Family Fun in Mason City
What makes Mason City a family-friendly destination?
For decades Mason City has served as a welcoming retreat for visitors of all ages. Adults and children alike have found pleasure in the simple splendors our community has to offer. Mason City recognizes its historical influence on arts and culture and uses it as an opportunity to educate and entertain its guests. Whether you’re looking for unique experiences, a change of scenery, or a relaxing slowdown away from the crowds, Mason City has you covered.
Exciting exhibits like The Music Man Square make it easy to understand how Mason City’s musical heritage has made an impact on the rest of the world. The museum is a wonderful place for families to experience Hollywood history come to life.
Next door, kids have the chance to compare their childhood to the younger years of Meredith Willson. Mason City is the hometown of the well-known musician and composer who is best remembered for his long-running stage and screen musical, “The Music Man”. While touring the inside of his Boyhood Home, you’ll catch a glimpse what it was like growing up in the early 1900s.
Visitors to Mason City often marvel at the community’s collection of unique and inspiring architecture. Many find fascination in the designs of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. His eye-catching creations such as the Historic Park Inn & City National Bank have left a lasting footprint on Mason City. Families are invited to tour and stay at the only remaining hotel designed by Wright.
There are two more museums of mention in Mason City: The Charles H. MacNider Art Museum and Kinney Pioneer Museum. In addition to a permanent collection of American art and a brilliant display of famous puppets, the MacNider museum features an Imagination Playground where kids can use oversized blocks to build their own visionary masterpieces. The pioneer museum provides an original experience for youngsters. Vintage exhibits are used to show how people lived on the Iowa frontier.
Other family-friendly attractions unique to Mason City include the Cannonball 457 and Rancho Deluxe: The Original Bicycle Garden. At the stationary site of the steam engine, kids can learn about the history of our local railroads. Located at the entrance of East Park, the 1912 locomotive has been restored to reflect its early appearance. The Educational Plaza also tells stories of the Orphan Train. Groups visiting the bike garden should be prepared to spend hours exploring the strangely unique art hub. Ever evolving, the garden is a half-acre of land filled with recycled, re-purposed and rogue pieces. Kids will find fascination in its odd, quirky, and outside-the-box art.
Our River City Sculptures on Parade program is an activity of note as well. Families will find fun seeking out the eccentric sculptures on this self-guided walking tour. A rotating display of outdoor art pieces means there’s always a reason to return to River City!
Does your family love the outdoors? Don’t worry! We have plenty of places for you too! Parks, playgrounds, and nature preserves are some of our visitors’ favorite spots! The trails are terrific for a hike, bike, or walk while grasses are a great place for families to gather!
VISIT OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS for more info on upcoming events, activities, and entertainment.
