Iowa City, Iowa, is in Johnson County, approximately 150 miles southwest of Madison, Wisconsin, and 200 miles west of Chicago, Illinois. Visitors to and residents of Iowa City can find a variety of attractions, many of them geared specifically toward children. Activities available to kids in Iowa City range from taking classes in tumbling to exploring indoor playgrounds to participating in storytimes. Some of the activities for children in the city are even free of charge.
The Iowa Gym-Nest Gymnastics Training Center offers classes in gymnastics for children of all ages. The Kindergym program is for babies who have recently mastered walking through children 6 years of age. These coeducational classes last 30 to 45 minutes and feature enjoyable exercises for flexibility and strength-building. Classes for children over 6 last for one to two hours and cover tumbling and the use of apparatuses, such as the bars and balance beam. Classes for older children are held separately for boys and girls.
The Iowa City Public Library in downtown Iowa City, which has served the community since 1896, offers a variety of programs and activities for children, including four weekly storytimes. These events are designed for toddlers, preschoolers or entire families and last for approximately 30 minutes. Children listen to a story read aloud and then participate in activities such as singing or dramatic play that relate to the book. Book Babies is a sensory-building program for infants ages six to 18 months and their parents and caregivers. Throughout the year, the library also hosts special events like storytimes in local parks and reading-incentive parties for school-aged children. The Iowa City Public Library is open daily, as of 2010, and storytimes and other events at the library are free to attend.
The Par-Tee Zone in southeast Iowa City is an indoor family entertainment center for preschoolers and school-aged kids. Children can explore the center's playground, which cover 2,500 square feet and consists of a network of tubes and slides. A climbing structure is also located in the play area. Families can play a round of miniature golf inside the Par-Tee Zone or play the games in the facility's arcade.
Fees and hours vary. Preschool-aged children receive discounted admission, and children under age 2 receive free admission, as of 2010. All children must wear socks to play on the equipment. Coffee and vending machines are located at the facility. The Par-Tee Zone offer free wireless Internet for parents who wish to access email or browse the web while their children play.
