Cedar Rapids · Linn County, IA
Family things to do in Cedar Rapids
Scout analyzed 59 Cedar Rapids places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
59
Matches
24
Typical spend
$30
Typical visit
1.5 hr
Scout-verified spots
Oakhill Jackson
Paramount Theatre
The Paramount Theatre is best for catching a concert, ballet, or musical as a primary event, often paired with dinner beforehand. Expect a visit of 2-3 hours, with tickets typically ranging from $35 to $150 per person.
Food & Drink
Roasters Coffee House
This is a good stop for a quick coffee and a light bite, suitable for a solo break or a casual meeting. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and around $5-15 per person.
Outdoors
Bever Park
Bever Park is suitable for a few hours of outdoor activity, offering space for walking, sports, or a family picnic. Expect to spend little to nothing if just using the park, though specific facilities like the pool or ice rink may have fees.
Food & Drink
Kingston's Steakhouse
Kingston's Steakhouse is suitable for a dinner outing, especially for special occasions or date nights. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours for dinner, with costs ranging from $50-100 per person.
Outdoors
Ellis Park
Ellis Park is a public green space with golf and athletic fields, suitable for a few hours of outdoor activity. Entry is free, but golf may incur a fee. It can be paired with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.
Outdoors
Lake Macbride State Park
Lake Macbride State Park is ideal for an active outdoor day with family or friends, offering swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Plan for a half-day or full-day visit, with potential costs for rentals or camping ranging from free up to $20 per person.
Outdoors
Wapsipinicon State Park
Wapsipinicon State Park is a good destination for a few hours of outdoor activity, such as hiking or picnicking, ideal for families or a solo nature escape. Expect to spend little to no money unless camping or purchasing small items.
Noelridge Park
Noelridge Park
Noelridge Park is a free outdoor space ideal for a relaxed family or solo outing, perfect for a couple of hours of walking, playing, or enjoying nature. It pairs well with a picnic or a stop before/after a local cafe.
Iowa River Landing
30hop
30hop is a good spot for a casual dinner or drinks with friends, especially to enjoy their rooftop patio in good weather. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $20-50 per person on food and drinks.
Czech Village
Lion Bridge Brewing Co.
Lion Bridge Brewing Co. is suitable for a casual afternoon or evening with friends or family, offering craft beer and food. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-$40 per person, potentially pairing it with other downtown activities.
Oakhill Jackson
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Visit the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art for a 1-2 hour, low-cost outing, viewing 20th-century American art. It pairs well with a coffee shop visit before or after, offering a quiet, educational experience for individuals or families.
Family
The Fun Station Cedar Rapids
This indoor playground is best for families with kids under 12, offering a couple hours of active play. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for admission and light concessions.
Nightlife
Tailgators
Tailgators is a good spot for an evening of live music and drinks, typically lasting a few hours. Expect to spend $20-$50 per person on cover and beverages.
Cedar Valley
Prairie Park Fishery
Prairie Park Fishery is a quiet outdoor spot for fishing, walking, or ice skating in winter, suitable for a couple of hours. Expect a low cost if bringing your own gear, and it pairs well with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.
Oakhill Jackson
The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia
Explore this historic district for a few hours, browsing unique shops and grabbing a bite. It's a good stop for visitors or a leisurely weekend activity, typically costing $10-50 per person depending on purchases.
Outdoors
Pinicon Ridge Park
This park is suitable for a half-day outdoor excursion, offering hiking and nature exploration. It's an affordable activity, often costing nothing or a small fee for specific amenities.
Food & Drink
7 Brew Coffee
A drive-thru coffee shop, this spot is ideal for a quick, cheap pick-me-up. Expect a short visit, typically under 10 minutes, with a spend of $5-$10 per person.
Taylor
LP - Street Food
This spot is good for a casual weeknight meal or a weekend evening with friends, offering global pub eats and drinks. Expect to spend $15-40 per person for food and a drink over an hour or so.
Food & Drink
The Pedaler's Fork
Pedaler's Fork is a casual restaurant with a bike-themed atmosphere, offering American cuisine for lunch or dinner. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for an hour to an hour and a half, easily combinable with a local park visit or shopping.
Outdoors
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Palisades-Kepler State Park is suitable for a 3-hour outing with family or for a solo hike, offering scenic views and recreational activities. Expect to spend little to nothing if just hiking, or a small fee for certain activities.
Oakhill Jackson
The Map Room
The Map Room is a good spot for a casual meal or drinks with friends, fitting well before or after a downtown event. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-$50 per person on creative comfort food and cocktails.
Food & Drink
7 Brew Coffee
7 Brew Coffee is a drive-thru spot perfect for a quick, affordable pick-me-up or a casual meet-up before or after other activities. Expect to spend 10 minutes and $5-10 per person for a drink and a small bite.
Outdoors
Guthridge Park
Guthridge Park is a free community park suitable for a 1-2 hour family outing, offering playgrounds, sports courts, and a walking trail. It's a good place to let kids play or enjoy a casual walk.
Outdoors
Morgan Creek Park
Morgan Creek Park is a good option for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, suitable for a couple of hours. It pairs well with a picnic or a post-park ice cream stop.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 42 of the 59 analyzed Cedar Rapids places fit family.
- 40% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 76% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Adventurous, Scenic, Educational.
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