Okoboji is a beautiful lake town in northwest Iowa. The town is situated on the western shore of West Okoboji Lake and is part of the Okoboji resort area. Visitors to Okoboji will find plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep them busy. The Okoboji Summer Theatre offers live performances of classic plays and musicals, while the nearby Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area. Kids can also enjoy the Okoboji Splash Pad, an outdoor water park with spray features, fountains, and a wading pool. For a more relaxing activity, take a scenic boat ride on one of the town’s many lakes. There are also numerous parks and playgrounds throughout Okoboji, perfect for a picnic lunch or an afternoon of play.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Okoboji, Iowa
1. Bike the paved trails around the lakes
Okoboji offers over 14 miles of paved trails that are perfect for biking with kids. The trails wind through wooded areas and offer stunning views of the lakes.
2. Spend a day at the beach
Okoboji has several beaches that are perfect for a day of fun in the sun. The beaches offer plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles.
3. Visit the Okoboji Summer Theatre
The Okoboji Summer Theatre offers kid-friendly theatrical productions during the summer months. The theatre is located on the shores of West Lake Okoboji and offers a variety of seating options.
4. Ride the Okoboji Steam Train
The Okoboji Steam Train offers rides through the scenic countryside. The train departs from the Okoboji station and makes stops in Arnold’s Park and Spirit Lake.
5. Take a scenic boat tour
Okoboji Boat Works offers scenic boat tours of the lakes. The tours depart from the Okoboji Boat Works Marina and take you past some of the most popular attractions in the area.
6. Visit the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum
The Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum is located in the historic Paullina Depot. The museum houses a collection of maritime artifacts and offers a variety of kid-friendly activities.
7. Play mini golf at Pirate’s Cove
Pirate’s Cove is an indoor mini golf course that is perfect for a rainy day. The course is located in the downtown area and offers a discount for military families.
8. Go fishing
Okoboji is a great place to go fishing. There are several docks and piers where you can fish for catfish, bass, and other freshwater fish.
9. Visit the Okoboji Wildlife Preserve
The Okoboji Wildlife Preserve is home to a variety of animals, including bison, elk, and deer. The preserve offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, including a petting zoo and hayrides.
10.Take a walk through the Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Arnolds Park is home to a variety of amusement rides and attractions. The park is perfect for a day of family fun.