Activities for the week of July 29, 2013

Well, back-to-school sales, tax-free shopping, ISU students will be back in town soon and I can't believe Thursday is August 1!!  The summer is going so fast!  This is a much slower week than last week but there are still some fun things to do this week (and for the next 4 weeks - yes, I am counting the weeks - before school starts).

Here is my list of fun & fairly low-cost family activities for the week of July 29, 2013:

Monday, July 29 - believe it or not, I can't find a single thing so probably a good day for checking out a park that you haven't been to before.  We went to Daley Park in west Ames last Thursday and I was so impressed!  We also like Brookside, Inis Grove, and also just discovered Hans Peter Christofferson Park just off Oakwood Road a few months ago.

Here are some pictures from Daley Park:

Also, it's a bit of a drive, but the Indianola Hot Air Balloon Festival is happening all this week and runs through August 3.  I have never been before, but we are planning to stop through Indianola on Wednesday and I am looking forward to it!

Tuesday, July 30 - 10:00AM - $1 movie "Rio" at North Grand Theater (at the mall) in Ames

Wednesday, July 31 - 1:00PM - Art in the Park, Story City Park, cost is $3 per child. Antique Carousel is also in the park and rides are $1 each, 6 for $5 or 20 for $12. Also, popcorn is 50 cents and there is a vending machine with soda and water on the north side of the Carousel building.

Wednesday, July 31 - 4:00PM - Teen Wednesdays (teens only) - this week it's at City Auditorium, 520 6th St - free movie, "The Hobbit"

Thursday, August 1 - again, I can't find anything going on today so maybe a good day for a park or try out a new area pool.  Or maybe a good day to stay home and just have some backyard fun with some water balloons and a sprinkler.  Here's what we did last week when little sister was sick & napping:

 

Friday, August 2 - all day - not necessarily a family activity but worth mentioning - this is the first day of the tax-free shopping in Iowa, this applies to any clothing item under $100 and any shoes under $100.

Friday, August 2 - 2:00PM free movie, "Wreck it Ralph" at Ames City Auditorium, 520 6th St.  Join Ronald McDonald's McDig'n It as a pre-show before the movie

Saturday, August 3 - all day - this is the second (and final) day of the tax-free shopping in Iowa.  Again, this applies to any item of clothing priced under $100 and any pair of shoes under $100.

Saturday, August 3 - 8AM-noon - Farmer's Market, Main Street Ames.  There are usually activities or crafts for kids and live music at Tom Evans Park. One week there was a little petting zoo and sometimes there are face painters (for a small fee), too.

Sunday, August 4 - 3:00-6:00PM - Prairie Mooon Winery, $3 per adult (over 21), kids are free.  Trouble No More (blues) will be playing.  Outside food is allowed so we bring all sorts of snacks when we go but can't bring drinks in. $3 entry includes one drink ticket that can be used for sangria or soda. They also have a big cooler of water and cups (free) so people can help themselves and food is available for purchase.  The boys and I walked through the grape vines today and saw beautiful purple and green grapes.  I would bet that they're almost ready to be harvested.  If we go again this week, I will be sure to take some pictures of the grapes and post in next week's blog.

Sunday, August 4 - 7:00PM until about 8:30PM - Roosevelt Summer Sundays Concert, also their Facebook page says this will be another Roosevelt Park Potluck Supper so this may be earlier than 7:00PM, may want to check with someone if you'd like to participate.  The classic Ames band, The Sundogs (reggae), will be performing.  At old Roosevelt school in Ames, 9th St & Roosevelt Ave.

Also, Brookside Wading Pool is still open every day, weather permitting, from 11AM-4PM. Cost is $1 per wader (no charge for parents)

Tot Time at Furman Aquatic Center is every day from 11AM-1PM and the water park is open until 8PM every day, weather permitting.  Please check their Facebook page for updates.  Have a wonderful week!!