So, now that you’re here at Iowa State, you don’t know what to do right? Well, you’re in luck – Ames has plenty to offer to keep your three children from using your legs for a jungle gym. And whether your kids are eight or 18, Ames is a good place for reasonably-priced fun.

Here on our own campus, the Memorial Union has some much needed distraction.

In its basement there is a recreational center with some time-passing essentials – air hockey tables, billiard tables, arcade games and eight lanes of bowling.

If you’re a student looking to reserve one of the nine pool tables, it’s only $3 for an hour or $3.60 for the public.

If you’re up for some good ol’ bowling, it’s only $2.75 a game for students or $3.75 for the public. And don’t worry about footgear, you can rent shoes for only a $1.50.

If strikes, spares and splits are your thing, you can also head down to Twentieth Century Bowling, 505 South Duff Ave. Prices vary depending on the time and day you decide to hit the lanes, so call them at 232-5530 for questions regarding cost.

If you’re bringing small children to the alley, the establishment offers bumper bowling to keep them out of the gutter.

For bowlers in the mood for something a little more exotic, the lanes offer Blackout Jackpot Bowling on Thursday nights.

If dry land isn’t your preference, campus also offers an ice rink with public skating from 2 to 4 p.m. on weekends. With prices at $4.75 for adults and $3.75 for those 17 and under, and only $2.75 for some skates, you’ll be kicking up snow in no time.

Another fine option is taking the family for an afternoon stroll around Rieman Gardens, 1407 Elwood Drive. It is the largest public garden in Ames and is open seven days a week year round. Admission is free to Iowa State students and children 3 and under, $4 for children 4-17, $6 for seniors and $7 for adults. The Gardens includes a butterfly exhibit, cafe and giftshop. The Gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Guided tours are available and large groups can receive a discount.

There are plenty of activities off-campus too. Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream, 551 South Duff Ave., is a perfect place to take your smaller children, especially if one is celebrating a birthday. Not only do they offer a game room with arcade games, pinball machines, two ski-ball machines and a carousel, they also offer a birthday package. For $45.99, the deal includes two large pizzas, unlimited amounts of soda, 10 birthday sundaes, and they’ll deck your kids out in party gear to boot.

For a more relaxing afternoon, Cinemark Movies 12, 1317 Buckeye Ave, just off of South Duff, usually has a good selection of family films in 12 well-kept theaters. Children and seniors can get tickets at $4.75 and adults, $6.50 – unless it’s before 6 p.m. and everyone gets in at $4.75. In addition, they also have a small arcade with numerous types of gaming in their lobby.

For a more laid back evening away from the hustle and bustle of Campustown, you and the family can grab a cup of joe at Gregory’s Coffee House, 421 South Duff. The establishment offers a variety of coffees and snacks, as well as free wireless Internet connection for parents who might need to check their E-mail while they’re away from home.

Now that you have an idea of just a few of the kinds of family activities there are around town, hopefully you won’t be left with bored parents or screaming siblings before the big game.