Take the family on a weekend outing—for a good cause—at Children and Families of Iowa’s annual Kidsfest. This family-friendly event (the largest children’s festival in Iowa!) will be held the weekend of March 6-8 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds Varied Industries building. The event features games, attractions, and entertainment for kids and their parents. And attendees will be glad to know that proceeds from the event go toward CFI’s many programs for families, children, and teens.
Tickets for the event are $7.50 per person and are available for purchase at the door. Local Fareway stores and Veridian Credit Union locations will offer coupons for two dollars off of admission.
At Kidsfest, little ones will be able to have fun in a variety of ways. The event features inflatables, face painting, a circus train, and even a finger print photo ID booth for young aspiring detectives. Children will also be able to meet their favorite superheroes, Star Wars characters, and princesses. Even if the weather outside is stuck in winter, your kiddos will be able to spend a few hours burning off some energy among the booths and attractions at Kidsfest.
The event features two new private parties this year: a Snow Queen and Ice Princess party on Friday at 6:00pm and a Superhero party on Sunday at 10:00am. Each party is limited to 100 attendees, so be one of the first 100 guests lined up at the southeast entrance before each party and you will receive a free party ticket with paid general admission.
Kidsfest isn’t just about games and activities—kids will also have the chance to see live entertainment that emphasizes wonder and learning. Two new stage shows are coming to Kidsfest this year: ventriloquist Lisa Laird with Pockets Full of Fun and national TV meteorologist Nick Walker, who teaches children about weather through song as “The Weather Dude.”
You can also tell your kids a little bit about the organization behind Kidsfest. CFI is a nonprofit organization with several locations throughout Iowa that seeks to help families, children, and teens. CFI offers resources to help victims of domestic abuse, create safe homes for children, and prepare teens for future success. For more information about Children and Families of Iowa, visit their webpage.
While your family is having fun, you’ll also know that you’re supporting an organization that gives back to other families right here in Iowa. And you’ll be able to teach your kids about what it means to help others. As the people at CFI like to say, Kidsfest is about “kids helping kids.” And that sounds like a good party.
