School is back in full swing but that does not mean the fun ends. There is still plenty of family fun to be had this fall in Des Moines! We’ve rounded up our top ten things to do to make the most of your teens and tweens’ down time.
September 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2017
Yoga in the Park Ankeny
Yoga is for everyone and if your tween or teen is experiencing any back-to-school stress, yoga can help them quiet their nerves. Yoga in the Park Ankeny is held each Saturday, May through September at the Band Shell in Wagner Park. This is a fun and healthy activity for the family and all levels of yogis. Certified, local instructors amp up the tunes and guide you to stretch, breathe, be present, and feel energized. First time yogis should arrive at 7:45 am to register. Bring a yoga mat, or purchase one at the event. Optional props include beach towels, straps, blocks, and blankets.
September 3-7, 2017
Retro Movies at Flix Brewhouse
It’s like totally tubular! Introduce your tweens and teens to some most gnarly 80s movies during Flix’s “Flix Brewhouse Goes Retro” series. They will be showing Top Gun, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Say Anything, The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! and The Goonies during this rad week of classic cinema.
September 8 – October 1, 2017
A Chorus Line at the Des Moines Playhouse
A Chorus Line is a stunning concept musical capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition. Exploring the inner lives and poignant ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies, the show features one powerhouse number after another, that both you and your teen or tween will recognize. A brilliantly complex fusion of song, dance, and compellingly authentic drama, A Chorus Line was instantly recognized as a classic.
September 15-17, 2017
World Food & Music Festival
You and your tween or teen can enjoy cuisine and entertainment from around the globe at the World Food and Music Festival. This event features a diverse selection of entertainment sure to please even the most jaded middle schooler.
September 17, 2017
The Capital Pursuit
You and your tween or teen can lace up your running shoes and hit the streets for the 35th running of The Capital Pursuit. Hosted by Capital Striders running club this road race takes participants through the vibrant streets of downtown Des Moines, down the beautifully tree lined streets near Drake University campus and ends at the amazing Western Gateway Park downtown.
September – November, 2017
Concerts at Hoyt Sherman Place
Not as pricey as larger venues, Hoyt Sherman is a great place to take your tween or teen to their first concert. Hoyt Sherman Place has several great acts scheduled this fall. Shows your tween or teen might enjoy include: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band & Beth Hart on September 19th; Wynonna & The Big Noise “Roots & Revival Tour” on October 18th; or Tommy Emmanuel & David Grisman – C.G.P. & Dawg Tour on November 4th.
September – October, 2017
Attend a College Football Game
If you have a sports loving tween or teen, taking them to a local college football game could be a fun outing for the both of you. Luckily, Des Moines has a few college teams within a short drive. If you’d prefer not to fight the traffic at one of the “big” universities like ISU or UofI, attend a game closer to home at Drake, Grandview or Simpson.
October 28, 2017
“Stranger Things” Lock-In at the Altoona Public Library
Your local library is always a good source of FREE entertainment not just for tweens and teens, but people of all ages. The Altoona Public Library will be hosting a “Stranger Things” Lock-In to celebrate the premiere of the show’s second season. Visit “The Right-Side Up” of the library and they’ll have the new season streaming all evening, along with classic ’80s snacks and games. Not a “Stranger Things” superfan? That’s cool! They’ll also have board games, ping pong, coloring sheets, and more.
November 5, 2017
Native American History Day
Celebrate the history of Native Americans at Yellow Banks Park. Tweens and Teens can try building a tipi or throwing an atlatl. There will also be a short hike to the last remaining burial mound in the park. This is a FREE event hosted by Polk County Conservation. No registration required.
Anytime
The Escape Rooms
This live escape room venue located in West Glen, has four unique rooms that gives you and your teen the chance to save the world or get out alive in 60 minutes using clues and puzzles. Geared toward participants 15 years of age and older, players need to communicate and cooperate to make their way through a fun, but challenging scenario. Listening, sharing and problem solving together sounds like a great bonding experience for teens and parents!
What are your favorite activities and events to attend with your tween or teen in Des Moines? Share your ideas in the comments below.
