Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, October 30th 2026 – Sunday, November 1st 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 yo
Perfect Parks for Teens and Tweens in Des MoinesWe all know tweens and teens still love to move their bodies in challenging ways and spend time enjoying the outside. As my kids have gotten older, I have been searching for parks that welcome them into using their bodies, imagination and opportunities
Thanksgiving Fun in Des Moines 2026All of the fun Halloween festivities have ended, don’t worry, though, some fun Thanksgiving traditions and events are happening in Des Moines, Iowa, this year. Check out these fun events and activities before or after Thanksgiving Day. We will be adding more events
Santa in Des Moines 2026Is taking cute photos of your kids with Santa a holiday tradition in your home? Santa is coming to Des Moines this holiday season and now is the time to share with him your wish list! There are several opportunities to see Santa, sip on hot cocoa, capture a free photo, and mo
Des Moines Dog ParksWe love to explore the outdoors with our furry, four-legged friends! If you are a dog owner, you will want to add these dog parks in the Des Moines area to your list to explore. Before you visit please note that many may require a dog park permit, annual permits, and/or city pet
Small Business Saturday in Des Moines 2026Small Business Saturday is November 28. I love that this day has become so well-known and supported.American Express designated that the first Saturday, after Thanksgiving, would be Small Business Saturday a few years ago.They did this as the United States w
Holiday Shows in Des Moines 2026The holiday season is truly a special time of year to catch a holiday musical or show in Des Moines, Iowa. You can make it a date night or you can include the entire family. Go to dinner at your favorite downtown Des Moines restaurant, catch your favorite holiday show
Holiday Events in Des Moines 2026Below is a list of some of my favorite holiday events that happen in Des Moines every holiday season, from promenades and Santa arrivals to seeing lights and more. Take a look at this list and plan your holiday season in Des Moines, Iowa. We continually update this p
Des Moines Holiday Markets + Local ShoppingIt is the time of year for all the holiday shopping. Holiday markets, Christmas markets, and craft shows are a great way to support local vendors, local businesses, local artists, and more. Forget the big box stores and head to one of these special events t
8 New Places to Try in Des Moines This FallWhat is new in Des Moines this fall?! My kids love trying new activities, and luckily, the Des Moines Metro has many exciting new places to explore this fall. Check out our list of NEW activities and locations you won’t want to miss, including play areas, r
Des Moines Parent Summer Camp FairYear SIX here we come! Save the date! The Des Moines Parent Summer Camp Fair is celebrating its 6th year on Saturday, February 13, 2027, and we’re heading to a NEW location at Stoney Creek Hotel in Johnston, Iowa! We are so excited to bring this family-favorite even
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in NovemberNovember is somehow here again. The days are getting shorter but the night is lit up with sparkles from the soon-to-be holiday cheer. Start your holiday shopping at the Des Moines Holiday Boutique, run your heart out at the Des Moines Turkey Trot, or exper
Toy and Children’s Stores in Des Moines, IowaShop local toy stores this holiday season. It can be easy to order from Amazon or wander the shopping malls, but there are many local, small businesses that offer some of the best children’s toys, games, books, and more. From John Deere toys to sensory ac
Top 7 Events to Kick off the Holiday Season in Des MoinesDes Moines is the place to be during the holiday season. Des Moines and its surrounding communities offer many fun events, activities, and more every year. I have decided to break down my personal favorite events and/or things to do to get you
Free Fun at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s WonderlandBack by popular demand, the Bass Pro Shop will be hosting its annual Santa’s Wonderland experience beginning November 7th through December 24th, 2026. We always love to make a stop at our local Bass Pro Shops (and Cabela’s stores) during the holiday seaso
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
Best Decorated Halloween Displays in Des MoinesWe all love the array of Christmas light displays that happen annually, but recently you may have noticed an increase in Halloween displays at houses, in neighborhoods, and at some known organizations in the Des Moines area. This would be a great way to
Date Night: Pop-Up Halloween Bar in Des Moines, IowaDate night, but make it spooky! The Des Moines metro is popping up with some fun Halloween-themed bars and restaurants this season. What is a pop-up Halloween bar? It is when local restaurants and bars get in the Halloween spirit and decorate their
Moms Getaway to Gulf Shores: 3-Day Alabama Beach GetawayThis article is in partnership with Alabama’s Beaches. All opinions and experiences are my own.Sometimes, moms need an adventure, too.We spend so much time planning the family vacations, packing the bags, researching where to eat, making sure e
Fall Wellness at Home: Creating a Healthy Environment & Relationship with Food Fall brings so many wonderful things—cooler weather, cozy evenings, football games, pumpkin patches, holidays, and more time gathered around the table. It also brings more time indoors and, often, a season filled with mo
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,
Experience the Magic of Night Eyes at Blank Park Zoo This Halloween SeasonIf you’re looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween, Night Eyes at Blank Park Zoo is the perfect mixture of adventure and fun. Our family had the best time exploring the zoo after dark, surrounded by glowing lig
October Just Got Cooler at the Greater Des Moines BOOtanical GardenHalloween in Des Moines is getting a spooky (and botanical!) twist this year. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is transforming into the Greater Des Moines BOOtanical Garden all October long! With family-friendly activities, cr
Treehouse Village Playground at Iowa ArboretumThe new Treehouse Village Playground at Iowa Arboretum outside Madrid, Iowa transports you to an immersive treehouse world. As you scan your paid ticket to enter the gate, you are welcomed by a wooden walkway with a treehouse gazebo. As you continue on t
