This is the last weekend in July and that means school will be starting in just a few weeks, which is hard to believe! Take some time with your family and explore my top picks! 
Saturday, July 25th
Hike On Iowa City – Lake Macbride Beach to Dam Trail with Hike it Baby 8:30-11:00 a.m. Join us as for a Hike it Baby’s Hike On event! We will hike the Beach to Dam Trail at Lake MacBride. This is an out and back hike bordering the lake that is about 3 miles. This is a carrier only trail, not stroller accessible. There are a few hills, but nothing too steep. It is mostly shaded, but wide open at the dam, with great views of the lake. The trail is rocky with roots sticking out and uneven ground, so it is best for more experienced walkers and older children. Little legs may tire from the distance, so bring a carrier just in case! Follow Route 382 to the Lake MacBride State Park entrance. Follow the road around toward the beach. Park in the large parking lot by the beach and we will meet in the parking lot in front of the building. Let’s get our Hike it Baby Hike On! July 25th we are asking that all Hike it Baby branches across America have at least ONE HIKE in their city on this day. Hike it baby is a great organization with many hikes happening throughout the week both during the day and in the evenings. I encourage you all to check it out. Get your hike on and enjoy nature! Root Beer Fest at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library 9:30-4:00 p.m. Bring the whole family for a day of activities, games, root beer tasting, live music and free admission to all of the NCSML’s galleries. It’s the Year of Beer at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, but today we’re celebrating a beverage everyone can enjoy – root beer! Check on the link for a schedule of the events. Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Hold on to your hair and prepare for a brand new magical musical re-telling of the classic fairy tale! On the edge of glory, the evil Lady Za Za determines to rule the kingdom by keeping the beautiful Princess Rapunzel – with the long, long, long hair – trapped in a tower in the deep, dark, dank, dismal, dreary forest. It is up to Sir Roderick and his hair stylist friend Edgar (who is on a quest to find the perfect head of hair) to rescue Princess Rapunzel and restore the kingdom with the help of a slightly neurotic Gypsy Woman (isn’t there one in every fairy tale?) and a tired, yet witty, old dragon named Socrates who has lost his poof! Summer of the Arts free Movie Series: FROZEN. Movie starts at sundown so anywhere between 8:15-9:00 p.m. Join Summer of the Arts on the UI Pentacrest for the 2015 Free Movies Series season! Bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets and choose your own spot on the lawn outside of Macbride Hall under the shade of the beautiful trees! Yoga in the Park 8-9 a.m. Enjoy a beautiful morning by relaxing and strengthening your mind and body! Join Serenity Yoga and Pilates Studio from Iowa City for a morning yoga session at the Bobwhite Shelter in Kent Park. This program will have something for novices and experienced participants. Mats will be provided to the first 7 people who register, otherwise please bring your own mat. They will offer subsequent sessions from 9-10 and 10-11am if the first session fills. In case of bad weather, the event will be moved to the Conservation Education Center. Serenity Yoga and Pilates will collect registrations. To register, visit http://www.syp-studio.com/apps/mindbody/classes/52. This is a community event and the fee is $5.
Sunday, July 26th
Super Hero Night: For Families with Children with Special Needs 6-7:30pm. Every child is unique. Each grows and learns in his or her own special way. And without exception, all children love to play. Kids with disabilities are no different. Whether a child’s disability is mild or sever, obvious or not, that child is first and foremost a kid – which means he or she will have the natural instinct to explore the world through play, just like any other child. Super Hero Night is designed especially for families with children who have special needs. During the special museum time, our Playing is Learning environment will be quieter with fewer guests and gesture special designed play activities that have been adapted to be inclusive.
