Though August signals the closing of pools and the return to school, there are so many event happenings in Central Iowa, it was hard to narrow down our favorites! There’s plenty of must-do summer fun left including the summer’s last FREE Outdoor movies and concerts and summer family festivals.
Find more fun things to do in our continually updated Event Calendar. And, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter , so you can get our weekend event picks delivered directly to your inbox.
Here’s where to Kid n’ Play this August in Des Moines:
August 2nd – 11th
What’s summer without a little Shakespeare? The Ankeny Community Theatre presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” for your viewing pleasure.
August 3rd
Walk (or push a stroller) in the Summer Breeze Run – Battle of the ‘Burbs. This race meanders through neighborhoods in Clive and Waukee. Check out the race routes here.
Head down to the Des Moines Police Station for the 3rd Annual Bike Back to School event. Bikes will be given away to the first 50 eligible children based on qualifications for free and reduced school lunch.
August 4th
Spend some time listening to the music of the man in black at Vaudeville Mews during “An Afternoon of Johnny Cash”. All ages are welcome!
August 8th-11th
The countdown has begun for Iowa’s largest event. You don’t want to miss the exhibits, Grandstand performances or deep-fried goodness of the Iowa State Fair! Check out our Iowa State Fair Fun Guide for some great ideas for enjoying it with your kids and family.
August 9th
If you think you know Dora…think again! Dora’s going on her biggest adventure yet in the new movie “Dora and the Lost City of Gold”, in Des Moines theatres this month!
August 12th
Spend some time gazing up at the summer night sky for the Perseids meteor shower during Polk County Conservation’s Meteor Shower Watch.
August 15th
Gather the family and join the Des Moines Art Center in the studio for a special series of summer art classes on Summer Family Night. This month’s theme is Active Art. Act out your art through art games, energetic art stations, and whole-body art exercises.
August 16th
End your summer right with Urbandale Parks and Recs’ Party in the Park. There will be activities for the whole family. Food trucks, beer truck, and live music. FREE kids activities: bounce house, laser tag, crafts, games, paints, and more!
August 24th
Celebrate the end of summer in Jester Park at Glow Wild. There will be great food, drinks, and plenty of activities for both kids and adults – tethered hot air balloon rides, a signature towering bonfire, festival camping, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more! Glow Wild 2019’s headlining band is the Georgia Satellites with local Des Moines band, Suede, as their opener.
How will your family kid n’ play in Des Moines this August? We want to hear!
