World's Greatest Spring Break for Kids!
You don't have to travel to give your kids the most AMAZING spring break experience. The World's Greatest Spring Break for Kids offers admission and activities to Waterloo's premier cultural, recreation, and arts attractions—for just $1 per child or adult!
The McElroy Trust has sponsored this event since 2010, and over 10,000 people enjoy it each year.
All of the participating venues are conveniently located within six blocks of each other. Free parking is available at each venue, as well as at the centrally located lot across the street from the Veterans Museum, next to the highway.
Attractions
Black Hawk Children’s Theatre
Aspiring stars take center stage at the World's Greatest Spring Break Theater.
Monday, March 11 - Friday, March 15
11am - Noon and 2pm-3pm Each Day
An hour long theatre immersion experience. Join us to play theatre games, try your Improv skills, and have some creative fun!
Cost is $1 per person.
224 Commercial St. Waterloo, IA
Cedar Valley Sportsplex
Make a splash in the awesome indoor Sportsplex pool for open swim.
Monday, March 11-Friday, March 15
9-10am, 10:30am-11:30am and Noon-1pm
Cost is $1 for both swimmers and non-swimmers. Each time slot is limited to 100 people. Children unable to swim or under 6 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older who must be in the pool at all times.
300 Jefferson St. Waterloo, IA
Grout Museums
Explore the Grout Museum/Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum and Bluedorn Science Imaginarium for just $1!
Monday, March 11- Friday, March 15.
Open 10am-5pm all sites
- Science Demo Showtimes at the Imaginarium: 10:30AM, Noon, 2 & 4PM
- Planetarium Showtimes at the Grout Museum: 10:30AM, Noon, 2 & 4PM
- The Rensselaer Russell House Museum will be open March 12th, 13th & 14th from 1-4pm.
- Enjoy a scavenger hunt at the Grout Museum.
- Cost is $1 per person.
John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum
Learn the heritage and stories of this icon of agriculture.
At the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum we will have:
- John Deere Kids coloring table with coloring pages
Tuesday, March 12-Friday, March 15
Free and open 9am-5pm
500 Westfield Ave. Waterloo, IA
National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum
Check out displays, videos, and more in this interactive experience.
Monday, March 11 - Friday, March 15
Open 10am - 4pm each day
Cost is $1 per person.
303 Jefferson St. Waterloo, IA
Phelps Youth Pavilion
Children's museum filled with creative and interactive experiences.
Monday, March 11 - Friday, March 15
Open 9am-5pm
Cost $1 per person. Members Free
Wednesday, March 13th at 10:00am join us for the screening of “Puss in Boots: Last Wish. Free Admission
FB: @WaterlooCenterfortheArts
Insta: @waterloocenterforthearts
225 Commercial St. Waterloo, IA
Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, Cedar Valley Makers and Hartman Nature Reserve
Come and learn about our prairies. Learn what Iowa was like long ago and discover the importance of prairies. Make seed balls filled with prairie seed ball launchers. Immerse yourself in the world of prairies.
Wednesday, March 13 10am-11:30am
Cedar Valley Makerspace
Tech Works Building, 3rd Floor
Free Admission
360 Westfield Ave. Waterloo, IA
Waterloo Public Library
Free book giveaway all week! *While supplies last.
Monday, March 11-Friday March 15
Open M-Th 9am-8pm Fri 9am-5pm
March 15- 10:30am-11:15am Women’s History Month Story Time
Insta: @waterloopubliclibrary
415 Commercial St. Waterloo, IA
Young Arena
Take a spin around the ice at Young Arena. Public Skating and skate rental $1 each.
Monday, March 11-Thursday, March 14
One Hour Sessions:
Noon-1:00pm
2pm-3pm
4pm-5pm
Cost is $1 per person (Plus $1 skate rental).
125 Commercial St. Waterloo, IA
YWCA
Fun activities are in store at the Y. Come and swim during these special family times.
Monday, March 11th-1:30pm-3pm
Wednesday, March 13-1:30–3pm
Friday, March 15-1:30–3pm
Children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or adult who is 18 or older. Space is limited to 30 in the pool at a given time.
Cost $1 per person.
425 Lafayette St. Waterloo, IA
NEW FOR 2024:
Waterloo Center for the Arts hosts Hartman Reserve: All About Animals
Tuesday, March 12- 9am, Noon, 3pm
Thursday, March 14- 9am, Noon, 3pm
Programs will be held in the Town Hall room.
Free Admission
