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
Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, August 21st 2026 – Sunday, August 23rd 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
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
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
Action! Catch a Show at the Des Moines PlayhouseLooking for a fun family outing or date night idea? Head to the Des Moines Playhouse for an incredible show. The 2026-27 lineup is filled with shows you will not want to miss. Season tickets are currently on sale now.Take a look at the Des Moines Playh
Fall Festival at Bloomsbury Farm in IowaOne of our favorite parts of fall is exploring fun seasonal festivals and farms. Whether it be swimming in a corn pool, taking all the Instagram-worthy photo ops, or eating fall-themed treats it is the perfect time to celebrate. Bloomsbury Farm located in Atki
From Pixar’s Cars to Classic Cars: Family Fun Awaits in Downtown Des MoinesDiscover the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, Sept. 13.If you’re looking for a unique family outing this September, the 2026 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance belongs on your calendar.On Sunday, Sept. 13, downtown Des
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
