COVID-19 Guide

covid 19 Guide for des moines kids and parents

COVID-19 Guide for Des Moines Kids and Parents

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic began in Iowa back in 2020 and even now, it’s still hard for us not have coronavirus on our minds. As parents, there are so many changes that happened in our lives since then, from keeping our family and others safe by staying home or assisting remote learning with our children.

Back in March 2020, we created this page to help Des Moines area parents navigate the panemic. While more and more individuals are getting vaccinated, we still worry about our children under the age of 12 that do not qualify for the vaccine yet.

We rounded up information about the coronavirus pandemic for Des Moines parents, including prevention tips, family-safe activities and ways to help. Stay safe!

We’ll be updating information here regularly, so please check back often.

Important information & helpful links about the spread of COVID-19, including resources for talking to kids about COVID-19

Iowa Department of Public Health
Dallas County Health Department
Polk County Health Department
Warren County Health Services
CDC Household Preparation Guide
CDC’s Advice on Travel Within the US
United Way 211 Central Iowa Website
Global Information from the World Health Organization
Kid-friendly video explaining viruses and the new coronavirus.
NPR’s – Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
PBS – How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus

State of Iowa Mitigation Measures

Governor Reynolds declared a “State of Public Health Disaster Emergency” on March 17th, 2020. Find the most recent proclamation here.

The proclamation strongly encourages Iowans, businesses, and organizations to take reasonable public health measures consistent with guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Some COVID-19 Precautions Families Should Take

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home if sick.
• Clean and disinfect, frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay away from other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your area, especially for people who are at higher risk of getting sick.
• Wear a face mask if you’re not fully vaccinated and when you’re not able to social distance from others.

Current Closings & Event Cancellations in the Des Moines Area

Since late spring and early summer of 2021, most businesses and organizations have re-opened in central Iowa. We’re also excited to see the return of many of our favorite Des Moines area traditions like summer festivals and other family friendly events. Of course, as the pandemic continues, businesses may change their hours and mask requirments and events may be cancelled.  It’s a good idea to always to call ahead to confirm dates, times, location and other information before heading out, since circumstances may change. 

Things To Do at Home

While the stay-at-home order has been lifted in Iowa, social distancing and quarantining are still important practices to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Families might get bored staying at home, but there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities you can do at home to keep kids busy.

Indoor Activities

Start a Post-‘Rona Wish Jar for Your Family
Food for Thought
Fun Virtual Workouts to Keep the Family Fit While Stuck at Home
Fun Coloring Pages & Other FREE Printables by Des Moines Designers, Businesses & Organizations
Celebrating Kids’ Birthdays While Maintaining Social Distancing
Keep Connecting During Self Quarantine
On-Line Resources to Keep Kids Learning During the Coronavirus School Break
Activities to Keep the Kids Busy at Home During the Coronavirus School Break
Book Nook: Summer Read Aloud Books 4 Kids
5 Fun Indoor Activities to Get You Through Winter Break
100 Summer Boredom Busters 4 Kids
Fight the Summer Brain Drain in Des Moines
Go Go Yoga for Kids: Yoga Lessons for Children
25 Rainy Day Boredom Busters
Family Activity to Increase Gratitude & Positivity
How to Survive Winter with Little Ones

Outdoor Activities

Safe Outdoor Activities for Kids During COVID-19
Go Fly a Kite Des Moines!
Nature’s Beauty on Display at 12 Central Iowa Gardens
Geocaching in Des Moines
10 Outdoor Games 4 Kids in Des Moines
Explore Nature with Kids in Central Iowa
Go on a Family Bike Ride in Des Moines
Go On an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt this Fall with Your Kids
Des Moines Kids Are Wild About Pokémon Go
9 Parks 4 a Spring Walk in Des Moines

Healthy Habits & Life Skills for Kids and Support Organizations for Families

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Des Moines families are dealing with transitioning kids back to in-person learning. This has become a challenging time for parents and teachers as they try to navigate students in this new normal.

Tips for Soothing Kids When Getting Shots
Where To Get Tested For COVID-19 in the Des Moines Area
Helping Your Child Overcome Back to School Jitters
You’re Invited to Attend the First dsm Lifting The Veil Event of 2021 – Moms on the Edge!
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health This Winter During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Where to Find Face Masks for the Whole Family in Des Moines
Youth Emergency Services & Shelter (YESS): Caring for Kids & Families in Crisis in Des Moines
Summer 2020: Should I Sign My Kids Up for Summer Camp?
5 Ways to Support Des Moines Area Small Businesses While Stuck at Home
Des Moines Area Tutoring Centers
What to Consider Before Hiring a Tutor 4 Your Kid
When Are Kids Old Enough To Stay Home Alone?
To Do & Done: Chores 4 Kids at Various Ages
Charities That Help Kids and Families in Des Moines
Homeless Kids & Families in Des Moines