Marion/Cedar Rapids Area Activities for Toddlers (Des Moines, Orchard: home, live in)

[gingerT87]

Hello,

I have live in Marion, and I have a 2 year old son, I am looking for some Low/No Cost activites to take him to. I dont mind spending money like we went to the Des Moines Zoo which wasnt too bad, but i need some Cheaper and closer to home things to do for a weekend afternoon activity.

I have tried to look up some activities but they are all during the week or before I get off work during the week. I work Monday-Friday until 7pm.

Does anyone know of some things i can take my son to on the weekend? I have thought of going to an Apple Orchard and things like that but I am not sure where exactly to look for these things, any ideas where i can find these types of activities on me own? Is there a magazine or book, website?

Thank you for you assistance

[gingerT87]

Anyone?

[fenix]

There are a number of good parks and playgrounds in the Cedar Rapids area, which my two year old son loves. Try Jones, Noelridge, Bever Park, Cherry Hill, Marion....and many others.

Speaking of Bever Park, Old McDonald's farm is a great way to kill an hour or two with a little one...

The city's pools and splashpads are nice, though they might be closed now...

Go feed the ducks at Noelridge...

With October approaching try the pumpkin patch and activities at Bloomsbury Farm...

Go fishing at Lake McBride...

Go sledding this winter at Jones Park...

There is an indoor adventure place off of Blairsferry...

The science station downtown...

A quick google search of "kids / children's activities in cedar rapids / marion" yielded some results...

As others have said, every place is what you make of it and there is plenty to do in the local area; it just takes a bit of effort and imagination. Unless I'm severly underestimating your two year old, he will probably be happy doing almost anything that involves spending time with you.

[BirchElm]

I'm sure that you have found what you need by now but my experience with a 2 and 3 year old which you can find in almost any town are the same. Almost every library has a toddler storytime that is free, also I would check for some mom groups so you can have playdates with other kids similar age to your child. MOPS is a good choice or check out meetup.com for a mom group. Is there a Y? You could take a class or do swim lessons anytime of year. We are currently in a class through our nature center if you have one of those around.
We have been a member of childrens museums everywhere we live. I hope there are some ideas for you that will help!