Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, October 2nd 2026 – Sunday, October 4th 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
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
Exploring Outdoor Activities: Top Family-Friendly Parks and Trails in Des MoinesDes Moines, Iowa, is a hidden gem when it comes to outdoor adventures, especially for families looking to explore nature. With abundant green spaces, family-friendly parks, and scenic trails, there’s no shortage of oppor
Best Places to See Fall Leaves in Des Moines, Iowa“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers” Anne from Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery said it best. Our world becomes vibrant with colors in autumn. Gather the family, put on your matching flannel shirts and explore the local foliage as
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
Reiman Gardens, located just across the parking lot from Jack Trice Stadium, is a year-round attraction that families should visit. You can enjoy 1,000 different butterflies of different species in an enclosed butterfly wing. Situated on a 17-acre site, you will find distinct gardens all over with s
Phantom Fall Fest for Families at Adventureland in Des Moines, IowaPhantom Fall Fest has been around for a few years now in the Des Moines metro. This Halloween-inspired event is held at Adventureland Park. To be honest, this event has not been at the top of our list because we are not the biggest t
Halloween Costumes in Des MoinesIt is about that time! Whether it is for your child or yourself, it is costume season. There are many options in the greater Des Moines area to grab the perfect costume for Beggars’ Night, for the next Halloween party, at the pumpkin patches, or for the office costume
Soccer for Kids as Young as 18 Months? Yes, and It’s About More Than Soccer** This article is sponsored by KidsUnited Urbandale.If you have a toddler in Des Moines, you already know the gap. Gymnastics, rec soccer, most of the real classes around here want them at 4 or 5. Until then it’s playgrounds
Enjoy Downtown Des Moines for FreeWhen you think of Downtown Des Moines, you might naturally associate it with the 9 to 5 business grind. But did you know there are several family-friendly activities available? And…even better, did you know that a lot of them are free fun things?! If you haven’t ven
Blank Park Zoo | A Sensory-Friendly Place in Des MoinesBlank Park Zoo is a bustling place, with a steady stream of different sights, sounds, and smells. To ensure all feel welcome and comfortable visiting this buzzing destination, Blank Park Zoo became one of five KultureCity-certified attractions i
45 Places for Family Fun this WinterWintertime in Iowa can be hard for young kids. How do you keep them busy, active, and having fun? Well here are some ideas. The next time you are thinking about what should I do with the kids today, check out our list of 45 Places for Family Fun this Winter.Oth
25 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids in Central IowaWhen it’s cold in central Iowa, parents are always on the hunt for indoor activities for kids. Where do we take our children to keep them entertained so they don’t drive us crazy? Here are 25 indoor places for kids near Des Moines!Bookmark these other
Every day, my Facebook updates show friends, acquaintances, family, and old co-workers all looking for something to do around the Des Moines area. With two active little boys and a tag-along little girl, we make our way around the city constantly and have our favorite things to do in all seasons. De
Escape to the Minnesota North Shore | A Family-Friendly ItineraryThe Minnesota North Shore is one of those Midwest destinations that truly feels like an escape. Located along Lake Superior and about six hours from the Des Moines area, it’s filled with incredible scenery, waterfalls, hiking trails, c
Halloween in Des Moines 2026Celebrate the spooky season with one of these fun Halloween events happening in Des Moines. Kids of all ages will enjoy new events or even an old tradition. Grab your Halloween costumes, dress up, and head out to celebrate in Des Moines. Play fun games, enjoy non-scary tr
8 Things I’d Tell a Des Moines Parent Before Their First Trip to Gulf Shores** This post was sponsored by Alabama’s Beaches and Gulf Shores. All thoughts and opinions are my own.If you’re a Des Moines parent thinking about a trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, you probably have some questions. How hard is
Beggars’ Night in Des Moines & Surrounding Communities 2026Happy Halloween! Get your best Beggars’ Night jokes ready … trick-or-treat season is almost here in the Des Moines metro!In true Iowa fashion, our area has long had its own tradition of celebrating Beggars’ Night on October 30th instead of H
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in OctoberPumpkins are popping up on every porch, there is crisp morning air, and leaves are starting to fall. Celebrate the season with fall festivals, Halloween events, and all things fall. Plan your October in Des Moines today.Bookmark these other Halloween resour
Day Out With Thomas the Train in Boone, IowaThomas the Train has been on American television since 1989 and has stood the test of time for train lovers alike. Many adults remember growing up watching Thomas and Friends, and now we can enjoy it with our own children. Every fall, Thomas the Train come
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,
10 Ways to Celebrate Apple DaysOctober is National Apple Month. What better time to enjoy one of our favorite fruits? Here are 10 fun ways to celebrate apple days.** Disclosure: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.Go apple picking at a local orchard.It’s a great way to spend some time outsi
