Altoona is a lovely city in Iowa with wonderful range of attractions and activities. The experiences it offers will make your holiday more fun-filled and fascinating. Whether you are traveling with your kids or not, Adventureland Park in Altoona will surely guarantee an exciting day with its mind-blowing rides. If you wish to gamble or watch a car race, Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel, would be an ideal place to visit. If shopping plays an important role in your vacation, do not miss out on Outlets of Des Moines. With a wide array of beautiful parks, you can expect a relaxing vacation at this lovely city. Check out the top things to do in Altoona, Iowa, to enjoy the best vacation ever!!
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1. Stroll through Haines Park
Haines Park is a scenic park with lots of green spaces. If you wish to shed some sweat or looking to have fun with your kids or a relaxing stroll, this park is an ideal place for you. There are tennis and basketball court along with a well-equipped play area. You can also participate in events like HPC Fall Fest, musical events and many more that are organized in this park. Park shelter and performance stage are available for private events.
Haines Park
Address: Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
2. Enjoy a game of basket ball at Village Park
Village Park is a perfect destination for some fun and activities right behind the renowned Prairie Meadows race track. Tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts are available if you are in the game mood. You can also arrange private events at their shaded shelters in the backdrop of lovely greens. There is a huge playground with amusing play equipment for kids of all ages. Amenities such as restrooms, drinking fountains and parking area are offered here.
Village Park
Address: Altoona, IA 50009, United State
Website: Village Park
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
3. Admire public art at Enabling Garden
Enabling Garden is an outdoor fun destination packed with vibrant flowers and lovely trees to fascinate the visitors. This garden is open throughout the year and the entry is absolutely free. You can stroll through the paved path in the garden to admire the colors of nature and lead to Vern Willey II Trail Park. The garden features a miniature garden, bottle tree, wonderful public art, water area, and rain garden which acts as a treat to all the five senses.
Enabling Garden
Address: 1050 1st Ave S, Altoona, IA 50009
Website: Enabling Garden
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
4. Sample craft beers at Brightside Aleworks
Brightside Aleworks is a famous brewery in Altoona known for its unique beer collection. They produce the craft beers right in their house choosing the best malts from all over the world. The brewery includes 12 crafted beers made from local and seasonal raw materials and provides exceptional taste. They use high-quality hops in their brews to offer amazing aroma and flavors.
Brightside Aleworks
Address: 480 Center Pl, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: Brightside Aleworks
Opening hours: Wed: 4pm - 9pm; Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri: 2pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
5. Enjoy golfing at Terrace Hills Golf Course
Terrace Hills Golf Course is a historic golf course that began in 1964. This 18-hole golf course is filled with beautiful greens and lined with lovely trees. You can reach the course within five minutes from the famous Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino and Adventureland Park. You can also book the venue for banquet facilities such as weddings, parties, birthday celebrations, and special events. The venue can accommodate up to 144 guests.
Terrace Hills Golf Course
Address: 8700 NE 46th Ave, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: Terrace Hills Golf Course
6. Get exhilarated at Adventureland Park
Adventureland Park is a family fun spot in Altoona which includes over 100 adrenaline-charged rides, exciting shows, and amusing attractions. You can find family rides like Chuck Wagon, Red Baron, Convoy, Junior Jockeys, and many more. For a nerve-wracking roller coaster experience, try the rides such as Dragon, The Monster, Tornado, and The Underground. Raging River, Kokomo Kove, and Saw Mill Splash are the famous water rides in this adventure park. Several eateries are available inside the park to satiate your cravings after a weary day of excitement. Oktoberfest is the most popular event organized at this park annually.
Adventureland Park
Address: 3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: Adventureland Park
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun:10am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
7. Catch a movie at Cinemark Altoona and XD
Cinemark Altoona and XD is a well-known movie theater chain featuring multiple screens and plush seats. The state-of-the-art audio system in this theater takes the movie viewing to another level. If you wish to enhance the movie experience, you can opt for luxury loungers and watch your favorite movies. You can also relax with alcohol and some mouthwatering food options at this popular theater.
Cinemark Altoona and XD
Address: 2227 Adventureland Dr NW, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: Cinemark Altoona and XD
8. Go on a shopping spree at Outlets of Des Moines
Outlets of Des Moines is a popular shopping destination in Altoona. A wide array of boutiques and branded showrooms are available at this shopping center. It serves as the main shopping spot for nearly one million people in this area since there is no major shopping outlet within 80 miles (128.7 km) radius. The outlet is located very close to the Bass Pro Shops. Around 13.7 million visitors head to this spot annually to enjoy exciting shopping.
Outlets of Des Moines
Address: 801 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: Outlets of Des Moines
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
9. Enjoy a game of bowling at Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill
Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill is a pleasant restaurant that includes American eats and a bar decorated in a fabulous tropical theme. You can enjoy an amusing game in one of their 12 full lanes of bowling before savoring delicious food options. The bowling balls are custom made to look like mermaids, octopus, and so on. There is a huge saltwater aquarium to charm both kids and adults. You can also book their party halls to arrange private events along with mouthwatering food menu.
Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill
Address: 1000 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
Price: 11 - 30 USD
10. Try your luck at Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel
Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel features a horse race track and casino to excite its guests. There is a 1 mile (1.6 km) race track for quarter horses. Musical concerts are also conducted regularly in the racetrack. You can enjoy live racing from the well-appointed seating area or indulge in the thrilling sports betting at this facility. Over 1900 casino machines are available on the premises to gamble and try your luck. You can play poker, blackjack, and roulette on their casino tables.
Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel
Address: 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: [Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel (https://www.prairiemeadows.com/)
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 119 USD
11. Play baseball at Sam Wise Youth Complex
If you are interested in sports, head straight to Sam Wise Youth Complex. You can witness some of the wonderful games played by the local talents and children. There are baseball, soccer, and softball fields at this center along with multi-sport facility. The fields are well-maintained and offer great concessions. Paved sidewalk, snack bar, handicap accessible restrooms, and good parking space are some of the amenities offered in this complex.
Sam Wise Youth Complex
Address: 600 8th Ave SE, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: Sam Wise Youth Complex
12. Check out the sculptures at Ironwood Park
Popularly known as the Pirate Park, Ironwood Park is filled with fun elements to delight guests of all ages. The pirate features have made this park unique and famous among both locals and tourists. The huge Moai statue is the perfect companion to click a photo during your visit. Your kids can have a great time running up the large hill area to play and have fun. You can find tennis and basketball courts, wobble-y plank, and public art at this fantastic park.
Ironwood Park
Address: 2222 3rd Ave SW, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: Ironwood Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Go biking at Lions Park
Posted by Jennifer Buffington Pearce on Saturday, 1 December 2018
If you wish to catch some softball game while touring in Altoona, Lions Park is the right destination for you. A well-maintained softball diamond is used by the local players to play some awesome games. In addition to this, there is a disc-golf course for golf-lovers. If you are in the mood of enjoying nature, rent a bike and take a ride in the adjacent bike trail. You can find a nice selection of refreshments and quick bites at the concession stand.
Lions Park
Address: 507 13th Ave SW, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: Lions Park
14. Find the thrill in skating at Skate Park
Posted by Lori Ruble on Saturday, 10 October 2015
If you are up for some thrill, find your way to the Skate Park in Altoona. The skate park includes moguls, stairs, and a double hump box to make the skating more amusing. Either you are a novice or an experienced player, this skate park will never disappoint you in terms of exhilaration. Do not miss to explore the exciting obstacles while playing on this wonderful park. You can also watch the players while relaxing in the sit-outs.
Skate Park
Address: Altoona, IA 50009, United States
15. Enjoy swimming at Altoona Aquatics Park
Go for swimming and chill out at the Altoona Aquatics Park for some ultimate fun. Equipped with a zero-edge pool, slides, speed slide, loop-de-loop slide, diving boards, lap lanes, Raindrops, and Funbrella, this place will surely amaze you and enable you to play like kids. There is a dedicated sand play area for children. The park’s beautiful landscape is surrounded by palm trees to soothe your mind. You can also bring your dog here. Around 900 swimmers can be accommodated in this lovely aquatic park. Facilities like certified lifeguards, dressing rooms, and concession stand are available here.
Altoona Aquatics Park
Address: 1200 Venbury Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: Altoona Aquatics Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm
16. Relish Italian dishes at Johnny's Italian Steakhouse
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse is a gourmet Italian restaurant which serves authentic Italian dishes and seafood in a club-like ambiance. Succulent steaks are the center of attraction in this luxury diner. You can try innovative cocktails and the finest wines at their sleek bar. You can enjoy live music performed by amazing talents every Friday and Saturday. You can also organize events in their lavish indoor and outdoor venues and savor some delicious food.
Johnny's Italian Steakhouse
Address: 550 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm
Price: Under 30 USD
17. Drink as you watch games at Spectators Sports Bar & Grill
Posted by Spectators SBG on Tuesday, 2 July 2019
If you wish to relax with a drink and some sports action, Spectators Sports Bar & Grill should be an ideal destination in Altoona for you. The sports bar is always packed with hungry guests who wish to savor delightful quick bites and beverages along with amazing sports. Conveniently located on the northern side of Adventureland, the bar features arcade games to delight its customers. Over 130 TVs, daily specials, and happy hour are some of the specials you can expect in this eatery.
Spectators Sports Bar & Grill
Address: 3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Website: Spectators Sports Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 8am - 11pm; Sun: 8am - 10pm
Price: 11 - 30 USD
Altoona - awesome vacation guaranteed
Altoona is a dreamy destination with plenty of hidden secrets. Regardless of what trip you are planning, Altoona will offer some of the mind-blowing attractions and activities to ensure a fun-filled journey. We have cherry-picked the top things to do in Altoona. Browse through the list and enjoy the best holiday!
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