Rain, Rain, Go Away
Come again some other day! We speak for all the CR parents, we are tired of not seeing the sun, swampy backyards, muddy stained clothes, and wet basements!
On the bright side, it isn’t snow…
Gif by cartoonnetwork on Giphy
Have fun this week.
Adventures Ahead📅📅
Check out some below happenings in the CR area!
Have an event suggestion? Just click here and let us know what it is.
Wednesday, 9/23
Baby & Toddler Story Time
Downtown Library, 9:30-10:30 am
Join us for this 15-minute story and song program for newborns to three-year-olds, followed by a 45-minute playtime.
Science for Squirts: Falling for Acorns
Wickiup Hill Learning Center, 10-11 am
Discover the journey of an acorn as we explore oak trees, search for squirrel treasures, and create an acorn-inspired craft.
Ages 3-6.
Cost $3
Therapy Dog Story Time
Marion Library, 6:30-7:30 pm
Trained, certified therapy dogs provide companionship to young readers as they practice their literacy skills. Everyone is welcome to read to the dogs. Stay for tricks from the dogs at 7 p.m.!
Thursday, 9/24
Partners in Play
Hiawatha Library, 9:30-10:15 am
Each session will focus on an aspect of early child development, with caregivers enhancing child-led play by encouraging exploration, conversation, and discovery.
Music & Movement Story Time
Busse Library, 9:30-10:30 am
Join us for a fun-filled story time focused on making music and exploring movement. This program is designed for toddlers and preschoolers.
Tween & Teen Game Days: American History Trivia
Marion Library, 3-4:30 pm
Test yourself on 250 years worth of American history! Tweens & teens can test their individual skills or work with small teams.
Teen Makers & Gamers: Mario Racing
Downtown Library, 3:30-5 pm
Get competitive or come for the vibes at these after-school crafting and gaming activities for teens.
Friday, 9/25
Dolly’s Legacy of Literacy
Hiawatha Library, 9-10 am
Join us as we celebrate Dolly Parton and her incredible gift of books and early literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Current and former Imagination Library children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy coffee, juice, cookies, and stories about the impact of receiving a book in the mail each month.
Families who are not yet enrolled will also be encouraged to sign up and share in the joy of Dolly’s gift!
Doodlebugs: Sew Stitchy
Hiawatha Library, 10:30-11 am
Watch a squiggly line of string jump up and down, turning into stitches to create colorful abstract artwork to take home.
*Note: We’ll be using small beads and blunt needles for this project.
Start Your Costume
Make/Believe CR, 5 pm
Halloween will be here before you know it. Don't procrastinate, come to Make/Believe! We have all the tools and materials you need to get a headstart on your costume.
All ages. $5 per person
Saturday, 9/26
Little Learners with Ms. Rachel
Brewed Imagination, 10 am-1 pm
Join us for a sweet, interactive morning inspired by all the songs, learning, and fun your little ones love!
Tickets required, purchase here
Old MacDonald’s Farm County Fair
Old MacDonald’s Farm, 10 am-2 pm
Come to Old MacDonald's Farm and experience a fair setting with hay rack rides, booths, scavenger hunt, pie-eating contest, and much more!
Iowa Asian Alliance AsianFest 2026: The Story of US
Newbo City Market, 12-9 pm
Join us for a free, family-friendly celebration of Asian cultures at AsianFest 2026: The Story of US. This year’s festival invites guests of all backgrounds to enjoy a vibrant day of food, performances, and cultural experiences while also supporting community development and economic impact across Iowa.
Sunday, 9/27
Hiawatha Farmers Market
Guthridge Park, 10 am-1 pm
Whether you’re shopping for the week or simply enjoying the atmosphere, the market is the perfect place to gather, explore, and support local.
Twirlymajigs: A Historic Toy
Marion Library, 1-3 pm
Step back in time and discover how early Americans played! Join us for a hands-on, family-friendly craft workshop exploring traditional history through creativity with the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy. Participants of all ages will learn the fascinating mechanics of the twirlymajig, a similar toy to the whirligig, a traditional wooden spinning toy that moves in the wind.
No prior experience is necessary; all materials provided.
Making Pasta
The Yard, 2-3:30 pm
Get ready, Cedar Rapids — we’re turning up the heat at Kingston Yard (between Big Grove & Pickle Palace) this summer! An on-stage pasta making experience that’s fun, flavorful, and totally unforgettable. VIP will be on stage! All in-person registered attendees will get an Italian treat to eat!
Attendance is free but register to get a free treat!
Monday, 9/28
Monday Morning Story Time
Hiawatha Library, 10-10:30 am
Join Alicia for stories, songs, and rhymes filled with fun!
Preschool Storytime
Marion Library, 10:30-11 am
Preschool Storytime includes books, songs, and activities geared toward children between the ages of 3 and 6, as well as their caregivers.
Mini Explorers Hiking Club
Indian Creek Nature Center, 10:30-11:30 am
Parents and their children from birth to school age are invited to join the Mini Explorer Hiking Club (formerly Hike It Baby) for a family-friendly hike at the Nature Center!
Dress appropriately for the weather, as we will be outdoors for the full hour. Baby carriers and all-terrain strollers are welcome, but strollers are not suitable for all trails.
$5/nonmember adult, $3/member adult. All children are free. Pre-registration is recommended.
Paws to Read
Hiawatha Library, 6:30-7 pm
Practice reading with a friendly therapy dog and discover how fun reading can be!
Tuesday, 9/29
Doodlebugs Art Program
Marion Library, 10:30-11 am
Doodlebugs combines art with literacy for preschoolers. Each session starts with a story and ends with creation. All ages are welcome, but book selection is geared toward children between the ages of 4 and 7. This program is hosted in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.
Toad-ally Awesome Amphibians
Busse Library, 4-6:30 pm
Toadally Awesome Pets will bring a variety of live frogs, toads, axolotls, and more — each safely displayed in their enclosures.
Grown-Up Getaway… 99 problems and a kid ain’t one.
Mom’s Night Out
📍Brewed Imagination, 6:30-8 pm
MOM’S NIGHT OUT IS GETTING A CREATIVE TWIST THIS WEEK! ✨🎨🩷
It’s time to grab your besties and head over to Brewed Imagination for Mosaic Coaster Night! Unwind, chat, and craft a gorgeous piece to take home while enjoying some well-deserved grown-up time.
Admission is $20 per adult, but if childcare is a challenge, don't worry, bring the little ones along! Kids' Play is $12 per child, and you can take $5 off your total by using code SAVE5FUN when booking.
PLEASE BOOK AHEAD! Having an accurate headcount ensures they have plenty of supplies ready for everyone. If you'd prefer to pay at the door, simply select "Pay Later" at checkout. Reserve your spots now with the booking link! 🎟️🎉
Knee-Slappers😂🤣
Kid Tested & Approved
Why did the vampire read the newspaper?
He heard it had great circulation! 🙃
What do you call a baby whale? 🐳
A little squirt! 😂
Knock knock…. who’s there?
Dishes…. Dishes who?
Dishes the police! Open up! 😁
🥁ba-dumm, tsssst…. 🥁
Gif by boomunderground on Giphy
Bon appétit! It’s time to eat!
Beef & Broccoli Ramen
Full disclosure, we have not been able to try this one yet (life has gotten in the way), but this sounds absolutely DELISH (hope so, it comes Delish.com).
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
6 Tbsp. soy sauce
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 Tbsp. diced garlic
2 Tbsp. finely diced ginger
1 lb. flank steak (for ease, our plan is to use Steak-Umms instead)
2 packs, Beef Ramen Noodles
2Tbsp. Oyster/Fish sauce
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 lb. broccoli florets
2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
Step 1
In a large bowl, whisk vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon garlic, and 1 tablespoon ginger until cornstarch is dissolved. Add steak and toss to coat. Let marinate at room temperature 15 to 30 minutes. CRFW Pro Tip 🧑🍳 : if using Steak-Umms like us, you can skip this part or just do quicker 5-10 minutes marinade.
Step 2
Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add contents of 1 ramen seasoning packet and stir to combine. Add all ramen noodles and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 2 minutes. Break up any clumps of noodles still intact with a fork, then drain.
Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk remaining 4 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until dissolved. Add oyster sauce, sugar, second ramen seasoning packet, and 3/4 cup water and whisk to combine.
Step 4
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. When oil is shimmering, add half of beef. Spread into an even layer and cook, undisturbed, until browned on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir to redistribute beef and continue to cook, stirring often, until just cooked through, about 30 seconds more. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with 1 tablespoon oil and remaining beef.
Step 5
In same skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons oil. Add broccoli and cook, stirring often, until bright green, 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 6
Push broccoli to one side of skillet. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon garlic, and 1 tablespoon ginger to empty side of pan. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute, then toss to combine with broccoli.
Step 7
Briefly mix sauce to combine and pour over broccoli mixture. Cover and cook until broccoli is just tender, 3 to 6 minutes.
Step 8
Uncover, add reserved ramen noodles, beef, and any accumulated juices, and toss to combine. Cook, tossing, until coated and glossy, about 30 seconds more. Top with sesame seeds.
Courtesy of Delish.com
Need to know Nuggets
Weather Report ⛅⛈
Wednesday, 9/23 | 68℉/52℉ | ⛅ |
Thursday, 9/24 | 66℉/56℉ | ⛅ |
Friday, 9/25 | 67℉/56℉ | 🌧 |
Saturday, 9/26 | 65℉/56℉ | 🌧 |
Sunday, 9/27 | 71℉/55℉ | 🌧 |
Monday, 9/28 | 73℉/57℉ | ⛅ |
Tuesday, 9/29 | 70℉/57℉ | 🌦 |
Finally, a break in the rain! Enjoy it. It won’t last very long….
Weather courtesy of KCRG.com
News Worthy Nuggets
Some interesting local stories from the past week:
Cedar Rapids opens registration for 2026 Paint a Plow program - from CBS2 (IowaNewsNow)
Speakers at Cedar Rapids Busse Branch library’s grand opening stress universal appeal - from Corridor Business Journal
That’s it for this week.
Shut the TV off and get outside, since we all know the constant stream of political advertisements is no good for anyone’s health. If the weather forecast is right, we should finally see some blue skies.
Get out and enjoy it!