Slowly but surely, drive-by birthday parades and socially distant celebrations are being replaced with traditional get-togethers once again. However, since kids under 12 can’t yet get vaccinated, there seems to be a spectrum of comfortability among friends and family. There are those who would like to maintain social distancing, and those who are ready and willing to go back to “normal.”
Hosting a birthday party outside may put parents and caregivers a little more at ease. Check out these post-pandemic party ideas that might convince those less-than-ready party guests to join you for the special occasion.
Here’s a few summer outdoor birthday party ideas for Des Moines kids:
Bounce in the Backyard
Bring a bounce house or inflatable obstacle course into your backyard for some high-flying fun. Along with a food table or party menu to keep their energy levels up, you may also want to provide some outdoor fun to keep guests cool with things like sprinklers or water balloons.
Hop-A-Lot Rentals – if you’re planning a backyard summer birthday party Hop-A-Lot Rentals can help you turn your little’s special day into a memory their guests won’t soon forget. They offer inflatables specifically for toddlers, bounce houses, slides, obstacles courses and inflatables with water options.
JP Party Rentals – is a professional party rental company serving the greater Des Moines area. Whether you’re looking for a bounce house, slide, or other party rental equipment, JP Party Rentals has got you covered.
Explore Nature
Do you have an outdoorsy, nature loving kiddo? If so, a nature themed birthday party might be just for them. Whether you’re thinking about hosting a party at a state or county park, at a picnic table in a local park, or your own backyard, the first step is to reserve a place in a natural setting. You can give your child’s special day some extra Mother Nature magic at the sweet central Iowa spots listed below.
Jester Park Nature Center & Outdoor Recreation Center – provides lots of opportunities for hosting an outdoor party. Rent a shelter and take the kids on a hike, go fishing, play at a playground or nature playscape and more.
Reiman Gardens – celebrate a birthday among flowers and butterflies! Reiman Gardens offers a Child’s Birthday Package which includes an activity packet and self-guided tour packet that allows you to organize fun games and activities for all your child’s party guests.
Seven Oaks Recreation – this may be more of an option for older kids, but summer is a great time to get out on the water. Seven Oaks provides you with equipment and a lift for kayakers, canoers and tubers. The float is approximately two to four hours, depending on how much you paddle versus float and how much you stop at sandbars.
Walk on the Wild Side
While nature parties have the razzle-dazzle of the outdoors, these parties know who the superstars truly are – critters. For all your animal-obsessed kids, summer is a spectacular time to pet, peruse and ride something besides the family dog. Here are some top spots for your party “animals.”
Blank Park Zoo – the zoo offers a few onsite birthday party options. Birthday parties are held year-round at the zoo with two choices of party locations in the summer including in their Water Lab or outside in the Small Pavilion.
Howell’s Greenhouse – had me at “baby goat cuddling”. If you haven’t taken your kids to do this, it should be on your bucket list and would absolutely make any birthday kiddos day! You can schedule a summer birthday party package any day of the week at Howell’s May through September 6, 2021. (They are closed on July 4th.)
Chasing Laurels Riding Instruction, Boarding & Training – horse loving kids would love a chance to saddle up on their favorite steed! Chasing Laurels will bring the party to your home, a local park, or you can host your party at their barn located in Waukee. They will provide the horses, tech, helmets and leaders. Parties can be customized to the location of the party and the needs of the party goers.
Be a Good Sport
A big, beautiful part of summer is the opportunity for your kids to break a sweat. And what better way to burn off all that birthday cake and sugar highs then by opting for a party that puts the “active” in activities?
Mini-Golf or Golf – visit our roundups of mini-golf courses or public golf courses in the Des Moines area for a list of fun venues to help you plan your mini Mickelson’s next birthday soiree.
Smash Park – how about a pickleball party?!? A fun sport that combines many elements of badminton, ping-pong and tennis is easy for kids to pick up and makes for a fun birthday party activity. Smash Park has a variety of spaces at their West Des Moines location that can accommodate just about any event.
Urbandale Parks and Recreation – if you’ve got a baller (think baseball or softball;) hosting a birthday party at a baseball or softball field would probably be a hit with your summer baby. You can rent the Walker Johnston softball fields Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 to 9:00 pm.
Pack a Picnic
For a relaxing and tasty summer birthday party, invite guests to a scenic picnic. Make your birthday kiddo’s favorite foods or ask guests to potluck. Whether you want a lakeside view or a spot in the wood, the Des Moines area has plenty of places to choose from. And the best part? Many of these places are free or inexpensive to visit, so your costs will mostly be for the food and any planned festivities. Below are our recommendations for a prime picnic party spot.
Terra Park – this Johnston park is in a lovely setting with a small lake surrounded by a great lawn. There is a picnic pavilion and other smaller shelters available for rent with play areas close by.
MacRae Park – is a perfect location for an urban picnic. There’s lots of green space and it’s up on a bluff with amazing views of downtown. There are picnic tables, enclosed and open-air shelters, a small pond, and a playground.
Keuhn Conservation Area – with 770 acres there’s plenty of space to spread out and be socially distant at Keuhn Conservation Area. This is a more primitive location, but there are a few picnic tables available. Guests may also want to do a little, bird watching, stargazing, or running through the prairie while they’re there.
Make a Splash
There’s no better way to stay cool during the summer than with a little water play. Of course, you don’t need a pool for a water party—sprinklers, blasters and even good ‘ol fashioned water balloons can all do the trick, but if you’d rather not host a bunch of sopping wet tots at your house, here’s a couple of our favs for splish’n and splash’n in Des Moines.
Outdoor Pools, Aquatic Centers and Spraygrounds – visit our roundup of water parks, aquatic centers, pools, splash pads, wading pools and spraygrounds in the Des Moines area for a list of fun venues to help you plan a fun party for your little tadpole and their pals.
Local Lakes & Beaches – visit our roundup of lakes that offer fun amenities like beaches, boat rentals, fishing, and more that will make your water bug’s special day even more special.
Spend a Day at the Fair
If you don’t want to head to the park or host out of your backyard, consider taking the kids to the local fair. With plenty of food, rides, and games, there’s entertainment to last them all day long. Just make sure you plan for parent chaperones to keep everyone safe!
Dallas County Fair – July 7-11, 2021, at the Dallas County Fairgrounds in Adel. Features a carnival with amusement rides and games, live entertainment, fun contests, a talent show, a pet show, tasty fair food and more. Fair Admission is FREE.
Warren County Fair – July 28 – August 2, 2021 at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Indianola. Features a carnival with amusement rides and games, live entertainment, kid’s activities and contests, a tractor pull, yummy fair food and more. Fair Admission is FREE.
Iowa State Fair – August 12-22, 2021 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on the east side of Des Moines. Renowned for it’s exhibits, grandstand performances and just about any food you can think of deep fried or served on a stick!
What is your favorite place for an outdoor birthday party in Des Moines? Let us know in the Comments!
