At NewBo City Market—a dynamic public space where local entrepreneurs create an environment of fresh, wonderful food, products and experiences— you’ll find live entertainment throughout the year. For example, on Thursday evenings May through September come out for free exercise including walking, biking, running, yoga and cardio. Open Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. newbocitymarket.org
New this year to Wickiup Hill Learning Center is the Wickiup’s Wandering Woods—a new children’s outdoor natural playscape open year round from sunrise to sunset. Children are encouraged to build, create, climb, balance, move and get messy with natural materials. Go inside to explore Oliver & Ava’s River Raft Adventure Exhibit, designed around a story of a school-aged boy and girl who follow a magical dragonfly on a learning adventure related to Native American history, nature and watersheds. linncountyparks.com
Take the Linn County Parks Geocaching Challenge and explore 25 Linn County parks, preserves and historic sites. Whether you are a seasoned geocaching expert or just learning, this is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. LinnParksChallenge.org
Indian Creek Nature Center’s grounds and trails are available to explore at no charge. Trails are open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m. Stop into the Nature Center and Creekside Shop Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. indiancreeknaturecenter.org
The Five Seasons Ski Team performs a free show every Thursday night at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids, June through Labor Day. 5sst.com
Visit the Grant Wood Studio, a quirky art studio where the famous artist painted the iconic American Gothic. Open April through December on Saturdays and Sundays 12-4 p.m. crma.org
On the third Thursday of every month from 5-8 p.m. admission is free at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. The Museum’s collection is particularly strong in American art, especially from the first half of the 20th century. There are a number of artists the Museum holds in great depth – including the world’s largest collection of works of art by Grant Wood. crma.org
In the Veterans Memorial Building you can see the only commissioned stained glass window by Grant Wood, which is dedicated to soldiers. View it from the inside during week days Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or see it back lit during the evening from the outside. cedar-rapids.org
Students of all ages (preschool through college) are invited to visit the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library’s engaging permanent and traveling exhibits for free on the first Saturday of each month during regular museum hours. ncsml.org
The Iowa Masonic Library is reputed to be the largest Masonic library in the world with more than 100,000 volumes. The Library’s museum also contains three exhibits featuring an original Grant Wood painting, a Civil War flag from an Iowa regiment, Asian armor, Native American weapons, as well as pottery and decorative arts from around the world. Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. gl-iowa.org
