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Category: Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities for kids and families in Des Moines, IA.

Winter Sports Guide: Snow Shoeing, Skiing, Snow Tubing and More Near Des Moines
Attractions Outdoor Activities Sports & Recreation

Winter Sports Guide: Snow Shoeing, Skiing, Snow Tubing and More Near Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
December 20, 2024
0

Think cool, fresh air against your cheeks, hot cocoa around the fire, and quality outdoor time with your kids!  Participating in or trying out a new winter sport is the perfect cure for cabin fever and the winter doldrums. For…

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The Best Sledding Hills in the Des Moines Area
Local Guides Outdoor Activities Sports & Recreation

The Best Sledding Hills in the Des Moines Area

Nicole Opfer
December 19, 2024
0

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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Read This, Do That This Winter in Des Moines
Arts & Culture Attractions Education Entertainment Indoor Activities Outdoor Activities

Read This, Do That This Winter in Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
December 12, 2024
0

Winter in Des Moines is a magical time for both reading and exploring local attractions. By pairing a great winter-themed book with an exciting local outing, you can create fun and memorable experiences for the whole family. Here’s how you…

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25 FREE Things to Do with Your Kids Over Winter Holiday Break in Des Moines
Arts & Culture Attractions Camps & Classes Family Celebrations & Holidays Indoor Activities Local Guides Outdoor Activities

25 FREE Things to Do with Your Kids Over Winter Holiday Break in Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
December 11, 2024
0

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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Winter Holiday Break Survival Guide for Des Moines Families
Arts & Culture Attractions Business Camps & Classes Childcare Clubs & Organizations Indoor Activities Outdoor Activities Parenting

Winter Holiday Break Survival Guide for Des Moines Families

Nicole Opfer
December 4, 2024
0

Winter break is just around the corner, and while the season might bring chilly temperatures, Des Moines offers a plethora of exciting camps and activities to keep your kids engaged and entertained. Don’t let the winter blues set in—explore the…

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Fun Ways to Celebrate the Winter Solstice With Des Moines Kids
Arts & Culture Family Celebrations & Holidays Indoor Activities Outdoor Activities

Fun Ways to Celebrate the Winter Solstice With Des Moines Kids

Nicole Opfer
November 21, 2024
0

The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, is a magical moment that marks the transition to longer days and the return of sunlight. In 2024, the solstice falls on Saturday, December 21. Celebrate this special day with your…

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Experience Gift Ideas for Des Moines Kids
Arts & Culture Attractions Camps & Classes Entertainment Family Celebrations & Holidays Indoor Activities Outdoor Activities Shopping Sports & Recreation

Experience Gift Ideas for Des Moines Kids

Nicole Opfer
November 15, 2024
0

Does it feel like your kids already have more toys and stuff than they know what to do with? Experience gifts can be a great gift option not only for kids, but parents and other gift-givers too. With an experience…

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Holiday Lights & Christmas Displays in Des Moines
Family Celebrations & Holidays Local Guides Outdoor Activities

Holiday Lights & Christmas Displays in Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
November 14, 2024
0

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
Family Celebrations & Holidays Local Guides Outdoor Activities

Christmas Tree Farms Near Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
November 13, 2024
0

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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Thanksgiving Weekend Events for Kids and Families in Des Moines
Family Celebrations & Holidays Indoor Activities Outdoor Activities Shopping

Thanksgiving Weekend Events for Kids and Families in Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
October 25, 2024
0

The Thanksgiving holiday break is nearly here and with it comes a LONG holiday weekend! Whether you’re entertaining out-of-towners, or enjoying a family staycation, we’ve got you covered. From sports events to fun holiday happenings and a sprinkling of family-friendly…

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Explore Downtown Des Moines This Fall
Arts & Culture Attractions Business Entertainment Events Indoor Activities Local Guides Outdoor Activities Shopping

Explore Downtown Des Moines This Fall

Nicole Opfer
October 23, 2024
0

Downtown Des Moines comes alive in the fall, offering a perfect mix of entertainment, culture, and seasonal fun. From exciting performances at the Civic Center and Iowa Events Center to the bustling energy of First Fridays in the Historic East…

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Celebrating Diwali with Your Family in Des Moines
Arts & Culture Education Events Family Celebrations & Holidays Food Indoor Activities Outdoor Activities

Celebrating Diwali with Your Family in Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
October 4, 2024
0

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. This year, Diwali will be celebrated from November 1 to November 5, 2024, with the main festival day falling on November 3. Families in Des Moines can…

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Haunted Houses in the Des Moines Area
Arts & Culture Attractions Entertainment Family Celebrations & Holidays Indoor Activities Local Guides Outdoor Activities

Haunted Houses in the Des Moines Area

Nicole Opfer
October 2, 2024
1

Nothing says Halloween like a spooky haunted house, and the Des Moines area is teeming with top-tier haunted houses and scream parks. Many of them feature Hollywood-quality makeup and special effects, offering thrilling experiences that are perfect for teens looking…

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Beggar’s Night 2024: Where & When Kids Can Trick or Treat in the Des Moines Area
Family Celebrations & Holidays Local Guides Outdoor Activities

Beggar’s Night 2024: Where & When Kids Can Trick or Treat in the Des Moines Area

Nicole Opfer
September 27, 2024
0

Due to severe weather, many Beggar’s Nights have been postponed.  Please check with your municipality to confirm when kids can trick-or-treat in your community. If you’re new to the Des Moines area, you may be asking yourself… what’s Beggar’s Night? …

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Upcoming Events
Jun
10
Tue
4:00 pm Sensory-Friendly Hours @ Science Center of Iowa
Sensory-Friendly Hours @ Science Center of Iowa
Jun 10 @ 4:00 pm
Sensory-Friendly Hours provide a quieter, less crowded SCI experience for families with children on the autism spectrum. The Science Center of Iowa is an exciting place, bustling with sights and sounds… but we provide a quieter, less crowded experience. Families with children...
Jul
3
Thu
8:30 pm Yankee Doodle Pops @ Iowa State Capitol - West Terrace
Yankee Doodle Pops @ Iowa State Capitol - West Terrace
Jul 3 @ 8:30 pm
Join us for the Des Moines Symphony’s 31st annual Yankee Doodle Pops, Iowa’s largest single-day concert event! This family-friendly, patriotic concert concludes with the area’s premier fireworks display over the downtown Des Moines skyline, and best of all, it’s free....
Jul
4
Fri
5:00 pm First Friday @ Mainframe Studios
First Friday @ Mainframe Studios
Jul 4 @ 5:00 pm
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public. Visit their Facebook...
Jul
8
Tue
4:00 pm Sensory-Friendly Hours @ Science Center of Iowa
Sensory-Friendly Hours @ Science Center of Iowa
Jul 8 @ 4:00 pm
Sensory-Friendly Hours provide a quieter, less crowded SCI experience for families with children on the autism spectrum. The Science Center of Iowa is an exciting place, bustling with sights and sounds… but we provide a quieter, less crowded experience. Families with children...
Aug
1
Fri
5:00 pm First Friday @ Mainframe Studios
First Friday @ Mainframe Studios
Aug 1 @ 5:00 pm
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public. Visit their Facebook...
Sep
5
Fri
5:00 pm First Friday @ Mainframe Studios
First Friday @ Mainframe Studios
Sep 5 @ 5:00 pm
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public. Visit their Facebook...
Oct
3
Fri
5:00 pm First Friday @ Mainframe Studios
First Friday @ Mainframe Studios
Oct 3 @ 5:00 pm
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public. Visit their Facebook...
Nov
7
Fri
5:00 pm First Friday @ Mainframe Studios
First Friday @ Mainframe Studios
Nov 7 @ 5:00 pm
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public. Visit their Facebook...
Dec
5
Fri
5:00 pm First Friday @ Mainframe Studios
First Friday @ Mainframe Studios
Dec 5 @ 5:00 pm
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public. Visit their Facebook...
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