Find an updated list of 2021 fall activities here.
The arrival of autumn usually gets everyone in the mood to celebrate. To herald in the season, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite must-do activities in September, October, and November. There’s something for kids of all ages and stages to enjoy during busy, beautiful autumn in Des Moines. Bonus, we even threw in a few FREEbies.
For even more ideas for things to do with your family—safely, of course—be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide and Events Calendar.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, some of the following venues and events may have adjusted their hours or programming. Please check with your destinations in advance to confirm your activity. 
Here’s 30+ things to do with your kids this fall in Des Moines:
- Welcome the new season by embarking on a Fall Equinox Hike with Polk County Conservation. This FREE hike will explore Fort Des Moines Park on September 22, 2020.
- Embrace the great outdoors by participating in the Virtual Iowa Outdoor Expo for Kids and Families. Iowa DNR will be offering several FREE virtual workshops throughout the month of September.
- Head out on a fall nature scavenger hunt and find all of the ways nature is preparing for winter.
- Learn about the annual monarch migration by tagging butterflies.
- Clive Parks & Recreation’s Youth Fishing Derby offers a chance to learn a new skill. They’ll provide the gear for kids ages 6-10 on September 23 and ages 11-14 on September 24, 2020.
- Stock up on plenty of fresh, ripe finds right from the tree. U-pick apples are available from early September to the end of October.
- Head to Indianola’s Log Cabin Day Festival! This one-day event features a parade, Heritage Village open house, tractor and farm equipment display, kids’ activities and more on September 26, 2020.
- West Des Moines’ signature fall event Illumifest RevAMPed will take place over three evenings in September. Expect food trucks, lantern painting, live music, an outdoor movie and fireworks.
- Autumn in Des Moines means a trip to the pumpkin patch. Find the perfect pumpkin to carve or decorate at a local central Iowa farm.
- Schedule a guided horseback ride or wagon ride with Jester Park Equestrian Center for a day of fall fun and exploration.
- The City of Clive is hosting a Sunday Drive In Movie. Watch Despicable Me 3 in the Aquatic Center parking lot on September 27, 2020.
- Roll out the red carpet for birds migrating through the Des Moines area this fall.
- Let your kids show off their skills at a local skate park. The Des Moines metro offers several public-use skate parks designed for BMX, boarding and skating.
- Kick back and watch a flick under the stars at Waukee’s FREE Movie in the Park. October’s film is The Addams’ Family. October 2, 2020.
- The Pumpkin Express at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad features a train ride to a pumpkin patch. Costumes encouraged. October 3, 10 & 17, 2020.
- Disc golf is a fun and low-cost outing for families. Public courses across the metro welcome players of all ages to enjoy some friendly competition.
- Whether it’s National Taco Day (October 4, 2020), Taco Tuesday, or any day of the week, it’s a great day to sink your teeth into some tacos! Visit or order takeout from a local taco spot in Des Moines to celebrate.
- Get some fresh air and exercise together on a bike ride. There are plenty of scenic trails to discover together.
- National Fossil Day is October 14, 2020. Celebrate by visiting “Sue: The T.Rex Experience” at the Science Center of Iowa.
- Use your detective skills to decipher some of the Iowa Historical Museum’s more intriguing artifacts and historic images from your living room. The Museum’s popular History Mystery series has gone virtual this fall.
- Stroll or drive through a local Farmers’ Market and find one new food to try.
- Something tasty is heading to Des Moines this fall! Don’t miss this year’s newest hit tour – MasterChef Junior Live! on the Civic Center Stage on November 9, 2020.
- Camping is an essential fall experience. Pick one of these kid-friendly camping spots to set up your tent and spend a few nights.
- Spread a little love on World Kindness Day, November 13, 2020.
- Go exploring and celebrate National Take a Hike Day (November 17, 2020) on a fall foliage hike.
- Spend time stargazing. While a telescope can add to the fun, it costs nothing to explore the night sky!
- National Play Monopoly Day, November 19, 2020, is the perfect opportunity to host a family game night.
- Go explore a new-to-you local shopping district! A few of our favorites include Beaverdale, The Shoppes at Roosevelt and Valley Junction.
- Schedule a playdate! Fall brings many lovely days and it doesn’t cost you anything to get together with friends at a public park. Here are a few parks that are accessible and inclusive in Des Moines.
- Buy a pumpkin spice latte or other favorite fall treat.
What’s on your family’s fall 2020 bucket list? Let us know!
