Plan a YES Day in Clear Lake, Iowa!
One road trip. Two age groups. Unlimited fun.
Just 115 miles north of Des Moines, Clear Lake is the perfect destination for a family “Yes Day”—a day where kids call the shots and parents say yes to fun, treats, and adventure. Whether your kids are into splash pads and playgrounds or prefer boba drinks and beach selfies, Clear Lake delivers with walkable charm, affordable activities, and something for everyone.
Here’s how to build your family’s Yes Day in Clear Lake—with options tailored for both younger and older kids. Mix and match or pick your favorite version and go all in!
Ideal for toddlers to age 8
Splash Pads & Playgrounds
Start your day at City Park, just a block from City Beach, with a splash pad and new play equipment in the lower play area. Head over to the Everybody Plays Inclusive Park, which features its own splash pad, bathrooms, picnic tables, and is conveniently located next to the Clear Lake Aquatic Center if you want to upgrade to a pool day. Pine Tree Park on the south side of town is a quieter space with playground equipment just right for toddlers, plus a larger area for big kids
Ice Cream Anytime
From soft-serve cones to hand-scooped treats, Clear Lake offers plenty of options. Visit Cookies, etc., or The Old Creamery for classic favorites. Lillie Mae Chocolates serves hand-dipped sweets and Ashby’s ice cream, and Charlie’s Soda Fountain is a vintage-style shop with sundaes, floats, and dairy-free Dole Whip.
Bakery Treats
If your Yes Day includes a morning outing, stop by South Shore Donut Co. for fresh donuts. Cookies, etc., also bake up their signature cookies that kids will love picking out themselves.
FizzCo
FizzCo is a downtown soda shop where kids can create their own fizzy drink topped with a gummy ring. The shop also stocks international candies and novelty treats that make for great snacks or souvenirs.
Iowa DNR Aquarium
This free, kid-sized public aquarium is located inside the Clear Lake Fish Hatchery. It’s an educational and air-conditioned stop featuring native Iowa fish, perfect for a short break from the sun.
City Beach
Let the kids run and splash in the waters of Clear Lake’s downtown beach. It’s close to ice cream, restaurants, and the splash pad—easy to pop in and out during the day, and has bathrooms and outdoor showers to keep the sand out of your car.
StoryWalk® or Library Activities
Read your way through a nature path with Clear Lake’s StoryWalk®, which features laminated pages of a children’s book mounted along a trail. The Clear Lake Public Library also hosts regular story times, scavenger hunts, and crafts all summer long—check their calendar for updates.
Larson’s Mercantile
Let your little one pick out a toy, book, or fun souvenir at this longtime local favorite. Larson’s is packed with family-friendly treasures and offers something for every age group.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Families love Ge-Jo’s by the Lake for pasta and pizza, the Gyro Place for quick and casual eats, and The Other Place (“The OP” to the locals) for burgers, sandwiches, and a relaxed atmosphere. Clear Lake Donut Co. is a favorite for breakfast, and Seven Stars Family Restaurant is a traditional diner-style option with plenty of kid-pleasers.
Ideal for ages 9–14
Lake Pin & Play
Kick off the day with classic big-kid fun: bowling and arcade games. Lake Pin & Play is a great stop for tweens and teens who want action and independence. They have a great menu, and kids’ meals even include free cinnamon-sugar donut holes!
Cabin Coffee & Livonia’s Coffee Bar
Both spots offer drinks older kids will love, like fruit smoothies, blended coffee drinks, and flavored iced lattes (decaf options available). These cozy cafés also offer light bites for a mid-morning or afternoon recharge.
McIntosh Woods State Park or State Park Beach
McIntosh Woods is ideal for tweens who enjoy nature trails, kayaking, or chilling on a floatie in the water. It’s quieter than downtown and full of photo-worthy lake views. Downtown City Beach offers room to relax, swim, and people-watch along the seawall. Kayaks are available to rent at several businesses, and Larson’s has some super fun floaties!
Lillie Mae Chocolates
This hand-crafted candy shop lets older kids pick their own chocolate mix—perfect for sharing (or hoarding). Bonus: it’s right by the downtown shops and the lake.
Downtown Boutiques
Clear Lake is home to trendy, tween-friendly shops like Lake Effect, where you’ll find fun clothing and accessories, and Funky Zebras, known for colorful styles and giftable items. It’s a great place to say yes to that one thing they’ve had their eye on. Larson’s is always a must-stop for a souvenir or a new container of slime!
Photo Ops
Central Gardens of North Iowa is full of colorful blooms, archways, and sculptures—great for spontaneous photo shoots. The seawall downtown is are favorite spot for selfies, sunset shots, and reels.
Free Live Music & Events
If you’re visiting on a Thursday, you can’t miss Thursdays on Main downtown Clear Lake. This weekly summer street festival features live music, food trucks, classic cars, and family-friendly energy that older kids love. Check out free concerts at the Surf Ballroom during the Summer Showcase series for an iconic Clear Lake experience.
Tween-Taste-Approved Food & Treats
Clear Lake has plenty of places older kids will be excited to try—and Instagram, too.
For fun drinks and snacks, head to Pretzelmaker for hot, salty pretzels, frozen smoothies, lemonades, and cinnamon sugar bites.
The Boulevard Bar & Grill offers a cool, casual vibe with a menu full of burgers, wraps, and quesadillas—plus the Pink Room, a cozy hangout space with lounge seating that feels just grown-up enough.
Craving chips and salsa? Grab a table at Cancun by the Lake, a local favorite for Mexican food and lake views overlooking the lake and City Park. Or head to PM Park, where you can kick off your shoes, stick your toes in the sand, and enjoy a meal right on the beach.
Whether they’re into fountain drinks, handheld bites, or waterfront chill time, your big kids will find something that hits the spot.
Make It a YES Trip
Clear Lake is the kind of place where a Yes Day feels easy. Park once and walk to everything—from the beach to the bakery to the boutique. Whether your family includes toddlers, tweens, or a little of both, you’ll find something to make them smile (and probably ask to come back tomorrow).
Start planning your Clear Lake adventure at clearlakeiowa.com
A little bit of sugar, a lot of sunshine, and a whole bunch of YES!