Family‑Friendly Things to Do in Ames, Iowa & Nearby Towns (Year‑Round Guide)
There’s something special about living in a place where family‑friendly things to do in Ames, Iowa show up in small, everyday ways — a walk through Reiman, an ice cream stop in Nevada, or a pottery night that turns into a memory.
⭐ “Starbucks” Ice Cream — Nevada, Iowa (Near Ames)
Best for: summer evenings • kids of all ages • short road trips
Season: spring–fall
Despite the name, this isn’t the coffee chain. “Starbucks” in Nevada is a cute, nostalgic, self‑serve ice cream shop just 15–20 minutes from Ames.
Think small‑town sweetness and old‑school treat vibes. 🍨
Just be sure to check their hours before heading out — they close for the winter months.
🌿 Reiman Gardens — One of the Best Things to Do in Ames, Iowa
Best for: families • dates • strollers • quiet mornings
Season: year‑round (indoor + outdoor)
Reiman Gardens is easily one of my favorite places in Ames. I even grabbed a membership for my son and me because we love it that much.
It’s also home to Elwood, the World’s Tallest Concrete Gnome — whimsical, giant, and very Iowa in the best way.
Reiman is perfect for:
- A peaceful morning walk
- A date
- A family outing
- A sweet mommy‑and‑me day
- Seasonal displays and events all year long
Whether you’re exploring the butterfly wing or wandering the outdoor paths, there’s always something beautiful happening — even when Iowa weather is… being Iowa.
🎨 The Workspace at ISU Memorial Union — Indoor Activities in Ames, Iowa
Best for: rainy days • creative kids • cozy evenings
Season: year‑round
When it’s too hot, too cold, too windy, or just too Iowa outside, the Workspace at the ISU Memorial Union is such a cozy, creative escape.
Their paint‑your‑own pottery sessions are:
- Beginner‑friendly
- Affordable
- Great for dates, friend nights, family nights, and solo self‑care
- Perfect if you like leaving with a keepsake
A warm drink + a paintbrush = an ideal low‑pressure night out.
🌳 Explore Iowa State University — One of America’s Most Beautiful Campuses
Best for: stroller walks • toddlers • photo walks • picnics • visitors
Season: year‑round (especially spring & fall)
Right in the heart of Ames sits Iowa State University, consistently ranked among the top 25 most beautiful campuses in the U.S. — and it absolutely lives up to it.
Take time to wander:
- Horticulture Plaza & Gardens
- Lagomarcino Courtyards
- The Grant Wood murals at the ISU Library
- Central Campus
- Lake LaVerne
- The Campanile
- Historic buildings + tree‑lined walking paths
- The Horse Barns — a favorite stop for toddlers and animal‑loving kids
No matter the season, it’s stunning — and perfect for photos, picnics, or slow, mindful walks.
🍦 ISU Creamery — Dairy Done Right
If you’re on campus (or just craving something delicious), swing by the ISU Creamery. They make small‑batch ice cream and dairy treats — all crafted by students.
It’s super fresh, super creamy, and very worth it.
🏙️ Downtown Ames — Local Shops, Food, and Walkable Fun
Best for: shopping strolls • coffee dates • dog‑friendly outings • slow afternoons
Season: year‑round (extra cozy in fall & winter)
Downtown Ames is one of my favorite “any season” spots — full of charm, local shops, and reasons to linger.
A few of my favorite stops:
- ✨ Chocolaterie Stam — I always order a lavender‑violet‑lemon gelato drink (life‑changing), and the whole place smells like magic.
- 🐾 Treats on a Leash — Our standard poodle, Cookie, approves of their dog bakery… maybe too much.
- 🖋️ Heroic Ink — If you’re a tattoo or piercing person, this is the only place I trust.
🌱 Holub’s — Plant Shop & Garden Center Near Ames, Iowa
Best for: plant lovers • mood‑boosting outings • seasonal inspiration • families
Season: year‑round (greenhouse makes winter especially lovely)
Holub’s is the happiest place if you love plants — or want to pretend you do. Their selection is huge: perennials, annuals, veggies, houseplants, and all the seasonal pretties.
Why it’s great year‑round:
- Winter: a serotonin boost in plant form
- Spring: all the fresh‑start energy
- Summer: color everywhere
- Fall: cozy mums + autumn plants
It’s impossible to leave empty‑handed. (Or maybe that’s just me.)
Check their hours before heading out — sometimes they close for the season based on inventory.
🌲 Iowa Arboretum & Gardens — Near State Street and Arbor Road
Best for: peaceful walks • picnics • nature breaks • fall color lovers
Season: spring–fall (best in spring & fall)
A lovely spot for a walk, lounging, or a picnic. There’s a pretty little waterfall, peaceful trails, and at the top of the hill, a sundial surrounded by a circle of benches.
Quiet, scenic, and such a hidden gem.
⛪ St. Andrew’s Church — A Welcoming Community in Ames, Iowa
Best for: families • newcomers • community connection
Season: year‑round
St. Andrew’s Church has been such a gift to our family. It’s one of those places where you can walk in as you are and immediately feel welcome — no pressure, no expectations, just genuinely kind people.
What I love most is the sense of community. It’s a warm, inclusive space that truly lives out the idea of loving your neighbors, and it shows in how people are greeted, supported, and cared for.
Why St. Andrew’s stands out:
- A welcoming space for everyone
- People who are truly kind, open, and down‑to‑earth
- A strong sense of community and belonging
- Family‑friendly and approachable
If you’re looking for a church — or simply a place in Ames that feels grounding, supportive, and full of good humans — St. Andrew’s is worth checking out.
🔗
🗓️ Visiting Ames by Season
- Winter: The Workspace, Reiman Gardens, ISU campus walks on quieter days
- Spring: Reiman Gardens, Iowa Arboretum, downtown strolls, Holub’s greenhouse, Ada Hayden Heritage Park on warmer afternoons
- Summer: Starbucks in Nevada, ISU Creamery, campus picnics, farmers’ markets & evening walks around Lake LaVerne
- Fall: Arboretum colors, Reiman events, cozy downtown stops, ISU campus paths for fall foliage, and photos
I hope this little roundup inspires you to slow down, explore, and enjoy the sweet spots tucked around Ames and the nearby towns. There’s something special about living in a place where beauty, creativity, and community show up in small, everyday ways — a walk through Reiman, an ice cream stop in Nevada, a pottery night that turns into a memory.
If you check out any of these places, I’d love to hear what you think (or see your photos!). And if you have your own hidden gems around Ames, drop them my way — I’m always up for adding something new to our family adventures.
Here’s to finding joy right where we are. 💛
👇 Download the free Ames Bucket List printable — perfect for families and weekend exploring!
Want more local favorites? Subscribe for more!
Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth 