must-visit sites in Iowa for families? Let us know in the comments section? The ideal road trip itinerary will be different for everyone, so before you set out, pay a visit to Iowa’s official tourism website to discover what the state has waiting for you.

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Address: Adventureland Drive, Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, USA

Address: Bloomsbury Farm, 3260 69th St, Atkins, IA 52206, USA

Address: The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery, 616 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA

Address: Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, 322 Washington St, Waterloo, IA 50701, USA

Address: Unkie’s Entertainer Restaurant and Lounge, 222 N Ann St, Thor, IA 50591, USA

Address: Arnolds Park Amusement Park, 37 Lake St, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, USA

Address: World's Largest Popcorn Ball, 1300 W Main St, Sac City, IA 50583, USA

Address: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, 225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, USA

This Family Friendly Road Trip Through Iowa Leads To Whimsical Attractions, Themed Restaurants, And More

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