Fort Museum and Frontier Village
Kids will surely enjoy the Fort Museum and Frontier Village, a perfect replication of a 19th century military outpost. Highlights include the trading post, log chapel, country school, drug store, newspaper office, several exhibits and a World War I and World War II display room. The Fort Museum is open mid-April to mid-October seven days a week. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for students as of 2010. Kids under the age of 5 are free.
The Fort Museum and Frontier Village
South Kenyon & Museum Rd.
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
515-573-4231
fortmuseum.com
Bushy Creek State Recreation Area
The Bushy Creek State Recreation Area is a popular spring and summer vacation and weekend destination for Iowa families with young children. There is equestrian and nonequestrian camping available, and kids will enjoy water sports such as swimming, boating and fishing on the lake, as well as hiking and biking on area trails.
Bushy Creek State Recreation Area
3175 290th St.
Lehigh, IA 50557
515-543-8298
iowadnr.gov/parks
Webster County Fairgrounds
If you happen to be in Fort Dodge in mid-July, you won't want to miss the annual Webster County Fair with its many kids' activities, shows and food vendors. But if you're not in town in July, don't worry--the Webster County Fairgrounds host year-round events such as livestock shows, musical acts, a well-known flea market and a spring-time rodeo.
Webster County Fairgrounds
22770 Old Highway 169
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
515-955-2886
thewebstercountyfair.com
Oleson Petting Zoo
Kids are sure to enjoy the Oleson Park Zoo with its small population of albino monkeys. In addition, the petting zoo has deer, a sloth, foxes, turtles, alpacas and bobcats, among other animals. The Oleson Petting Zoo is open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
Oleson Petting Zoo
1200 South 17th St.
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
515-576-4861
