Family events in Ames, IA

Join the community for the Maxwell Old Settlers Picnic, a weekend-style small-town celebration featuring live music, a classic rodeo, crowd-favorite truck pulls, kids’ activities, games, and food from local vendors. It’s an all-ages, in-person event with free parking at Maxwell City Park.

Join in for a family-friendly storytime followed by a hands-on STEM activity. It’s a fun, related science, technology, engineering, and math experience for all ages, designed to mix stories with practical make-and-do learning.

Nights on the Green celebrates America’s 250th birthday at the greenspace in downtown Boone. This outdoor gathering offers no-cost admission and features a performance by the Kennedy Station Band, along with kid-friendly activities. Food will be available from Smokin’ Big Dawgs and Clare’s Tenderloins by Mya, with desserts from Outside Scoop. The focus is a single, grand birthday party for the nation. Sponsored by Farm Progress.

Kennedy Station performs as part of the Nights on the Green series, bringing an energetic blend of classic rock, red dirt country, and modern tunes. This all-ages gathering features free carnival rides for kids, along with food trucks, funnel cakes, and a beer tent. The event combines lively music with family friendly activities for a relaxed evening on the green.

Join the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market for a community day of local vendors and special entertainment. There will be joyful face painting along with the Ames Bookmobile, plus live music from Asphalt & Stained Glass. The market also features a Salsa Contest (sign-up is provided on the event page).

Music on the Porch brings live tunes to Evergreen Lane Historical Complex at Briggs Terrace, featuring JD's Trio with Deb, Steve, and Jack. Bring a chair or a blanket for comfortable seating and enjoy time with family and friends while taking in the performance.

Designed for ages 6 to 12, this camp delves into the pivotal role horses have played across history. Through hands-on projects, engaging stories, and meaningful time with ponies and horses, campers explore how these animals enabled travel, agriculture, communication, and everyday work, from the Pony Express to the working horses of the Wild West. Along the way, they build essential horsemanship skills while growing curiosity and confidence, and they develop a lasting appreciation for the equine world.

Skit Extravaganza Session A is a day camp focused on building basic acting and staging skills through games and crafts. At the end of the week, the group puts on a play made up of several skits. A family showcase is held on Friday at 11:30 AM.

Step into Reiman Gardens’ Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing and experience a flurry of wings in a warm, tropical indoor garden. Participants can release butterflies themselves, choosing how many to let fly, with each butterfly provided in its own container. Before the release, participants learn a bit about their butterflies and the proper way to set them free. Each participant receives a certificate that includes their name and the species they released. A butterfly-themed craft will also be available for anyone who would like to add a creative activity to the experience.

Adopted ducks take the plunge at Furman Aquatic Center for the fourth annual scholarship derby, racing down the water slide and around the lazy river. Prizes go to the fastest finishers, with a 9-foot kayak, a kids mountain bike, cash prizes, and gift cards from local restaurants and businesses already in the mix. All proceeds support the Ames Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund, helping make programs accessible across the community. Attendance is not required to win. Presented with support from Mucky Duck Pub as the presenting sponsor, along with Bike World and Crawdaddy Outdoors.

Movies with Mainstream offers a monthly film screening paired with a related activity. Selections are curated with adults who are neurodivergent or have intellectual disabilities in mind, and attendees of all ages are welcome. Upcoming movie titles are shared by Ames Public Library. This program is presented in collaboration with Ames Public Library and Mainstream Living.

Children in kindergarten through 12th grade can sign up for a no-cost eye exam, with free prescription glasses provided when needed. Vision to Learn, a nonprofit that offers vision services at no charge, is presenting this program in partnership with Ames Public Library. No insurance is required. Appointments take place on set days, and if glasses are prescribed, a separate pickup visit will be scheduled. Registration is required, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

Kids in 1st through 5th grade are invited to join the Library for an End of Summer Splash themed event at Bandshell Park. The fun will include lots of water games, finishing with a water balloon battle. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet, and bring your own towel.

This week spotlights a Blue Ribbon Market theme as the Iowa State Fair gets underway. Look for live music at Bricktown Bakery and kids activities on the Nevada Public Library lawn while you browse a diverse range of vendors.