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, Des Moines, Fall in Des Moines, fall festivals, apple orchards, pumpkin patchesFall 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 and keep coming back as we continue to add more guides and resources.

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.

Des Moines Parent Event Calendar

Plan your week and weekend in Des Moines with our FREE extensive event calendar!

Explore the Outdoors!

Interested in details for a specific park?Barrett Boesen Natural Playscape, natural playscape, Urbandale, parks, playgrounds 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, September 11th 2026 – Sunday, September 13th 2026 Every weekend there are…

Central Iowa Trek the Parks Challenge

Central Iowa Trek the Parks Challenge Des Moines Parent want you to get outside this summer and explore central Iowa. That is why we have created the ‘Central Iowa Trek…

Greenbelt Landing in Clive, Iowa

Greenbelt Landing in Clive, Iowa The Greenbelt Landing in Clive, Iowa has been transformed into a destination park! This transformation of almost 15 acres brings a performance stage and festival…

30+ Local Des Moines Coffee Shops You Should Check Out!

30+ Local Des Moines Coffee Shops You Should Check Out! Coffee is pretty much a necessity if you are a parent. These Des Moines local coffee shops are perfect for…

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.

Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Visit Gulf Shores, Alabama

Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Visit Gulf Shores, Alabama **This post is sponsored by Alabama’s Beaches. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not very good…

Central Iowa Trek the Parks Challenge

Central Iowa Trek the Parks Challenge Des Moines Parent want you to get outside this summer and explore central Iowa. That is why we have created the ‘Central Iowa Trek…

Beyond Hotels: The Most Unique Places to Stay in the Midwest

Beyond Hotels: The Most Unique Places to Stay in the Midwest If your family loves to travel but you are ready to move beyond the standard hotel room, this list…

Fall Festival at Bloomsbury Farm in Iowa

Fall Festival at Bloomsbury Farm in Iowa One of our favorite parts of fall is exploring fun seasonal festivals and farms. Whether it be swimming in a corn pool, taking…