Top 8 Ways to Make the Most of Spring in Des Moines
The 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 Festival
When: May 1-May 3
Nothing screams spring quite like the Pella Annual Tulip Time Festival. This annual festival brings people from all over to enjoy the over 380,00 tulips. Don’t miss the parades in Downtown Pella at 2:45 PM and 8:30 PM. See all the tulips on Tulip Avenue in Central Park, Sunken Gardens Park and Brinkhoff Park. See performances in the afternoon and evening at the Tulip Toren on Franklin Street. New this year is an art installation at Brinkhoff Park of a large wooden shoe with a bench inside, a great place for pictures. Find all our tips for attending the festival here. If you want to avoid the crowds but still see the tremendous amount of tulips, then go the weekend before the festival to see all the tulips in bloom.
2. Take a walk to see spring flowers.
One of the many beautiful things about the Midwest is the ability to experience all four seasons. Once we have made it through winter we get to see the beauty of nature bloom again. Take a walk through your neighborhood to see all the vibrant colors of spring. One of our favorite spring activities is to take a walk at Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum. It has the fragrance, the views and of course the perfect backdrop for pictures. Here is a list of all the places to see spring flowers around Des Moines.
3. Visit a patio
Patio season is upon us. Parents, we all know how much easier going out to dinner is when you can sit outside. We have so many great restaurants with patios. One of our favorites is Big Grove Brewery. The massive patio has a turf area that is perfect for kids and pets.
4. Plant a garden
My mother-in–law always gives seeds in my kid’s Easter baskets. We love planting them all around our yard. Remember to check the back of seed packets for the best time to plant them. Check out our list of garden centers to find all the things you need to make a beautiful garden. Attend the Spring Garden Market at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. This unique market has hundreds of plant varieties that flourish in Iowa selected by horticulturalists.
5. Cheer on the Iowa Cubs
When:
- Tuesday, April 15, 6:38 PM
- Wednesday, April 16, 12:08 PM
- Thursday, April 17, 12:08 PM
- Friday, April 18, 7:08 PM
- Saturday, April 19, 3:08 PM
- Sunday, April 20, 1:08 PM
- Tuesday, April 29, 6:38 PM
- Wednesday, April 30, 12:08 PM
- Thursday, May 1, 12:08 PM
- Friday, May 2, 7:08 PM
- Saturday, May 3, 3:08 PM
- Sunday, May 4, 1:08 PM
- Tuesday, May 13, 6:38 PM (Dog Day)
- Wednesday, May 14, 12:08 PM
- Thursday, May 15, 12:08 PM
- Friday, May 16, 7:08 PM
- Saturday, May 17, 6:08 PM
- Sunday, May 18, 1:08 PM
- Thursday, May 29, 6:38 PM
- Friday, May 30, 7:08 PM
- Saturday, May 31st, 6:08 PM
An Iowa Cubs Game in spring is a perfect time to enjoy a game without the heat of summer. They always have promotions at every game. On Tuesdays, April 15, 29, and May 13 get the Twos-day offer which is 2 Grandstand tickets, 2 pizza slices, 2 12 oz domestic beer or bottled soft drinks for just $40. Fridays, April 18, May 2, 16 & 30, enjoy fireworks after the game. Play catch on the field before the game on Saturdays, April 19, May 3, 17 & 31. On Sundays, April 20, May 4 & 18, kids can run the bases after the game.
6. Go Garage Sale Hunting
There are always a ton of great garage sales throughout spring. Take stock of what clothes your kids need for summer and make a plan. Oftentimes, people advertise their sale on facebook marketplace with pictures so you can plan out the best ones to go to.
7. Attend a Music Festival
Summer isn’t the only time for music festivals. Check out two music festivals this spring. The Heartland Spectrum Music Festival is April 26 from 12:00 PM-7:00 PM. This is a sensory-friendly festival celebrating autism advocacy, community arts and entertainment. On May 16 & 17, experience the Greenbelt Music Festival. This is an indoor and outdoor festival with a variety of musical acts at Horizon Events Center in Clive.
8. Visit with Baby Animals
Baby chicks, bunnies and baby goats are a spring time staple. Visit Center Grove Orchard for Baby Animal Days, where you will get to meet and hold puppies, bunnies, baby lambs, kittens, chicks and more. Snuggle with baby goats at Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch.
