Adventure Time in Des Moines, Iowa
Since deciding to leave my teaching job last year and stay home with my children, I knew we were going to get to explore more of this wonderful city.
Most mornings we try to get out and do something different around town. Some of our favorites include library storytimes, running through the skywalks downtown, and burning off energy at the Rec-Plex. We call this our Adventure Time.
It can be difficult to get out of the house with children but we are all in much better moods when we go and explore a different environment.
A few things we load the car up with …
- Snacks
- Water Bottles
- Stroller
- Random assortment of toys from toddler
Smokey Row
A must for Adventure Time: coffee. Normally, I’d bring a to-go cup from home but decided to stop by Smokey Row instead. Our plan was to head to Gray’s Lake. If you are coming downtown from 235, then Smokey Row is right on your way off Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy. The staff is friendly and quick and the coffee always hits the spot.
Gray’s Lake and Reichardt Family Nature Play Area
Part of my goal with Adventure Time is to get in some exercise for myself and the kids. They tend to need a little motivation for staying in the stroller so a park is always a good motivator. We parked at Gray’s Lake by the boat rental area. Took a few moments to watch a fisherman and soak in the skyline.
We took a short walk on the lake. Then we made our way through the tunnel under Fleur Drive to Lauridsen Amphitheater. Next to the Amphitheater is the Reichardt Family Natural Play Area.
We brought a bag full of sand toys and got to work in the sand area. The sand kept both of the kids occupied for over an hour! The sand comes off easily but a towel might be a good idea too. The bathrooms are located next to the park and are open too.
We climbed and balanced over the logs. Then huddled onto the big swing for a few peaceful moments under the warm(ish) March sky. With one final burst of energy, we ran around the stage of the Amphitheater.
With two tired-eyed children, we made our way home for lunch and naps. Next time, we will bring a picnic lunch to enjoy under the large pine trees or perhaps by the lake. We know warmer temperatures are coming so we look forward to more outdoor Adventure Times soon.
Plan Your Own Adventure Time
- Check Des Moines Parent App (Free!)
- Events for each day of the week!
- Map of Parks
- See if Muddy Boots has a program for you.
- Valley Community Center always has something fun going on.
- Take a look at your local parks and rec website.
