On January 1, 2015, I published my first blog post on dsm4kids, and it feels fitting that today, January 1, 2025, I’m writing my final post. After much reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to move on from dsm4kids. While…
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Explore Des Moines with our family-friendly local guides!
The Best Sledding Hills in the Des Moines Area
The best thing about a snow day is, of course, sledding! dsm4kids rounded up where to sled in Des Moines. When it snows, hit one of these neighborhood hills across the Des Moines metro for some wintertime fun with the kids.
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25 Things to Do on New Year’s Day in Des Moines
Shake off the post-party glitter, grab some coffee and usher in 2025! dsm4kids has rounded up 25 things to do with the family on New Year’s Day in Des Moines. New Year’s Day is the perfect time to begin anew…
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25 FREE Things to Do with Your Kids Over Winter Holiday Break in Des Moines
From December 21, 2024 through January 5, 2025, Des Moines students are officially on holiday break. As your family gears up for days of gleeful abandon (or mass chaos;), we’ve pulled together some fun FREE ideas for things to do…
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Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Des Moines
Ring in the new year with your kids in Des Moines! Many of these events do not require that they stay up until midnight. Whether you do or not is up to you. Let’s celebrate the end of 2024! If…
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8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Des Moines Kids
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a joyous celebration that holds great significance for Jewish families around the world. This year, Hanukkah starts at sundown on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and concludes on Thursday, January 2, 2025….
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Family-Friendly Coffee Shops in Des Moines
Some days, you just need to treat yourself to a cozy coffee break away from home or recharge with a pick-me-up during a busy day of family activities. Good news: you don’t have to give up visiting cool local coffee…
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Holiday Lights & Christmas Displays in Des Moines
All that’s merry and bright!!! Set a festive mood with friends and family this year by taking in the dazzling lights illuminated across the Des Moines metro and beyond. Whether taking in the lights are a holiday tradition or a…
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Christmas Tree Farms Near Des Moines
For many families, cutting down a Christmas tree is an annual tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season. If you’re thinking of going the cut-your-own route this year, start your tree search by checking out our extensive list…
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Best Holiday Shows, Including the Nutcracker, for Des Moines Families
Holiday musicals and stage shows are some of our most beloved traditions this time of year. Starting in November and continuing through New Year’s, there are family-friendly shows and live performances on stages at community and professional theaters across central Iowa. If you have a budding…
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Holiday & Christmas Events for Des Moines Families
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the magic of the 2024 holiday season in the Des Moines area is full of holiday events and seasonal, family-friendly outings to keep your crew merry and create treasured holiday memories…
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Where Kids Can Visit Santa in Des Moines
Christmas in central Iowa is nothing short of magical. From tree lightings and holiday light displays to holiday shows and multiple iterations of the Nutcracker, Des Moines is the place to be during the holiday season. The biggest star of…
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Craft Fairs & Holiday Markets in Des Moines Offer Unique Holiday Shopping Opportunities
Beat the crowds this holiday season and pick up some unique, hand-crafted and vintage holiday gifts while you are at it! The Des Moines area is alive with dozens of local vintage and craft markets ready to do the stocking…
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Where To Donate or Find FREE Toys this Holiday Season in the Des Moines Area
With the holidays around the corner, many non-profits are gearing up to organize free toy distribution programs to ensure that the 2024 holiday season stays joyful for struggling families. Here’s a list of some organizations that are distributing free toys to needy kids this…
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