- TripBuzz found 31 things to do with kids in or near Ames, Iowa, including 16 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like Boone, Ankeny, Madrid and Johnston.
- From Iowa State Cyclones - Jack Trice Stadium to Perfect Games, the Ames area offers 45 different types of family activities, including: Parks, Family Fun Center, Movie Theaters and Colleges & Universities.
- Founded in 1864, Money Magazine named Ames one of its 'Top 100 Livable Cities,' thanks to its parks, low cost of living, schools, and other features. The city is located approximately 30 miles from Des Moines and is known for being the home of the Iowa State Cyclones. As part of a battleground state, the city hosts political events during election years.
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0.0 Miles
Pub food, such as burgers, are crafted daily using fresh and quality ingredients
1.5 Miles
70%
10 votes
1798 S 4Th Street, Ames, IA 50011
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Iowa State Cyclones - Jack Trice Stadium is used primarily for college football and is the home field of the Iowa State Cyclones. The stadium holds approximately 55,000 and consists of double-decked bowed grandstands running the length of either sideline.
3.6 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.
4.8 Miles
Featuring the 6.5-acre McFarland Lake, McFarland Park provides 5.5 miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking. It can be used for fishing, picnicking, camping and exploring the woodland, tallgrass prairie and stream habitats located in the park.
0.6 Miles
Brookside Park offers basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts, a playground, wading pool, and walking path. There are 3 picnic shelters with grills available for rent, and restrooms are located on site.
2.3 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.
1.7 Miles
Located on the site of a former dairy farm, Moore Memorial Park features open grass fields and paths that take visitors into a nature area bordered by a creek. It provides a playground, restroom facilities, picnic tables, grills and shelters.
2.6 Miles
Ada Hayden Heritage Park is a lakeside park with boat access. The park features several short walking trails as well as picnic areas and bike paths. The lake is also suitable for fishing.
0.9 Miles
Located along the South Skunk River, Inis Grove Park provides open green space and nature areas along with basketball and tennis courts. The park has picnic facilities including shelters, tables and grills, a playground, restrooms and horseshoe pits.
0.8 Miles
The first and oldest park in the city, Bandshell Park is a green space featuring a bandshell used for concerts and events. The park has paved paths, a children's playground, picnic areas and restroom facilities.
2.5 Miles
Even though the Ames Dog Park is open to the public all dogs must obtain a facility use permit to show that they have an up-to-date rabies vaccination and their owners have signed a liability waiver. Within the dog park, there is a walking path and drinking fountains.