Spend a fun-filled weekend making memories with the family in Ames! Catch a show, explore local shops, enjoy delicious food and discover plenty of ways to spend quality time together. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a day of family fun, Ames has something for everyone to enjoy.
Friday
Kick off your family weekend in Ames with a stroll through downtown Ames! Browse the locally owned shops along Main Street and discover something for everyone. Pick up new kitchen gadgets and cooking essentials at Cooks’ Emporium, shop unique, handcrafted gifts from around the world at Worldly Goods, or find fun Iowa-inspired apparel and accessories at RAYGUN. With plenty of one-of-a-kind shops to explore, downtown Ames is the perfect place to spend an afternoon shopping local!
Enjoy a cozy dinner at The Café! Located in north Ames, this local favorite serves up a variety of tasty dishes, from the signature Café Burger with white cheddar to seasonal favorites like Tuscan Chicken. With a menu that changes throughout the year, there’s always something new to try. It’s the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a meal together.
End the night by finding live music around town! From wineries and breweries like Alluvial Brewing Company to campus staples like The Maintenance Shop, there are plenty of places to enjoy live entertainment and unwind after a fun-filled day.
Saturday
Start your Saturday with a delicious breakfast at Flip’N Jacks Pancake House & Eatery! Enjoy fluffy flapjacks, hearty signature breakfasts, and all your morning favorites before heading out to explore Ames. Whether you’re craving something sweet or a savory breakfast to fuel your day, Flip’N Jacks is the perfect spot to gather around the table and kick off a fun-filled family weekend.
If the weather isn’t going your way, there are plenty of indoor adventures for you and the kids. Climb to your hearts content at Bluestem Boulders, an indoor rock-climbing gym, or get competitive at Inside Golf & Games with batting cages, golf simulators, duck pin bowling, and axe throwing.
Add a little entertainment to your family weekend with a night at the theater! Catch a Broadway-caliber musical or touring performance at Stephens Auditorium, enjoy a locally produced comedy, drama, or musical at Ames Community Theater (ACTORS), or experience a production featuring Iowa State student talent at Fisher Theater. With performances ranging from big-name productions to homegrown talent, there’s something for every theater lover to enjoy in Ames!
Sunday
Fuel up for the day at The Filling Station! Grab a breakfast burrito, a fresh cup of coffee, or one of their other breakfast favorites before heading out to explore more of Ames. It’s a great spot to start your morning with a satisfying meal and a little caffeine.
Put your problem-solving skills to the test at No Escape Iowa in downtown Ames! Work together to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and crack codes as you race against the clock to escape one of their technology-rich escape rooms. Afterward, take a trip back in time at the Ames History Museum. Explore local exhibits, learn about the people and places that shaped the community, and discover what makes Ames unique.
Finish your family weekend with a delicious meal at Cornbred, located inside the historic Ames train depot. Known for its unique barbecue, Cornbred serves up mouthwatering smoked meats, savory sides, and flavorful dishes in a one-of-a-kind setting. It’s the perfect place to gather together and wrap up your weekend in Ames!
