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!

Fall in Des Moines, Iowa is full of fun activities and events. We have gathered all the fun in one place so you can plan your pumpkin patch and apple orchard trips this season. Bookmark this page as your #1 resource to guide you through Fall in Des Moines

Holiday Events, Christmas, Holiday shows, Des Moines Playhouse, Des Moines, Iowa, Central Iowa Keep track of holiday events that happen in Des Moines every holiday season, from promenades and Santa arrivals to seeing lights and more. Take a look at this list and plan your holiday season.

Des Moines is a city full of unique experiences and places to explore. Luckily, it does not need to cost a ton to explore everything Des Moines has to offer. Some of the best things are free! Read on to discover all the FREE things to do in Des Moines, Iowa.

Des Moines Parent Event Calendar

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

Explore the Outdoors!

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

Des Moines Parent Summer Camp Fair

Sharing is caring! Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Save Email Des Moines Parent Summer Camp Fair We’re back for year five … at a NEW Location! Save the date! The Des Moines…

Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in January

Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in January Don’t let the winter blues set in. Get outside and go ice skating, have a night out at Mixology, or…

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Friday, December 19th 2025 – Sunday, December 21st 2025 Every weekend there are amazing Fun Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa!…

Des Moines Indoor Play for Kids!

Des Moines Indoor Play for Kids! A giant list of Des Moines indoor play for kids to run, play, and burn off energy during the winter months. We have gathered…

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.

Family-Friendly Winter Fun in Door County, Wisconsin

Family-Friendly Winter Fun in Door County, Wisconsin Door County, Wisconsin, is a magical destination year-round, but it truly shines during winter. Whether you’re looking for festive holiday activities, outdoor adventures,…

The Durham Museum | History, Trains, Dinosaurs, Oh my!

The Durham Museum | History, Trains, Dinosaurs, Oh my! Omaha, Nebraska is only a few short hours away from home. Most recently, we have fallen in love with The Durham…

Holiday Parades in Central Iowa

Holiday Parades in Central Iowa 2025 The nights are long this time of year, and lighted parades are a joyful way to brighten the season. With various themes and activities…

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…