Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, November 6th 2026 – Sunday, November 8th 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
Holiday Events in Des Moines 2026: Dates, Times & Free Family FunQuick answer: The biggest holiday events in Des Moines for 2026 start with Dome for the Holidays at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (opens Nov. 14), Jingle in the Junction in West Des Moines (Thursdays starting Nov. 19) and the
Where to See Santa in Des Moines (2026 Guide)Quick answer: For a FREE photo with Santa in Des Moines, head to Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland in Altoona (reserve ahead). For a big holiday outing, try the Santa Express train in Boone or Family Christmas at Living History Farms in Urbandale (Sat., D
Christmas Pop-Up Bars & Holiday Restaurants in Des Moines (2026 Guide)Quick answer: For 2026, the biggest Christmas pop-up bars in Des Moines are SnowGlobe DSM at Exile Brewing downtown (November 10 through January 10), Winter Wonderland at Nightingale Cocktail in the East Village (opens November 18
Why Connect Therapy Is Leading the Way in IowaDiscover how ultrasound technology is transforming articulation therapy for children struggling with the R sound—and Connect Therapy in West Des Moines is proud to be the only clinic in central Iowa offering this innovative service.If your child has been
Christmas at St. Louis Union Station: A Family Holiday GuideLooking for a magical Midwest Christmas getaway with the kids? St. Louis Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri, transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive experiences, and unforgettable family memories! From c
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
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
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,
