Summer is here, and there are so many fun activities for the kids to enjoy in Council Bluffs! Whether they prefer to spend the day in the sun or chilling out in the AC, there are options for you.
1. Splish Splash! Fun at the Splashpad
The best way kids can burn off energy in the summer without overheating is by playing in the splash pads! There are three splash pads in Council Bluffs, one is located at Fairmount Park, one at River's Edge Park, and the other is at Bayliss Park. Not only are the splash pads super fun and safe, but they’re also completely free!
Another fun way to cool off is by attending a Hydrant Party! The Council Bluffs Fire Department hosts these parties on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 - 2:30 throughout the summer at various locations in CB. Visit our blog to learn more and to see the schedule!
2. Play the Day Away at Dream Playground
Council Bluffs’ largest and most exciting playground can be found at Lake Manawa State Park! Dream Playground is the largest ADA-accessible playground in Iowa, and there are unlimited amounts of fun to be had here.
3. Sandcastles & Swimming at Lake Manawa State Park Beach
We may be located in the middle of the country, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a beach day with the family! There is a wonderful beach at Lake Manawa State Park that is perfect for sandcastle building, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. Admission for the beach area is $3 per person, and children younger than 2-years-old are free. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are available to rent as well.
4. Jump High at The Hub!
Active kiddos will love the Fly Zone Trampoline Park at the Hub! The trampoline park features an open bounce area, dunk hoops, dodgeball court, a battle beam to joust on, a large arcade, and more. Food and drinks are available on the premises, so it’s easy to make an entire day out of it! The Hub also just added Axe Throwing to their list of activities for kids 12 years or older.
5. Friendly Competition at Pirate Putt
Cool off with a game of putt-putt golf at Pirate Putt! There are two 18-hole courses to choose from, and each hole has its own unique challenge! Navigate around the pirate ship, sunken treasure, and make your way through an underwater water adventure.
6. Pizza & Bowling at Thunderbowl
Thunderbowl isn’t your typical bowling alley! Enjoy bowling, arcade games, and delicious snacks and meals from McCoy’s Bar and Grill. Come on Friday or Saturday night and enjoy an evening of cosmic bowling.
7. Fun in the Sun at the Pools!
What’s summer without a trip to the waterpark?! Council Bluffs is home to two waterparks, Katelmans and Pirate Cove. Both pools feature zero-depth areas, diving boards, water slides, and concessions.
*Pirate Cove and Katelman will be open on alternating weeks due to staffing shortages. Beginning May 31, the pools will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on alternating weeks as follows:
May 31 - June 3: Katelman
June 4 - 10: Pirate Cove
June 11 - 17: Katelman
June 18 - 24: Pirate Cove
June 25 - July 1: Katelman
Visit the City of Council Bluffs' website for more information.
But wait! There’s more.
For a full list of things to do in Council Bluffs, check out our website!
