If you are like me then you will be enjoying another Spring Break here in Central Iowa. No beach or tropical drinks with a straw for me. So now the question becomes how will you keep the kids busy and survive the week? Here are some things that will hopefully keep the kids busy and you from going crazy:
- Jump Around – After a very long winter, your kids probably have a lot of pent-up energy. Help get it out of them by taking them to jumps. Lots of great places to choose from in Central Iowa. Check out this Hoppy list.
- Find Your Wild Side – No better place to get wild than at the Blank Park Zoo. You might not be able to wear shorts quite yet, but the kids will enjoy getting some fresh air while checking out both the indoor and outdoor exhibits at the zoo.
- Channel Your Inner Science – Check out some science-related exhibits at the Science Center of Iowa. There are loads of hands-on fun and live shows on special days of the week. Take a look at their daily schedule before you go!
- Skate Around – Another great option for burning up some energy is to take the kids skating. Here are 3 places for you to check out: MidAmerican Energy RecPlex, Johnston Towncenter, or Valley Plaza at the Valley Community Center. Take a look at our full guide to roller skating in the Des Moines area.
- Hit the Bass Pro Shop – Bass Pro Shop is much more than just a retailer. They have a 30,000-gallon freshwater aquarium stocked with over 400 fish native to the Midwest, a nautical-themed restaurant, and 12 bowling lanes.
- Check out Your Local Library – I love the library. They have books, music CDs, DVDs, and much more. The best part? It’s Free. Plus, most Central Iowa libraries have story times throughout the week for your kids.
- Slide and Swing – If things dry up enough and the weather is somewhat nice it means it’s time to hit the parks again! Here are a few of our favorites: Raccoon River Park, Union Park, American Legion Park, and Jester Park Natural Playscape.
- Take In a Movie – Lots of theaters to visit in Central Iowa. For show times and theaters click here.
- Go Bowling – I think the best part of bowling with your kids is the bumper rails. It makes your score better too! Take a look at our giant list of places to bowl in the Des Moines area.
- Get Tropical – Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and explore tropical plants in the dome.
- Explore Art – Head to Entirely Kids Day on March 16 at the Des Moines Art Center.
- Have a Staycation in Des Moines – Rent a hotel room at the Ramada Tropics Resort or Adventureland Inn do some swimming, order a pizza, and pretend you are on vacation far, far away.
- Get Your Irish On – Attend the St. Patrick’s Day parade downtown and then head home for some St. Paddy Day snacks and crafts. Take a look at our giant guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Des Moines.
- Check Out the Library – Urbandale Library has some great Spring Break Activities Planned!
- Check the Des Moines Parent Event Calendar! – It’s full of fun events going on every day!
