Find an updated list of 2021 fall activities here.
Looking for family fun on the cheap this fall in Des Moines? Look no further. We have 50 ideas for families to celebrate the season for under $5.00 in Des Moines!
- Go apple picking at McWilliams Apple Orchard in Maxwell (set a budget of up to $5/person which is easy to do at the u-pick price).
- Attend a Des Moines area Fall Festival.
- Visit the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates and admire the architecture, art and outdoor gardens for FREE.
- Sip on some apple cider from Deal’s Orchard in Jefferson.
- Visit the Johnston (Station) Historical Society Museum (House), Windmill and Barn.
- Visit Forest Park Museum in Perry to learn more about the history of Dallas County.
- Enjoy a pumpkin pie latte at Smokey Row Coffee Co.
- Appreciate art for FREE at the Polk County Heritage Gallery.
- Play at Union Park FREE.
- Stroll through the Farmers Market and find one new food to try.
- Attend Sample Sunday at Picket Fence Creamery.
- Tour the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace in Boone.
- Treat the kids to a caramel apple from Iowa Orchard.
- Head to the Science Center of Iowa Family Night the second Friday of each month.
- Go under the dome and take a tour of the Iowa State Capitol.
- Stroll through the Enabling Garden in Altoona for FREE.
- Go fishing.
- Explore the Des Moines Art Center.
- Visit the Brenton Arboretum.
- Enjoy pumpkin cheesecake at La Mie.
- Spend a day leaf peeping at one of Des Moines’ most scenic fall hangouts.
- Picnic at a local park.
- Suck down a Pumpkin Pie Shake at Zombie Burger.
- Help tag a Monarch Butterfly.
- Get lost in the Mini Corn Maze at Pumpkinville and Cornmaze in Mitchelville.
- Fly a kite at one of the best kite flying parks in the metro.
- Decorate a pumpkin for Grimes’ Pumpkin Decorating Contest.
- Go on a hayride at Timberpine Nursery in Earlham.
- Savor some scrumptious pumpkin pancakes at the Drake Diner.
- Imagine and play at the Valley Community Center. Kid’s activity classes are $3 per class with punch card or $5 for drop in.
- Marvel at the art exhibits at the Ankeny Art Center, where admission is FREE.
- Go Roller Skating (most local rinks offer half price nights and discounted family night).
- Have a cup of chili at South Union Bread Company.
- Play at The Playground for Kids in Ankeny during their 2 Kids for $10 on Tuesdays.
- Walk for Wildlife with Polk County Conservation. There is a $2 registration fee to participate in the walk on October 10th, 2015.
- Visit the Iowa State Historical Museum and explore their FREE exhibits.
- Build a FREE project at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Both offer hands-on workshops on select Saturdays.
- Yuck it up for FREE at the Clean Comedy Show at Inspired Grounds Café.
- Dress up in your finest ball gown and attend the Meet and Greet Princess Party at the Clive Library.
- Enjoy some fall fun during the week at Harvest Barn Marketplace in Osceola when they offer $5.00 admission.
- Get outside and take your kid’s on a fall outdoor scavenger hunt.
- Take a FREE cooking class at the Machine Shed in Urbandale. Cooking classes are offered the second Tuesday of each month.
- Explore the Des Moines Central Library, because it’s one of the coolest buildings downtown.
- Tour the National Balloon Museum in Indianola, a favorite activity for kids and adults.
- Play disc golf on a local park course.
- Take a bite of an Apple Cider Dount at Wills Family Orchard in Adel.
- Find the “Great Pumpkin” in Geisler Farm’s pumpkin patch.
- Take a stroll through the timber with Warren County Conservation and enjoy the stunning views of changing leaves and the cool fall breeze.
- Make a fall craft for $2 at Michael’s Kids Club, offered every Saturday, 10:00 am -12:00 pm.
- Imagine you’re in Germany enjoying an apple strudl from Strudl Haus.
- And remember to search for Events on dsm4kids’ Calendar, where there are FREE (and cheap) things to enjoy every day!
What are your suggestions for things to do this fall under $5 (with kids) in Des Moines?
