Fall signifies cooler weather, exciting holidays, cozy locales, and gorgeous leaves. What’s not to celebrate? This year create a bucket list and make it a point to explore all the festive family friendly events and activities that Des Moines has to offer this season. We’ve helped you out by providing some ideas below, and a few of our suggestions are even FREE!
For even more ideas for things to do with your family—safely, of course—be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide and Events Calendar.
Here’s 33+ ways to celebrate fall in Des Moines:
1. Enjoy some delightful, FREE family entertainment featuring folk music by Dan and Claudia Zanes. September 15th & 16th.
2. The official first day of fall is September 23, 2023. Celebrate the start of the season by going on a fall themed walk.
3. Embrace the great outdoors and the cooler temps with a visit to one of Iowa’s lesser known State Parks.
4. Go apple picking and stock up on this delicious fruit at a local farm or orchard. U-pick apples are available from early September to the end of October.
5.Attend a family friendly fall festival. You can find one in our Fall Festival Guide.
6. Learn about the annual monarch migration by tagging butterflies.
7. Attend West Des Moines’ signature fall event Illumifest which will take place on September 23, 2023.
8. If you have a fall baby, plan a birthday party on a budget.
9. Run for fun at ARC’s Oktoberfest 6K which takes place on October 7, 2023 at Brightside Aleworks in Altoona and features a Kids Pumpkin Dash.
10. See a live performance on a Des Moines area stage. There are several options that are appropriate for kids and families.
11. Camping is an essential fall experience. Pick one of these kid-friendly camping spots to set up your tent and spend a few nights.
12. Board The Pumpkin Express at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad which features a train ride to, you guessed it, a pumpkin patch. Costumes encouraged. October 7, 14 & 21, 2023.
13. Whether it’s National Taco Day (October 4, 2023), Taco Tuesday, or any day of the week, it’s a great day to sink your teeth into some tacos! Visit or order takeout from a local taco spot in Des Moines to celebrate.
14. Kick back and watch a flick under the stars at Windsor Height’s FREE Movie in the Park. October’s film is Hocus Pocus. October 6, 2023.
15.Embrace the wonders of the season by visiting a local nature center this fall. We’ve curated a list of centers in central Iowa to help you get started on your nature-filled adventures.
16. Enjoy Storytime with Ruby the Reading Red Panda at the Blank Park Zoo. She’ll be reading on October 9 at 11:00 am and storytime is included with admission.
17. Pumpkins are a must-have for fall. Pick your own or choose a pre-picked one from a local pumpkin patch or farm.
18. Get some fresh air and exercise together on a bike ride. There are plenty of scenic trails to discover together.
19. Enjoy a Family Fun Night at Jester Park. September 29 and November 17, 2023.
20. Enjoy the fall foliage with scenic drive, a relaxing hike, a festive outing, or a cozy retreat.
21. Experience the quintessential charm of a small-town fall festival at the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival on October 15th and 16th.
22. Schedule a playdate! Fall brings many lovely days, and it doesn’t cost you anything to get together with friends at a public park. Here are a few parks that are accessible and inclusive in Des Moines.
23. Celebrate your fur babies at the Iowa Pet Expo on October 21-22, 2023.
24. Indulge with a pumpkin spice latte or other favorite fall treat.
25. Plan a budget friendly teen date night or a fun friend outing this fall with our helpful suggestions.
26.Don’t miss the opportunity to see “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert” at the Civic Center on October 28th.
27. Head out on a fall nature scavenger hunt and find all of the ways nature is preparing for winter.
28. Spend time stargazing. While a telescope can add to the fun, it costs nothing to explore the night sky!
29. Snuggle up with an alpaca at Rusty Stars Alpaca Farm.
30. Make the most of your fall weekend getaway to Kansas City with our curated list of 25 kid-friendly activities.
31. Fall is the ideal time to curl up with a good book. Check out a story time at a Des Moines area public library.
32. Embrace a meat-free fall and savor the best vegetarian and vegan options in Des Moines.
33. When you can’t take another minute in your house and it’s too chilly for the playground, head to an indoor playspace.
How does your family plan to celebrate the fall season this year in Des Moines?
