[River Place Plaza]
Sometimes all you need is a day trip to get away from your phone and spend time with your family. Enjoy local and check out all of the wonderful places here in Cedar Falls that offer fun for everyone no matter the season!!
Listed below is an Itinerary for a fun-filled family day in Cedar Falls.
DAY ONE:
J's Homestyle Cooking
A unique and local family table style restaurant incorporating food you’d enjoy at your grandmother’s house. Enjoy both breakfast or lunch here, making it the perfect spot to start your morning with your family.
Panthers on Parade - May-October
Explore the area as you track down 27 UNI TC Mascots on display at different locations, each with a different design. Grab a booklet from the Cedar Falls Visitor Center or The Hearst Center, or download the Goosechase app for an adventure the whole family will love. Each mascot offers a unique opportunity for family fun, from posing for silly selfies to completing trivia questions.
Place to Play Park
Spend your mid-morning at this special inclusive playground where kids of all skills and abilities can interact and have fun. This inclusive playground gives kids a place of their own to play, which encourages more creativity, innovation, and play for all.
Tea Cellar
At the Tea Cellar make a fun memory with a genuine tea experience! At one of only two loose leaf tea shops in Iowa, tea is served from a pot, with a timer to help with the perfect steeping, and cream and sugar if requested. Sweet treats including scones and cheesecakes are a must. Open Monday - Saturday.
Cedar Falls Farmers Market
On Saturdays from May - October 8:30a.m. - noon, you'll find locally grown and produced products at the market surrounding Overman Park. Including a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jellies and jams, plants, natural health and beauty products, jewelry, and much more.
[Cedar Falls Farmers Market]
Mulligan's Brick Oven & Grill
A casual dining establishment famous for its authentic brick oven pizza, signature sandwiches, homemade appetizers, burgers, salads, pasta, and even tap beer for the adults! There are a variety of choices for everyone to enjoy.
Hansen's Dairy Farm Tours
Take a Hands-On Tour, available April-October on Monday-Saturday at 3:30 p.m. These tours require reservations and include feeding a calf, the opportunity to milk a cow, pet kangaroos, sample ice cream and more! Another option is the Animal Petting Tour, available on Saturdays at 12:30 p.m., which includes petting calves and kangaroos, making butter and more.
[Hansen's Dairy Farm Tours]
Whiskey Road
Open every day for lunch, dinner, or late-night drinks. Perfect for a nicer meal with your family, with must try food for all.
The Falls Aquatic Center
Check out the three distinct pool areas, including Adventure Falls waterslides and a lazy river complete with fountains, sprays, rapids, and falling water. A lap pool, water basketball/volleyball, and an area for smaller children round out offerings for guests of all ages!
DAY TWO:
TaTa YaYa
A unique twist on crepes and waffles! Choose between sweet or savory for each one. We're confident they'll offer something the whole family will love. Don’t forget to check out the coffee options as well.
Hartman Nature Reserve
This nature reserve in Cedar Falls is committed to educating kids about the environment and environmental protection using hands on experience! The Maple Syrup Festival is hosted here in March, among many other events and workshops that take place throughout the year.
Pump Haus Pub & Grill
A local bar and grill perfect for the family to enjoy! Choose from a variety of burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and appetizers. Stop in on any Tuesday for ½ off kid's meals all day long and enjoy Happy Hour 2-6 Monday through Friday.
4 Queens Dairy Cream
Voted among the finest frozen treats in Cedar Valley! Enjoy ice cream, iced coffee crunches, shakes, dole whip, ice cream cakes, and more. Find more options in this blog about ice cream.
[4 Queens]
NinjaU
Work off tons of energy at this local ninja warrior training facility where you will discover iconic obstacles, rock climbing, a dodgeball court, a preschool play area, and an inclined hill sprint! It's the ideal location for scheduling a birthday celebration or getting in a workout!
See the progress on the NEW River Recreation Area
Downtown Cedar Falls is undergoing an incredible transformation with a multi-million dollar enhancement project set to debut in Fall 2024. The area is being revitalized to offer activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, from fishing to tubing and paddling to enjoying a leisurely stroll along the banks.
Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
This local park offers picnic areas, hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, a boat ramp, kayaking, and much more! It’s the perfect place for your family to enjoy a wonderful afternoon together!
[Big Woods Lake Recreation Area]
Cindy Lou's BBQ
A neighborhood smokehouse that serves delectable slow-roasted and smoked meats with a variety of indulging sauces and rubs. Each of their home-made sides completes a dinner. A location that the entire family can appreciate.
Chad's Pizza
Chad’s offers a variety of pizza options along with appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, chicken and fish, and more! Your family won’t want to miss out on some of the best pizza in Cedar Falls.
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[Cindy Lou's BBQ]
Live Events
Stay updated on cedarvalley365.com for all things Community Events and Live Music whether that be downtown at the River Place Plaza or Overman Park or at another local location!
[2nd Street and Washington Street]
Want to find more Things to Do, Places to Stay or Places to Eat & Drink? Order a visitor guide for more inspiration!
Advertising leading to this page paid for in part by the Iowa Tourism Office.
