Skip to main content
Adventureland Park amusement park in Altoona, IA
Photo: Matt Karls
View of Adventureland Park in Altoona, IA
Photo: Chad Brocker
View of Adventureland Park in Altoona, IA
Photo: Michael Waite

Adventureland Park

4.3(8,787 reviews)$$$Amusement Park
🕑 Full day (6-8 hours for amusement park only, full day+ if adding the water park)👶 Best for ages 3 and up. Toddlers and preschoolers will love the dedicated kiddie land areas with age-appropriate rides, while tweens and teens can tackle the major roller coasters. The variety ensures that families with multiple age groups can all find their perfect attractions.

About

Adventureland Park is Iowa's premier family amusement destination, delivering thrills for all ages across its expansive grounds. With over 100 rides ranging from heart-pounding roller coasters to gentle kiddie rides, plus live shows and an on-site water park, families can easily spend an entire day (or more!) exploring everything this park has to offer.

Highlights

  • The Monster roller coaster,one of the tallest and fastest wooden coasters in the Midwest
  • Adventureland Bay water park with slides, wave pool, and lazy river
  • Dragon Slayer coaster perfect for kids graduating to their first big-kid thrill rides
  • Live entertainment shows and character meet-and-greets throughout the day
  • Kiddieland area with over a dozen rides designed specifically for younger children

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive at park opening to hit the most popular roller coasters first before lines get long,families can knock out 3-4 major rides in the first hour.
  2. 2.Purchase tickets online in advance for discounts and to skip the ticket booth lines at the gate.
  3. 3.Pack sunscreen and reapply often,there's limited shade in queue areas, especially during summer months.
  4. 4.Consider staying at the on-site Adventureland Resort Hotel for early park access and a place for little ones to nap midday before returning refreshed.
  5. 5.Download the park app to check real-time wait times and plan your route efficiently around the park.

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays in May, early June, or September offer the shortest wait times and pleasant weather. If visiting during peak summer, arrive right at opening (usually 10am) or come back in the evening after 5pm when day crowds thin out. Saturdays are always the busiest.

What to Know

Admission tickets are separate from the adjoining water park (Adventureland Bay), though combo tickets are available. Parking is free, and while outside food isn't permitted, the park offers numerous dining options from quick snacks to full meals. Height requirements vary by ride, so check the park map in advance to manage expectations.

Seasonal Notes

Open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, with limited weekend-only operation in May, September, and October. The park hosts special Halloween events (Oktoberfest) in fall. The water park operates only during summer months (late May through early September). Check the calendar before visiting during shoulder seasons.

Nearby Eats

Prairie Meadows Casino has multiple family-friendly restaurants just 5 minutes away including a buffet. For a quick post-park meal, Culver's and Chick-fil-A are located within 2 miles and offer familiar kid favorites.

More Activities Near Altoona

Park

Copper Creek Lake Park

4.7Free

Copper Creek Lake Park is a scenic 70-acre park that offers the perfect blend of active play and nature exploration for families. With a well-equipped playground, paved walking trails circling a picturesque fishing lake, and plenty of open green space, it's an ideal spot for everything from toddler picnics to elementary-aged adventures. The park's combination of modern amenities and natural beauty makes it a local favorite that keeps families coming back.

Library

Altoona Public Library

4.7Free

Altoona Public Library is a welcoming community hub that goes far beyond books, offering dynamic programming specifically designed for young learners. With highly-rated story times, engaging summer reading challenges, and year-round educational events, this modern library creates memorable experiences that foster a love of reading and learning in children of all ages.

Adventure

Prairie Crossing

4.6Free

Prairie Crossing offers a scenic, paved multi-use trail system perfect for families looking to get outside together in Altoona. This safe, well-maintained trail winds through neighborhoods and connects various parks, making it ideal for bike rides, stroller walks, or letting kids practice their scooter skills without worrying about traffic.

Activity

Bass Pro Shops

4.4Free

Bass Pro Shops in Altoona isn't just a store,it's a free entertainment destination where kids can explore massive aquariums filled with native fish, get up close to lifelike wildlife displays, and watch archery demonstrations. The cabin-lodge atmosphere with waterfalls, taxidermy animals, and interactive exhibits makes it feel like a mini nature museum that happens to sell fishing gear.