Clear Lake Tourism is encouraging families to use a week-long moratorium on high school sports and activities from July 25-August 1 to plan an end-of-summer family vacation.
For the first time ever, the Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union have announced a moratorium on high school sports and activities for a week this summer. From July 25-August 1, these organizations are encouraging families to prioritize time outside of sports, rest, and relaxation.
This presents an opportunity for Iowa’s tourism industry. Many families will have, for the first time, a full week to make memories with their families and explore the state. The Iowa tourism industry is planning an in-state travel marketing campaign to promote tourism during Family Week.
“On behalf of the tourism industry, we are thrilled for families to have this designated week to prioritize quality time together and hopefully choose to explore what Iowa has to offer,” said Amy Zeigler, state tourism manager for the Iowa Tourism Office. “Whether your family is adventure seekers, foodies or artsy, Iowa has unlimited offerings close to home and ready to be discovered.”
The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Iowa Tourism Office encourage you to participate in Family Week marketing efforts by compiling special offers on admission, lodging, dining, or other activities during this week.
“We are here to help you plan your road-trip adventure to Clear Lake and we encourage visitors as well as locals to take advantage of our resources. Our goal is to make it easy for you to bring your family together and create memories that will last a lifetime,” said Libbey Hohn, Clear Lake Director of Tourism. “Our events calendar is full, and our businesses are ready to welcome you.”
Clear Lake Family Week Special Offers, Activities & Events*:
Clear Lake Family Fun Packs: Pick up a free Family Fun Pack filled with activities and goodies from the Clear Lake Visitor Center! Activities include the popular DNR Sensory Hike, Family Garden Challenge, Creative Postcard activity from the CL Arts Center, and a new Geocaching activity developed by CLHS students. Family Fun Packs may be picked up during open hours from July 26-August 1 while supplies last. Family Fun Packs are limited to one per family so many can enjoy. Clear Lake Visitor Center, 205 Main Avenue, M-F 8am-5pm.
Brickhouse Cottage: Receive a 10% discount for bookings during July 25-August 12th! Mention Clear Lake Chamber Family Week when booking to receive discount. 414 South Shore Drive, (641) 512-3400.
The Funky Zebras: Free pop-it with purchase for kids shopping with their moms during Family Week, plus a drawing for a gift card to a local restaurant that all shoppers may enter! 210 Hwy 18 W, (641) 357-0404.
Bennigan’s: Kids eat free on Sunday. 2023 7th Ave N, (641) 357-2366
District Rock & Roll Grill: Kids eat free on Wednesday. 619 Buddy Holly Place, (641) 357-1222
Visit our Events Calendar for details.
Sunday, July 25:
Golf Croquet at Central Gardens (2pm-4pm)
Picnics & Performances at Central Gardens featuring Cedar County Cobras playing American roots & blues (5pm-6pm)
Lonny Lynn Orchestra* at the Surf Ballroom (dancing from 6pm-10pm)
Wednesday, July 28:
Outdoor Story Time with the Clear Lake Public Library at Pine Tree Park (2300 South Shore Dr.) (10:30am-11am)
Surf Summer Showcase, Dirk Quinn Band at the Surf Ballroom (7pm-9:30pm)
Thursday, July 29:
Thursdays on Main, downtown Clear Lake. Featuring special entertainment by Strike Theatre (6:30pm-7pm), Live Music by Acoustic Rapport (7pm-9pm), and Movie in the Park “Tom & Jerry” (PG) (9pm-10:45pm)From Garden to Glass: Botanical Mixology Class* at Central Gardens (6pm-8pm)
Friday, July 30:
Fresh on Friday at Central Gardens (9am-11am). Bee Happy Garden Explorers kid’s activity “Reduce-Reuse-Recycle: Iowa Waste Exchange”
Roc the Lake 90’s Show* at PM Park (7:30pm-11pm)
Saturday, July 31:
Yoga by the Lake* at the downtown Seawall (7am-8am)
Movement Saturday at Central Gardens (8:30am-9:30am)
Farmer’s Market at the Surf Ballroom Parking Lot (9am-12pm)
Paddlefest* at Clear Lake State Park Beach, family friendly paddle with 1 mile, 3 mile, and 5-mile loops. (9:30am start)
Roc the Lake*, one day full of 5 top bands at PM Park (1pm-11pm)
Midwest Film School Open House at Surf Ballroom Music Enrichment Center (2pm-4pm)
Ladies Takeover Comedy Show* at District Rock & Roll Grill (9pm-11pm)
Sunday, August 1
Pioneer Kids Day* at Kinney Pioneer Museum (1pm-5pm)
Summer Tea and Fashion Show* at Larch Pine Inn (doors open at 1pm)
Golf Croquet at Central Gardens (2pm-4pm)
Picnics & Performances at Central Gardens featuring musician Rich Mock of The Mockingbirds
*These events have an admission fee.
Check back as more offers are added!
To add an offer, contact Clear Lake Director of Tourism Libbey Hohn, libbey@clearlakeiowa.com.