5 Evening and Weekend Activities for Kids in Iowa City

Do you ever feel like all you do is work, get your kids, make supper, clean up, and start the bedtime routine? Weekdays can feel like the same thing over and over again. When you are outside the home 40+ hours a week, you need to make the most of evenings and weekends. But no matter if you work outside the home, have a home-based business, or are a stay-at-home mom, there is a need for entertainment opportunities for our kiddos after 5 p.m. or on the weekends.   

As a work-outside-the-home mom, not only do I miss my kid like crazy all day long, but I also feel like I miss out on all the fun structured activities held in our community during the daytime. Now that my boy is 19 months old, he wants to move! No more sitting, reading, and singing songs. He wants to go places, see things, and be entertained. As the weather warms and spring is in the air, we are coming out of our winter hibernation and ready to explore the world again! Here are my 5 favorite evening and weekend activities for kiddos.

evening weekend activities kids iowa city working moms

Evening Walk + Park Hop

After supper, get moving! Not only is this good for you, but it is free! Go for a walk outside and explore your neighborhood. Walk to one of Iowa City’s many local parks, look for airplanes, or create your own scavenger hunt! Have you been to all of our top 10 favorite parks yet? Give them a try!

Library

Each of our local libraries is a gold mine with a variety of activities for all ages. Go for storytime, crafts, and a place to check out free books, movies, and more! Enrich the experience by sightseeing your local area on the bus and hit up the playground nearby. Visit the Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty library calendars, and check out days and times for our local library story times and kids’ programs.

Farmers’ Markets 

I cannot wait for the farmers’ markets! Starting in May and going through October, offered on evening nights and weekends – you can find fresh produce and bakery items, listen to live music, and more!

Coral Ridge Mall Family Fun Night

On the last Friday of the month from 5-8 p.m., our own Coral Ridge Mall offers free and discounted activities for the whole family! Stop in for free admission on the carousel, to the ice arena, and at the Iowa Children’s Museum. Grab a bite with a “free kid’s meal with an adult combo purchase” at Charley’s Philly Steaks, Chick fil-A, Panda Express, Sarku Japan, Villa Pizza, and the Mellow Mushroom! *Be sure to confirm the free deal as things be a changing!

Rec Center Activities + Family Swim

All the centers in the area have a whole host of activities, but my favorite is the Robert A. Lee Community Rec Center’s family swim night! This is held every Friday from 6-8 p.m. and is only $1 per person and free for kids under 2!  This is perfect for any time of year and a great way to start your weekend! 


No matter what you do to entertain your little ones on the evenings and weekends, it is fun to start your own family traditions based on your favorites! 

What are YOUR favorite evening and weekend activities for your family? Comment below!

 

Megan
Megan, an Iowa native from West Branch, shares her home with husband Cody, their three kids (Charlie-8 Gwen-6 & Ben-2) and 2 dogs (Dottie- lab-basset mix & Ham-all basset). When she is not smooching on them she is trying to change lives as a social worker, taking walks around their Iowa City neighborhood or cruising in Rita her minivan looking to score deals at local thrift stores. Check our her finds on her Instagram page @megthethriftingqueen.

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