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
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
Hunt for Trolls + Stay on Iowa’s Only Island: A Weekend Getaway to Clinton and Sabula, IowaIf you are looking for a unique Iowa road trip that involves hunting for giant trolls, sipping coffee, wandering local shops, eating really good food and waking up on the Mississippi River, add Clinton and Sab
Dozer Day in Des Moines, IowaCalling construction fans of all ages! Welcome to Dozer Day, where you can watch a car get smashed like a pancake, operate heavy machinery, play games and step inside a tunnel boring machine.Dozer Day was started in Vancouver, Washington, by the Nutter Family Foundation,
Linnan Park in Clive, IowaThe brand new Linnan Park design is striking! It will wow you and your kids! This brightly colored and nature themed large playground area will draw you in. The main area has a stacked tower that invites kids to explore and climb independently while discovering many differe
Loews Kansas City Hotel: A Family-Friendly Kansas City GetawayLoews Kansas City Hotel is located right in the heart of Kansas City, making it a convenient home base for exploring everything the city has to offer. But what really caught our attention? Loews is making the hotel itself part of the fami
Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Fun in the Des Moines MetroThere are many fun activities around the Des Moines Metro to do together as a family. However, for families who have children with disabilities, it can be hard to know which places will be accessible. We have collected a list of inclusive pla
Tips to Enjoy the Des Moines Performing Art with KidsDes Moines Performing Arts brings world-class arts and entertainment to the Midwest at their iconic theater – the Des Moines Civic Center – in downtown Des Moines. The organization brings the best of Broadway for the young and young at heart with
Zipline Parks in the Des Moines AreaZiplines are a fun addition to any park experience! My kids love the thrill of gliding through the air and challenging their bodies in many ways while riding them. We also love that they are becoming more and more popular at parks in Central Iowa. In Central Iowa,
Tips for Visiting the Iowa State Fair for Kids with Different Sensory NeedsThe Iowa State Fair is full of activities including flashing lights, smells from food and barn animals, crowds, and a variety of different sounds. For kids (and adults) who are sensory sensitive and/or experience anxiety, it
Des Moines Dance, Gymnastics, and Tumbling StudiosLooking for some fun classes for your children to burn off energy, keep moving, and meet friends? Dance, tumbling, and gymnastics are all wonderful options to try. There are lots of dance studios and gyms to choose from in central Iowa. When it comes
Celebrate the Latino Community with the Iowa Latino Heritage Festival The Iowa Latino Heritage Festival was started in 2002 to honor the contribution of Latinos to Iowa as well as to provide education about the culture and to teach about diversity. It is a family-friendly event that has arts and cra
Archery Classes and Ranges in Des Moines, IowaMy sons were looking through our local Parks and Recreation booklet for classes and immediately gravitated toward a picture of an archery range. “Bow and arrows!” And immediately pretended to pull back a bow. While it’s fun for young kids to play pretend
Apple Orchards and Apple Picking in Des MoinesThere is nothing better than caramel apples, apple cider, homemade pies, and hard cider in the Fall. There are several places to get local apples or an apple pie in central Iowa and experience other fall fun including wagon rides, bounce pillows, farm ac
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
Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, August 7th 2026 – Sunday, August 9th 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 ca
Wellmark Family Series in Des MoinesIf you’re looking for meaningful ways to spend time together as a family, Des Moines Performing Arts has exciting news. The 2026-27 Wellmark Family Series is bringing five family-friendly productions, along with a brand-new Flex Pack, that makes it easier than eve
Kids Eat Free in Des MoinesAs parents, we try our hardest to plan and prep each week for meals for the whole family. But, let’s be honest our lives get busy with kid activities, homework, outdoor fun, and more. Plus, we just do not want to cook! Here is our ultimate guide to kids to eat free (and ot
Painted Woods Park in Waukee, IowaPainted Woods will WOW your kids! The first park in central Iowa with an in-ground trampoline! It is so much fun for kids and adults. The main playground structure is five brightly colored tree houses connected by rope tunnels; some of the tree houses tower 16 feet
Best Things to Do in Medora with KidsIf you are looking for a family road trip that combines breathtaking scenery, small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable entertainment, Medora, North Dakota deserves a spot at the top of your list.We first visited Medora a couple of years ago, but onl
Des Moines Indoor Play for Kids!A giant list of Des Moines indoor play for kids to run, play, and burn off energy during the winter months. We have gathered some of the best indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks in Des Moines, Iowa, for the whole family to burn off energy indoors. Make sure to boo
National Night Out in Des Moines 2026National Night Out in Des Moines happens every year on the first Tuesday evening in August. This annual event is a time when communities come together with local law enforcement to create partnerships, children can learn, and much more. Mark your calendars for Au
Top 8 Things to Do in Des Moines in AugustGet your food on sticks, see the famous butter cow and check out all the farm animals, the Iowa State Fair is here! Maybe the fair isn’t your thing. Don’t worry Des Moines has plenty of other events for you to explore including Confluence’s Friday Summer Con
Slick City Action Park in Des Moines: Everything Families Need to KnowLooking for a brand-new indoor activity in Des Moines that the entire family can enjoy? Slick City Action Park has officially opened in the Des Moines metro, bringing giant dry slides, air courts, a zipline, toddler play areas, an
Wild Rose Park in West Des Moines, IowaWild Rose Park in West Des Moines has some amazing updates. This new playground features an oversized sensory climbing dome that is the star of the show. The dome has ropes that challenge kids as they wobble, roller panels that offer sensory input and invite ki
