Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:

Friday, October 17th 2025 – Sunday, October 19th 2025

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.

iStroll Des Moines

Friday, October 17th, 2025
9:30 – 10:30 AM
Doanes Park – Pleasant Hill, IA
Kick off your morning with a stroller-friendly HIIT workout at Doanes Park. This energizing 60-minute session is perfect for parents of all stages—pregnant, postpartum, or with kiddos in tow. Bring a mat or towel and dumbbells if you have them. Learn More or Register Today!

Fall Family Festival

Friday, October 17th, 2025
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Backpocket Pin & Pixel – Johnston, IA
Head to The Yard at Johnston Town Center for a festive evening of fall fun—face painting, cookie decorating, yard games, and apple cider included. Dress in costume and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. Bonus: it’s happening alongside the 3rd Annual Backpocket Beer Mile. Learn More or Register Today!

Kids Night: Hocus Pocus Watch Party

Friday, October 17th, 2025
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Artfull – Art & Craft Playground – Johnston, IA
Drop the kids off for a magical evening while you enjoy a night out. They’ll watch Hocus Pocus, create a spooky craft, and enjoy pizza and plenty of giggles. Learn More or Register Today!

Glow in the Park Foam Party

Friday, October 17th, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Paws & Pints – Des Moines, IA
It’s glow time! Bring your pup and your dance moves for a glow-in-the-dark foam party featuring a live DJ, drink specials, and Halloween-season fun for everyone. Learn More or Register Today!

Family Halloween at the Farm

Friday, October 17th – Sunday, October 19th, 2025
Program Times Vary
Living History Farms – Urbandale, IA
Experience one of the metro’s favorite Halloween traditions. Trick-or-treat through the 1876 town of Walnut Hill, take a twilight wagon ride, enjoy storytelling, crafts, and games in the barn, and watch demonstrations at historic shops. Learn More or Register Today!

Night Eyes

Friday, October 17th – Sunday, October 19th, 2025
5:30 – 9:00 PM
Blank Park Zoo – Des Moines, IA
This Des Moines classic returns with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, lighted displays, live entertainment, and a merry-not-scary treat safari. A perfect mix of Halloween fun and wildlife learning for all ages. Learn More or Register Today!

Taste of Norway

Saturday, October 18th, 2025
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Valley High School – West Des Moines, IA
Savor Scandinavian treats, lefse demonstrations, handmade crafts, and traditional sweets. Don’t wait too long—the baked goods often sell out before noon. Learn More or Register Today!

Super Hero Brunch

Saturday, October 18th – Sunday, October 19th, 2025
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Exile Brewing Company – Des Moines, IA
Meet Batman and Spider-Man over brunch at Exile. Snap photos, enjoy brunch favorites, and bring the whole crew for a heroic morning adventure. Learn More or Register Today!

Dia De Los Muertos Celebration

Saturday, October 18th, 2025
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Jester Park Nature Center – Granger, IA
Celebrate life and remembrance with this family-friendly event. Learn about the history of Dia de los Muertos, create themed crafts, and contribute to the community ofrenda honoring loved ones. Learn More or Register Today!

Flix Junior Program: Sensory-Friendly Showings

Saturday, October 18th, 2025
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Flix Brewhouse – Des Moines, IA
Enjoy a relaxed movie experience with dimmed lights, lower sound, and a welcoming atmosphere. Designed for families and individuals with sensitivities—infants welcome. Learn More or Register Today!

Fall Ornament Painting

Saturday, October 18th, 2025
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Studio #211 – Mainframe Studios – Des Moines, IA
Create your own set of three fall ornaments with local artist Teri. Paint pumpkins, acorns, and leaves in this fun, all-ages workshop that’s perfect for a creative afternoon. Learn More or Register Today!

Read, Move & Groove: Room on the Broom

Saturday, October 18th, 2025
4:30 – 5:30 PM
The Little Gym – Johnston, IA
Join The Little Gym for a storytime adventure based on Room on the Broom. Kids will move, dance, and play their way through the story, then create a take-home craft. Designed for ages 1–5. Learn More or Register Today!

Bondu Spooktacular Movie Screening

Saturday, October 18th, 2025
6:45 – 8:30 PM
The Depot – Bondurant, IA
After the Spooktacular event, grab dinner and head back for a cozy outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus. Bring blankets, pajamas, and lawn chairs for this free family movie night, complete with complimentary popcorn. Learn More or Register Today!

Apple & Pumpkin Fest

Sunday, October 19th, 2025
12:00 – 6:00 PM
Wills Family Orchard – Adel, IA
Spend the day at this charming orchard with u-pick apples and pumpkins, hayrides, corn pools, a maze, duck races, and cider donuts galore. There’s something for everyone at this family-favorite fall festival. Learn More or Register Today!

Books & Brew

Sunday, October 19th, 2025
2:00 – 5:00 PM
Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen – Des Moines, IA
Cozy up with your favorite fall drink, good book, and a little creative flair. Make your own bookmark at the craft station and browse the “Blind Date with a Book” table for a surprise read. Seating is first come, first served. Learn More or Register Today!

The Great Pumpkin Party: Families with Special Needs Night

Sunday, October 19th, 2025
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Valley Community Center – West Des Moines, IA
Wear your costumes and enjoy inflatables, carnival games, barrel train rides, and free popcorn. This special evening is designed just for families with children under 14 who have special needs. Learn More or Register Today!

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