Siouxland Families

When the iconic Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. was built in the 1910s and 1920s before opening officially in 1922, giant pillars were placed under the main structure to mitigate the swampy terrain. And from that time, the space between those pillars was mostly empty. Until now. In June 2026, the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum opened to the public, and in July 2026 I was able to visit with my family, including my 4 kids. Based on lots of research online and my personal experience visiting with my family, here's what I think families should know about visiting this cool new museum: Where is the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum? The Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum is located under the Lincoln Memorial, which sits on the National Mall at 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW in Washington DC.  The entrance to the undercroft museum specifically is to the right of the stairs if you are looking at Abraham Lincoln with the reflecting pool to your back, through the sam...

An exciting new event is being held in Iowa this fall in honor of our nation's 250th birthday! On October 24th, 2026, head to the Iowa State Capitol for America's Harvest Festival and celebrate autumn in the US like never before. Here's what we know about this cool event so far (and I'll be sure to update throughout the summer and fall as new details are shared!) Where is America's Harvest Festival happening? America's Harvest Festival is happening at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa. There's ample free parking on the capitol grounds, but I'd anticipate that at least some of it may be used as event space for this festival. If they share alternative parking and/or shuttle options, I'll share that once I hear about it! When is America's Harvest Festival happening? America's Harvest Festival is happening on Saturday, October 24th, 2026 from 1pm to sunset, around 7pm.  What is America's...

Every month I share some of the best things to do in Sioux City and Siouxland, from storytimes and crafts to music festivals, streaming concerts, and holidays from silly to serious. This June, you might also be interested in my guide to pools & swim lessons in Siouxland , my post about Siouxland Splash Pads , or my post about summer day camps in Siouxland . I hope this event list inspires you to go make some happy memories with your family this month!  *Now updated for June 2026!* Recommended Midwesty Reads for June 2026 Critters of Iowa by Alex Troutman (nonfiction guidebook for kids.) Full review coming soon! Fishing With Dad by Kevin Lovegreen (picture book.) Full review coming soon! Who's Hiding Under the Sea? by Janet Lawler (lift-the-flap-book.) Full review coming soon! *** Jump to a Week in June 2025 June 1 - June 6 June 8 - June 14 June 15 - June 21 June 22 - June 28 ...

The Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City is one of the cutest nature centers in Iowa and has a particular focus on the natural environment of the Loess Hills and Siouxland. It's totally FREE to visit, and a fun place to spend a day in any season, offering activities both indoors and outside. And it's one of my personal favorites. My kids and I have had so much fun at the nature center over the years! Here's what you should know about the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center: Where is the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center? The Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center is located at 4500 Sioux River Road in Sioux City, Iowa. There is ample free parking in their parking lot, but there is a gate that closes each afternoon. If you are planning to leave after it's closed, park in the small lot between the road and the gate instead of in the large lot near the nature center itself so you aren't trapped! The Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center includes the nature ce...

I found the coolest camera! Camp Snap sells screen-free digital cameras, and I'm a huge fan. In fact, I love them enough that I signed up to be an affiliate, so please note that this is a sponsored post. After getting one and trying it out, and more specifically, letting my 13-year-old with Down syndrome, my 9-year-old, and my 4-year-old each use it without supervision, I am super impressed. I think Camp Snap cameras are such a cool option, especially for kids and teens, including kids and teens with special needs. Here's why:  What are Camp Snap Cameras? Basically, Camp Snap cameras are digital cameras that store your pictures on a memory card, but they don't  have a screen (you use the viewfinder to line up your shot). On the Camp Snap Classic Camera, there is a switch that toggles between on, off, and flash. And there's a single button on top to take a photo. And that's it. Flash or not is the only decisions the photographer has to make o...