Cedar Rapids  Tourism Office

Top 10 Things To Do This Winter

The temperatures may be chilly, but there are plenty of activities to keep you warm in Cedar Rapids this winter!

Snowshoeing/Cross Country Skiing

For just $8-12 per person, rent snow shoes at Indian Creek Nature Center as long as there is five or more inches of snow cover. Check out the City of Cedar Rapids trails located at Ellis Golf Course, Jones Park, Seminole Valley Park, Twin Pines Golf Course, and the Sac and Fox Trail. They are opened, marked and groomed when they are completely covered with snow and conditions allow grooming. Call the Winter Sports Hotline, 319-286-5700, for trail openings and conditions.

Linn County Conservation trails that are available for cross-country skiing include: Matsell Bridge Natural Area 5 miles; Morgan Creek Park 3.8 miles; Wanatee Park 3.5 miles; Wickiup Hill Learning Center 3.3 miles; Pinicon Ridge Park 1.5 miles. 4” of snow is required for our equipment to be able to groom trails. Tracks are first “rolled” and then “groomed”. Hikers, horses, and dogs are encouraged to stay off the Nordic ski track. Find more information here by scrolling to Winter Activities.

a group snowshoeing in the snowy woods near Cedar Rapids

Hockey Action

The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders are back in action at the ImOn Ice Arena for the 2022/2023 season! The RoughRiders are part of the USHL, offering exciting hockey action the entire family will enjoy. For tickets and their home schedule, click here.

Cedar Rapids Rough Riders goalie blocks a goal by catching the hockey puck

Ice Skating

Skate outdoors! Bundle up and practice your skating skills this winter at one of Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department's free ice rinks. The rinks are open when weather conditions permit — so don't miss out! There are two free rinks available to the public in Cedar Rapids. One located at Hughes Park Basketball Court, 2100 Wilson Ave. SW and the other at Noelridge Park Tennis Court, 4900 Council St. NE. Visit the City of Cedar Rapids website to check if the ice rinks are open.

two girls ice skating outdoors during winter in cedar rapids

Indoor Playground

The Fun Station is located just off Collins Road in Cedar Rapids. This 3-story indoor playground designed for kids 12 & under is Iowa’s best indoor playground. Spend quality time together, playing, pretending, challenging, and giggling! 

A child playing at the Fun Station in Cedar Rapids climbs through a rope playground structure

Hatchet Throwing

Cedar Rapids has two spots to try out this fun new activity. Civil Axe Throwing downtown and Hurling Hatchet in northeast Cedar Rapids.

a group of three enjoy hatchet throwing at Civil Axe Throwing in Cedar Rapids 

Sledding

Sledding hills are located at Bowman Woods, Jones and Shawnee Parks. Find park information here and safety tips here

Throughout Linn County the area next to Red Cedar Lodge at Wanatee Park and a hill by Woodpecker Lodge at Pinicon Ridge Park in Central City are popular for sledding during the winter months. 

father pushing his daughter in a sled during winter in Cedar Rapids

Warm Up!

Warm up with your favorite fancy coffee or hot chocolate at a local coffee shop - view a few suggestions here.

top down view of a latte in a blue mug with floral latte art on a marble counter

Shop, Dine, Explore

While you are out, take time to explore a new neighborhood – Uptown Marion, Czech Village / New Bohemia Main Street, Kingston Village, The MedQuarter – support the local shops and restaurants that make each of the districts unique.

household goods and accessories fill retail display shelves at a boutique store in cedar rapids

Jump Around

At AirFX Trampoline Park, you’ll enjoy 40,000 square feet of family fun! Including wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball court, trampoline basketball, 18- and 24-foot tumble tracks, jumping pits, and more! 

kids jump, run and play on large trampolines that cover a room at a trampoline park

Photos courtesty of the following: Indian Creek Nature Center, @stewgetsbuckets, Liz Zabel, The Play Station, Uptown Marion, Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation, CRVR

Also featured in the Blog
Cedar Rapids  Tourism Office

BARI ITALIAN

Experience the exceptional service at Bari Italian, a restaurant designed with two themes: fresh and noteworthy.

Full Blog »
Featured Partners
Hurling Hatchet

Hurling Hatchet

Hurling Hatchet is fun for all ages! Lets our Axeperts show you how to throw, learn games, and have an experience like no other!

AirFX Trampoline Park

AirFX Trampoline Park

AirFX Trampoline Park is the ultimate fun destination for the entire family. Featuring wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits,…

Civil Axe Throwing

Civil Axe Throwing

Civil Axe Throwing is an indoor entertainment venue that allows guests to partake in axe-throwing - a game of skill where players…

Wanatee Park

Wanatee Park

Off Highway 13/100 intersection southeast of Marion. This park includes modern campgrounds, hiking/equestrian trails, horseshoe…

Pinicon Ridge Park

Pinicon Ridge Park

This park features a 72-foot observation tower, canoe trips (both in-park and shuttle trips), modern cabins and campgrounds,…

The Fun Station

The Fun Station

The Play Station is Eastern Iowa's best place for indoor family fun! We feature a large multi level indoor play adventure maze that…

Linn County Conservation

Linn County Conservation

Linn County Conservation manages nearly 30 areas, including parks with campgrounds, natural areas, 100 miles of trails and historic…

Indian Creek Nature Center

Indian Creek Nature Center

Escape into the beauty and wonder of nature at Indian Creek Nature Center, featuring four miles of well-groomed trails through…

Twin Pines Golf Course

Twin Pines Golf Course

This convenient setting is just off the interstate and supplies golfers with an enjoyable round of golf on one of the busiest…




338727463427550