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…
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Travel opportunities for Des Moines families.
12 Tips for Tackling the Iowa State Fair with Kids
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 MoreRoad Trip Tips and Activities 4 Kids
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 MoreTips 4 a Family Fun Day at Reiman Gardens
Updated for 2023. If it weren’t for your kids, would you still take time to stop and smell the roses? Treat your little nature lovers (and yourself) to an idyllic escape via a visit to the gorgeous Reiman Gardens, where…
Read MoreEnjoy Old-Fashioned Fun at the County Fair
There is something old-fashioned and quintessentially “summer” about going to a county fair. Even if you didn’t grow up in the country, a visit to a county fair can make you feel like a kid again. You’ll also be happy…
Read MoreDay Trip to the Shops at Roosevelt
Located on the western edge of downtown, The Shops at Roosevelt and the Roosevelt Cultural District brings local charm into the “big” city. Once you’ve made your way off of 235 to 42nd Street, please, don’t let the strip mall façade…
Read MoreTop Field Trip Destinations 4 Students in Des Moines
“We’re going on a field trip!” Music to the ears of most students. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Travel Association and reported by the National Education Association a large percentage of students indicated that educational field trips…
Read MoreTips 4 a Family Fun Weekend at Honey Creek Resort
Updated for 2022 The tropics have come to south central Iowa! Well, kinda. If you’re looking for humid temperatures, beach chairs and water play, you can head to Honey Creek Resort State Park at Rathbun Lake. It’s a great weekend…
Read More10 Children’s Museums in (or Near) Iowa
Updated for 2022 The kids are going to need somewhere to burn off some of their extra energy this winter. Iowa has several fantastic museums, many of them pure kid nirvana: places with interactive exhibits, cool experiments, live animals, and…
Read MoreWinter Driving with Kids
As I write this we are experiencing our first winter weather advisory of the season and as the holidays approach, more of us will be out on the road. Unfortunately, three of the deadliest days on our roads are Thanksgiving,…
Read MoreFall Day Trips From Des Moines
Although Des Moines has oodles of opportunities for enjoyment this fall, several communities within driving distance of our great city provide a memorable day trip, especially for an out-of-town visitor just getting to know Central Iowa.
Read MoreTips 4 a Family Fun Day at Center Grove Orchard
Updated for 2022 It’s a bit of a drive from Des Moines, but the trip to Center Gove Orchard along Iowa’s backroads is well worth setting aside the day for. Kiddos and families will enjoy picking apples and the many farm…
Read MoreOld Schoolhouses 4 Kids in Central Iowa
Before your kids head back to school, take a trip back in time and explore one of the area’s old schoolhouses. Present Day youngsters can experience firsthand the life of school kids over 100 years ago.
Read MoreBook Nook: Audio Books 4 Family Road Trips
If you’re like many families heading out on the highway for their annual summer vacay, you’re in need of some in-car entertainment. Nothing will make the miles tick by like a great audiobook. When I was a “road warrior” in…
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