Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, September 25th 2026 – Sunday, September 27th 2026Every 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 – s
Halloween in Des Moines 2026Celebrate the spooky season with one of these fun Halloween events happening in Des Moines. Kids of all ages will enjoy new events or even an old tradition. Grab your Halloween costumes, dress up, and head out to celebrate in Des Moines. Play fun games, enjoy non-scary tr
8 Things I’d Tell a Des Moines Parent Before Their First Trip to Gulf Shores** This post was sponsored by Alabama’s Beaches and Gulf Shores. All thoughts and opinions are my own.If you’re a Des Moines parent thinking about a trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, you probably have some questions. How hard is
Beggars’ Night in Des Moines & Surrounding Communities 2026Happy Halloween! Get your best Beggars’ Night jokes ready … trick-or-treat season is almost here in the Des Moines metro!In true Iowa fashion, our area has long had its own tradition of celebrating Beggars’ Night on October 30th instead of H
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in OctoberPumpkins are popping up on every porch, there is crisp morning air, and leaves are starting to fall. Celebrate the season with fall festivals, Halloween events, and all things fall. Plan your October in Des Moines today.Bookmark these other Halloween resour
Day Out With Thomas the Train in Boone, IowaThomas the Train has been on American television since 1989 and has stood the test of time for train lovers alike. Many adults remember growing up watching Thomas and Friends, and now we can enjoy it with our own children. Every fall, Thomas the Train come
Trunk or Treat in Des Moines 2026If you have younger children, you may be looking for options beyond Beggars’ Night. Trunk or Treat is another wonderful, free, family-friendly Halloween event. Des Moines-area businesses and organizations may offer a costume contest, scavenger hunt, live music, food,
10 Ways to Celebrate Apple DaysOctober is National Apple Month. What better time to enjoy one of our favorite fruits? Here are 10 fun ways to celebrate apple days.** Disclosure: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.Go apple picking at a local orchard.It’s a great way to spend some time outsi
Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Visit Gulf Shores, Alabama**This post is sponsored by Alabama’s Beaches. All thoughts and opinions are my own.I am not very good at doing nothing on vacation. If we are visiting a new destination, I want to see it all. I want to find the hidden gems, try the restauran
Consignment Stores and Events for Children in Des MoinesAs a parent, you learn that children go through a lot of clothing. As newborns, they outgrow clothes at a rapid pace; then as toddlers, they acquire a lot of mystery stains. So instead of breaking the bank on new clothes every season, shop arou
A New Chapter at 2forU West: Investing in Quality Early Childhood EducationFinding the right childcare provider is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Parents want an environment where their children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn, while also having confidence in the p
Central Iowa Trek the Parks ChallengeDes Moines Parent want you to get outside this summer and explore central Iowa. That is why we have created the ‘Central Iowa Trek the Parks Challenge’. The communities within central Iowa offer many parks, trails, spray grounds, and more. We want you to get out
10+ Mom and Women’s Groups to Check Out Around Des MoinesMaking friends and networking as an adult isn’t always easy. Whether you’re new to the Des Moines area, a mom looking for connection, or simply hoping to meet people who share your interests, finding your community can take some effort.Fortuna
Greenbelt Landing in Clive, IowaThe Greenbelt Landing in Clive, Iowa has been transformed into a destination park! This transformation of almost 15 acres brings a performance stage and festival lawn, an inclusive playground, boardwalk, trail connectors, fishing access, a renovated events building, a
30+ Local Des Moines Coffee Shops You Should Check Out!Coffee is pretty much a necessity if you are a parent. These Des Moines local coffee shops are perfect for hanging out, enjoying snacks, playing games with the kids, and getting that much-needed jolt of caffeine. Not only do I love coffee, but
Indoor Golf in Des Moines, Iowa – Unique Experiences and Indoor SimulationsLove to golf? But live in Iowa? Golfing in Iowa depends a lot on the weather, which is why indoor golf in Des Moines, Iowa is a great option! There are many unique golf opportunities and simulators in the Des Moines metro ar
20+ Things to See and Do in Grimes, IowaGrimes, Iowa is located northwest of the Des Moines area and is quickly growing with families and businesses. Some new and big things have recently opened in the area including the GrimesPlex, a new and larger library, a splash pad, and more. Grimes is a popul
Georgetown Park in Ankeny, IowaGeorgetown Park is a classic large neighborhood park that will draw in your kids! This playground is a large tri-shaped structure. My kids loved that each of them had their own “hallway” and “throne.” Their imaginations were sparked, which is a gift of playgrounds. My
Fort Des Moines Park in Des Moines, IowaFort Des Moines Park on the south side of Des Moines is a perfect outdoor oasis run by Polk County Conservation. This beautiful 135-acre park has a large pond, trails aplenty to hike, an arboretum, and a quaint playground. When we head to Fort Des Moines Park,
Beyond Hotels: The Most Unique Places to Stay in the MidwestIf your family loves to travel but you are ready to move beyond the standard hotel room, this list is for you. Across the Midwest, there are incredible, one-of-a-kind stays that turn a simple weekend away into a full experience. From sleepi
Des Moines Fall Festivals 2026The leaves will begin changing colors and temperatures will be dropping, which means it is my favorite season of all: fall! This time of year is a time for fall family fun, whether that be taking a drive to take in the fall foliage, heading to the pumpkin patches and pi
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in September Summer is quickly coming to an official end, but the festivals are in full swing. This month, attend Norwalk Music Fest, enjoy a stein at Oktoberfest, or go bobbing for apples at Applefest at Living History Farms. Plan your September in Des Moines today.
Pumpkin Patches in Des MoinesGoing to the pumpkin patch is much more than just picking out the perfect pumpkin, it is an experience. Des Moines and surrounding communities offer a lot of options full of pumpkins, apple orchards, activities, mazes, and more. Pumpkin picking is just the beginning of f
Bubbly Bar & Bistro at the Iowa State Fair: A Hilltop Haven for FamiliesIf you’re looking for the perfect spot to relax, refuel, and enjoy a little shade during your Iowa State Fair adventure, look no further than Bubbly Bar & Bistro. Perched at the top of the hill, just above the bustling fair stre
