Holiday Events in Des Moines 2025Below is a list of some of my favorite holiday events that happen in Des Moines every holiday season, from promenades and Santa arrivals to seeing lights and more. Take a look at this list and plan your holiday season in Des Moines, Iowa. We continually update this p
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
Santa in Des Moines 2025Is taking cute photos of your kids with Santa a holiday tradition in your home? Santa is coming to Des Moines this holiday season and now is the time to share with him your wish list! There are several opportunities to see Santa, sip on hot cocoa, capture a free photo, and mo
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
Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, October 17th 2025 – Sunday, October 19th 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 yo
Holiday Shows in Des Moines 2025The 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
Small Business Saturday in Des Moines 2025Small Business Saturday is November 29. 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
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 early, run at the Des Moines Turkey Trot, or experience Disney On Ice. Plan your November in D
Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos in Des MoinesDia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a festival celebrated in Mexico and other places worldwide to honor loved ones who have passed away. It’s also a way to remind us to enjoy life. Although it’s called “dia” (day), it’s held over two days on November
Thanksgiving Fun in Des Moines 2025All 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
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
Cheer at the Des Moines MarathonWe love watching the Des Moines marathon (and half) and cheering on all the runners! This year’s marathon is on October 19, 2025, starting at 8 a.m. Over the years, we have cheered many times and wanted to share some of the best tips we have gained. PreparationWe love
Free Fun at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s WonderlandBack by popular demand, the Bass Pro Shop will be hosting its annual Santa’s Wonderland experience beginning November 1st through December 24th, 2025. We always love to make a stop at our local Bass Pro Shops (and Cabela’s stores) during the holiday seaso
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
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
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
Sledding Fun in Des Moines, Iowa Warmer months are out! When the snow falls in Des Moines, it comes in full force! One of our family’s favorite winter activities during the Winter months is sledding. Grab the snow tubes or sled and find the best sledding hill in Des Moines. But, where is the best pl
With five giant inflatables and a huge tree house play structure, The Playground for Kids Ankeny is a super fun indoor playground near Des Moines. It’s just what you are looking for when you want a playplace during the colder months or an exciting birthday party idea. Indoor Fun at The Playground fo
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
Join Iowa Wild for the 2025-26 Hockey SeasonThe Iowa Wild are gearing up to hit the ice for the 2025-26 season, presented by Kwik Star. The next generation of NHL stars begin their journey right here, in Des Moines! If you thought last year was exciting, this season promises better action and bigger
Best Decorated Halloween Displays in Des MoinesWe all love the array of Christmas light displays that happen annually, but recently you may have noticed an increase in Halloween displays at houses, in neighborhoods, and at some known organizations in the Des Moines area. This would be a great way to
10 New Places to Try in Des Moines This FallMy kids love trying new activities, and luckily, there are many exciting new places to explore in the Des Moines Metro this Fall. Check out our list of NEW activities and locations you won’t want to miss, including restaurants, playgrounds, toy stores, and
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
Teen Activities in Des MoinesDo you have a tween or a teenager? One of the most common things I hear from parents is a list of activities and/or programs specifically geared towards teens. I have created this guide for teen activities in Des Moines. Have something to add? Please let me know. Our ext
