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
Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, May 22nd 2026 – Sunday, May 24th 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
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
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
Kayak and Canoe Rental in Des Moines, IowaKayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are fun summer activities for the whole family in central Iowa! Whether you are looking for kayak rentals, different river floats, and excursions, paddleboard rentals, or canoe rentals, there are plenty of places to en
Accessible and Inclusive Parks in the Des Moines MetroThe Des Moines Metro has been developing more inclusive playgrounds where children and adults of all capabilities can play. Playgrounds can be separated into three levels: ADA-Compliant, Accessible, and Inclusive. ADA-Compliant: According to ADA
Adventureland Iowa theme park, just outside of Des Moines, is great family fun! Here are tips to make the most of your visit. Tips For Visiting Adventureland IowaFor most people who grew up in Iowa, Adventureland is full of nostalgia. This theme park, just outside of Des Moines, has fun rides and a
Strawberry Picking in Des MoinesSkip the grocery store! Get your hands dirty and cross an item off your Summer Bucket List. Strawberry picking in Des Moines is the perfect summer activity for the whole family. There is nothing better than eating and baking with fresh produce. Below, you will find a
Natural Playscapes in Des MoinesMy kids love parks, but I think they love natural playscapes (a natural playground) even more. With natural materials “loose parts” like stumps, rocks, and sticks, children of all ages can go crazy building different structures. Climbing logs and rocks never gets old
Free Fishing in Des Moines, IowaThings are getting fishy in Des Moines, Iowa. ‘Tis the season for fishing weather. One of our family’s favorite summer activities to create new memories! Iowa is blessed with miles of rivers and plenty of options to fish. Did you know that you are required to purchase
Living History Farms: A History Museum OutdoorsWhen I was little I remember taking a field trip and visiting Living History Farms during the Summer. It was always a fun and unique experience. The past few years we have visited for special events such as the Family Easter, Family Halloween or when I
Iowa Orchard U-Pick Strawberry and Recipes“Look at this beauty!”This became my 5-year-old’s catchphrase of the day as our family picked through the vast strawberry patch at Iowa Orchard in Granger, IA in search of the biggest, reddest, and juiciest strawberries. The U-Pick Strawberry season for Iowa
Fun Places to See Animals in Des Moines, IowaWe love to see and play with animals whenever we can! Maybe it is my old veterinary technician heart shining through, but it always brings me so much joy. My kids love it just as much. Recently, I discovered there are tons of great places to see and inter
Father’s Day in Des MoinesFather’s Day is a week away, falling on Sunday, June 15 this year. There are several ways to spend the day with your dad in Des Moines, Iowa. We have gathered a list of fun experiences to celebrate Dad and all the other fathers in your life. How are you celebrating Father’s
Des Moines Best Hot Spots for Donut LoversWhere are my donut lovers!? Our family definitely loves a good, over-the-top donut. I can tell you I do not remember donuts being so extreme when I was little. Whether it be long johns, donut holes, cinnamon rolls, honey buns, bear claws, an apple fritter, o
Forest Park Forever – Free Fun in St. LouisSt. Louis, Missouri is probably one of my favorite cities in the Midwest. St. Louis is a great place to explore with families. The city of St. Louis offers so many experiences, food, and fun. When traveling and exploring money can add up between attractions
Best Pizza in Des Moines, IowaMarinara sauce, gooey cheese, perfectly cooked crust. Nothing sends my kids running to the dinner table faster than shouting pizza! And because we live in the Midwest, where we learned this tradition, of course, we need the “good ranch” to dip our crust. Luckily there a
Valle Drive-In in Newton, IowaDrive-in movie theaters are few and far between. In Iowa, there are only four including the Valle Drive-In located in Newton, Iowa. My parents remember clearly going to the drive-in theater. I on the other hand only experienced it through Grease, one of my all-time favo
8 Family-Friendly Things to Do at Lake OkobojiI have lived in Iowa the majority of my life and I have not once made a visit to the Lake Okoboji area. Shocker, I know! It had definitely been on my bucket list, so this past Memorial Day we made a long weekend trip and explored all the things to do in
6 Farm Fresh Produce Spots in the Des Moines AreaDes Moines is often referred to as a big city with a small-town feel. One of the perks of living here is the ability to do city and country things without driving too far. Our favorite thing to do this time of year is to get fresh produce from farms a
Outdoor Activities To Do in Central Iowa Iowa comes alive during the summer months. County fairs, outdoor concerts, hiking, water activities, festivals, local culture, fun patios, yearly events, and so, so much more! Most of our favorite outdoor adventures to do in Iowa are right here in Central Iow
