Skip to navigation Skip to content
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Subscribe to our Weekend Fun Guide
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
dsm4kids

dsm4kids

It's a perfect day to play!

Primary Menu
  • Articles
  • Calendar
    • Submit Event
  • Directory
    • Submit Directory
  • Kids Eat FREE
  • Seasonal Fun
    • Holiday Fun Guide
    • Winter Fun Guide
  • Play
    • Attractions
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Sports & Recreation
  • Learn
    • Arts & Culture
    • Camps & Classes
    • Health & Wellness
  • Eat & Shop
    • Food
    • Shopping
  • Explore
    • Local Guides
    • Travel
  • Party
    • Birthdays
    • Family Celebrations & Holidays
  • Home
  • Articles
  • Travel

Category: Travel

Travel opportunities for Des Moines families.

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…

Read More
5 Reasons You Don’t Want to Miss the Iowa State Fair
Attractions Entertainment Outdoor Activities Travel

5 Reasons You Don’t Want to Miss the Iowa State Fair

Nicole Opfer
July 11, 2019
0

Animals! Concerts! Thrill rides! Funnel cakes! Corn dogs! You know what that means!?  It’s almost time for the Iowa State Fair! The very first Iowa State Fair was held in 1854 and it remains THE best state fair to this…

Read More
7 Tips for Camping with Kids
Outdoor Activities Parenting Travel

7 Tips for Camping with Kids

Nicole Opfer
June 28, 2019
0

In the mood to get away and enjoy the great outdoors? Camping can be a fun inexpensive summer getaway, but if you’re not exactly the outdoorsy type (ahem, me), the very idea of going off the grid for the weekend…

Read More
Iconic Movie Landmarks You Can Visit IRL in Iowa
Arts & Culture Attractions Indoor Activities Outdoor Activities Travel

Iconic Movie Landmarks You Can Visit IRL in Iowa

Nicole Opfer
May 30, 2019
0

Looking for a unique day trip this summer? Des Moines may not be anywhere near Hollywood, but Iowa has played host to a variety of movies.  Summer is the perfect time to visit some of these legendary movie sites, that…

Read More
9 Kid-Friendly Spring Day Trip Ideas for DSM Families
Attractions Local Guides Things To Do Travel

9 Kid-Friendly Spring Day Trip Ideas for DSM Families

Nicole Opfer
March 1, 2019
0

By the time it’s spring, my family has reached its limits of winter-induced stir-craziness, especially after this winter.  Despite all that our fair city has to offer, we feel the need to get away from Des Moines, even if it’s just…

Read More
25 Perfect Fall Family Day Trips from Des Moines
Attractions Travel

25 Perfect Fall Family Day Trips from Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
September 14, 2018
0

With fall upon us, we’re craving more than just a change of seasons. Sometimes, fresh scenery—even just for a day—can do wonders to reboot and re-energize the whole family. Whether fall in your house means an afternoon harvesting nature’s bounty at…

Read More
Summer 2018: Can’t Miss County Fairs in Central Iowa
Events Local Guides Travel

Summer 2018: Can’t Miss County Fairs in Central Iowa

Nicole Opfer
June 21, 2018
0

Fair season in Iowa allows the perfect opportunity for FREE family fun. Whether you choose to attend the iconic Iowa State Fair or you opt for one of the smaller county fairs in the area, here are some of our top…

Read More
Lost Island: Family-Friendly Water Park in Waterloo
Attractions Travel

Lost Island: Family-Friendly Water Park in Waterloo

Nicole Opfer
June 14, 2018
0

A water park is hard to beat on a hot summer day! With summer’s heat on the horizon, I’m re-living the fun my family had at Lost Island Water Park in Waterloo last summer. We hardly noticed the blazing July temps…

Read More
Maquoketa Caves: Iowa’s Best Kept Secret
Attractions Outdoor Activities Travel

Maquoketa Caves: Iowa’s Best Kept Secret

Nicole Opfer
October 18, 2017
0

By Natalie Maughan Maquoketa Caves is a vast cavern of nature’s best playground found 40 minutes from Dubuque in eastern Iowa. This place is perfect for young toddlers as well as high school kids. My husband and I recently took…

Read More
Family Fun at the County Fair in Central Iowa
Events Outdoor Activities Travel

Family Fun at the County Fair in Central Iowa

Nicole Opfer
June 23, 2017
0

As we reach mid-summer, county fairs across Central Iowa will be taking place. Most people know county fairs have livestock like cows, pigs, horses, chickens and turkeys.  But they also have carnival rides, concessions, games and entertainment…packing a whole lot…

Read More
American Gothic House and Visitor Center
Attractions Travel

American Gothic House and Visitor Center

Nicole Opfer
May 13, 2017
0

By Natalie Maughan The American Gothic painting by Grant Wood is an American icon when it comes to artistic paintings. The world famous portrait of a farmer holding a pitchfork and his daughter looking sullen behind him as they stand…

Read More
2016 Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes Near Des Moines
Business Outdoor Activities Travel

2016 Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes Near Des Moines

Nicole Opfer
September 10, 2016
0

Find an updated list for 2019 pumpkin patches here. Pumpkin picking season is here which means it’s time to start mapping out which pumpkin patches you’re going to hit this year. And, since most of our area’s pumpkin patches also offer…

Read More
12 Tips for Tackling the Iowa State Fair with Kids
Attractions Events Outdoor Activities Travel

12 Tips for Tackling the Iowa State Fair with Kids

Nicole Opfer
July 23, 2016
0

Updated July 7, 2019 The Iowa State Fair runs August 8 through 18, 2019. If you have never been it’s definitely an experience you should not miss! Tackling the fair with little kids can be intimidating. Whether you’ve got toddlers…

Read More
Road Trip Tips and Activities 4 Kids
Travel

Road Trip Tips and Activities 4 Kids

Nicole Opfer
July 13, 2016
0

We will be packing up the family roadster and heading out on a week long road trip later this month.  We will be covering four states and about 2900 miles! Yes, we’re CRAZZZY! So… I’ve been looking for activities and…

Read More

Posts navigation

Older posts
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter
Receive our "Weekend Fun Guide" and we'll help plan your weekend with the best family events and activities in Des Moines.

Upcoming Events
Dec
13
Fri
2:00 pm Pony Express to Santa @ Jester Park Equestrian Center
Pony Express to Santa @ Jester Park Equestrian Center
Dec 13 @ 2:00 pm
Come join Santa and the ponies of JPEC for a magical holiday tradition! Children between the ages of 2-12 will ride their pony through a winter wonderland before meeting Santa Clause in his sleigh. Kids will have the chance to sit...
4:00 pm Hike and Hot Cocoa @ Jester Park Nature Center
Hike and Hot Cocoa @ Jester Park Nature Center
Dec 13 @ 4:00 pm
A cold December day is the perfect time to make yourself a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy National Cocoa Day. We’ll start the program with a brisk walk around Discovery Pond and end by enjoying a mug of hot...
5:00 pm $5 Family Night @ Science Center of Iowa
$5 Family Night @ Science Center of Iowa
Dec 13 @ 5:00 pm
The second Friday of each month from 5:00–8:00 pm, explore SCI with your family. Admission is just $5 per person! No need to grab dinner first… our Food Chain Cafe is open until 7:30 pm. For all ages.
5:00 pm Family Fun Night @ Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center
Family Fun Night @ Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center
Dec 13 @ 5:00 pm
Every Friday night starting November 15th through February, is Family Fun Night at Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., participants can access all the amenities at our newly renovated facility to play basketball, pickleball and...
5:00 pm Friday Pajama Party @ Glazed Expressions
Friday Pajama Party @ Glazed Expressions
Dec 13 @ 5:00 pm
PAJAMA PARTY IS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS! Just wear your REAL pajamas and get creative! Everyone who is wearing their pj’s will have FREE studio sessions for that evening! So grab your friends, bring any snacks or beverages you would...
5:30 pm Christmas Wonderland @ West Des Moines Christian Church
Christmas Wonderland @ West Des Moines Christian Church
Dec 13 @ 5:30 pm
The West Des Moines Christian Church will be celebrating the Christmas season with their 55th annual live nativity and Christmas Children’s Musical.  The entire family will enjoy this living nativity featuring costumed actors and live animals.
5:30 pm Make-A-Wish Foundation Of Iowa J... @ Adventureland
Make-A-Wish Foundation Of Iowa J... @ Adventureland
Dec 13 @ 5:30 pm
November 29 – December 30, 2019 – 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The Wish Shop will close after Dec. 23. The lights are closed on December 24 & 25. As the holiday approached the lights get busier. Reminder we are...
6:00 pm A Hogsmeade Holiday Party – Teens @ Indianola Public Library
A Hogsmeade Holiday Party – Teens @ Indianola Public Library
Dec 13 @ 6:00 pm
Teens, grades 6-12 Only. Pizza, butter beer, raffle prizes, Wizarding World Bingo, prizes, and so much more!
6:00 pm Drive-Thru Living Nativity @ Capitol City Church
Drive-Thru Living Nativity @ Capitol City Church
Dec 13 @ 6:00 pm
The Christmas event of the season, the Drive-Thru Living Nativity will feature live animals and actors.  The Grinch, Rudolph, Anna & Elsa, Buddy the Elf, Santa and many of your favorite holiday characters will also be there. Fun for the...
6:00 pm Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt @ Giovannetti Community Shelter
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt @ Giovannetti Community Shelter
Dec 13 @ 6:00 pm
It has been rumored someone has left candy canes and candy on the grounds around Giovannetti Community Shelter! Bring your bag and flashlight and come help us find them all! After collecting all the candy, enjoy hot cocoa inside the...
View Calendar
Search our Content
Winter Fun Guide
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Advertise
  • Calendar
  • Directory
  • About
  • Contact
  • Submit Event
  • Submit Directory
  • Submit a Story or Photo
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe to our Weekend Fun Guide
Copyright © All rights reserved.