Welcome to Des Moines Parent! We are your premier resource for all things to do in Des Moines and throughout the Midwest for parents and families. Our goal is to make it easy for you to connect with resources, meet other parents in our community, and support local.
We invite you to explore parenting topics, things to do, events to attend, places to travel, and more.
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Plan your adventures!
Fall in Des Moines, Iowa is full of fun activities and events. We have gathered all the fun in one place so you can plan your pumpkin patch and apple orchard trips this season. Bookmark this page as your #1 resource to guide you through Fall in Des Moines
Keep track of holiday events that happen in Des Moines every holiday season, from promenades and Santa arrivals to seeing lights and more. Take a look at this list and plan your holiday season.
Des Moines is a city full of unique experiences and places to explore. Luckily, it does not need to cost a ton to explore everything Des Moines has to offer. Some of the best things are free! Read on to discover all the FREE things to do in Des Moines, Iowa.
Explore the Outdoors!
Interested in details for a specific park?
We have you covered! We have detailed reviews for many parks across the Des Moines metro. Know all the details before you go!
Things to do in Des Moines
Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend
Sharing is caring! Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Save Email Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, November 21st 2025 – Sunday, November 23rd 2025 Every weekend there are…
Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Holiday Events in Des Moines 2025
Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Holiday Events in Des Moines 2025 Enjoy this list of inclusive and sensory-friendly holiday events for families. From meeting Santa, enjoying fun crafts engaging in holiday-themed…
Lions Park – A Treasure in Urbandale, Iowa
Lions Park – A Treasure in Urbandale, Iowa Lions Park in Urbandale recently upgraded their playground to go with their amazing splash pad! This park offers so much that it…
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in December
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in December All our favorite holidays events are back including Holiday Hullabaloo, Christkindlmarket and the Holiday Promenade. Enjoy these plus some new…
Travel
We love the 515 but there are many great places to travel to in Iowa and throughout the Midwest. Take a look at some of our places to visit and plan your next family adventure! For all the travel reviews, check here.
Winter Wonderscape Experience at Reiman Gardens
Winter Wonderscape Experience at Reiman Gardens Reiman Gardens located in Ames, Iowa near, Iowa State University, is a year-round attraction many families think of visiting during the warmer months, but…
Winter Adventure to the Ice Castles in Minnesota
Winter Adventure to the Ice Castles in Minnesota Frozen fans unite! Grab the whole family and head north for this fun winter adventure among giant ice formations. You will quickly…
14 Ways to Enjoy the Christmas Magic in Branson, Missouri
14 Ways to Enjoy the Christmas Magic in Branson, Missouri ** I received free lodging and expenses paid for this visit to Branson, but all thoughts and opinions are my…
The Holidays at St. Louis Union Station
The Holidays at St. Louis Union Station If you have young kids (or not) enjoying the Polar Express experience is a bucket list item. There are many experiences all over…
