Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (IA)

The African American Museum of Iowa is a statewide museum dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and teaching Iowa’s African American history. As Iowa’s leading educational resource on the topic, we educate more than 30,000 people each year through museum tours, traveling exhibits, research services, youth and adult education programs, and community and fundraising events.

Expanded 50,000 sq. ft. building opened in July 2012 with a world-class exhibit "Alphonse Mucha: Inspirations of Art Nouveau" featuring 230 pieces direct from Prague and London. Two other galleries feature rotating exhibitions on the culture, art and history of Czechs and Slovaks. And don't miss the two-room 1880's Czech immigrant house that was home to five generations. See the new museum store filled with European treasures and gifts. Stroll down Czech Village and also visit the exhibition, "Rising Above: the Store of a People and the Flood" located a 87 Sixteenth Ave. SW

Grant Wood's Cedar Rapids studio is the second floor of a late 19th century carriage house. The modest red brick and wood building sits next to a large, elegant mansion that once housed one of Cedar Rapids' most prominent families. It was in the Studio that Grant Wood painted one of his most famous works of art, American Gothic-a work that was shown at and purchased by the Art Institute of Chicago in 1930 for $300.

Ushers Ferry is open to the public for touring June-August, Monday-Friday, from 9:00 a.M. - 3:30 P.M. Call for more information on off-season hours and availability. Ushers Ferry Historic Village provides the citizens of Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa with a venue for family friendly activities, events and programs that build community from the historical perspective of a small Iowa town at the turn of the 20th century. Located on a ten acre site in beautiful Seminole Valley Park, Ushers Ferry features 20 historic buildings that depict life in a small Iowa town between the years of 1890 and 1910. The village features approximately 20 historic buildings, a picnic pavilion, bandstand, and a Lodge banquet facility capable of seating up to 300 persons at tables and chairs. The village offers school tours, special events and educational programs throughout the year and is available for weddings and corporate or private party rentals.

NewBo City Market is a community-based economic development organization that has become a cherished cultural and community gathering space with art, music, learning, and a range of activities that bring together visitors and neighbors alike. Inside, the Market is home to several startup and early-stage businesses that have a distinct focus on local products. Outside, the Market hosts several free and family friendly events such as evening concerts by local musicians, wellness activities like yoga and group bike rides, and several large community festivals which showcases the rich culture and wonderful talent thats homegrown in Iowa.