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!
Hear the birds chirping? Is the snow melting? I feel spring appearing in Des Moines, Iowa! Des Moines offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the indoors and outdoors during spring in Des Moines. We have guides to guide you through Spring Break, Easter egg hunts, Earth Day, indoor play fun, favorite parks, and more. Bookmark this fun guide for Spring in Des Moines fun!
Summer is just around the corner and many families are busy planning for an
unforgettable summer in the Des Moines metro. The 2025 Summer Camp Directory is full of fun-packed day camps in the Des Moines area. This directory will help guide you to plan the ultimate camp experience for your child. Whether your children are looking for a summer day camp, outdoor, hands-on experiences, outdoor explorations, science experiments, learning new skills, fun games, overnight camp, or a different theme each week we have it for you in this guide!
Des Moines, Iowa 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.
Enjoy Indoor Play in Des Moines. Take a look at our giant guide of places to play
indoors!
Winter is here in Iowa! Do not get cooped up inside. Take a look our GIANT A to Zo Guide of Family Friendly Activities to do in and around Des Moines. PLUS, a FREE download to print off and color as you cross things off your list. Ready to have fun exploring Des Moines during the Winter months?
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, April 18th 2025 – Sunday, April 20th 2025 Every weekend there are…
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in May
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in May Tulips are blooming, spring is settling in, and we hope Iowa decides to take a break from the wind. While…
Walk Through Spring Flowers in the Des Moines Metro
Walk Through Spring Flowers in the Des Moines Metro April showers, bring May flowers! Some may be blooming before May depending on the crazy Midwest weather. There are many great…
Now Open! Shoot 360 Des Moines
Shoot 360 Des Moines My oldest son loves basketball and has fun playing on a team. He also enjoys shooting hoops with friends at home, but now there’s a fun…
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.
Year-Round Family Adventures in Galena, Illinois
Planning a family getaway to Galena, Illinois? Galena is the perfect destination for family adventures all year round! No matter the season, Galena is packed with family-friendly activities. Take a…
Rail Explorers in Central Iowa
Take in Breathtaking Views of the Des Moines River Valley with Rail Explorers in Central Iowa If you think Iowa is boring, you are wrong! One thing I have learned…
Visiting the Quaint City of Pella, Iowa
You may know the city of Pella, Iowa, for their annual Pella Tulip Time Festival. But Pella is a great place to visit even when tulips are not in bloom. We spent a lovely day exploring downtown and learning about Pella history.
Places To Go In The Midwest This Summer
Places To Go In The Midwest This Summer Planning summer vacations is tough: working around sports and activities, school ending and starting, making sure there is enough PTO to cover…
