Play, explore, and stay warm this winter break!
The Iowa Children’s Museum is turning school break into a season of play with special hours, themed activities, and plenty of ways for kids to stay active. If you’re searching for things to do with kids in the Iowa City or Cedar Rapids area this winter break, consider this your cheat sheet for cozy, creative, indoor fun.
Special Winter Break Hours
Open Mondays of Winter Break | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
We’re usually closed on Mondays, but we’re opening our doors for two special winter break days! If you’re looking for indoor activities for kids during winter break, these bonus days are the perfect way to explore our exhibits, build, create, and play together.
Please note that we will also be closing early at 4 p.m. on December 25th and 31st. We will be closed on December 25th, but will be ready to play on New Year’s Day!
Reindeer Games
December 22, December 29, & January 2 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Add a little extra magic to your museum visit! Each Reindeer Game features hands-on, themed activities designed to spark curiosity and keep young minds active over winter break. On December 22nd, we’ll have fun coding activities with BeeBots. On December 29th ,we will explore the science of light with paper snowflakes. On January 2nd, we will have a craft and mural activity to prepare for the year of the horse. Learn more.
Pajama Party
December 23 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Wear your comfiest jammies and join us for a relaxed day of play! We will have fort building, a pretend hot cocoa bar, and a “cozy to-do list” full of playful prompts throughout the museum. George the Puppet will be popping in during the day to celebrate the theme he campaigned for during our Use Your VOICE Day election. It’s the perfect opportunity to break in those holiday jammies and enjoy a fun winter break activity that keeps everyone warm indoors. Learn more.
STEM Family Free Night
December 26 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Looking for free winter break activities? Explore the museum and enjoy a special STEM activity at no cost. STEM Family Free Night happens on the last Friday of each month. Learn more.
Sensory Friendly Night
December 28 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
For families who benefit from a calmer, quieter environment, Sensory Friendly Night offers adjusted sound levels, limited attendance, sensory tools, and a supportive space to play. This free monthly event gives children the chance to explore at their own pace during what can otherwise be an overwhelming time of year. Learn more.
Countdown Celebration
December 31 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ring in the new year all day long! Celebrate 2026 arriving across the world with hourly countdowns at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, and just before 4 PM. Enjoy noisemakers, balloons, party hat crafting, a festive photo station, and a countdown-themed scavenger hunt. The museum will close after our final countdown at 4 PM. Learn more.
Member Hour
Every Wednesday–Saturday | 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Museum members can enjoy a quieter hour of play before doors open to the public. During busy school breaks, this extra hour can make your visit even more enjoyable! Learn more.
Plan Your Winter Break Visit
Winter break goes fast, and we’re here to help you make the most of every chilly, no-school day. Whether your family wants to build forts in their pajamas, tinker with robots, get artsy, or simply burn off some bundled-up energy, The Iowa Children’s Museum has something playful waiting for you.
Click here to plan your visit or learn more about all of these fun activities by checking out our events calendar. Hope to see you soon for a winter break filled with family fun!
