10 New Places to Try in Des Moines This WinterWarm up this winter at new shops, restaurants, and play places around Des Moines. And if we get lucky with a few warm days then check out the new parks too!Two Rivers Park in Downtown Des Moines, IowaAmes Play YardAddress: 2175 232nd Ln., Ames, Iowa 500
20+ Things to See and Do in Urbandale, IowaUrbandale, Iowa is located to the West of Des Moines, Iowa, just south of Grimes, Iowa and only a hop, skip and jump from downtown Des Moines. Just like many other communities in the Des Moines metro, Urbandale is growing with new businesses and development
10+ Ice Skating Rinks in Des Moines, IowaThe temperatures are beginning to drop in Iowa, but that does not mean you cannot have fun outdoors! One activity you and your family may enjoy is ice skating in Des Moines. This is a great activity for people of all ages! Enjoy the open air lace up those ska
Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, January 23rd 2026 – Sunday, January 25th 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
Say “I Do” to an Easy, Fun Wedding in AltoonaWedding planning can feel like a full-time job. Venues, hotels, food, logistics, guest travel…it adds up fast. That’s why more couples are looking just east of Des Moines and discovering how easy (and fun!) it can be to host their wedding in Altoona.Close
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in FebruaryFebruary can feel like a drag but not in Des Moines! Cozy up with your sweetheart this month and cheer on the Iowa Wild, dream of warmer temps at the Des Moines Home & Garden Show, or plan your summer at Des Moines Parent Summer Camp Fair! Let go of the wi
Valentine Dances and Events in Des Moines 2026It is that time of year to grab your little one and celebrate Valentine’s Day in Des Moines. From Valentine’s dances to fun events and activities, there are many upcoming events to celebrate the season of love. We will update this page as we see more Val
Beat the Winter Blues at the Greater Des Moines Botanical GardenWinter in Iowa can feel long and dreary, but you don’t have to let the cold weather keep you down. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers the perfect escape from the winter blues with its lush indoor gardens, vibrant events, and
12 Winter Date Night Ideas in Des MoinesWinter can be a great time to reset and grow closer to your partner. Whether you want to get cozy indoors or explore the outdoors, we have something just for you. Grab your partner and pick a date night in Des Moines. Bookmark these other fun date night ideas
Snowshoeing in Des MoinesYou cannot wish the snow away, so why not embrace a winter wonderland? Snowshoeing (and Cross Country Skiing) in Des Moines, Iowa can be a fun way to exercise and explore without getting your socks full of ice. There are several places to rent kids’ and adult snowshoes, cros
Jurassic Quest at Iowa Events CenterCalling all dinosaur enthusiasts near and far! The “largest and most realistic traveling dinosaur experience in North America” is coming back to Des Moines! This prehistoric event is perfect for an afternoon out with the whole family. Learn more about Jurassic Que
30+ Local Des Moines Coffee Shops You Should Check Out!Coffee is pretty much a necessity if you are a parent. These Des Moines local coffee shops are perfect for hanging out, enjoying snacks, playing games with the kids, and getting that much-needed jolt of caffeine. Not only do I love coffee, but
12+ Reasons to Love the Valley Community Center in West Des Moines, IowaThe Valley Community Center, located in West Des Moines, opened in 2013. The community center is owned and operated by Valley Church, located across the street. The center is located on a 35-acre campus and seeks to provide serv
10+ Things To Do in Des Moines For Dads’ Night {or Day} OutWe all need time to unwind and have fun with friends. There are lots of great activities to do in Des Moines for all types of dads whether they love to get a little competitive, attend a concert, or relax with a favorite drink. Check out our
Storytimes for Working Parents in the Des Moines MetroWorking parents, this one is for you!If you have ever looked at a library storytime schedule and thought, “This looks great… if I didn’t work,” you are not alone.Thanks to an amazing request (and some serious research!) from a local parent, we ha
Hunger in Iowa: Food Pantries and Community Fridges in the Des Moines Metro Food pantries and community fridges offer food to those in need. Food pantries are usually more organized (monitored, staffed by volunteers, and structured) and have specific hours of operation. They may have restrictions, s
Riverside Bridge Park in Des Moines, IowaRiverside Bridge Park is one of the most unique outdoor spaces in downtown Des Moines and a fun stop for families exploring the city on foot or by bike. This is Iowa’s first park built directly on a bridge. This elevated green space sits along the SW First St
Your Guide to Visiting the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines, IowaDes Moines has some amazing places to play indoors and explore for kids and families. Whether you live in or visit Des Moines, Iowa the Science Center of Iowa should be at the top of your list. I am sharing the top reasons we love
Winter Family Getaway: Cozy Small-Town Charm in McHenry CountyWinter doesn’t have to mean staying home. If your family is craving a cozy Midwest getaway that is easy, walkable, and full of charm, Woodstock, Illinois, is a wonderful winter destination, whether you visit in December, January, or Febru
Des Moines Parent Summer Camp FairWe’re back for year five … at a NEW Location!Save the date! The Des Moines Parent Summer Camp Fair, sponsored by Paws & Pints, is celebrating its 5th year on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are so excited to bring this family-favorite event to
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in JanuaryDon’t let the winter blues set in. Get outside and go ice skating, have a night out at Mixology, or enjoy a play with the Red Riding Hood. January doesn’t have to be boring. Plan your January in Des Moines today. Check out these other fun winter resources t
New Year’s Eve in Des Moines with Kids 2025If you are a parent, celebrating New Year’s Eve may look a little different now with kids. Des Moines, Iowa, and several surrounding communities offer fun events and activities to do as a whole family. Check out all the fun planned and gather some ideas to
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
Consignment Stores for Adults in Des Moines, Iowa Parents often overlook themselves when shopping. We get distracted by all the cute children’s clothing and forget that we also deserve a new outfit or two. Buying clothing for ourselves doesn’t need to be expensive so that’s why we’ve curated a list
