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!

Plan your holiday adventures with all of our fun guides including where to find Santa, where to pick the best tree, holiday shows, events, and so much more to welcome the season of fun!

 

Des Moines, Iowa, Santa, Christmas, holidays, holiday season, events, Santa ClauseLooking to see the big guy this holiday season? We have gathered all the best places to see him in the Des Moines metro.

Des Moines, indoor play, Rainbow of the Heartland, JouJou Des MoinesEnjoy Indoor Play in Des Moines. Take a look at our giant guide of places to play indoors!

 

 

Download and print off our FREE Holiday Bucket list. The Holiday season is always filled with Santa, lights, tree lightings, and so much more. See how many you can cross off!

 

Des Moines Parent Event Calendar

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

Explore the Outdoors!

Looking for a nearby park to explore? Take a look at our Interactive Park Map!

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, December 13th 2024 – Sunday, December 15th 2024 Every weekend there are…

South Karen Acres Park aka Rick Boals Park in Urbandale, Iowa

South Karen Acres Park aka Rick Boals Park in Urbandale, Iowa Rick Boals Park, also known as South Karen Acres Park, in Urbandale was revamped this fall. This tucked away,…

Celebrate the Season at Dome for the Holidays: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Celebrate the Season at Dome for the Holidays: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden The holiday season in Des Moines is always magical, but NEW this year is one of the…

A to Z Winter Guide of Family Friendly Activities Around Des Moines

A to Z Winter Guide of Family Friendly Activities Around Des Moines, Iowa At the Des Moines Children’s Museum, they are constantly asked what else Des Moines and surrounding communities…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…