Looking for fun things to do with kids this winter break? Stay warm, play, explore, and make unforgettable family memories at The Iowa Children’s Museum!
School’s out, and The Iowa Children’s Museum is ready to make winter break a season of discovery, creativity, and fun! Whether you’re looking for things to do with kids in the Iowa City or Cedar Rapids area, or simply need a place for little ones to burn off some energy on a chilly day, we’ve got plenty of ways to keep the whole family playing.
From hands-on holiday activities and nature-inspired discoveries to special celebrations and extra days of museum fun, here’s your guide to making the most of winter break at The Iowa Children’s Museum!
Bonus Play Mondays
December 21 & December 28 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
We’re giving families two extra days to play! The Iowa Children’s Museum is usually closed on Mondays, but we’re opening our doors on December 21st and December 28th for bonus winter break play.
Join us during our normal operating hours to explore your favorite exhibits, discover something new, and enjoy a full day of indoor family fun. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out of the house and make some memories together!
Reindeer Games
December 21, 23, 28 & 30 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
School’s out, and the Reindeer Games are on! Join us for special hands-on activities throughout winter break, with a different theme each day to spark creativity, curiosity, and imagination.
Here’s what’s happening:
- December 21 – Nature Play: Explore the wonders of winter through hands-on activities inspired by snowflakes, colder temperatures, and the changing seasons. Experiment with light and shadow, investigate natural objects, and discover something new about the natural world.
- December 23 – Printmaking Cards: Get creative with patterns, colors, and textures as you experiment with printmaking to make your own one-of-a-kind cards. Create something special to share with a friend or family member, or keep your masterpiece for yourself!
- December 28 – The Great Neighborhood Potluck: Celebrate the people, places, and traditions that make our community special! Families can use colorful materials and a dash of imagination to create their own pretend dishes for a playful potluck experience.
- December 30 – BeeBot Winter Wonderland: Help our friendly BeeBot robots navigate a winter wonderland! Practice early coding and problem-solving skills as you program these little robots to follow paths, tackle challenges, and explore a snowy world.
All Reindeer Games activities are included with museum admission, thanks to our generous sponsor, Crystal Group.
Sensory Friendly Night
December 27 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
During this special evening, we adjust sound levels and limit attendance to create a more comfortable museum experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities, those on the autism spectrum, or anyone with health needs that make a quieter visit more enjoyable.
Best of all, admission is FREE during Sensory Friendly Night, thanks to our friends at GreenState Credit Union.
Learn more about Sensory Friendly Night.
Pete’s Wild Discoveries Day
December 29 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Get ready to go wild! Join Pete for a day of nature-inspired discovery as we explore the wonders of Iowa’s plants, animals, and wildlife.
Through hands-on activities throughout the museum, kids can get curious, make discoveries, and learn what it means to be a naturalist. Pete won our Use Your VOICE Day election, and his platform was all about helping kids learn what a naturalist does. Now it’s time to bring that idea to life!
Special activities will take place throughout the museum from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and are included with museum admission.
Discover more about Pete’s Wild Discoveries Day!
Countdown Celebration
December 31 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Who says you have to stay up until midnight to celebrate the New Year? Ring in 2027 ALL DAY LONG at The Iowa Children’s Museum!
Between countdowns, families can create their own party hats, snap a picture at our festive photo station, and explore the museum with a special countdown scavenger hunt.
Cultural ambassadors from CultureALL will share traditions from other parts of the world, and our friends from the Midwest Chinese Academy will celebrate the new year arriving in China at 10 AM and teach children basic Chinese words and phrases.
It’s a fun-filled way for the whole family to celebrate the new year without missing bedtime! Sponsored by GreenState Credit Union.
Learn more about Countdown Celebration!
Member Hour
Every Wednesday–Saturday | 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Museum members can enjoy a quieter hour of play before the museum opens to the public. During busy school breaks, this extra hour can make your visit even more enjoyable! It’s a great opportunity to explore favorite exhibits, discover new things, and enjoy some quality family time.
Looking for More Ways to Play at the Museum? Try out Side Quests!
Every Tuesday–Sunday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Looking for things to do with your elementary-aged child in the Iowa City area? Ready to add a little mystery to your next family museum visit?
Side Quests give children ages 8 to 12 a new way to experience The Iowa Children’s Museum. They’ll explore familiar exhibits from a different perspective while solving problems, making discoveries, and taking on a mission of their own. Sponsored by CBI Bank & Trust.
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 get creative with printmaking, explore the wonders of nature, experiment with robots, or simply enjoy a day of indoor play, The Iowa Children’s Museum has something fun waiting for you.
Click here to plan your visit or check out our events calendar to learn more about everything happening this winter break.
We can’t wait to play with you!
