The best things to do in Waterloo

“Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.”

“Grab a seat at Waterloo Riverfront Stadium this week for a night with the Waterloo Bucks, where summer ball meets Cedar Valley swagger. Rally the crew for the Budweiser Party Deck or Coors Light Lounge, let the kids rep the Bucks Kids Club, then keep tabs on the 2026 promo lineup.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course is Waterloo’s oldest 18-hole regulation track with undulating fairways, great greens, and the kind of unpredictable wind that keeps you honest. Two ponds add just enough drama while herons and ducks judge your short game from the gallery, so make it your round this week.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Gates Park Golf Course has been welcoming every kind of swing since 1928, with rolling terrain, mature oaks and maples, and two ponds alive with wildlife across a fun 18-hole, par-72 layout. This week, sneak in a round and let a couple solid irons reset your brain.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Whether you’re craving chill laps on the indoor walking track, a smooth public skate, or a no-judgment pickup shift at Adult Open Hockey, Young Arena keeps Waterloo moving and moods up. Grab a friend, lace up, and make this week less… indoors.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Red Carpet Golf Course has been teeing up Waterloo rounds since 1920, a Tom Bendelow design that once welcomed Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen. Public play, a driving range, full-service pro shop and the 19th Hole make it an easy reset this week or a quick nine with friends.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Sunnyside Golf & Country Club blends one of Northeast Iowa’s most challenging 18-hole layouts with some of the best dining in the Cedar Valley, complete with weekly chef specials and a patio view you’ll start craving. Sneak in nine, let the kids hit the zero-entry pool, or get that fall event on the books.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, September 14, 2026

“If cabin fever is creeping in this week, Phelps Youth Pavilion packs hands-on art, exhibits inspired by Grant Wood with digital and tangible play, and a climbable Playscape that turns bouncing-off-the-walls into actual creativity. Kids can stage a show, wander a mini world of cultures, then chill in the Arts Workshop.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, September 20, 2026

“When you want big-screen blockbusters without a road trip, Marcus Crossroads Cinema keeps it easy with crisp sound, sharp picture, and seats built for lingering. The menu goes beyond popcorn, so your Waterloo crew can make it dinner and a movie in one relaxed stop.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Cappella Magna is part restaurant, part event venue, and entirely jaw-dropping, thanks to artist Paco Rosic’s full-on Sistine Chapel replica sprayed by hand with 5,000 cans. Grab a table under that ceiling art this week, or plan your next celebration where every selfie looks museum-worthy.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, August 26, 2026

“South Hills Golf Course turns rolling former farmland into 18 holes of elevated fun, with plentiful space, sneaky hills, and those unpredictable Waterloo winds that make every club choice spicy. So grab a friend, book a tee time, and enjoy countryside views on a true par-72 test.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Palmer's Family Fun packs go-karts, mini golf, laser and archery tag, a jumping pillow, a batting cage, and a driving range into one Cedar Valley playground for all ages. Perfect for birthdays and reunions or when the group chat says so…plans, this is your low-planning, high-laughs answer.”

From the Waterloo newsletter, August 30, 2026