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. Kids are expected to be accompanied by an adult.
Attractions
Black Hawk Children’s Theatre
Aspiring stars take center stage at the World's Greatest Spring Break Theater.
Monday, March 17-Friday, March 21
11am - Noon & 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.
Cedar Valley Sportsplex
Make a splash in the awesome indoor Sportsplex pool for open swim.
Monday, March 17-Friday, March 21
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 years must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older, who must be in the pool at all times.
Grout Museums
Explore the Grout Museum/Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum and Bluedorn Science Imaginarium for just $1!
Monday, March 17-Friday, March 21
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
Russell House: Open Tues-Thurs 10am-4pm
Enjoy a scavenger hunt at the Grout Museum.
Cost is $1 per person. Planetarium shows are an additional $1.
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 18-Friday, March 21
Free and open 9am-5pm
National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum
Check out displays, videos, and more in this interactive experience.
Monday, March 17-Friday, March 21
Open 10am-4pm each day
Cost is $1 per person.
Phelps Youth Pavilion
Children's museum filled with creative and interactive experiences.
Monday, March 17-Friday, March 21
Open 9am-5pm
Cost $1 per person. Members Free
FB: @WaterlooCenterfortheArts
Insta: @waterloocenterforthearts
Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, Cedar Valley Makers, Hawkeye Community College Automation and Robotics Center, & UNI’s Foundry 4.0 Center
STEM, STEM, STEM! Participate in hands-on activities in the Makerspace constructing fun STEM projects and tour the labs at Hawkeye and UNI.
Wednesday, March 19 10am - 12pm
Free Admission
TechWorks Building, 3rd Floor
Waterloo Public Library
Free book giveaway all week! *While supplies last.
Monday, March 17-Friday, March 21
Open M-Th 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-5pm
March 19th 1 - 3pm Makefest!
Insta: @waterloopubliclibrary
Waterloo Center for the Arts hosts Hartman Reserve: All About Animals
Monday, March 17- 9am, 11am, 1pm
Programs will be held in the Town Hall room.
Free Admission
Young Arena
Take a spin around the ice at Young Arena. Public Skating and skate rental $1 each.
Monday, March 17-Friday, March 21
Skate Sessions:
12:30-1:45pm
3:00-4:15pm
Cost is $1 per person (Plus $1 skate rental).
YWCA
Fun activities are in store at the Y. Come and swim during these special family times.
Monday, March 17th-1:30pm-3pm
Wednesday, March 19-1:30–3pm
Friday, March 21-1:30–3pm
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.
Unite Academy
Get on the court and take part in basketball skills and drills with Unite Academy at the Sportsplex!
Tuesday, March 18 10:30am - 12:00pm
Thursday, March 20 from 10:30am - 12:00pm
For children Kindergarten - 12th Grade. No previous basketball experience necessary. Limited to 50 kids per session, first come first served.
Free admission