Find the 2021 Holiday Fun Guide here.
While kids love unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning, sometimes that initial rush and feeling of elation is fleeting. If you’re looking for something more long-lasting, consider giving an “experience” gift this year. After all, the memories you make with an experience gift will last a lifetime. Read on for ideas about Des Moines experiences that make great holiday gifts for kids.
Valley Park Stables
2901 Seniomsed Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50312 • (515) 277-4198
Give your child the gift of learning a new skill this season with horseback riding lessons.
Adventureland
3200 Adventureland Drive • Altoona, IA 50009 • (515) 266-2121
With the addition of Bernie’s Barnyard playground next year, Adventureland is becoming even more kid friendly. A Season Pass or a Single Day Ticket will provide loads of family fun.
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th Street • Des Moines, IA 50315 • (515) 285-4722
Give the gift of adventure with an annual membership to Blank Park Zoo.
Iowa Wild Hockey
Wells Fargo Arena 730 3rd Street • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 564-8700
The Iowa Wild hosts several games at the Well all winter long. The team offers several tickets options including: season tickets, single game tickets and combo packs that include a game ticket plus food. Please note that some tickets packages must be purchased in advance through the Iowa Wild sales office and is not available at the Wells Fargo Arena Box Office.
Iowa State Fair
3000 East Grand Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50317 • (515) 262-3111
The Iowa State Fair is hosting its first ever $4 Opening Day Cyber Monday Sale! Fairgoers can purchase Opening Day Admission (Thursday, August 9, 2018) tickets for only $4. That’s more than a 66% savings off regular admission. Cyber Monday Sale tickets are only available for purchase online.
Real Food 4 Kids
Encourage your kids to learn to have fun in the kitchen with a cooking class at Real Food 4 Kids. They have Gift Cards available for purchase on-line.
Skate North – Incrediroll
5621 Meredith Drive • Des Moines, IA 50310 • (515) 238-1690
This season give the gift of roller skating. Skate North-Incrediroll has gift certificates available to meet your gift giving needs.
Des Moines Performing Arts
221 Walnut Street • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 246-2300
If your kids have never seen a live theatre production, this could be the year for it. Des Moines Performing Arts recently announced three sensory-friendly performances that are part of the Wellmark Family Series. Season tickets and single tickets are available for purchase.
Ankeny Parks and Recreation
220 W 1st Street • Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 963-3570
Aquatic Center Passes make great holiday gifts! Beginning the first of season passes for Cascade Falls and Prairie Ridge will go on sale. Passes are good for both pools and FlowRider usage at Cascade Falls. Passes must be purchased in person at the Parks & Recreation office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Iowa Wolves
Wells Fargo Arena • 730 3rd Street • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 564-8550
Get great deals on Iowa Wolves basketball tickets when they will be hosting a Cyber Monday Sale.
What are your suggestions for Des Moines experiences that make great holiday gifts? Share them in the Comments section below!
