Location: Waterloo
Top Things to do in Waterloo
Countries
Top 6 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Waterloo, Iowa (IA)
Waterloo is a city in and the county seat of Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census the population decreased by 0.5% to 68,406; the 2014 Census estimates the population at 68,364, making it the sixth-largest city in the state. The city is part of the Waterloo – Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is the more populous of the two cities.
Restaurants in Waterloo
1. Phelps Youth Pavilion
2. Lost Island Water Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Lost Island is a tropical getaway hidden in the heart of the Midwest! Have you ever seen palm trees in Iowa? How about mysterious ancient ruins? Walking through the gates at Lost Island will make you feel like you just stepped off a plane in some far away destination. We offer a wide range of attractions for all thrill levels. Enjoy the Wailua Kupua - one of the first hydromagnetic watercoasters in the country! Splash around in Tsunami Bay, race your friends down Ta'Katipo, lounge in a deluxe cabana, or float around the Kailahi River. With over 20 attractions available, it won't take you long to get lost.
Reviewed By themnkid - Minnesota, United States
Came here on a Saturday in 95 degree weather. There was already a long line before they opened. Due to lack of signage or staff there are multiple lines that form. Note to someone who bought tickets online: Go into the middle between the lines. No need to wait in the sides to buy your tickets. Once inside there are lockers to your left. It is really nice that they do not use keys any longer. The credit card reader wasn't working on them. No problem as long as you have exact cash. The lockers really need to have more space between the sets. If others are at their lockers, you are at their mercy and just have to wait for them to get out of the way. This park has a wavepool which does get crowded.They have a good amount of tubes. I wouldn't want anymore in, as it would really crowd the pool space for "non tube users". As others have said, a few of the family slides have very few tubes. They need a few more in the pipeline. On Molokini Crater, there are less than 10 tubes. You must wait at the bottom for a tube to come down and then carry up these large heavy tubes up the many stairs. I strongly suggest to the park to change this. This is my biggest issue at the park. There are many other fun parts though to make up for it. There is a lack of signage for which paths go to which slides... just follow the colors painted on the posts though to the corresponding slide. I also suggest bringing a picnic lunch and eating outside.
3. Palmer's Family Fun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By CariR_13 - Hill City, United States
My husband wanted to do mini-golf or go-carts for Father's Day - why not go to a place with both!?! Reasonable prices, good staff. Facility and equipment is well maintained. A really nice variety of things to do!
4. John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Effective March 16, Deere & Company is closing all U.S. attractions, including the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum, due to the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. We are closing the attractions to safeguard the health of our employees, customers, and visitors. We apologize for any disruption in your plans, we thank you for your patience, and we look forward to seeing you once these closures have been lifted.
Reviewed By joewO8278YL - Mount Pleasant, United States
I visited here with my 3 children in an attempt to check out the tractors and also kill some time to give the wife some free time of her own. We all had a blast and definitely go back if given the chance. My kids are all under 10 and had plenty to do, see, touch, listen, and play with while there. From a very interactive history of John Deere the company, the tractors, the people, and the places; everything was awesome! I don’t know who had more fun there, me or the kiddos?! I recommend this place to anyone and everyone, all ages and stages, and especially families.
5. Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
The Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is a stunning 40 acre oasis of beauty and inspiration, nestled on the outskirts of Waterloo, Iowa. Our story began in 1996 by a dedicated group of volunteers and since then, we have flourished into a stunning display of flowers and trees, both native and exotic. The CVABG boasts many beautiful gardens, including the Hillside Welcome Garden, Rose Garden, perennial display garden, Shade Garden, and an award-winning Children's Garden. In 2014, the CVABG was the first garden in Iowa to attempt a mosaiculture, which are living sculptures. We also have a 4-acre Butterfly Conservation Meadow and a 1-acre demonstration orchard called the Master Gardeners Orchard among many other beautiful gardens. Come on out to discover the beauty and serenity!
Reviewed By MNDoodles - Stillwater, United States
We loved walking the mile-long winding gravel path through beautiful garden areas, with prairie and farming vistas always in view just outside the garden property. The children’s garden was fun for us adults too, and the plant forms of a frog, peacock and bumble bees were very neat. We sat in the shaded benches of the hosta garden, walked through the fruit orchard and bought honey in the gift shop produced from arboretum hives. Spent about 90 minutes here on a partly cloudy and cool day in August. There’s adequate shade along the walk for a warmer day. Well worth a visit for all ages.
