Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, November 13th 2026 – Sunday, November 15th 2026Updated November 10, 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 Moine
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
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
Updated November 2026 by Erin Huiatt, Des Moines ParentQuick answer: Miracle on 86th Street is a FREE holiday light display at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park in Urbandale, next to the Urbandale Public Library. In 2026 the park glows with more than 100,000 lights from Nov. 24 through Jan. 6, with f
Updated November 2026 by Erin Huiatt, Des Moines ParentQuick answer: Christkindlmarket Des Moines is a free, German-style Christmas market at Principal Park in downtown Des Moines. In 2026 it runs two weekends, Dec. 3–6 and Dec. 10–13, with European food, Glühwein in a keepsake mug, handmade gifts,
Updated November 2026 by Erin Huiatt, Des Moines ParentQuick answer: Winter Wonderscape is Reiman Gardens’ walk-through holiday light show in Ames, about 35 minutes north of Des Moines. In 2026 it runs select nights from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27, 5 to 9 p.m., with more than 200,000 lights on a brand-new r
Updated November 2026Quick answer: Central Iowa’s 2026 holiday parades start in November run through Dec. 6 in Bondurant. Big nights include the Winterset Festival of Lights and Perry’s Lighted Holiday Parade (Nov. 27), the Hy-Vee Holiday Parade in downtown Des Moines (Nov. 28) and lighted parades i
Updated November 2026 by Erin Huiatt, Des Moines Parent. Quick answer: Dome for the Holidays is an indoor holiday light show inside the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s tropical conservatory dome in the East Village. In 2026 it runs select evenings from Nov. 14 to Jan. 2, 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets ar
Updated November 2026 by Erin Huiatt, Des Moines ParentQuick answer: For the best pie in Des Moines, try Iowa Orchard in Urbandale (Dutch Crumb Apple), Once Upon an Apple Pie in Grimes (award-winning Salted Caramel Apple Crumble), Crouse Cafe in Indianola (famous cherry pie), ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery
Updated November 2026 by Erin Huiatt, Des Moines ParentQuick answer: The 2026 Des Moines-area tree lighting season kicks off Thursday, Nov. 19 at Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines, followed by the East Village Holiday Promenade at Brenton Skating Plaza (Nov. 20) and Tinseltown at Water Wor
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
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
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
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
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
