Free Family Events in Cedar Rapids & Marion This Summer [LIST]
If you're looking for some free activities to keep the kids busy this summer, look no further! Here are some of the free events in the Cedar Rapids and Marion area, courtesy of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance:
Rock the Block
- Friday nights through August from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids
- "Enjoy live, free music at this weekly free concert series featuring local and national touring bands"
Uptown Getdown
- Thursday nights in August at 5:30 p.m.
- Marion Square Park
- Featuring live music from a different band each week
Pop-up Acts in the Artway
- Fridays through August 5th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Uptown Marion Artway
- "Enjoy free live music from the Uptown Artway or the patio of a nearby business"
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
- Free summer admission July 1st through September 4th
- 410 3rd Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
- "In addition to free summer admission beginning in July, the museum will also offer a variety of free programs"
CRBT Movies on the Riverbank
- Saturday, July 16th & Saturday, August 13th at 7 p.m. (movies start at dusk)
- McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids
- Featuring Luca (July) and Sing 2 (July)
- Also featuring children's activities
Movies on the Move
- Schedule
- Tuesday, July 19th
- Featuring Little Big League
- Peg Pierce Complex in Marion
- Tuesday, August 16th
- Featuring Hook
- Taube Park in Marion
- Tuesday, September 20th
- Featuring Back to the Future
- Hanna Park in Marion
- Tuesday, July 19th
- Movies will begin about 8 p.m.
Summer Moonlight Movies
- Friday, July 8th & Friday, August 6th at 7 p.m. (movie starts around 8 p.m.)
- Lowe Park in Marion
- Featuring Cruella (July) and Encanto (August)
- Also featuring free kids’ activities like face painting, balloon twisting, inflatables, and popcorn
Sunrise Yoga
- Saturdays through the end of August at 7:30 a.m.
- Lowe Park in Marion
- Participants should bring a mat and water bottle
Meet Me at the Market
- Thursday nights through August at 5:30 p.m.
- NewBo City Market
- "Free guided walks, runs, fitness dance classes, and yoga classes"
- Schedule
- Walks at 5:30 p.m.
- Runs at 6 p.m.
- Dance Fitness at 5:30 p.m.
- Yoga at 6:30 p.m.
Cedar Rapids Market After Dark
- Saturday, August 27th from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Downtown Cedar Rapids
- "One of Downtown Cedar Rapids’ largest free open-air events, featuring a variety of vendors and live entertainment with food, beer, wine in a unique festive evening atmosphere"
Old MacDonald’s Farm
- Open daily through September 25th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Bever Park in Cedar Rapids
- "A free petting farm open to the public, featuring farm animals and North American waterfowl. The farm also offers special events and programs"
- $1 donation is recommended
Wickiup Hill Learning Center
- Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- 10260 Morris Hills Road in Cedar Rapids
- "An educational nature center with habitats and exhibits, interpretative trails, bird and wildlife viewing areas and more. Special programs and events are also offered"
Indian Creek Nature Center
- Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- 5300 Otis Road SE in Cedar Rapids
- "Explore the trails, visit the Nature Center, or take part in one of many activities or events, including Monarch Fest, Saturday, July 9th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m."
Rollin' Recmobile
- Weekly Schedule through August 10th
- Monday
- 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Cleveland Park
- 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Redmond Park
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Lincolnway Park
- 1:30 to 3:30 - Jacolyn Park
- Tuesday
- 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Jones Park
- 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Daniels Park
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Greene Square Park
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Hayes Park
- 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. - Reed Park
- Wednesday
- 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Apache Park
- 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Delaney Park
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Hidder Park
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Cedar Valley Park
- 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. - Cleveland Park
- Thursday
- 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Bowman Woods
- 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Time Check Park
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Redmond Park
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Greene Square Park
- 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. - Daniels Park
- Friday
- 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Bever Park
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Hidder Park
- Monday
- "The vans, loaded to the top with recreation equipment and games, will bring staff to lead activities at 16 different parks. The vans also has a WIFI hot spot that you can use during park visits"
Cedar Rapids Splash Pads
- Open daily through September 5th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Locations
- Cedar Valley Park - 2250 Blakely Boulevard SE
- Cleveland Park - 1600 8th Avenue SW
- Daniels Park - 940 Oakland Road NE
- Greene Square Park - 400 4th Avenue SE
- Hayes Park - 1924 D Street SW
- Hidder Park - 10th Street and 14th Avenue SE
- Jacolyn Park - Jacolyn Drive and Gordon Avenue NW
- Noelridge Park - 4900 Council Street NE
- Redmond Park - 3rd Avenue and 16th Street SE
- Time Check Park - 5th Street and J Avenue NW
- Twin Pines Park - 3500 42nd Street NE
Marion Splash Pads
- Locations
- Thomas Park Splash Pad - 323 Marion Blvd
- Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Gill Park Splash Pad - 3450 Hawthorne St
- Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Willowood Park/Marion Pool Splash Pad - 1855 35th St
- Open during regular pool hours
- Thomas Park Splash Pad - 323 Marion Blvd
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