Winter Family Activities in Council Bluffs

Make memories with your family this winter by planning a short getaway to Council Bluffs! We have tons of great attractions, locally owned restaurants, and experiences that will bring you and your family all the fuzzy feels this winter.

Finding the best attractions, hotels, and restaurants to please the whole family can be daunting. Don't worry! We are here to help. We've consulted with local parents to recommend the best family-friendly activities in the Council Bluffs area so you can spend more time relaxing than stressing this winter.

Use our interactive trip planner tool to help plan your unforgettable getaway in Council Bluffs! As you browse the website, look for the pin icon to save things to do, places to eat, events to attend, blogs, and more. Once you've curated your list, you can send it to yourself, share it with friends or family, and easily access it anytime! 

The Hub

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The Hub CB is the place to be for year-round family fun! The Fly Zone Trampoline Park features an open bounce area, dunk hoops, dodgeball court, a battle beam to joust on, a large arcade, and so much more! The Hub also offers five lanes of axe throwing with an interactive game system for those 12 years and older. 

For toddler-age kiddos, The Hub has a separate "Sawyers Little Flyers" room which offers a safe place for the little ones to discover the fun of bouncing without worrying about the big kids!

For information on hours and admission, visit The Hub's website.

Mt. Crescent Ski Area

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For families who enjoy winter sports like skiing, sledding, or snowboarding, Pottawattamie County's Mt. Crescent Ski Area is the place to be! They provide visitors with various slopes to intrigue newcomers and challenge those who are more experienced.

For information on hours and admission, visit Mt. Crescent's website! 

Thunderbowl

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Thunderbowl is not your typical bowling alley! With 32 lanes, a deluxe arcade, sports playing on flatscreens, and food and beverages available, you'll have a blast with your family here on a winter day.

For information on hours, admission, and specials, visit their website!

Pirate Putt

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Pirate Putt is an indoor miniature golf course full of challenging obstacles and fun for the family! The course is decorated with a pirate theme with life-size pirates, a pirate ship, sunken treasure, and an underwater adventure. You might have to walk the plank, so watch out for sharks! 

Union Pacific Railroad Museum

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Through the use of hands-on, interactive technology and exhibits, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum brings to life the struggles of building the Transcontinental Railroad, President Abraham Lincoln's involvement, the history of passenger rail service, rail safety, and more. Numerous displays and activities will intrigue train enthusiasts of all ages!

Learn about the Natural World at the Loess Hills Lodge

When it's too cold for a family hike, head inside the Loess Hills Lodge at Hitchcock Nature Center! Inside you'll find a variety of hands-on activities for visitors of all ages that help you learn about the local ecosystem and the plants and animals that call southwest Iowa home.

A visit to the Loess Hills Lodge is included in your $5 park admission fee.

Shop for Sweets & Treats

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Kids love candy, right? Take the family to the Sugar Makery BitterSweet Dessert Bar for all things salty and sweet in Council Bluffs! They offer a wide variety of treats, including ice cream, homemade fudge, unique popcorn options, sodas, and more. The kids will love filling up their bulk candy bags!

Check Out the Zoo and Children's Museum in Omaha

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Photo courtesy of Visit Omaha

Unleash all the metro has to offer by visiting places like the Henry Doorly Zoo and Omaha Children's Museum! Both are just minutes from downtown Council Bluffs and are perfect ways to spend a winter afternoon with your family.

But Wait! There's More

There are so many unforgettable activities, events, and attractions to visit in Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County! Uncover a special day in Council Bluffs by browsing our attractions and restaurants. 

For a complete list of attractions, click here!

For a complete list of places to eat, click here!

Don't forget to book your hotel stay with one of our properties by clicking here!

This post was originally published on November 15, 2022 on the Unleash Council Bluffs blog.