Best Spring and Summer Dates in Des Moines
The weather is warming up and love is in the air! As parents, it is important to take a break once in a while to rejuvenate and refocus on the person traveling this journey with you. Many of you are aware of our general Des Moines date ideas, but we are focusing on spring and summer! If the long, bleak winter months have made you and your partner stir-crazy, find a sitter, and try out one of these fun Spring and Summer dates in Des Moines, Iowa.
Take a look at some other fun date ideas in Des Moines below:
- Best Spring and Summer Dates in Des Moines
- Best Fall Dates in Des Moines
- Winter Date Night Ideas in Des Moines
- Date Night at Zoo Brew at Blank Park Zoo
- 8 Great Date Night Restaurants In and Around Des Moines
Cheer on the Iowa Cubs
Take in an I-Cubs game. Plaayyy ball! Yes, a baseball game is fun for the whole family, but it also becomes a pleasant summer date night (or mid-day date) when it’s just the adults. Access the Iowa Cubs 2023 Schedule here.
Dine on an Outdoor Patio
Patio dining is a must as the weather warms up and the Des Moines area has some marvelous patios from The Hall DSM, Iowa Taproom, and 300 Craft and Rooftop are just a few. These patios do not disappoint. They are a great way to enjoy some one on one time and maybe enjoy some hand-crafted cocktails. One of our personal favorites is Eatery A which offers the best happy hour in Des Moines.
Enjoy Some Thrills
Who says adults cannot enjoy some thrill rides? Grab your partner and head to Adventureland Amusement Park for some adult fun. Ride the roller coasters, swim at Adventure Bay water park, and enjoy some amusement park food and adult beverages including local craft beers. Who knew a theme park would allow us to let loose? This is the perfect place to act like a kid again.
Farmer’s Market
Check out a Farmer’s Market! Des Moines and surrounding communities are hosts to a plethora of incredible Farmer’s Markets, a setting that makes for a fun, relaxed, and easygoing outdoor date. At least one seasonal market can be found most days of the week with downtown Des Moines’ premier Farmer’s Market occurring Saturday mornings in the Court Avenue district of Downtown.
Get Physical
Get physical! Take your partner out for an active and fun-filled date at the batting cages, a golf course, or an outdoor game center like Smash Park. Smash Park is also home to Iowa’s largest outdoor patio and a great place for a summer date night or day date in Des Moines.
Get on the Water
Warmer weather brings sunny afternoons and opportunities for water activities. Both Gray’s Lake Park and Raccoon River Park offer canoe, kayak, and other watercraft rentals for you and your partner to get out and splash around! Gray’s Lake Park is a 167-acre park that offers many great activities including paved bike paths for a bike ride, free yoga and so many other fun ideas to create the best time together.
Iowa State Fair
We typically plan 1-2 days to the Iowa State Fair for the whole family, but how about a date night or day date at the Iowa State Fair? Enjoy live shows, amusement rides, ice cream, fair food, and the Iowa Beer Tent.
Local Festivals
Celebrate at one of the local spring and summer festivals. As the weather warms up, spring and summer festivals are in full swing offering something for everyone from live music with 80/35 and Hinterland with exciting pop and alternative tunes to CelebrAsian and the Latino Heritage Festival celebrating cultural diversity. There are so many festivals and fabulous events – you absolutely want to bring your partner and check them out.
Music in the Garden
Enjoy live music in the beautiful Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Bring your chairs and blankets! You will have a great time wandering the gardens and listing to music.
Pick Some Berries
Pick your own berries at an orchard. Central Iowa is home to several beautiful orchards and spring/summer is the perfect time to find bountiful blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and more. A day of date picking berries can be a relaxing and fun afternoon with a delicious end reward of fresh produce. We have gathered a list of the best places to pick berries in central Iowa.
See a Movie Under the Stars
Spread out a blanket, bring a bag of delicious snacks, and enjoy a movie. Des Moines offers movies under the stars in multiple local area parks. Hy-Vee Drive-In Theater is located in West Des Moines and Valle Drive-In is just a short trip to Newton, both offer shows regularly through the summer months.
Take in Art
The Des Moines Art Center is free admission all year round. Make a visit to walk through the galleries. Afterward, head outdoors to the Rose Garden and wander the gardens. Do not forget the Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park! Pack a picnic, and take in the art, and the beautiful downtown Des Moines skyline.
Take in New Heights
Enjoy Iowa as you have never seen it before! Boone Rail Explorers is a fun experience. Grab your partner and pedal along the Boone Railroad and take in the beautiful scenery.
Visit a Winery
Central Iowa is home to several incredible wineries that make for a fabulous summer date night away from the kiddos. Plan a summer sunset sipping wine with one of these local gems. Jasper Winery is one of our favorites to visit during the Summer. The Jasper Winery Concert Series is the perfect setting for a summer date night in Des Moines.
Volunteer Together
Giving back to the community together and helping a non-profit organization is a great bonding experience for partners and the Greater Des Moines Partnership boasts that Iowa’s volunteer rate ranks 4th in the nation!
Wander through Jester Park
Jester Park is a great date idea! They offer so many outdoor adventures including nature trails, the nature center, or learning new skills at the Jester Park Outdoor & Recreation Wellness Center.
Zoo Brew
Leave the kids at home and enjoy some adult beverages and animals at the Zoo Brew. The Blank Park Zoo offers this fun event every Wednesday during the Summer with live entertainment and local brews. A very fun way to enjoy the animals without kids.
