It could be said that Altoona isn’t what it used to be (for better and for worse). Even kiddie residents adorably start reminiscing, “When I was little, this used to be a vacant lot…” So what’s it like to be a kid on the southeast side of Polk County these days? Read on for our take on being a kid in Altoona Iowa in 2016.
1. You know summer is coming when Adventureland and Adventure Bay open for the season.
Adventureland/Adventure Bay is an amusement and water park which contains over 100 rides, shows, and attractions. The most recent addition to the park in 2016 is The Monster roller coaster.
2. You get your fitness on at the Altoona Campus.
With multiple fitness and sports programs, indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, and daycare the Altoona Campus is a great place for Altoona Kids to get the wiggles out.
3. You are constantly excited by the many businesses and restaurants moving into town.
You think it’s exciting that Altoona is expanding. The latest project in the works is the Outlets of Des Moines which will bring 300,000 square feet of some of the best brand names in retail to Altoona.
4. You’ve skipped dinner in favor of a shared sundae at Over the Top.
Technically in Pleasant Hill, Southeast Polk kids enjoy the fabulicious homemade ice cream and chocolates made at the quaint Over the Top ice cream shop.
5. You like to recline, relax, and enjoy the show.
You see all of the latest kid flicks at the new Cinemark Altoona and XD movie theatre, which features Luxury Loungers aka electric-powered recliners.
6. You know a good time filler is going to Bass Pro Shops.
The Bass Pros Shops in Altoona hosts many family friendly events and activities including Family Summer Camps, Santa’s Wonderland and tons of workshops. Tots also love fish feedings in their large aquarium.
7. Your weekends inevitably involve bowling at Great Escape.
The newly renovated Great Escape (previously Premiere Bowling & Entertainment) is a great spot to hang with your peeps on the weekend. In addition to bowling, you also like to squeeze in a few rounds of laser tag.
8. A sunny summer Sunday morning sends you to the race track.
You love having brunch and attending Family Fun Days at Prairie Meadows. Your absolute favorite is cheering on your favorite wild animal in the Camel, Zebra, and Ostrich Races.
9. Your friends are from all over southeastern Polk County.
Kids in Altoona attend school in the Southeast Polk Community School District, which includes the communities of Altoona, Bondurant, Des Moines, Mitchelville, Runnells and surrounding rural areas.
10. Your fav community event is Altoona Palooza.
Each August you savor the remaining days of summer at Aloona Palooza. There’s something for everyone – music, Inflatables, car show, mud volleyball, kickball tournament, kid station, festival food and so much more.
11. You channel your inner actor at Class Act Productions Community Theatre.
A theatre for children by children Class Act Productions (CAP) provides kids in the Des Moines area an opportunity to perform in front of a live audience and learn theatre etiquette.
What do you think is a sign of an Altoona kid? Let us know!
