Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: Things to Do in Ames Iowa

  • 🌟 Fun Things to Do Around Ames, Iowa

    🌟 Fun Things to Do Around Ames, Iowa

    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.

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    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.

    🔗

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    🗓️ 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!

    ✅ Ames, Iowa Bucket ListDownload

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  • Things to Do in Ames, Iowa (From a Local!)

    Things to Do in Ames, Iowa (From a Local!)

    Ames, IA — gotta give my hometown some love! I’ve lived here since I was born, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Whether you’re a prospective student visiting Iowa State University or just passing through central Iowa, there are so many hidden gems worth checking out.

    🦆 Mucky Duck Pub

    The Mucky Duck Pub is hands-down one of my favorite spots in Ames. The food is great, the atmosphere is cozy, and they even carry treats from across the pond. When I was in France, my mom introduced me to her favorite candy bar — the Lion Bar — and I was thrilled to find it again here. Total nostalgia moment!

    If you get the chance, stop by on St. Patrick’s Day for their buffet-style Irish breakfast. My Irish ancestry is thankful… but my diabetes? Not so much. 😅

    🍜 Grandpa Noodle Gallery

    This local favorite was run by two Iowa State grads and featured incredible noodle dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. My go-to order was the “create your own noodles” — mixing sauces, veggies, and toppings into the perfect comfort meal. Sadly, they closed at the end of 2019, but I’ll always have fond memories (and a few noodle cravings).

    💉 Hugo and Mump’s Heroic Ink

    When it comes to tattoos and piercings in Ames, Heroic Ink is the only place I trust. Tracy is my artist of choice — she’s talented, professional, and always makes sure I’m comfortable and informed.

    Bonus: every so often, Hugo teaches monster-drawing classes at the Workspace in the Memorial Union. And if you’re looking for a fun Friday night activity, check out their Paint Your Own Pottery workshops — it’s such a relaxing, creative way to end the week!

    💆 Pure Luxe Salon and Spa

    Pure Luxe is one of my favorite salons in town. The team is incredibly friendly, and they genuinely care about their clients and the community. Fridays are especially great — they offer $5 waxes, which is perfect if you’re on a beauty budget. Trust me, you’ll leave feeling pampered and refreshed.

    🎨 Siricasso

    If you haven’t heard of Siricasso, you’re missing out. He’s a wildly talented local artist who creates custom designs on jackets, shoes, and murals — pretty much anything you can dream up. Check out his Facebook page to see his work. I absolutely love my customized jacket from him! #SaveTheArt

    Ames may be a small town, but it’s full of creativity, flavor, and good people. Whether you’re here for school, visiting family, or just exploring, I hope you’ll enjoy these local favorites as much as I do.

    What are your go-to spots in Ames? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to check them out!