Is anyone else in denial that it’s August, back-to-school time, and summer is almost over? Just because we’re picking out school supplies and wrapping up summer camps, it doesn’t mean we have to say goodbye to summer, right? There’s still plenty of things to do to keep us in a sunshine state of mind. Here are five ways to hold on to summer in Des Moines.
Cheer on the Boys of Summer
If baseball players are the boys of summer, catching an I-Cubs game is a wildly appropriate way to spend the end of summer, right? Tickets are easy to come by and are affordable with promotions like “Kids Night” on Monday, August 7, 2017 when kids 12-under get in for FREE and Adult GA tickets are just $5. Kids will be able to get their photo taken with Cubbie Bear, run the bases after the game and more! Don’t wait too long to catch a game, though, the boys in blue play their last home game of the season on August 27th.
Go Berry Picking
There is something joyful about picking fruit off the vine, and now is the time to pick many summer berries like blueberries, raspberries, elderberries, blackberries, mulberries, and aronia berries. If the thought of packing up a picnic basket, ditching the busy city and enjoying some good ol’ fashioned berry-picking fun appeals to you, it’s time to pack up your crew and head out! Fresh air and tasty berries await.
Attend a Parade
Why should 4th of July have all the parade fun? Enjoy the last few days of summer before school starts when you head downtown to the Iowa State Fair Parade on Wednesday, August 9, 2017. The parade steps off at 6:15 pm at the State Capital Complex and continues on East Grand turning at East 7th Street and traveling to East Locust to 2nd Avenue and then back to Grand. The parade ends on 13th Street.
Have Fun at a Festival
Nothing is more summer than going to a local festival, and luckily there’s a few taking place in August. The Adel Sweet Corn Festival takes place on August 12, 2017 and features more than 7 tons of FREE sweet corn, live entertainment, a parade, various vendors, a beer garden and more. Ingersoll Live is set for August 26, 2017, this family-friendly street festival offers live music throughout the afternoon and evening, inflatables, rides and activities for kids, arts and crafts for browsing and buying, food and beverage vendors, street performances, and much more.
Get Outside While You Still Can
What better place to soak up the essence of summer and enjoy the sunshine than in the great outdoors? Mix it up and go for a bike ride, watch a movie, hit the beach and get out on the water, or listen to a concert. Be sure to make the most of the time we have left at these spots. They are the perfect places for your family to give summer a proper send-off.
Find more end of summer entertainment options in our Summer Fun Guide and on our Calendar of Events.
How does your family hold on to summer in Des Moines? Let us know!
