Fun Things to Do With Kids When They Have a Day Off of School this Fall

Fun Things to Do With Kids When They Have a Day Off of School this Fall

Kids love days off from school! Parents? Not so much. Trying to figure out how to fill the day takes a little planning. We’re here to help!  We sat down and came up with some engaging events and activities that kids (and parents) can enjoy on their day off from school this fall in Des Moines. 

For even more ideas, be sure to visit our Events Calendar and Fall Fun Guide

9 things kids can do on a day off from school in Des Moines:

Visit a local u-pick farm.

It’s fall after all, why not visit a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch (which are open until the end of October) and let your kids “pick” their favorite seasonal produce? Admission and prices to farms and the attractions they offer vary widely. Be sure to check the orchard’s or farm’s website for all the details including their hours of admission, as not all locations are open every day of the week.

Play tourist at a local attraction. 

There are plenty of fun and interesting attractions to visit across the Des Moines metro. Some fun options include: The Science Center of Iowa, Blank Park Zoo and The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.  To save a few bucks on admission, visit your local library and check out an Adventure Pass. And, be sure to check out the attraction’s hours before heading out.  For example, the Science Center is closed on Mondays during the school year. 

See a movie.

Days off from school are made for going to the movies.  And, fall is typically a good time to go with new flicks hitting the big screen.  Mix up your movie outing by checking out a new theatre.  We’ve got a great list for you to check out here.  To help you with a movie pick, here’s a few kid friendly titles coming out in fall of 2019: “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” – October 18; “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” – October 18; “The Addams Family” – October 18; “Charlie’s Angels” – November 1; “Ford vs. Ferrari” – November 15;  and “Frozen 2” – November 22.

Eat lunch or breakfast out.

Getting out of the house for a meal can be a big win for everyone.  Of course, you get out of meal prep and clean up, but it’s also a great time to slow down and spend time with your kiddos.  Let them choose the place and they’ll even be more into the outing.  To make eating out a little more economical be sure to use up all those restaurant gift cards or coupons or check out our Kids Eat Free list for a good deal. 

Fun Things to Do With Kids When They Have a Day Off of School this Fall – dsm4kids.com

Get crafty and creative.

If you want to get away from the house for a bit, check to see what classes or activities are being offered at local pottery and art studios.  Depending on the type of arts and crafts your child is interested in, there’s a little something for everyone.  Here are some great places where kids can get crafty and creative in Des Moines: AR Workshop – Ankeny, Boards & Brush – Clive, Art Happy – Grimes and Painting with a Twist – Urbandale.

Visit a museum that has FREE admission.

Museums are a great way to spend a day off from school, especially during the fall, when the weather can be finicky. Luckily, a few museums in Des Moines offer FREE admission all the time.  Museums to put on your FREE admission list include: The Des Moines Art Center, Iowa History Museum, Polk County Heritage Gallery and Wells Fargo Museum.   

Stay active.

If you’re looking to keep your kiddos off the couch and keep their mind and body engaged on their day off, there’s several fun activities you can do as a family.  Some fun outdoor activities include hiking, bike riding and playing mini-golf.  Fun indoor activities that keep kids moving include: bowling, rock climbing and playing at an indoor play space.

Spend the day volunteering.

Volunteering as a family is always a rewarding experience.  Play to your family’s strengths and choose to volunteer with an organization that appeals to your kiddo’s interests.  A few places where kids can volunteer in the Des Moines area include Bidwell Riverside, Polk County Conservation, Clive Community Services and Waukee Christian Services

 

 

What are you planning do you do with your kids when they have a day off from school this fall? Let us know in the Comments below!