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.
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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 2026 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 wee,k we have it for you in this guide!
Eggs hunt, bunnies, and eggs everywhere. There are a ton of opportunities to hunt for eggs in Des Moines this Spring. Check out our list of Des Moines Easter Egg Hunts for 2026.
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
Enjoy Family Fun at Music in the Garden at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Sharing is caring! Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Save Email Enjoy Family Fun at Music in the Garden at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Looking for a perfect family-friendly event to…
Outdoor Movies in Des Moines
Outdoor Movies in Des Moines 2026 Take up your family movie nights a notch this summer! This is a favorite summer bucket list item and many of these outdoor movies…
Outdoor Concerts in the Des Moines Area 2026
Outdoor Concerts in the Des Moines, Iowa Area Enjoying summer concerts outdoors is one of our family’s favorite things to do. It is a great time for the entire family…
Outdoor Storytime in Des Moines
Outdoor Storytime in Des Moines 2026 The weather is warming up and there are several chances to enjoy outdoor storytime in Des Moines this summer. Bring a blanket, grab lunch, and…
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.
10+ Midwest Museums for Families
10+ Midwest Museums for Families The United States is filled with great museums. Did you know that just in the midwest there are over a dozen amazing museums? Whenever our…
Make Your Next Adventure an Art Hunt in Altoona
Make Your Next Adventure an Art Hunt in Altoona Ready to shake off the cold and get back outside? Altoona has your next epic family outing idea! As the weather…
10+ Things To Do in Norwalk, Iowa
10+ Things To Do in Norwalk, Iowa Norwalk is a booming community that is just a short drive from Des Moines. With its rolling hills and small town charm, it’s…
Family Guide to Gulf Shores, Alabama: An Easy Getaway from Des Moines
Family Guide to Gulf Shores, Alabama: An Easy Getaway from Des Moines ** This post was sponsored by Alabama’s Beaches and Gulf Shores. All thoughts and opinions are my own….