Plan a YES Day in Clear Lake, Iowa!One road trip. Two age groups. Unlimited fun.Just 115 miles north of Des Moines, Clear Lake is the perfect destination for a family “Yes Day”—a day where kids call the shots and parents say yes to fun, treats, and adventure. Whether your kids are into splash pads a
Barrett Boesen Natural Playscape in Urbandale, IowaBarrett Boesen Natural Playscape in Urbandale has quickly become a beloved park destination in Central Iowa! A brand-new, large wooden obstacle course has been added, making this park even better. This obstacle course is unique to those found in Cen
Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, June 27th 2025 – Sunday, June 29th 2025Every weekend there are amazing Fun Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa! We have created a list of what we think are the most fun, most interesting family events in the Des Moines area this weekend – so you can
5 Fun Things To Do with Kids on Kelleys IslandIf riding a ferry across Lake Erie wasn’t exciting enough, just wait until you set foot on Kelleys Island, a charming, adventure-filled destination perfect for families. From splashing at the beach to cruising in a golf cart, this laid-back island has ev
Midwestern Road Trip Fun: Family Adventure to Shores & Islands OhioWe LOVE a good road trip and traveling throughout the Midwest, there’s nothing better than discovering hidden gems, charming small towns, and unexpected adventures with the family. I’m super excited to share with you this fun trip!Lo
Plan the Perfect Family Day Trip to Middlebrook Agrihood in Cumming, IowaLooking for a family-friendly day trip just minutes from Des Moines? Head south to Middlebrook Agrihood in Cumming, Iowa, a unique and growing community where agriculture and family fun go hand-in-hand. With parks, orchards, tr
Make the Most of Summer: Family Fun in AltoonaSchool’s out, the sun is shining, and summer is officially in full swing. If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids busy—and make the most of your family time—there’s no need to go far!The Des Moines metro is packed with exciting ways to enjoy summer t
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in July4th of July celebrations, parades, bluegrass and hot air balloons, Des Moines is sparkling with the joys of summer. Grab your red, white and blue and plan your July in Des Moines today. Urbandale 4th of July CelebrationAddress: Lion’s Park, 72nd Street and, NW
Fireworks and Fourth of July Events in Des Moines 2025The Fourth of July in Des Moines, Iowa is always filled with parades, carnivals, fun runs, and fireworks. We have gathered all the area’s premier fireworks! Take a look at all the fun scheduled in and around Des Moines, Iowa. Please note as more
Play, Splash, Repeat: Western Gateway Park Water FeatureWestern Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines has a new magical water feature nestled between the Papajohn Sculpture Park and the Central Library. It is the perfect spot to play or take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.Along the sidewalk
Tiny Tumblers, Big Wins: Discover The Little Gym of JohnstonIf you’re always looking for new, enriching ways to help your kids grow while having tons of fun, there’s a new spot in town you’ll want to check out. The Little Gym of Johnston just opened on Merle Hay Road, and it brings something truly u
Celebrate Summer with Shipt’s Summer of Savings!Summer in Des Moines is just beginning, and thanks to Shipt, making the most of these sunny days just got easier (and more affordable!). Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, heading to the splash pad, or simply trying to avoid another trip to the st
Nature Centers in the MidwestIowa has some amazing nature centers, from Jester Park Nature Center to Grimes Farm and Conservation Center. Many nature centers include interactive displays, special events, environmental education, summer camps, miles of walking trails, and more. Nature centers are a g
If you’re looking for Des Moines roller skating places, there are two excellent rinks you can check out: Skateland and Skate South. Both offer open skate times, birthday parties, concession areas, arcades, and lots more fun!One of my favorite memories, when I was younger, was heading to Skate West (
Shady Playgrounds in Des Moines, IowaWhen summer temperatures hit and your kids still need to get outside and play, check out these shady playgrounds around the Des Moines, Iowa area! Bookmark this guide as you explore the Des Moines metro parks. Take a look at some other fun outdoor guides: Accessi
Where to Get Crafty in Des Moines, Iowa Our family is all about arts and crafts! There are tons of great places to sign up for fun arts and crafts classes or to pick up supplies and get crafty at home. Take a look at the list we have rounded up!AR Workshop 1631 SW Main St Suite 104, Ankeny, IA 50023
Des Moines Gardening Classes and Education ResourcesWhether you have a green thumb or you’re a beginning gardener, there’s a wide variety of gardening classes in the Des Moines Metro for every skill level. Learn about composting, beekeeping, designing and maintaining a garden, or even take courses t
Des Moines Menace: Home Game Schedule, Tickets & MoreThe Des Moines Menace has kicked off their 2025 season and won their first game 3-1! The Menace Soccer Club is our local pre-professional soccer club that plays its home games at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines. This is currently the highest lev
A Family Guide to Pammel State Park in Winterset, IowaLooking for a quick and unforgettable family getaway close to Des Moines? Pammel State Park in Winterset, Iowa, is the perfect escape for families who love the outdoors. This hidden gem is packed with natural beauty, hands-on nature experiences,
Iowa Adventure Passes: Free Admission to Zoos, Museums, and MoreSchool is out, and libraries are the perfect place to check out books, dive into a summer reading challenge, and make memories that will last beyond the last page. Just in time for summer, Iowa libraries have brought back the Iowa Adven
Des Moines Free Summer Camps and ClinicsThe Des Moines community is filled with a ton of summer programs but it can be very costly to register multiple children (or even one child) for several summer camps. Sometimes financial assistance is available, but not always. Luckily, there are some great op
Free Family Fun in Clear Lake, Iowa – Just 115 Miles from Des Moines!Looking for a family-friendly road trip that won’t break the bank? Just a quick 1 hour and 45-minute drive north of Des Moines, Clear Lake, Iowa, is packed with free things to do for all ages. Whether you’re chasing lakeside views,
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt NaturescapePolk County Conservation recently opened a brand new naturescape at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt outside of Maxwell, Iowa. My kids were immediately drawn to the mud kitchen! Equipped with sturdy pots and pans, this mud kitchen invites kids to get messy and let t
Discover Des Moines in a Whole New WayLooking for a fun and engaging way to explore all that Des Moines has to offer with your kids? Whether you’re a local family or just visiting the metro area, our Des Moines Challenge Cards are the perfect way to create lasting memories while discovering hidden g
