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
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
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
Road Trip: Explore the History and Outdoors in Northeast KansasRoad trip! One of my favorite things about living in Des Moines, Iowa is the ease of traveling to other states and cities around the Midwest. Many refer to the Midwest as flat and boring, but if you dig a little deeper and explore you wi
St. Louis Union Station Family Entertainment ComplexThere are many things to see and do in St. Louis, Missouri. Whether it is a visit to the City Museum, exploring Forest Park, or touring the Gateway Arch there are endless possibilities. Over the past few years, the St. Louis Union Station has recei
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
Fire Station Tours for Kids in Des Moines, IowaNothing is more exciting for many kids than watching a firetruck drive by, hearing the siren, and looking at the flashing lights. Both of my sons have participated in the Touch-a-Truck events around town to see their favorite vehicles up close and they
Clear Lake, Iowa | A Yurt ExperienceYou all know I love a fun and unique experience! Sleeping in a yurt has been on my bucket list and we finally crossed it off a few weeks ago with a visit to Clear Lake, Iowa. We have traveled to Clear Lake, Iowa a couple of times but it has been off-season. I had
The Blank Park Zoo has become one of my kids’ favorite places to go in the Des Moines area. And thanks to a Zoo Membership the past 2 years from Oma and Opa for Christmas, we can take them there several times each year. My wife can meet her Mommy friends for play dates during the week at the zoo,
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 (
5 Tips for Creating a Sensory-Friendly July 4thThe fourth of July is a great time to get together with family and friends, enjoy a barbeque, go to a parade and watch fireworks while celebrating Independence Day. While this patriotic holiday is a fun celebration, for kids of all ages it can feel over
Des Moines Pop Up and Mobile Beverage StandsThe Des Moines metro has many great coffee shops and unique spots selling local beverages. Enter to the scene a variety of pop-up, home-based and/or mobile locally owned beverage companies operated by a variety of creative entrepreneurs. Whether you love l
Jordan Park and Sprayground in Des Moines, IowaJordan Park, a beloved southside neighborhood park, has gotten a refresh! The brand new playground and splash pad are a perfect addition to the park. The playground features one structure where half is focused on the 2-5 year old crowd and the other hal
Ice Cream in Des Moines, IowaA hot summer day (or any time of year really) is perfect for ice cream. Whether you enjoy standard flavors such as chocolate ice cream or vanilla ice cream, many local ice cream shops offer small batches with a variety of flavors. Eating a sweet treat and supporting a lo
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 for several summer camps. Sometimes financial assistance is available, but not always. Luckily, there are some great options for FREE summer camps and clinic
Raccoon River Dog Park in West Des Moines, IowaDogs and dog lovers will love this 10-acre dog park nestled within Racoon River Park in West Des Moines, Iowa. This dog park is perfect for dogs of all sizes because it offers a space for small dogs and large dogs to play safely in their separate areas.
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in JuneSummer is here! Grab a beer at the Des Moines Biergarten, spend time at Grimes Governors Days, and explore the arts at the Des Moines Arts Festival. Des Moines is full of festivals and fun this month. Plan your June in Des Moines today. Bookmark the Official S
Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, May 29th 2026 – Sunday, May 31st 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 ha
Carr Park in Ames, Iowa – A Playground for 13 Years and OverAmes, Iowa has a new agility course designed for ages thirteen and over! Teens and adults who love America Ninja Warrior and truly challenging obstacle courses will love this addition! Carr Park Agility Course has 15 individual elements tha
Wading Pools, Fountains, Spraygrounds in Des Moines There are many places around Greater Des Moines to enjoy water play for free! Many days grabbing the entire family to head to the aquatic centers may not be ideal. Aquatic centers offer water slides, tube slides, lazy rivers, and more, but what if
Sayers Park and Sprayground in Des Moines, IowaThe makeover at Sayers Park is complete with a brand new playground and sprayground! The playground features a daring structure that mimics tree climbing. The ropes and belts to climb on make kids and adults alike think about how they will navigate thro
Kid’s Guide to the Des Moines Arts Festival 2026One of our favorite central Iowa festivals is the Des Moines Arts Festival. It is free to attend and there is a ton offered for all ages. Here is a kid’s guide to the Des Moines Arts Festival this summer in Western Gateway Park. Make sure you add it to
15+ Pools and Aquatic Centers in Des MoinesWelcome warmer temps and outdoor pools! Bring on water slides, tube slides, a speed slide, the lazy river, and more. Here is a list of pools and aquatic centers in the greater Des Moines area including the Des Moines Parks and City of Des Moines pools. I ha
Top Wildlife Experiences in the MidwestIf you’re looking to add some wild adventure to your next Midwest road trip, you’re in luck. From safari-style parks to charming alpaca farms and reindeer ranches, the Midwest offers incredible opportunities to get up close with animals of all kinds. These attr
