Stay With Us
What you and your family can expect at the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City
As an organization we work diligently to ensure you can focus your energy and attention on your child.
Arriving and checking in
How to pack and check into the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City.
Beds are made up before you arrive and towels are provided, so save your suitcase space for things that make a room feel like yours.
We’re located at 730 Hawkins Drive in Iowa City, less than a mile from the hospital. Upon your arrival, staff will get you set up with check in, unloading, and parking.
Our office hours are 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, check in at the front desk. If you arrive after hours, security staff are on site from 9 p.m.-8 a.m. and can be reached at (319) 800-3655.
What we provide:
A guest room and private bathroom. Beds are made up before you arrive and fresh towels are provided. Families wash their own towels and linens during a stay. There is a mini fridge in each room and extra space for breast milk storage should you need it.
Laundry Room
The laundry rooms are open around the clock with detergent and dryer sheets stocked.
Community Kitchen & Dining Room
The community kitchen is well-stocked and open around the clock, so you can eat when it’s convenient for you. A hot meal is served for dinner every night from 5:30-7 pm, leftovers are put in the community fridge for later.
Room to Play
We have several play areas throughout the House for children of all ages. There is a playground in the backyard and every child gets a visit to the toy closet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staying at the House
Yes, from 10 p.m.-8 a.m.
Yes, daily between 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Visitors sign in and out on the iPad in the main office, wear a nametag, and stay with the person they came to see.
Pets aren’t permitted at the House. Trained service animals are.
No, the University of Iowa campus and Ronald McDonald House grounds are tobacco-free, including e-cigarettes and vapes. Staff can provide directions to the nearest area smoking is allowed.
Yes — a free van runs six times a day, and there’s no charge.
What to bring
Yes, every room has a mini fridge. Rooms without a kitchenette are assigned a cabinet space and shelf in a shared refrigerator. Label anything in the shared fridge with your name and room number. There is extra storage for breast milk; just ask the staff for assistance.
Children and siblings
Yes. How many people can share a room is set by the fire inspector and depends on the room’s square footage, so staff will confirm your room’s limit when you register. Children 15 and under need an adult with them at all times; nobody under 18 should be left alone in the house or in a guest room. Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds can use the common areas on their own.
Day to day
Both. Dinner is provided every night at 5:30 pm and the community kitchen is open around the clock with snacks, fruit, milk, eggs, leftovers, non-perishables, etc. Should you want to cook, the kitchen is stocked with pots, pans, etc. You can find a seat in the dining room with the other families staying with us, or take a plate up to your room.
Your stay lasts as long as your child’s.
Families look after their own rooms, bathroom included, and wash their own towels and linens during a stay. Cleaning supplies are stocked so there’s nothing to buy — ask staff if you need something they haven’t put out. The kitchen, the playroom and the other shared spaces get tidied by whoever used them. Staff do a quick room check on Sundays to ensure your room is in working order. Staff will provide ample notice should any repairs or routine maintenance need to be done in your room during your stay.
Where to go next
Eligibility & How to Stay
The full criteria, including the situations that sit at the edges.
Request a Room
Submit your information online any time or call us.
Family FAQ
Short answers to the questions families ask most.