Plan a trip to the Cedar Falls and Waterloo Iowa area for your next family getaway. Approximately 6.5 hours from Manhattan, the drive is easy to complete in a day, making it a great choice for a weekend trip. With plenty of kid friendly things to do, Cedar Falls and Waterloo are sure to be a hit for everyone.
Where to Stay in Cedar Falls
As a family of five we typically need to find hotels that offer some larger spaces, and Comfort Suites Cedar Falls was perfect for us! The extra space along with free breakfast, a pool, and complimentary onsite parking checked off all our desire boxes.
Kid Friendly Attractions in Cedar Falls/Waterloo
Museums
Grout Museum District
If your crew enjoys learning and exploring, Waterloo has several museum options in the Grout Museum District. Take advantage of the ASTC reciprocity program and visit the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium. Kids will love all the interactive displays and hands on activities. Do note, however, the museum will be relocating to the Grout Main Museum. The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum explores the history of the area from Civil War to present, with 35 interactive exhibits. Make sure to spend time with the WWII interactive map and the secret code section (there’s even a code for you to crack!)
John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum
My boys loved The John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum. With free admission, lots of tractors, and plenty of interactive activities, this was a great place for us to spend an afternoon. My boys loved designing their own tractors in an interactive room set up to simulate an architect’s office, and climbing into and pretending to drive some of the big vehicles. Don’t forget to punch in with your complimentary souvenir timecard (a fun little souvenir for guests to keep)!
Nature Attractions
Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens
Whether you love horticulture or just beautiful spaces, you should stop by the Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Walk the grounds and discover beautiful gardens, mosaics, and sculptures made from a variety of plants. Make sure to bring your crew to the kids garden to play with the fun playhouses and sand toys.
Hartman Reserve Nature Center
Spend some time in the recently remodeled nature center and explore the various trails at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center in Cedar Falls. Be sure to grab a map in the nature center before heading out so you don’t get lost!
Other Places to Explore
Phelps Youth Pavillon at Waterloo Center for the Arts
To burn off some energy, head to the Phelps Youth Pavilion. The Phelps Playscape is an indoor play structure for ages 4 to 12 with plenty of opportunities for physical play. You’ll also find an array of art and culture in their children’s museum. There are two levels of interactive exhibits that encourage children to draw and learn about other cultures.
Lost Island Waterpark, Theme Park, Golf & Go Karts
If you’re heading to Waterloo during the summer, plan to spend some time at Lost Island Waterpark and Theme Park. Most recently voted No.5 in USA TODAY Best Outdoor Water Park, it is a great option that the whole family will enjoy! Lost Island also has mini golf and a go-kart track that is open even after the water park closes.
Waterloo Riverfront Stadium
Catch a Waterloo Bucks baseball game at Waterloo Riverfront Stadium. Built in 1946, this 5,000 seat baseball stadium is a fun experience for the whole family. Plan to spend some time at Bucky’s Backyard Ballpark, a whiffle ball field located behind the first base bleachers that is free for kids to play whiffle ball during game, and The Kids Zone, located inside the main gates and features an assortment of inflatable and carnival-style games.
Where to Eat with Kids in Cedar Falls/Waterloo
Hansen’s Dairy
Our weekends away are never complete until we find some delicious ice cream! Hansen’s Dairy is a locally owned farm that offers tours and fun hands-on experiences (they have kangaroos on their farm that people can pet during the tour!) in addition to their store fronts in both Waterloo and Cedar Falls. As well as ice cream, the stores sell fresh milk, cheese, and meat.
Icon Donuts and Sweetery
Grab a donut at Icon Donuts & Sweetery. This locally owned donut shop creates donuts inspired by iconic people, places, and moments in history. Find specialty donuts like The Godfather (a cannoli donut). Other fun donuts we enjoyed included Ziggy Stardust, Pink Floyd, and Darkside of the Moon.
Mama Nick’s Circle Pizzeria
Enjoy a pizza night at Mama Nick’s Circle Pizzeria, family owned for over 60 years! Grab an order of tater kegs (Jumbo Tater tot stuffed with cheese and bacon) and try their most popular pizza, the George’s Special (a combination of fresh onions, green peppers, mushrooms, beef, sausage, pepperoni, ham, and mozzarella cheese). They also have pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and gluten free items.
Morg’s Diner
For a sit-down breakfast, visit Morg’s Diner. The diner has been around for more than six decades, serving breakfast and lunch. Just keep in mind this restaurant is popular and on the small side, so plan your visit accordingly.
