Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers: Indigo Park Tour
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Bruce Hornsby brings his eclectic mix of pop, bluegrass, and jazz piano to the historic Hoyt Sherman stage.
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Things to do in Des Moines, IA with kids
Family activities in Des Moines, IA right now: kid-friendly events the whole family will like, restaurants that can handle a toddler, and weekend ideas that work around nap windows.
11 hand-picked things to do in Des Moines, IA right now · 5 with confirmed dates
How we pick family-friendly spots
- Stroller- and toddler-friendly venues with room to move
- Weekend and daytime timing that works around nap windows
- Kids-eat-here restaurants over date-night-only rooms
🍂 This Weekend in Des Moines, IA
Live music, outdoor autumn strolls, and cultural happenings
Fall Foliage Walk at Jester Park
Crisp October air makes this lakeside park north of the city prime territory for spotting changing autumn leaves and local wildlife along the shore.
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Girl in a Coma at xBk Live
Catch an intimate live rock performance in the heart of the historic Waveland Park neighborhood venue.
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Plan a family trip to Des Moines, IA
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🎪 Happening Today
Events and things to do this Sunday afternoon in Des Moines
Ringling Bros B&B: The Greatest Show on Earth
Experience the reimagined family spectacle featuring high-flying acrobats, daring feats, and modern circus arts.
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512: The Selena Experience
A high-energy tribute celebrating the timeless music, style, and legacy of the Queen of Tejano music.
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✨ New & Notable
Fresh exhibitions, anniversary screenings, and seasonal happenings
Jim Henson's Labyrinth: In Concert 40th Anniversary
Experience the fantasy classic on the big screen with a live band performing David Bowie's iconic score alongside the film.
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Autumn Conservatory Stroll
Step into the tropical dome to escape the crisp outdoor air, then explore the outdoor garden terraces showcasing late-season blooms and changing foliage.
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🚗 Quick Escape
Charming weekend getaways within a short drive of Des Moines
Historic Winterset & The Covered Bridges
Just a 45-minute drive southwest, explore the famous historic covered bridges, browse the courthouse square antique shops, and visit the John Wayne Birthplace Museum.
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Dutch Heritage Weekend in Pella
Drive 50 minutes southeast to experience authentic Dutch bakeries, windmills, brick-lined canals, and boutique shopping reminiscent of the Netherlands right in central Iowa.
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🍳 Eat & Drink
Cozy neighborhood brunch spots and seasonal autumn flavors
Django
A vibrant downtown French brasserie known for classic weekend brunch, exceptional raw bar selections, and hearty seasonal comfort plates.
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Proof Restaurant
Creative, globally-inspired American small plates utilizing hyper-local Iowa harvest ingredients in an artistic, sleek setting.
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Frequently asked
What are the best things to do in Des Moines, IA with kids?
Family-friendly highlights right now include Ringling Bros B&B: The Greatest Show on Earth, 512: The Selena Experience, and Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers: Indigo Park Tour. WonderKit refreshes this Des Moines, IA guide daily so the picks stay current.
Where can families eat in Des Moines, IA?
The "Eat & Drink" section above lists restaurants that work for families in Des Moines, IA, including spots that handle toddlers and offer kid-friendly menus.
What's happening in Des Moines, IA this weekend with kids?
Check the "This Weekend in Des Moines, IA" section above for current family-friendly events and weekend activities in Des Moines, IA. Updated daily.
Plan a family trip to Des Moines, IA
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Des Moines, IA trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.