July makes a grand entrance with Independence Day celebrations in and around Des Moines. The family fun keeps going all month with lots of events and activities, and below are our top 10 picks.
Of course, we have plenty more ideas for enjoying summer sun and fun with your kids: FREE Summer Movies, Outdoor Concerts and fun festivals. We’ll keep adding to our calendar daily and sending our weekly newsletter in time for each weekend, but here’s your chance to look ahead for these July favorites and get them on your calendar.
Best things to do with kids this July in Des Moines:
July 4th
Happy Independence Day! Use our guide to Independence Day Fun in Des Moines to help you plan your 4th of July holiday.
July 6th
Antman and the Wasp shrinks into theaters today. Paul Rudd returns as the tiny insect hero, who is joined by – well, it says right there in the title – the Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) to uncover secrets from their past.
July 10th & 27th
Iowa Public Television’s Dan Wardell has hit Iowa Highway’s on his 12th annual Reading Road Trip. Wardell will welcome kids and families in Indianola on July 10th and Clive on July 27th with an engaging, interactive story time.
July 13th – 15th
AnimeIowa, the largest anime convention in Iowa, will be at the Iowa Events Center. The Convention celebrates all things anime (Japanese movies and TV shows), as well as, manga (comics), gaming, costuming, and more.
July 17th
Boys and girls in First through Sixth grade can learn the fundamentals of Flag Football at Opportunity on Deck’s Summer Flag Football Clinic. This FREE workshop is held Tuesday and Thursday nights July 17 through August 16, 2018 in Colby Park.
July 18th
It’s National Hot Dog Day! Here’s a few restaurants in Des Moines that will quite frankly help you celebrate!
July 21st
Ho Ho Ho! Santa and his reindeer have arrived at Blank Park Zoo once again to enjoy a winter wonderland in July. Guests of all ages can celebrate Christmas in Zooly with crafts, games and activities centered around the animals at the Zoo.
Join Indianola’s Mayor Kelly Shaw for fun at the Mayor’s Night Out Pool Party. In addition, there will be bounce houses, giant slide, pool challenges, balloon twisters and more! Receive FREE admission to the party with one non-perishable food item per person.
July 26th – 29th
Altoona celebrates its 150th birthday in 2018. They will be celebrating with a host of activities and events during Altoona 150, the last weekend of July. There will be a parade, concerts and live performances, Kids FREE Fun Zone, Tractor and Car Show and more. Visit the calendar for details.
July 27th – August 5th
Go on a high-flying journey with Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre at “Bring it On: The Musical”. This explosive musical about competitive cheerleading and fierce rivalries will be on stage this month at the Stoner Theater.
How will your family kid n’ play in Des Moines this July? We want to hear!
