Plan a Craft Beverage-Inspired Family Vacation This Summer!

by Alyssa L. Ochs

The kids are out of school, the parents could use a break, and everyone is craving a change of scenery. Summer is the most popular time of the year for travel in Iowa, and you can plan many different types of trips throughout our state’s distinct regions. Many people think of wine and craft beer trails as adult-only adventures, which is mainly true. However, you can still embrace your love for locally made beer, wine and spirits if you have kids and as part of a family vacation in Iowa this summer.

Here are some ideas for summer family fun in Iowa, with a few highly recommended and kid-friendly craft beverage stops along the way.

Iowa Summer Fun for Families

Outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant in Iowa and wonderfully paired with craft beverages for some refreshment after a day out in the wilderness. For boating and water sports, head to the Iowa Great Lakes around the town of Okoboji.

You can rent a family cabin at Lake Icaria, hike along the lake at Lake Macbride and find some peace and quiet at Briggs Wood Park. Some of the best kid-friendly hikes that are a mile or less but still scenic and adventurous are the Wildcat Cave Trail in the Wildcat Cave Wildlife Area, Table Rock Loop in Ledges State Park and Bridal Veil Trail at Pikes Peak State Park.

Fishing is a favorite pastime among Iowa families, with the top fishing spots of Green Valley Lake in southwest Iowa, Lake Ahquabi in central Iowa and Black Hawk Lake in northwest Iowa. It’s also fun to play a round of minigolf with the kids at an Iowa mini-golf course, such as Lost Island in Waterloo, Pirate’s Point in Storm Lake or Derby Grange in Dubuque.

If it feels too hot, humid or rainy to