Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend
Molly Johnson on 03/02/2026

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, March 6th 2026 – Sunday, March 8th 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 – so you can

Dinner Experiences in Des Moines
Jackie Fioritto on 03/01/2026

Dinner Experiences in Des Moines

Dinner Experiences in Des Moines, IowaDes Moines is filled with incredible restaurants, but now and then it’s fun to step outside the ordinary. Whether it’s a historic-themed dinner or an interactive murder mystery, there are plenty of unique dining experiences to explore. Check out our curated list

St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Des Moines for Kids
Erin Huiatt on 03/01/2026

St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Des Moines for Kids

St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Des Moines for KidsSt. Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday to celebrate for all ages. While many of us may think of green beer and large parties, there are many ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as a whole family in Des Moines. We are sharing some of our favorite ways to celebr

Summer Camps at The Little Gym in Johnston, Iowa
Sponsored Post on 02/26/2026

Summer Camps at The Little Gym in Johnston, Iowa

Summer Camps at The Little Gym in Johnston, IowaSummer is meant to feel big! Big energy, big imagination, and kids coming home full of stories about what they built, climbed, discovered, and conquered. At The Little Gym of Johnston, summer camps are designed to match that spirit. Each three hour af

Indoor Birthday Parties in Des Moines
Erin Huiatt on 02/25/2026

Indoor Birthday Parties in Des Moines

Indoor Birthday Parties in Des Moines, IowaI have updated AND added some more awesome indoor birthday party ideas! Check out the list below. If I am missing somewhere, feel free to let me know!Click here for the newly updated Birthday Party for Kids DirectoryAnimalsAnimal Rescue League: Animal-fille

Beyond Hotels: The Most Unique Places to Stay in the Midwest
Erin Huiatt on 02/24/2026

Beyond Hotels: The Most Unique Places to Stay in the Midwest

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

Spring Break at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Erin Huiatt on 02/23/2026

Spring Break at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Spring Break at the Greater Des Moines Botanical GardenSpring Break is the perfect time to explore the wonders of nature, and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden has an exciting lineup of events and activities for all ages. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly adventure, a unique dining

Summer Solved with Steve & Kate’s Camp
Sponsored Post on 02/23/2026

Summer Solved with Steve & Kate’s Camp

Summer Solved with Steve & Kate’s CampIf you have children, then you know planning for summer can be a challenge: Choosing a variety of activities. Planning around vacations and friends. Committing to weekly sessions 6 months in advance. But with Steve & Kate’s Camp, your entire summer could be sol

Easter in Des Moines, Iowa 2026
Erin Huiatt on 02/22/2026

Easter in Des Moines, Iowa 2026

Easter in Des Moines, Iowa 2026Eggs hunt, bunnies, and eggs everywhere. There are a ton of opportunities to hunt for eggs in Des Moines this Spring. Check out our list of Des Moines Easter Egg Hunts for 2026. If you have an event you would like to add, you can add it here! Bookmark these other fun r

Indoor Playgrounds Around Des Moines
Erin Huiatt on 02/20/2026

Indoor Playgrounds Around Des Moines

Indoor Playgrounds Around Des Moines, IowaWhen Iowa weather turns cold, windy, rainy, or just unpredictable, indoor playgrounds become a lifesaver for families. Whether you have a busy toddler, an adventurous elementary-aged kid, or siblings spanning multiple ages, Greater Des Moines offers several

Spring Break in Des Moines 2026
Erin Huiatt on 02/19/2026

Spring Break in Des Moines 2026

Spring Break in Des Moines 2026Spring Break Des Moines 2026 is just around the corner, and we are here to help you create a memorable Spring Break. Whether the entire family is staying in the Des Moines area to explore or you need to find a fun camp or workshop, there are enough ways to have fun all

Batbox at Smash Park: A Home Run Family Experience in Central Iowa
Sponsored Post on 02/17/2026

Batbox at Smash Park: A Home Run Family Experience in Central Iowa

If you are searching for a new indoor activity in Des Moines that combines technology, sports, and family fun, the newly launched Batbox at Smash Park is worth adding to your list.Batbox brings an immersive baseball and softball simulator experience to Central Iowa, offering players of all ages the

Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in March
Jackie Fioritto on 02/12/2026

Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in March

Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in MarchCheer on the Iowa Wolves, explore your creative side at Entirely Kids Day at the Des Moines Art Center, or celebrate at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Spring is just around the corner in Des Moines, so plan your March in Des Moines today.Bookmark these other f

Consignment Stores for Adults in Des Moines
Jackie Fioritto on 02/10/2026

Consignment Stores for Adults in Des Moines

Consignment Stores for Adults in Des Moines, Iowa Parents often overlook themselves when shopping. We get distracted by all the cute children’s clothing and forget that we also deserve a new outfit or two. Buying clothing for ourselves doesn’t need to be expensive so that’s why we’ve curated a list

Margo Frankel Woods State Park in Des Moines, Iowa
Kaci Kennedy on 02/10/2026

Margo Frankel Woods State Park in Des Moines, Iowa

Margo Frankel Woods State Park in Des Moines, IowaMargo Frankel Woods State Park nestled between Des Moines and Ankeny is the perfect place to make a quick escape into nature. This state park is a small, wooded area with a couple of trails, a seasonal stream and a couple of quaint, shaded playground

Spring Break in the Midwest
Erin Huiatt on 02/09/2026

Spring Break in the Midwest

Spring Break in the MidwestSpring Break is a few weeks away. What are you doing during that week of no school? If you are not staying in Des Moines to participate in one of the many fun events and activities, maybe you are planning a road trip to somewhere fun. I have rounded up some of my favorite

Ultimate Guide to Family Friendly Road Trip Stops on I-80
Kaci Kennedy on 02/09/2026

Ultimate Guide to Family Friendly Road Trip Stops on I-80

Ultimate Guide to Family Friendly Road Trip Stops on I-80If you are road-tripping through Iowa along Interstate 80, you may be looking for a perfect quick stop to have kids burn energy, have a picnic, stretch your legs, or spend a little time in nature. Luckily, this stretch of interstate has severa

East Village with Kids in Des Moines, Iowa 
Erin Huiatt on 02/09/2026

East Village with Kids in Des Moines, Iowa 

East Village with Kids in Des Moines, Iowa The Historic East Village is a popular spot in central Iowa. The East Village is located on the East side of the Des Moines River in Downtown Des Moines. It is loaded with fun things to see and do for all ages including kids! If you are looking to kill time

Swim Lessons in Des Moines
Erin Huiatt on 02/09/2026

Swim Lessons in Des Moines

Swim Lessons in Des MoinesSoon enough our children will be wanting to take a dip in the pool. Now is the time to do your research and begin registering your child for swim lessons in Des Moines, Iowa so they can be confident swimmers. Learning to do the back float and breaststroke is important and s

Pickleball in Des Moines, Iowa
Jackie Fioritto on 02/09/2026

Pickleball in Des Moines, Iowa

Pickleball in Des Moines, IowaPickleball has become increasingly popular over the past few years and is the fastest-growing sport. Des Moines has caught onto the trend and has classes and courts all over the metro for families to enjoy the sport of pickleball. Des Moines Metro Pickleball Club is a l

Monster Jam in Des Moines, Iowa
Michelle Jarnagin on 02/09/2026

Monster Jam in Des Moines, Iowa

Monster Jam in Des Moines, IowaBackflips, donuts, wheelies, and so much more… the Monster Jam tour returns to Wells Fargo Arena on April 11-12, 2026! Read below for an event overview and tips, then make sure to get your tickets for breathtaking, big-air action this spring.** This post may contain af

Celebrate Women’s History Month in Des Moines
Erin Huiatt on 02/09/2026

Celebrate Women’s History Month in Des Moines

Celebrate Women’s History Month in Des MoinesWomen’s History Month is celebrated in March. So many women have played a huge role in American history. There are several ways you and your family can celebrate the contributions of women over the years. Here is a list of fun ways to honor and celebrate

Sleep with the Cows in Iowa
Erin Huiatt on 02/09/2026

Sleep with the Cows in Iowa

Sleep with the Cows in IowaIf you have been following Des Moines Parent for a while, you know our family is always for a fun and quirky experience. When I learned about an experience of sleeping with cows in Iowa, I was in! The best part of traveling is discovering fun experiences, meeting new peopl

12 Simple Family Outings in Des Moines: One Easy Idea for Every Month
Erin Huiatt on 02/03/2026

12 Simple Family Outings in Des Moines: One Easy Idea for Every Month

12 Simple Family Outings in Des Moines: One Easy Idea for Every MonthLooking for easy, meaningful ways to spend time together as a family without overplanning or overspending? This list of 12 simple family outings in Des Moines gives you one low-stress idea for every month of the year. Think small a