Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:

Friday, October 9th 2026 – Sunday, October 11th 2026

Every 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 have the best time together!

The page will be updated every week so be sure to come back and see what great kids’ events we have coming up for the weekend in Des Moines. Take a look at our full FREE, extensive event calendar to plan your weeks and days in Des Moines, Iowa.

Spirits in the Gardens

Friday, October 9th – Sunday, October 11th, 2026
Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Reiman Gardens – Ames, IA

Get into the Halloween spirit with more than 1,000 hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns glowing throughout Reiman Gardens! Families and friends can explore colorful lights, giant inflatable characters, video projections, a Trick-or-Treat Trail, chemistry demonstrations, and creepy-crawly Insect Encounters. Saturday and Sunday visitors can also catch a special appearance from the Mid-Iowa Ghostbusters. Learn More or Register Today!

K-POP Glow Skate at Skateland

Friday, October 9th, 2026
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Skateland – Des Moines, IA

Calling all K-POP fans! Head to Skateland for an all-ages evening of skating, glowing lights, and your favorite K-POP tunes. Open skating begins at 5:00 PM, with the K-POP Glow Skate taking over from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Learn More or Register Today!

Pumpkins After Dark

Friday, October 9th – Sunday, October 11th, 2026
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Des Moines Water Works Park – Des Moines, IA

Pumpkins After Dark transforms Water Works Park into a glowing Halloween experience filled with illuminated pumpkin displays. Explore the displays, watch live pumpkin carving demonstrations, grab a seasonal treat, and snap plenty of festive photos along the way. Learn More or Register Today!

Dozer Day

Saturday, October 10th & Sunday, October 11th, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Iowa State Fairgrounds – Des Moines, IA

Have a kid who gets excited every time a bulldozer drives by? Dozer Day gives kids the chance to hop into the driver’s seat of real construction equipment, including dozers, excavators, backhoes, and more, with professional operators there to guide the experience. The event also introduces families to careers in construction while raising money for charity. Learn More or Register Today!

Madison County Covered Bridge Festival

Saturday, October 10th & Sunday, October 11th, 2026
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Madison County, IA

Make the short drive to Madison County for one of Iowa’s favorite fall traditions. The historic Winterset courthouse square comes alive with more than 140 food, arts, and crafts vendors, continuous live music, children’s activities, and plenty of small-town fall charm. Admission is $3 at the gate, and children 11 and under are free. Learn More or Register Today!

Vintage & Made Fair

Saturday, October 10th, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Dallas County Fair Campgrounds – Adel, IA

Spend Saturday treasure hunting at Vintage & Made Fair! More than 175 vendors from across the Midwest come together with vintage finds, handmade goods, home décor, and plenty of unique pieces you won’t find just anywhere. Learn More or Register Today!

Indigenous Iowans Day

Saturday, October 10th, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Living History Farms – Urbandale, IA

Spend the day learning more about the Indigenous Peoples who have called Iowa home. Special activities at Living History Farms’ 1700 Ioway Farm include singing and storytelling, cornhusk doll making, bead crafts, corn braiding, open-fire cooking demonstrations, and traditional Native American games. Activities are included with general admission. Learn More or Register Today!

Kids Yoga

Saturday, October 10th, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Jester Park Nature Center – Granger, IA

Kids ages 8-11 can stretch, move, and connect with nature during this special yoga class at Jester Park Nature Center. Participants will practice balance and coordination through yoga games, sequences, and group poses while learning healthy ways to manage stress and build confidence. Registration is required. Learn More or Register Today!

Model Train Display with DesMoiNTrak

Saturday, October 10th & Sunday, October 11th, 2026
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Franklin Avenue Library – Des Moines, IA

All aboard! Stop by Franklin Avenue Library to explore a huge model train display from the DesMoiNTrak Modular Railroad Club. Families can check out N scale railroads in the meeting room, plus enjoy a train-themed activity and scavenger hunt in the children’s area. Learn More or Register Today!

Iowa Wild Kids Opening Night

Saturday, October 10th, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Casey’s Center – Des Moines, IA

Hockey season is here! Cheer on the Iowa Wild during Kids Opening Night, featuring game-day excitement, the Coca-Cola Local Concert Series, and a postgame autograph session. It’s a fun Saturday night option for hockey-loving families around the metro. Learn More or Register Today!

Wag-o-Ween with AHeinz57 Pet Rescue

Sunday, October 11th, 2026
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom – Des Moines, IA

Grab your best-dressed pup and head to Big Grove for some scary-cute Sunday fun! Meet adoptable dogs from AHeinz57 Pet Rescue, snap adorable doggy photos, and grab a free pup cup while supplies last. No dog of your own? Stop by for some puppy love and maybe even meet a new furry family member. Learn More or Register Today!

Game On: Board Games for Families and Friends

Sunday, October 11th, 2026
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Johnston Public Library – Johnston, IA

Gather your crew for an afternoon of board games and snacks at the Johnston Public Library. Try a new strategy game, test your luck with a favorite classic, or teach someone else how to play. This is a drop-in event, so families can come and go throughout the afternoon. Learn More or Register Today!

Central Iowa Wind Ensemble Presents: “Under the Big Top”

Sunday, October 11th, 2026
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Staplin Performing Arts Center – West Des Moines, IA

Step right up for an afternoon of live music inspired by the excitement and nostalgia of the circus! The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble brings marches, theatrical circus classics, and high-energy symphonic music to the stage for an entertaining performance the whole family can enjoy. Admission is free. Learn More or Register Today!

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