Behavior Management at New View: Supporting Big Feelings, Growing Strong SkillsAt New View, we believe that behavior is communication. Every action, whether joyful, challenging, or confusing, is a child’s way of telling us something. When we talk about “behavior management,” we’re not focused on con
Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, April 4th 2025 – Sunday, April 6th 2025Every 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
Spring Home Maintenance: Prepping Your Home for a Healthy, Happy SeasonSpring is finally here, and after a long winter, it’s nearly time to throw open the windows and welcome the fresh air. But before diving into backyard barbecues and outdoor adventures, it’s essential to ensure your home is ready
Specialty Grocery Stores Around Des MoinesWhether you are looking for specific health foods, international cuisine or just want to support family-owned businesses then this list is for you. We have three things that we love about specialty grocery stores. They are smaller, they carry niche products
A Homeschool Day in Highland Park NeighborhoodOur family had an open day on the calendar so we headed to explore the Oak Park Highland Park area! We parked at the North Side Library’s public parking lot and headed out on foot to explore the businesses within a two block radius.We started the day in
Shoot 360 Des MoinesMy oldest son loves basketball and has fun playing on a team. He also enjoys shooting hoops with friends at home, but now there’s a fun new option in Des Moines to enhance his player skills. Shoot 360 opened in March 2025 in Urbandale and offers advanced basketball training to en
Top 8 Ways to Make the Most of Spring in Des MoinesThe birds are chirping, the temperature is warming up and spring is unfolding before us. With so many things to do we have a hard time picking so we made a list of our top 8 ways to make the most of spring in Des Moines. 1. Pella Annual Tulip Time F
5 Therapist-Favorite Easter Fine Motor CraftsAs an occupational therapist and a mom, I utilize crafts to target fine motor (hand) skills. It’s a fun way to incorporate cutting, coloring, writing and other skills into one project. I love using kids’ interests to determine the art project and then le
Building Smart Money Habits for the FutureApril is Credit Union Youth Month, a time dedicated to helping kids and teens develop smart money habits that will last a lifetime. At IHMVCU Credit Union, we believe financial education should start early, empowering young savers to make informed decisions
Jester Park Sensory TrailJester Park is a favorite park to explore for our family outside of Granger, Iowa. This park has endless areas to explore. Their newest installation is the Jester Park Sensory Trail. This accessible trail located outside of the Nature Center offers a way for all to experienc
Planning a family getaway to Galena, Illinois? Galena is the perfect destination for family adventures all year round! No matter the season, Galena is packed with family-friendly activities. Take a look at all of my top recommendations for a short weekend getaway to this charming town. Looking for
Kids Bowl Free in Des Moines, IowaNote: This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more by reading our Disclosure & Privacy Policy. Get ready for a summer of bowling! The Kids Bowl Free program is nationally recognized, offering two free games of bowling daily to eligible kids all summer. Have a g
Take in Breathtaking Views of the Des Moines River Valley with Rail Explorers in Central IowaIf you think Iowa is boring, you are wrong! One thing I have learned over the past several years is that the Midwest offers so many fun experiences for families such as sleeping with cows, going on a wildlif
Outdoor Movies in Des Moines 2025Take up your family movie nights a notch this summer! This is a favorite summer bucket list item and many of these outdoor movies offer free admission. Grab your blankets, chairs, bug spray, snacks, and drinks. All movies begin at dusk which is around 8:45 p.m. (unle
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Des MoinesTacos! Margaritas! These are common stereotypes associated with Cinco de Mayo. However, there is much more significance to this day and many ways we can celebrate respectfully with our families in the Des Moines area. Read on to learn more about how to celebrate
Outdoor Concerts in the Des Moines, Iowa AreaEnjoying summer concerts outdoors is one of our family’s favorite things to do. It is a great time for the entire family (except for Zoo Brew). Whether you enjoy classic rock, jazz, or pop there are many options. Listen to great music, play games, meet fr
Outdoor Storytime in Des Moines 2025The weather is warming up and there are several chances to enjoy outdoor storytime in Des Moines this summer. Bring a blanket, grab lunch, and enjoy storytime outdoors.All of these dates and times are also listed on our event calendar.Traveling Tales in the ParkTh
Free Outdoor Yoga in Des Moines 2025Yoga. As a parent, we need a little “me” time. Yoga is the perfect way to relax, meditate, stretch, meet other people, and have fun. We are fortunate to have many opportunities to enjoy free yoga classes or low-cost outdoor yoga spots in Des Moines. Whether you ar
Farmer’s Markets in Des MoinesOur family loves to attend local Farmer’s Markets in Des Moines. It is a great way to support local businesses, and purchase local produce, and other fun, handmade items. Many of the Des Moines area farmers’ markets offer much more than fresh produce. Many offer live en
You may know the city of Pella, Iowa, for their annual Pella Tulip Time Festival. But Pella is a great place to visit even when tulips are not in bloom. We spent a lovely day exploring downtown and learning about Pella history. Visiting the Quaint City of Pella, IowaMany of you may know the city of
Top Tips for an Iowa State Capitol TourThe Iowa State Capitol, with its five golden domes, stands proudly at the heart of Des Moines, capturing both the history and beauty of the state. Whether you are an Iowa resident, on a family road trip, or a tourist eager to explore the architecture and storie
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
Teen Jobs in Des Moines, IowaIs it time for your teenager to get a job? It can be hard to find an appropriate job for your teen if they are involved in multiple activities, but there are several job types to take a look at. We have gathered the best teen jobs in Des Moines. Take a look at all these
10 Go-To Take Out Restaurants in Des MoinesI try to make as many healthy, homemade meals as possible. Sometimes life makes it impossible. After a 10-hour work day and busy nights, take-out food is our best bet for dinner. After our 10-day road trip to Montana and Wyoming, we had our fill of fast foo
