Kids

Visit the expanded Ames History Museum, featuring immersive exhibits and unique gathering spaces that celebrate Ames’ rich history.

Providing Ames and central Iowa with a place for kids to play indoors, despite the weather.

Ames/ISU Ice Arena is an ice arena and recreational sport facility located in Ames, Iowa and owned and operated by Ames Parks & Rec Department and Iowa State University.

Bluestem Boulders is a community-driven climbing gym fostering connection, growth, and fun. With quality climbs for all levels, it’s a welcoming space where climbers support each other and thrive together.

A historical, educational railroad museum providing excursion train rides across the beautiful Des Moines River Valley. Tickets available online at www.bsvrr.com.

Our 20-acre Apple Orchard features more than 34 types of delicious, home-grown apples throughout the season. We have over 40+ Attractions, Photo Opps, Corn Maze, Many Food venues, Farm Animals, & More!

Your one-stop-shop for entertainment on campus, located on the ground floor of the Memorial Union by the south entrance.

Located in the heart of Ames, offers a 50-meter pool, zero-depth splash pool with play structure water playground, lazy river and three exciting water slides. Have fun today & memories for a lifetime!

In addition to Ames Indoor Golf Simulator Rentals, and Axe Throwing, check out our new Baseball Simulators and Duckpin Bowling. We also have pool tables, darts, bags, foosball, golden tee, ping-pong and more games!

Explore gardens, trails, and the new Treehouse Village at the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, an adventure for all ages.

An outstanding park and trail system. SCORE Recreation Athletic Complex hosts local, state and national events. Outdoor aquatic center. Soccer, baseball, softball fields. Tennis and basketball courts.

Ames has so much outdoor recreation to offer! Over 40 parks to visit and explore.

Ames Independent Luxury theater - See why we've been voted the best in Story County for Seven Years in a row

Central Iowa's premier family entertainment destination! 24 lanes of bowling, 2-story laser tag arena and mini golf.

Take a tour with Rail Explorers and experience the magic of the railroad like never before! Ride the rails on our pedal-powered 'Rail Explorers' - a unique activity suitable for everyone.

17-acre public botanical garden with tropical plant conservatory, butterfly wing (live butterflies), gift shop. Public events, annual changing displays. Private rentals and tours. Open all year round.

Year-round outdoor recreation. Downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Canoe, kayak and river tube floats, paintball, Gladiator Assault Challenge mud run. Meeting and event space seating 300.

Story County Conservation parks offer visitors a variety of experiences sure to enhance your outdoor recreation.

Time Out, located at 120 Kellogg Ave in Ames, is a family-owned bar and arcade with a retro vibe reminiscent of the 1980s & 1990s. Filled with classic arcade games like Galaga and Super Mario Bros, along with specialty drinks and themed nights like music bingo and karaoke, it's the perfect spot for a nostalgic date night or a fun outing with friends.