By Greg Woolever, Ashton Observatory Director| Des Moines Astronomical Society | www.dmastronomy.com Health concerns about COVID-19 have caused our Ashton Observatory north of Des Moines to be closed. We will resume normal public events once the pandemic is over. But…
Read MoreCategory: Education
Education for kids in Des Moines, IA
Resources to Help You Discuss Racism & Racial Injustice with Des Moines Kids
Due to the deaths of George Floyd (and far too many other black Americans) and the resulting #BlackLivesMatter protests, we’ve been talking a lot about how to discuss racism and racial injustice with our (white) kids. Not only do our…
Read MoreSetting a Summer Schedule for Kids
By Natalie Maughan This summer will no doubt be different than summers past, due to the fact that many parents are not enrolling their kids in summer camps. Many summer camps aren’t even offered at least for the first half…
Read More11 Ways to Celebrate the End of the 2020 School Year with Your Kids
May is typically filled with all kinds of fun events that wind down the school year for kids. And, even though we’re at home this year, there’s no reason not to do the same! Heck, I think it’s even more…
Read MoreOn-Line Resources to Keep Kids Learning During the Coronavirus School Break
Iowa schools will be closed for a few weeks due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). We will be posting and sharing on ways parents can keep their sanity all the while navigating what is new territory for so many of us. This…
Read MoreSummer Camp 2020: Outdoor and Nature Camps for Des Moines Kids
Find 2021 Summer Camp info. here. ***With the fluidity of COVID-19 pandemic, summer camp officials are cautiously making plans to welcome campers come June, while also admitting those plans could change at any time. Some camps may either alter their programming,…
Read MoreSummer Camp 2020: Academic Enrichment Camps for Des Moines Kids
Find 2021 Summer Camp info. here. ***With the fluidity of COVID-19 pandemic, summer camp officials are cautiously making plans to welcome campers come June, while also admitting those plans could change at any time. Some camps may either alter their programming, postpone…
Read MoreSpring Break 2020: Camps & Classes for Des Moines Kids
Most public and private schools in central Iowa have a one-week spring break, during which parents need to keep the kids busy. Fortunately, the Des Moines area has no shortage of camp options for the school break, which runs from…
Read MoreWinter 2020: Story Times for DSM Kids
Story times are a great FREE or inexpensive activity. Especially during the winter months, a good story time is just enough to get you out of the house and fend off cabin fever. Hosted at public libraries, bookstores, museums and…
Read MoreHow to Teach Kids the Value of a Dollar
By Natalie Maughan How many parents struggle with the incessant question of, “Can I get that?” or “Well, everyone else in my class has their own tablet.” The comments seem to come, informing parents that somehow, out of everything we’ve…
Read MoreDes Moines Area Tutoring Centers
It’s Back-to-School time! (I know, I’m just as bummed as the kids). A new year, a new teacher and a new curriculum sometimes results in the same academic struggles. Whether your child needs extra help in Reading, Math or Science,…
Read MoreBack To School Organization Tips for Kids and Parents
It’s hard to believe that the summer of 2019 is nearing the end and it’s almost time to go back to school! This is always a hectic time of year, for kids AND parents. Keeping up with homework, after-school activities…
Read MoreCentral Iowa School Starting Dates for the 2019-20 School Year
Find 2021-22 school start dates here. If you’re a parent of a school-aged child, you live by the school calendar. Wondering where your district fits in, and how much time you have left for these 33 FREE things to do…
Read MoreExploring the Des Moines Art Center with Kids
Updated 2023. If you’re lucky enough to have a world-class art museum right in your hometown…why shouldn’t your whole family take advantage, and explore it together? The Des Moines Art Center was started in 1916 and opened at its current…
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