Summer is almost here, which means it’s time to start planning some fun family activities. if you’re lucky enough to call Iowa your home, then you’ll love the huge selection of family fun activities that are incredibly affordable, yet sure to create memories that will last your kids a lifetime.

Arnolds Park

Located in Arnolds Park, Iowa, this amusement park is one of the oldest in the country! It was built in 1889 and is one of the longest operating amusement parks in the world. The Legend roller coaster is the 7th oldest roller coaster in the world and was built in 1930. It features an exhilarating figure 8 design and reaches speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Over 20 rides are available for your enjoyment. You and the kids will love visiting this historic park. Children under 42″ can get into the park for $21.95, while those over 42″ can get in for $26.95.

The Lost Island Waterpark

Looking for some good old fun in the sun? Head on over to Waterloo, Iowa, where you’ll find The Lost Island Waterpark. Towering water slides that plummet you into fresh water, a lagoon for relaxing, Starfish Cover and Blue Iguana Lagoon for the kids and so much more promise to make your day one to remember. You can even rent cabanas to camp out for the day. Admission to the waterpark is only $24 or you can buy an annual pass for $150.

Blank Park Zoo

The Blank Park Zoo is situated on 49 pristine acres and is home to a wide variety of unique wildlife. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children 3-12 (under 3 are free). You’ll get to see Amur tigers, bald eagles, gibbons, giraffe (off exhibit on cooler days), lions, penguins and tons more. The goal of the Blank Park Zoo is to educate the community and promote conservation.

Photo Credit: By grendel|khan (Own work. Also available on my flickr.) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons