Family events in Iowa City, IA

Families can access complimentary developmental screenings that look at reading, language, speech, math, and other developmental skills. These brief sessions offer helpful insight into a child’s strengths and highlight areas where added support may be beneficial. Screenings are conducted by the Enrichment Therapy and Learning Center at Springmier Library in partnership with the Oxford Public Library. Appointments are required.

A baby-friendly storytime featuring stories, songs, and lap rhymes that build early literacy and encourage movement, with moments for caregivers and little ones to connect.

Celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary at Kalona Historical Village with displays of local history, including artifacts, uniforms, photos, and more focused on the area’s military past. The event runs in the afternoon and is open to all ages.

A farm outing packed with family-friendly perks awaits at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm in Iowa City. Guests 18 and under receive complimentary tractor rides, weather permitting, along with free admission to the you-pick farm. Entry to the Farmyard, which features the play barn, the tree adventure, and livestock viewing, is also free and is required for everyone ages 3 and up. The Pizza Shack makes dinner easy with a Family Night deal that includes two pizzas and four 12 ounce Wilson’s drinks for $40. Animals, activities, and tasty bites come together for a relaxed experience for all ages.

Enjoy a free evening of live music at the Ped Mall Stage with a double bill featuring Silt Creek and The Whiskey Fund. Silt Creek is a trio of seasoned local musicians, Ryan Bernemann, Chris Dimond, and Ben Schmidt, delivering refined vocal harmonies and polished songcraft that span alt country, blues, and soul. The Whiskey Fund, an Iowa City supergroup with veterans from Shade of Blue, The Fez, and more, brings a genre-blending set that includes covers of legends like Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, and Bob Marley. Expect a mix of original tunes and eclectic, danceable covers in the heart of the Ped Mall. If weather moves in, the performance shifts to the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp. Food and drinks are available nearby, and lawn chairs are welcome for comfortable listening.

Wildhorse and Sandburr Rodeo Productions bring the sixth stop of the Battle Series Rodeo Tour to Iowa City, delivering a full night of rodeo action and entertainment. Families can arrive early for a pre-show featuring free pony rides, stick horse races, and a chance to meet the cowboys and cowgirls for autographs. Food trucks and a beer tent will be serving before the main event. When the dust settles, The Outlaw Band keeps the momentum going with live music. Presented with support from Deery Brothers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram of Iowa City. Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the gate for adults, $10 in advance or $15 at the gate for ages 3 to 12, and children 2 and under are admitted free. Tickets are also available at Theisen’s Home Farm and Auto Store in Coralville and Cedar Rapids.

Experience the night sky at a public observing session with the University of Iowa Physics & Astronomy Department. You’ll have a chance to use the Van Allen Observatory and small telescopes to explore the spring sky, weather permitting. To get there, follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to the east elevator and take it up to the roof.

Taking place on the second Saturday of each month from April through October, this community book sale offers bargains and a wide range of reading and entertainment. Items are individually priced from 50 cents to 2 dollars, or shoppers can fill a bag for 25 dollars. The selection includes children's, young adult, and adult books in fiction and nonfiction, along with comics, games, puzzles, and Antelope merchandise. All proceeds support library services provided without fees at Antelope Lending Library.

An upbeat block party in Coralville will take over a city street, featuring live music, food, and drinks. The announcement encourages attendees to bring their whole crew for a lively gathering.

Chauncey Swan Park hosts a live set from Fork in the Road, delivering classic rock, blues, and select jazz standards. Expect covers of songs by the Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, the Eagles, and more. The group features Deb Kennedy on lead vocals and flute, Layton White on lead vocals and guitar, Jeanette Welch on bass and vocals, Pat Smith on guitar, and Forrest Heusinkveld on drums. This event is free and open to the public.

A neighborhood block party featuring live music from James Tutson & Birdchild, a variety of food trucks, local craft brews, a children’s area, and plenty of classic fun. The event is free for the community, with food and drinks available for purchase.

Trophy Dads will appear in Tiffin, Iowa for the first time, delivering their debut performance in the city.

FilmScene in the Park features a free, public screening of Fantastic Mr. Fox at FilmScene (at The Chauncey), presented with support from Dr. Suzanne Stock, Orthodontist. The story follows Mr. Fox, voiced by George Clooney, whose return to raiding the farms of Boggis, Bunce and Bean breaks a promise to his wife, voiced by Meryl Streep, and puts their family and animal friends at risk. Driven underground by the angry farmers, the group turns to Mr. Fox’s quick thinking to outsmart their pursuers. A Salon.com review by Stephanie Zacharek praises it as a standout tale of family, community and feathered capers.

This is the first of two shows to wrap up summer, celebrating the hobby with a full day for dealers and collectors of all ages. A wide selection of sports and non-sport cards, TCG, sealed product, hobby supplies, and other collectibles will be featured. Vendor tables are available. JC Shows continues its partnership with the Rock 108 Morning Show as the official media partner, and Rudy Blues BBQ & Catering is the featured sponsor.

Kids and families can enjoy open-ended art making in the Art Studio that changes from month to month. Participants explore a variety of materials, try out new techniques, and create together through hands-on play. In addition to the usual supplies, look for special materials, collaborative projects, and activities guided by the work of notable artists. For August, the focus is Collage Creations. The studio is stocked with colorful paper, vintage magazines, maps, paint swatches, stickers, stamps, and other found pieces for crafting one-of-a-kind artwork. Featured projects include playful Dada-style portraits and collage explorations inspired by Della Wells and Reginald Laurent.

Horn PTO is hosting a casual summer play date at Willow Creek Park Playground, giving Horn students, siblings, and families a relaxed way to stay connected while school is out. The gathering is informal, so families can drop in and stay as long as they like. All current and new Horn families are welcome. Wearing green or gold is encouraged to show Hornet pride.

A lively family story time welcomes readers and listeners of every age. Expect storytelling, sing-alongs, simple movement, and interactive moments that nurture a love of books and learning. Babies, children, teens, parents, grandparents, and caregivers can enjoy time together with laughter and a sense of community.

This storytime for toddlers features playful stories, music, and movement that nurture early literacy and social skills. It is geared to children 18 months to 3 years, and everyone is welcome. Caregivers are encouraged to participate by singing and moving with their toddlers to model engagement.

South Side Ride is a partnership between the Iowa City Bike Library and Dream City. This youth-focused ride is also family friendly, so bring your crew. Expect a slow roll over a distance of about 6 to 10 miles, departing from Dream City.

Cut your own sunflowers in a bright, expansive patch at Wilson’s in Iowa City, now entering its fifth season. The fields are planted in waves so blooms last longer, creating a colorful setting to wander with family and friends, take photos, and savor the season. Sunflowers follow the sun throughout the day, and their sturdy roots help improve the soil, adding to the beauty and health of the farm. Expect sweeping rows of flowers and plenty of picture spots, including areas among the berries. Kids can explore indoor and outdoor play spaces and visit the animal viewing area to see sheep and a llama. Food and drink are part of the experience too, with artisan pizzas from the Pizza & Cider Shack, Wilson’s cider in both nonalcoholic and hard varieties, apple cider donuts and turnovers made fresh, soft serve ice cream, and a rotating selection of baked goods like bagels, sourdough, and croissants. Admission is required for ages 2 and up to enter the fields. You-pick stems are priced at $2 each. Optional add-ons may include a tractor ride purchased in person, subject to availability. To keep the patch plentiful, temporary closures can occur to prevent over-picking. The experience depends on weather, and operations may end early during severe conditions. If traveling from a distance, consider calling 319-354-5651 to check availability. Questions can also be sent to market.ic@wilsonsfarm.com. Professional photography is welcome, with standard field admission for all guests and courtesy for others enjoying the space. Pets are not allowed in edible you-pick areas. They are permitted at the Farmyard, the Ciderhouse patio, and picnic areas if leashed, and they are not allowed inside buildings. Dates and details are subject to change, with exact timing announced closer to peak bloom.

Bring your dog to Rita's Ranch Dog Park to try an agility course and enjoy treats for both pups and people. Treats will be provided to all in attendance. There is no fee.

Travel back to the jazz age with Brick Street Ramblers, an eight-member ensemble from Iowa City that showcases traditional New Orleans jazz. The group performs classics from the 1920s and 1930s with lively, soulful brass that brings energy to neighborhood gatherings. Expect free live music in a welcoming, family-friendly setting with a community-centered feel. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to relax and enjoy the performance.

Hands-on play takes center stage for children five and younger in a special time devoted to learning through play. Each month highlights a different play schema, paired with themed activities in the party room and an exhibit that illustrates the theme. Caregivers can explore the science of play with guidance from museum educators, take part in guided sensory activities, and pick up easy ideas to continue the fun at home. Stride Autism Centers sponsors Toddler Takeover.

Farm Sessions is a weekly live music series at Wilson's Orchard & Farm, curated and hosted by J. Knight. Enjoy multiple local acts in a relaxed outdoor setting with picnic tables available. Admission is free. The event is family friendly, and kids and dogs are welcome. Musicians interested in performing can contact J. Knight at 319.338.6713. For questions, call 319.354.5651 or email market.ic@wilsonsfarm.com.