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Category: Local Guides

Explore Des Moines with our family-friendly local guides!

Family Day Trip to Winterset
Attractions Local Guides Travel

Family Day Trip to Winterset

Nicole Opfer
October 11, 2019
0

Small-town charm and low-key adventures make Winterset a great day trip for Des Moines families.  It’s an easy, scenic 45 minute drive from Des Moines, especially if you take Highway 169 into town vs. taking I-35 south.  This quaint community…

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Halloween 2019: Haunted Houses in Des Moines
Attractions Family Celebrations & Holidays Local Guides

Halloween 2019: Haunted Houses in Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
October 9, 2019
1

By Allen Huffman Can you believe that Christmas decorations started appearing in big box retail shops back in August? For those not quite ready for gingerbread houses and flying reindeer, perhaps something a bit more terrifying might be appropriate now…

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The Best Taco Spots for Your Family in Des Moines
Business Food Local Guides

The Best Taco Spots for Your Family in Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
October 4, 2019
0

Whether it’s National Taco Day (October 4, 2019), Taco Tuesday, or any day of the week, it’s a great day to sink your teeth into some tacos! With so many fantastic taco joints in Des Moines, though, it can be…

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How to Extend Your Holiday Fun Past Beggar’s Night to Halloween
Entertainment Events Family Celebrations & Holidays Local Guides

How to Extend Your Holiday Fun Past Beggar’s Night to Halloween

Nicole Opfer
September 27, 2019
0

Beggar’s Night tends to take a bit of the wind out of Halloween’s sail here in Central Iowa.  Once the neighborhood trick-or-treating is done, it can seem like the holiday is over. But, for true Halloween lovers, it doesn’t have…

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Halloween 2019: Events and Activities for Des Moines Kids
Events Family Celebrations & Holidays Local Guides

Halloween 2019: Events and Activities for Des Moines Kids

Nicole Opfer
September 26, 2019
1

You don’t have to go too far to find faBOOlous Halloween happenings. The month of October is filled to the brim with events and activities to keep your little ghouls entertained! We’ve got the skinny on spooky Halloween fun in Des…

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Halloween 2019: Trick-or-Treat & Trunk-or-Treat Events in Des Moines
Entertainment Events Family Celebrations & Holidays Local Guides

Halloween 2019: Trick-or-Treat & Trunk-or-Treat Events in Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
September 25, 2019
0

If you believe October is all about the costumes and the candy, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up a list of Halloween events happening this month in Des Moines and beyond that are all about the tricks…

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Beggar’s Night 2019: When to Trick or Treat in the Des Moines Metro
Events Family Celebrations & Holidays Local Guides

Beggar’s Night 2019: When to Trick or Treat in the Des Moines Metro

Nicole Opfer
September 20, 2019
0

Des Moines has a unique tradition of Beggar’s Night.  Rather than trick or treating on Halloween, local municipalities set their own dates of when kids can trick or treat (typically the night before Halloween).  To assist you with your trick…

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7 Things To Do With Tweens & Teens In DSM This Fall
Local Guides Parenting

7 Things To Do With Tweens & Teens In DSM This Fall

Nicole Opfer
September 19, 2019
0

When it comes to spending quality family time with teens and tweens, it can be more challenging to find fun activities that older kids will love. Thankfully, Des Moines has plenty of activities and events to keep them entertained. We’ve…

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Des Moines Kid n’ Play List: October 2019
Local Guides

Des Moines Kid n’ Play List: October 2019

Nicole Opfer
September 18, 2019
0

October brings us the second most popular holiday of the year.  Just to help you mix it up we’ve included events on our October Play List that are not about Halloween. Of course, if fall festivals and pumpkin patches are what you’re craving,…

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Fun Things to Do With Kids When They Have a Day Off of School this Fall
Attractions Local Guides

Fun Things to Do With Kids When They Have a Day Off of School this Fall

Nicole Opfer
September 13, 2019
0

Kids love days off from school! Parents? Not so much. Trying to figure out how to fill the day takes a little planning. We’re here to help!  We sat down and came up with some engaging events and activities that…

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30 Ways to Celebrate Fall in Des Moines
Attractions Local Guides

30 Ways to Celebrate Fall in Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
September 11, 2019
0

Des Moines is the place to be this fall. From pumpkin patches and scenic foliage drives to spooky haunted houses and fun festivals, we’ll help you put the awesome in autumn this year. The crisp air of fall signals that…

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Best Family Theater in Des Moines This Fall – 2019 Edition
Arts & Culture Entertainment Indoor Activities Local Guides

Best Family Theater in Des Moines This Fall – 2019 Edition

Nicole Opfer
September 5, 2019
0

Fall marks the start of a new season at local theatres in Des Moines and it’s a great time to introduce children to the magic of the stage. With so many great performances this fall, there is no better opportunity…

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Pumpkin Patches Near Des Moines – 2019 Edition
Attractions Business Local Guides Outdoor Activities

Pumpkin Patches Near Des Moines – 2019 Edition

Nicole Opfer
September 4, 2019
0

Nothing says fall (or Halloween) quite like a pumpkin. When these festive gourds start appearing on front stoops and in windows across central Iowa, you know autumn really has arrived. This year, skip the grocery store pumpkins and take a day…

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Apple Orchards Near Des Moines – 2019 Edition
Attractions Food Local Guides Outdoor Activities

Apple Orchards Near Des Moines – 2019 Edition

Nicole Opfer
August 30, 2019
0

Starting just after Labor Day weekend and continuing through the fall, orchards in Central Iowa offer families the chance to pick their own apples. Many apple picking orchards also host cool kids’ attractions including: hayrides, petting zoos with barnyard animals,…

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Upcoming Events
Dec
10
Tue
9:00 am Imagination Playschool @ Pioneer Columbus Community Center
Imagination Playschool @ Pioneer Columbus Community Center
Dec 10 @ 9:00 am
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Fees: Cost is $1.50 daily for 1 yrs. and older to attend. Ages: Children 7 and under Looking to inspire your little ones imagination and get them moving? Join us at Pioneer Columbus Community Center...
9:00 am Open Play Time @ Backyard Adventures of Iowa
Open Play Time @ Backyard Adventures of Iowa
Dec 10 @ 9:00 am
Open Play Time is Monday thru Friday 9am to 3pm. Weekdays are for Open Play Time, so come play in our indoor Showroom where the weather is always perfect. Bring your friends for a play date or just come to...
9:00 am Public Tour @ The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Public Tour @ The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Dec 10 @ 9:00 am
THE WORLD FOOD PRIZE HALL OF LAUREATES tells a story in every room – from the building’s rich history as the Des Moines public library, to the Foundation’s celebrated agricultural and humanitarian pioneers there is something for every visitor. Built in 1903,...
9:00 am Santa’s Wonderland @ Bass Pro Shops
Santa’s Wonderland @ Bass Pro Shops
Dec 10 @ 9:00 am
Santa Photos, Crafts, Games & Activities November 17-31 FREE Photo with Santa (Bass Pass Required) FREE Crafts FREE Games & Activities Weekdays 5–8PM 5–7PM Open to Close Saturday 10AM–8PM NOON–5PM Open to Close Sunday 10AM–5PM NOON–5PM Open to Close Special Hours –...
9:30 am Boxcar Drive In: Winter Edition @ Johnston Public Library
Boxcar Drive In: Winter Edition @ Johnston Public Library
Dec 10 @ 9:30 am
Come join us to build a car out of a box with your child. Boxes and supplies to decorate your “car” will be provided. Then enjoy snow themed snacks and short film. So drive on over to the library! For...
9:30 am Press Play! @ Johnston Public Library
Press Play! @ Johnston Public Library
Dec 10 @ 9:30 am
Come and play with your child. Each week we will offer different types of play prompts, sensory bins, & books to share. Press Play! is geared towards kids 18 months-4 years. No registration is necessary.
9:30 am Teddy Toddler Story Time @ Clive Public Library
Teddy Toddler Story Time @ Clive Public Library
Dec 10 @ 9:30 am
Toddlers age 3 and younger (with an adult, siblings welcome) Tuesdays 9:30, 10:00 a.m. Thursdays 9:30, 10:00 a.m. Fridays 9:30, 10:00 a.m. Enjoy this 20-minute program with your toddling teddy bear. This is bonding time for you and your child....
9:30 am Toddler Time @ Grimes Public Library
Toddler Time @ Grimes Public Library
Dec 10 @ 9:30 am
Sing songs, listen to stories, and make a simple craft with friends at the library! Recommended for ages 18 months to 3 years old, with a caregiver. No registration required. Toddler Time repeated at 9:30 AND 10am.
10:00 am Bargain Tuesdays @ Fridley Theatres
Bargain Tuesdays @ Fridley Theatres
Dec 10 @ 10:00 am
Every Tuesday, at all Fridley Theatre locations, we offer discounted admission for all tickets purchased online or at the box office. Plus, you will receive a FREE 46 oz. bag of popcorn with any beverage purchase! Tuesday discounted admission prices:...
10:00 am Discount Day @ Century 20 Jordan Creek and XD
Discount Day @ Century 20 Jordan Creek and XD
Dec 10 @ 10:00 am
Tuesday is Discount Day at Century 20 Jordan Creek and XD All Films Discounted, All Day at Participating Theatres Discount Day offer not valid for new movies on opening day. Offer not valid for specially priced engagements. Offer not valid...
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