- The list below includes 78 free or cheap things to do in or near Madrid, Iowa, including 50 different types of inexpensive activities like Gardens, Parks, Movie Theaters and History Museums.
- From Iowa Arboretum to Perfect Games, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Madrid and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Des Moines, Ames, West Des Moines and Urbandale.
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4.7 Miles
Botanists and plant lovers flock to the Iowa Arboretum in Madrid. The Arboretum includes riots of colorful blossoms, unusual exotic plants, sculptured gardens, elegant creeping plants and plenty of other delights. This attraction is best visited in dry weather.
11.5 Miles
Perfect Games is a bowling alley and entertainment complex that features a variety of amenities. In addition to 24 lanes of bowling, the facility has a laser tag arena, a video game arcade, and a full service restaurant.
11.8 Miles
The main focus of McHose Park is an 18-hole disc golf course. The course is mostly flat but has very long overall distance and challenging old growth trees and underbrush hazards.
12.8 Miles
Come play in the snow at Seven Oaks Recreation in Boone, Iowa. Skiing, tubing, snowboarding, snow shoeing and a host of other exhilarating winter activities make a visit to Seven Oaks a great vacation idea. This destination also rents skis and snowboards.
13.0 Miles
Managed by the University of Iowa, Reiman Gardens is an extensive series of botanical gardens that includes a gigantic butterfly house. This attraction is open throughout the year and offers holiday exhibits in its warm greenhouses.
13.0 Miles
Emma McCarthy Lee Park offers a playground, tennis and sand volleyball courts, picnic tables with grills, and open fields. Restrooms and electrical outlets are available, along with 2 rentable picnic shelters.
13.0 Miles
Camp Hantesa is a youth summer camp specializing in encouraging children to find their inner creativity and voice. The camp offers after-school programs, summer camp programs as well as special events.
13.1 Miles
Run by a regional historical society, Boone County Historical Center provides visitors with historical and cultural information about the area. The center has exhibits with artifacts like fossils, Native American tools, taxidermy, and more.
13.3 Miles
Visitors learn about history and culture at the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace. The small home has been staged to reflect the lifestyle of Mamie and the venue is run by knowledgeable guides who know every detail about the items in the house.
13.3 Miles
Showing the latest blockbuster titles, Fridley Theatres offers the Boone community a family-friendly movie going experience. The small theatre features multiple movie screens and a full service snack and candy bar.