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
Lost Island Theme Park: The Ultimate Family Guide to Waterloo’s Theme ParkIf you have been to Lost Island Waterpark, you already know it has been one of Iowa’s favorite summer destinations for years. But did you know there’s also a theme park right next door?Lost Island Theme Park in Waterloo, Iowa
Iowa State Fair 2026: For the KidsWe are just weeks away from the Iowa State Fair! Before we know it the “Nothing Compares” Iowa State Fair will be in full swing. Families plan their vacations, jobs, and lives around this 11-day event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. From August 13 through August 23,
2026 National Balloon Classic Guide for FamiliesIt’s that time of year and you will see lots of hot air balloons being released into the open sky in central Iowa. Every year Indianola’s National Balloon Classic fills the Iowa sky with brilliant colors and beauty in Indianola, Iowa. For many, this is
For the past several years Des Moines has been booming with great places to grab breakfast. Whether you are looking for the best bloody mary, breakfast burrito, benedicts, hash browns, or french toast, we can help you find the best breakfast in Des Moines. These 13+ hot spots to grab breakfast or br
U-Pick Flowers – Flower Farms in the Des Moines AreaIs there anything better than fresh-cut flowers in a home? The colors, the smell … a beautiful bouquet is one of my favorite things to brighten up our home. While it is super easy to grab some flowers at the store, our family loves fresh-cut flower
Family Glamping at Voyageurs Outpost Near Voyageurs National ParkLooking for a unique, family-friendly getaway that blends the great outdoors with modern comforts? Look no further than Voyageurs Outpost in Northern Minnesota! Located just minutes from the stunning Voyageurs National Park, this one-o
Southern Indiana: Food, Culture, and HistoryA trip to Southern Indiana may not be on your radar, but I am here to tell you it should be! Southern Indiana includes many small towns that makeup Greater Southern Indiana, New Albany, Clarksville, and Jeffersonville. The area is located just across the O
10+ Things to See and Do in Dallas Center, IowaDallas Center, Iowa is a small town filled with tons of fun! This small, Iowa town is located just west of Grimes, Iowa, and east of Adel, Iowa. Jump on the bike trail and enjoy a day shopping, eating, and playing in this fun town! Here are 10+ things t
7 Family-Friendly Adventures in Lanesboro, MinnesotaLooking for your next family adventure in the Midwest? I have a spot for you! Lanesboro, Minnesota is located just north of the Iowa border. Approximately 40ish minutes from Dubuque, Iowa, this town is quite literally in a bowl surrounded by lots o
Wambolts Cabins: Seasonal Family Destination in MinnesotaLooking to get away? To unplug and soak up the beautiful outdoors? Wambolts Cabins located in Park Rapids, Minnesota is the perfect place to do that. Whether it be your immediate family, a solo trip, a family vacation, or a large get-together
Your Ultimate Guide to Saylorville Lake in IowaWelcome to Saylorville Lake! Saylorville Lake is located on the Des Moines River, about 11 miles north of the city of Des Moines. It is a popular outdoor recreation destination for hiking, biking, camping, boating, swimming, and more! History of Saylorv
Rusty Stars Alpaca Farm in Madison County, IowaNestled along a beautiful country road in Iowa, Rusty Stars Alpacas offers guests an opportunity to be up close with dozens of Alpacas. Having heard about them from others who have visited, my family couldn’t wait to make the short trip to Winterset, in
Kid-Friendly Fun at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace MuseumIf you love space and/or planes the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum (or SAC Aerospace Museum) is a must-visit. My son has always been intrigued by planes and learning about historic aircraft. While we were visiting Ashland, Neb
Kid-Friendly Breweries in Des Moines, IowaIt is a perfect time of year to check out local, kid-friendly breweries in Des Moines. Local breweries are a great place to enjoy the best beers and have a good time. There are many in central Iowa that the whole family will enjoy. We rounded up a few that h
Family-Friendly Places to Eat in Des MoinesAs any parent knows, dining out with the kiddo (or kiddos!) is an entirely different experience than when dining out with adult-only company. Des Moines is booming with fun and unique places to eat. Our family loves to discover new places to eat. When it co
Day Trip to Winterset, IowaI am a huge fan of day trips. It is the perfect way to explore different communities around Des Moines, Iowa. I love to discover restaurants and hidden gems all over and Winterset, Iowa located in Madison County never disappoints. Take a look at some of our favorite spots
A Family Day Trip to Ames, IowaI’ve lived in Iowa for 13 years but I’ve never ventured to Ames. Located 45 minutes- 1 hour from Des Moines, it’s the perfect distance for a day trip. My family and I were excited to explore the college town and visit two parks from our Trek the Parks list. While we co
Whether it’s a bitter-cold, cold winter day, a scorching summer day, or something in between, come to Rainbow of the Heartland to play all year long. Rainbow of the Heartland sells swing sets, trampolines, and basketball hoops. Their showroom doubles as a play space for everyone to enjoy! This is a
9 Things Any Family Can Do at the West Des Moines RecPlexThe MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex is a newer indoor sports facility in the Des Moines area. Many may think this sports center is for those who are in competition sports, hockey, or youth sports programs, but the West Des Moines RecPlex we
5 Family-Friendly Things To Do in Ashland, NebraskaJump in the car and head west over the Missouri River to a little town called, Ashland, Nebraska. Ashland has been listed as one of the best small towns to visit and I could not agree more! Sometimes the best place for a family road trip is a small
20+ Places to Visit in Des Moines with the GrandparentsHave you heard of “The Sandwich Generation?” This term describes a group of adults who are raising their own children while caring for an aging parent. This group is rapidly growing to include more than half of Americans in their 40s. There are
Ashleaf Park in Urbandale, IowaAshleaf Park is a cozy neighborhood park that is packed with cool features! This newly updated playground has multiple unique elements! The main structure features a large tower with two slides coming from it. To get to the large tower, there is a rope and belt walkway
A Calling Born Through Loss: My Journey From Grief to Healing In March of 1994, when I was seven years old, my little sister was born. I was beyond excited. Like many older siblings, I imagined all the things we would do together. I couldn’t wait to hold her hand, teach her things, and watch her gro
Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, July 10th 2026 – Sunday, July 12th 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
