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 summer with all of our must-have guides including Discounted Kids Movies, Outdoor Live Music, Strawberry Picking, and more!
It is starting to heat up! Here is a list of FREE wading pools, fountains and spraygrounds in Des Moines.
Enjoy Indoor Play in Des Moines. Take a look at our giant guide of places to play indoors!
Download and print off our FREE Summer Bucket list. What are you going to do to keep the kids busy all summer? We have you covered! Our bucket list is filled with fun ideas to keep you and the kiddos busy all season long.
Explore the Outdoors!
Sign up for the annual Central Iowa Trek the Parks Challenge! 
Explore 30 parks over the Summer, submit your photos, and be entered to win prizes.
Looking for a nearby park to explore? Take a look at our Interactive Park Map!
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 May 17th, 2024 – Sunday May 19th, 2024 Every weekend there are…
Father’s Day in Des Moines
Father’s Day in Des Moines Father’s Day is a week away, falling on Sunday, June 16 this year. There are several ways to spend the day with your dad in…
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Mones in June
Top 8 Things To Do in Des Mones in June Hello Summer! June 20th is the official start of summer and a great time to make your summer bucket list….
Explore Village Park in Altoona, Iowa
Explore Village Park in Altoona, Iowa Village Park is one of our family’s favorite playdate parks on the east side of the metro. This park is inviting to all ages….
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.
Best Beaches in Iowa
Best Beaches in Iowa Iowa may be a landlocked state in the heart of the United States but we do have several lakes and beach destinations! It may not be…
Hidden Gem Breakfast Spots in Iowa
Hidden Gem Breakfast Spots in Iowa Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. We all know the importance of a tasty and fulfilling breakfast. For the past few months,…
Fun Places to See Animals in the Des Moines Area
Fun Places to See Animals in Des Moines, Iowa We love to see and play with animals whenever we can! Maybe it is my old veterinary technician heart shining through,…
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…