End of Summer Bucket List: 15 Things to Do in Des Moines Before School Starts

With the start of school just around the corner, we have everything you need to check off a few more items from your summer bucket list. From outdoor movies to summer day trip ideas, there’s still plenty of time to have a little summer fun and make some lifelong memories. Check out this list for all your end-of-summer bucket list ideas and more.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Des Moines before school starts. For more things to do in Des Moines this summer, check out our Summer Fun Guide and Events Calendar.

Here’s 15 things to do in Des Moines before the kids go back to school:

1. See an Outdoor Movie

Whether it’s a drive-in movie or a movie in the park, summer is the best time to catch a movie outdoors. Those long, warm nights only last for a few weeks out of the year. Treat the kids to an outdoor movie for a summer night they will never forget. Check out our list of Drive Ins & Outdoor Movies in the Des Moines Area.

2. Check Out a New Pool or Splash Pad

If you’ve been going to your local pool all summer, now is a great time to explore a new one. With a couple more weeks left in the swimming season, take the family out to explore a new pool in your area or even one that’s a short road trip away. Check out this list of Outdoor Aquatic Centers, Pools & Spraygrounds in the Des Moines Area.

3. Enjoy Some Water Sports

One of our favorite physical things to do in DSM each summer is rowing our way through one of the city’s waterways in a kayak, canoe or paddleboard.

4. Go Fishing

There’s just something special about a kid and a fishing pole in the summertime. Whether they catch a bass or some lake moss, the adventure is something they will never forget. Some great local swimming spots are located right in the city’s heart and nearby suburbs. Check out our round-up of kid-friendly fishing spots here.

5. Attend a Local Festival

Summer may be short here in Iowa, but it sure is jammin’ with festivals all season long. Hit up a local fair or festival to enjoy the waning days of summertime. Check out Summer Festivals in the Des Moines area that Are Fun for Kids and Families to find one near you.

6. Go to the Zoo

Summer at the zoo is a magical time. All the exhibits are open and there tend to be more activities and fun festivities happening. Check out our Tips 4 a Family Fun Day at Blank Park Zoo.

7. See a Concert

A concert is extra special when it’s outside in the summertime. You can enjoy music under the stars while kids get to jam and dance to their favorite music. For the ultimate list of family-friendly summer concerts, check out this list here.

8. Get Ice Cream

Summer and ice cream are one of the most iconic combinations of all time. You really can’t have one without the other. To help you check off this sweet treat from your summer bucket list we’ve rounded up some of the best ice cream shops for kids here.

9. Visit a Local Farm

Pick the final berries, visit your favorite animal one last time or start plotting your apple picking day trips at these local farms.

10. Go for a Bike Ride

Explore the city on two wheels with a family-friendly bike ride.

11. Take a Day Trip

A day trip is a great way to feel like you’ve traveled without the expensive hotel stay. You can pack up some road snacks and head out to a new city or even a new state while still making it home to sleep at night. Here are some of our favorite summer day trip picks near Des Moines.

12. Go to a Baseball Game

While school is still out, head on over to Principal Park to watch the I-Cubs. Kids will love watching the game in action almost as much as they will love all the stadium snacks!