7 Ways to Hold Onto Summer Fun in Des Moines

7 Ways to Hold Onto Summer Fun in Des Moines

Once we get deep into August, sometimes the lazy days of summer become, well, long. Vacation is over, camps are done and it feels like your crew has pretty much done it all. So what to do? Don’t wish those last precious days of summer away! Here are seven options that fit a range of pocketbooks, all guaranteed to help you hold on to summer just a little bit longer in Des Moines.

1. Play Outside

Summer in Des Moines is short, but very sweet. So, it’s vital we all get as much outside playtime as humanly possible, before the cold winds blow in again.  Take a hike, go for a bike ride, host a lemonade stand, have a picnic, star gaze or go to a local park. Whatever will get your kiddos outside! Now’s the time to try to work in one more outdoor family adventure.

2. Catch an Outdoor Flick

If you’ve been trying to get to an outdoor movie this summer, now is the time to go. Throughout the month of August, a few communities are still offering FREE outdoor movies.  Don’t forget to bring the blankets, lawn chairs and snacks! Find a list of FREE outdoor movies being shown in the Des Moines area here.

3. Take One Last Splash

Before homework and after school activities become the norm in your house—make one last splash at aquatic centers and wading pools around Des Moines.  Local public outdoor pools have varying closing dates with several starting to close on August 21st and all closing for the season by Labor Day.  Many of the area public pools mark the end of their summer with a Doggie Dive, so even your pooch can take one last splash this summer!

4. Grab a Scoop (or Two)

Two words: ice cream! Whatever you do, don’t let this summer pass you by without sampling from some of our city’s finest ice cream shops. Check out our lists of the best ice cream shops in Des Moines: 5 Cool Ice Cream Shops in Des Moines and The Scoop on the Sweetest Ice Cream Shoppes in Des Moines.

5. Cool Off on the Ice

Ice skating isn’t just for the winter; it’s actually a refreshing respite on a humid August day. Metro Ice Sports in Urbandale offers open skate times, where you’ll find you have the place almost to yourself to practice those double axels—or just to practice staying on your feet. Be sure to check out Metro Ice Sports’ website for public skate times. Prices range from $5-$7 per skater, plus a $3 skate rental.

6. Hang With the Boys of Summer

Taking in a baseball game is a quintessential summer activity not to be missed. Grab your family, friends, or make some new friends at the ballpark, and enjoy the afternoon or evening taking in a ball game. Make sure you buy some peanuts and cracker jacks for old times’ sake. Bring your glove, and try to catch a fly ball! Go Cubs Go!!  Here’s a few of our Tips 4 Family Fun at an Iowa Cubs Baseball Game.

7. Check Out the Iowa State Fair

Head east and experience the spectacle that is the Iowa State Fair (Aug. 11-21, 2016). Don’t miss the life-size cow sculpted from 500 pounds of unsalted butter and Little Hands on the Farm offering freebie hands-on activities to teach kids about farming and agriculture. Check out our Iowa State Fair Fun Guide, which is loaded with great ideas for enjoying the Iowa State Fair with your kids.

 

 

Let us know!  What are your plans for the last few days of summer?