It’s summer, and the kids have been home from school and stuck indoors for wayyyyyy too long. Now, you’re looking for some free, fun, family-friendly activities to burn-off some of that adolescent energy. Sound about right?
We’ve got you covered! With awesome local parks and totally free community events, Altoona is the perfect place for family fun.
Here are a few ideas to get you started…
Catch a live race at Prairie Meadows
On your marks… get set… GO to Prairie Meadows for live horse racing, an adrenaline-pumping way for families to have fun. Kids are welcome on the track apron, Level 1, and admission is totally free.
It’s fun for everyone! Speaking from experience, adults love the thrill of the race while kids can’t get enough of the majestic horses.
The 2020 live racing season runs June 19th through October 10th. Click here to learn more about live races.
Rock out during live music Sundays
Kick back and enjoy totally free live music during Free Music in the Park at the Haines Park Outdoor Stage in Altoona. Shows start at 6PM on the following Sundays: May 31, June 21, July 26 and August 30. Admission is free, but you may want to bring a few bucks for pop & popcorn from C.A.P. Children’s Theatre.
Break a sweat with outdoor fitness equipment
Hop on the bike trail right behind the Altoona Campus and you’ll find a unique, totally free place for you and family to work out. At this free outdoor fitness center, you can perform eight different exercises on the fitness equipment, including a chest press, triceps push, core work, and leg lifts.
The equipment is simple and easy to use for all ages… but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Expect to wake up a little sore the next day.
Fun fact! This awesome equipment was paid for by a $5,000 community betterment grant from Prairie Meadows, along with support from the City of Altoona.
Stop & smell the roses at the Enabling Garden
The Enabling Garden is a free, family-friendly space that celebrates the abilities in all of us. This Polk County Master Gardener project uses barrier-free garden design to demonstrate how individuals with physical impairments can enjoy gardening.
Take the kids! The Enabling Garden is a great way to learn the power and importance of accessibility—while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Cool off at Prairie Heritage Park
There’s a little something for everyone at Prairie Heritage Park. Kids of all ages can cool off by the splash pad and chill out beneath the nearby shelter, and the path along the pond is perfect for a relaxing walk. There’s also a beautiful war memorial where visitors can pay their respects to those who have served.
There’s usually something happening at Prairie Heritage Park—keep an eye out for block parties and festivals.
Dive into Altoona’s unique history at the Altoona Area Historical Museum
Do you know why Altoona’s called Altoona? Have you heard of the Great Train Wreck of 1877? Do you know how Haines Park is tied to the earliest days of our town’s history?
You and your family can explore more than 140 years of rich and unique Altoona history at the Altoona Area Historical Museum. Learn about the people and events that shaped Altoona as you dig into historic books, newspapers, postcards, photographs and more.
Those are just a few ideas to get you started—there are so many ways for families to have fun (without paying a dime) this summer in Altoona. Post your ideas in our comments section on social media, or check out upcoming events here.
Thanks for reading! Now, go have fun!