Visit Fairfield plans four days of outdoor activities

FAIRFIELD — Visit Fairfield has put together a series of local fun activities that will keep the whole family busy.

The visitors bureau will debut the “Family Fun Road Trip” from July 27-30, featuring outdoor events such as nature programs, a scavenger hunt, kayaking, hiking, fishing, a 5K fun run, and programs at the Carnegie Historical Museum and Maasdam Barns. Visit Fairfield has coordinated with these entities so the events don’t overlap. Plus, nearly all of the events are free.

“The Family Fun Road Trip is a great way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories,” said Terry Baker, executive director of Visit Fairfield. “Plus, it's an affordable vacation option that everyone can enjoy.”

Baker said the idea for the four-day series of events came from Jefferson County Naturalist Brittney Tiller, who also sits on the tourism board of directors.

“She reached out to me and wanted to know if we could put something family-oriented together, to play on the idea of taking time off with the family this summer,” Baker said.

Some of the events require pre-registration, though only one requires a fee, and that’s the 5K Family Fun Run on Saturday, July 30.

Baker said each venue that agreed to participate in the “road trip” planned its own event.

“They decided what their specialty was and what resources they had to offer,” Baker said. “For instance, the Carnegie museum is doing theirs on Native American settlements, while Maasdam Barns will have horses available plus rope-making demonstrations.”

The visitors bureau has a “digital passport” for easily accessing attractions, restaurants and shopping on a smartphone. After a resident signs up for the passport, they can “check in” at participating venues to get discounts. Every time they check in or use a passport coupon, their name is put into a drawing for prizes. At the end of this month, Visit Fairfield will give away a Go Pro camera.

“I want to win it myself,” Baker said. “It’s such a cool way to capture memories.”

Here is the complete schedule of events for the Family Fun Road Trip, courtesy of Visit Fairfield:

S’mores & a Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday, July 27

6-8 p.m.

Jefferson County Park

2003 Libertyville Road, Fairfield.

Camp Kyle Amphitheater

Free; Pre-Registration required

https://jeffersoncountyconservation.com/event/smores-a-scavenger-hunt/

Kick off the “Family Road Trip” weekend with some s’mores and a scavenger hunt at Jefferson County Park. Participants will meet at the Camp Kyle Amphitheater on Wednesday, July 27 between 6-8 p.m. Family or friend groups will be encouraged to head out on a scavenger hunt before roasting marshmallows over the fire. Pre-registration is requested for this free event.

What’s in a Wetland?

Thursday, July 28

10 a.m.

Free

Jefferson County Park Nature Center

2003 Libertyville Road, Fairfield

Open to all ages but geared for youth ages 4-14 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Ever wondered what is living in the wetland? Here is your chance to find out. Bring your mud boots and a sense of adventure for this family friendly program. Participants should meet at the Jefferson County Park Nature Center before heading out to the wetland.

Village Life

Friday, July 29

Noon-3 p.m.

Free

Front lawn of the Carnegie Historical Museum

112 South Court, Fairfield

This is a great hands-on program for children in grades 2nd- 5th (although younger kids will enjoy it with the help of their parents). Village life will give participants a small glimpse into some of the activities that would have been performed in an early Native American settlement, from corn grinding to scraping hides to making face paints and bowls out of gourds. Participants can come between noon and 2:30 and can expect to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour on the activities. Parents are asked to accompany their children and are welcome to take part in the activities as well.

Moth Night

Friday, July 29

10-11 p.m.

Free

Jefferson County Park Nature Center

2003 Libertyville Road, Fairfield

Enjoy a fun night of mothing led by entomologist Moni Hayne. Begin with an introduction in the Nature Center followed by time outdoors to see what moths and other insects are attracted to the black light stations. This program is open to children and adults alike. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Outdoor Adventure Night

Friday, July 29

5-8 p.m.

Jefferson County Park Shelter #3

2003 Libertyville Road, Fairfield.

Pre-registration requested; https://jeffersoncountyconservation.com/event/outdoor-adventure-night/

Get the family outside and unplugged for an evening of outdoor adventure. Families will be able to move through different activities including kayaking, hiking, fishing, and archery. There will be activities for all ages of children however children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is requested for this free event. To register, please visit JeffersonCountyConservation.com.

5K Family Fun Run

Saturday, July 30

9 a.m.

Waterworks Park

Entry Fee and pre-registration required

Come out for a fun run at Waterworks Park! Snacks and swimming after. Sign up before July 27 to be entered into a drawing for a 20-visit punch pass. Hosted by Fairfield Parks and Recreation. Registration fee is $10. To register, call Fairfield Park and Rec at 641-472-6159 or sign up in person at 1000 W. Burlington Avenue.

Maasdam Barns Adventure Day

Saturday, July 30

10 a.m.— 3:30 p.m.

2000 S. Main St

Free

Known for their displays of agricultural history and innovation, the Maasdam Barns Historic Site will be hosting a family fun day, complete with horses in the barns, along with rope making & hay hoisting demos. Lunch will be available onsite and the Museum and barns will be open for tours. It’s a great way to let the kids run off some steam and see what farm life was like in the early 1900s. And, of course, the kids will want to try out the vintage playground recently installed on the site.

• 10:00 — 11:00 Rope Making demos

• 11:00 — 11:30 4-H demo

• 11:30 — 12:30 Lunch available by 4-H group

• 12:30 — 1:30 Hay Hoisting Demonstration at Stallion Barn

• 1:30 — 2:00 4 -H Demo

• 2:00 — 3:00 Rope making demo

• 3:00 — 3:30 Everyone helps serve Ice Cream treats

Families are invited to attend one or all of the events. There will be something for everyone at this exciting community event, so mark the dates in your calendar and join in for some family fun. For more information, visit www.visitfairfieldiowa.com.