Top city guide · 2026-07-28

Ames Family Guide

The best family-friendly things to do in Ames, from current activity picks to local events and city guides.

Explore top places to go, what is happening soon, and more ways to plan time with kids in Ames.

Explore activities in Ames Read local guides
15
Active listings
7
Current events
0
Related guides
Back to blog

Best Places To Start

Featured places for families in Ames right now.
Outdoor Pick
Reiman Gardens
Outdoor
1407 S University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
4.7 / 5
Playground Pick
Treehouse Village
Playgrounds
Iowa Arboretum, 1875 Peach Ave, Madrid, IA 50156
4.7 / 5
Outdoor Pick
Center Grove Orchard
Outdoor
3285 120th St, Cambridge, IA 50046
4.5 / 5

What Families Can Do Here

Browse this city by activity type.
Outdoor
Reiman Gardens
1407 S University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
Center Grove Orchard
3285 120th St, Cambridge, IA 50046
Playgrounds
Treehouse Village
Iowa Arboretum, 1875 Peach Ave, Madrid, IA 50156

Current Family Events

What is happening soon in Ames.
AUGUST15
Furman Aquatic Center
AUGUST 15 · starts May 23
Family water park with 50-meter pool, lazy river, three water slides, splash pool with play structure, and zero-depth entry for young children
Paid/Varies · Ongoing
AUGUST02
Ames Main Street Farmers Market
AUGUST 02 · starts Aug 1
Weekly market with local vendors, live music, and free children's activities including special events like Meyer's Pony Rides and face painting
Free · Ongoing
AUGUST13
Iowa State Fair
AUGUST 13 · starts Aug 13
Eleven-day fair featuring livestock shows, food, rides, entertainment, and kid-friendly activities like Little Hands on the Farm and Vet Camp programs
Paid/Varies
SEPTEM17
Music Walk - Downtown Ames
SEPTEM 17 · starts Sep 17
Free family-friendly event featuring local musicians performing on sidewalks and in downtown businesses with live entertainment and community atmosphere
Free
SEPTEM27
Octagon Art Festival
SEPTEM 27 · starts Sep 27
Downtown festival with visual arts, children's art area, food vendors, performing arts, live music, and approximately 100 artists from the Midwest
Free
OCTOBE27
Downtown Ames Trick or Treat
OCTOBE 27 · starts Oct 27
Family-friendly Halloween event where kids in costumes can trick-or-treat at downtown businesses offering candy and treats
Free
NOVEMB05
Downtown Ames Holiday Events Begin
NOVEMB 05 · starts Nov 5
Start of downtown holiday-themed activities and family celebrations that continue through the weekend with special holiday events
Free

City Guides And Editorial Picks

More ways to explore Ames with kids.
No city-specific blog posts yet.

More Cities Nearby

Other KiddBusy city guides we currently cover in the same state.
No additional city hubs available.