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DSM Activities & Events 10/17 – 10/23

 

There are lots going on in the Des Moines area this weekend! Do not forget to check out my list for Pumpkin Patches & Orchards AND my list of Haunted Houses!

 

1. Living History Farms – Family Halloween

When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

What: Go out to Living History Farms for a horse drawn wagon ride, roast marshmallows, listen to stories, pumpkin bowling, and see scarecrows! Children under the age of 12 can trick or treat through town. For more information check out their website!

2. Blank Park Zoo – Night Eyes

When: Thursday & Friday 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm AND Saturday & Sunday 1 pm – 8 pm

What: Walk through Blank Park Zoo and trick or treat! The park will be decorated in various ways such as a spooky forest, pumpkin patch and a yellow brick road! Check out admission prices and more information on their website!

3. Scary Jump 

When: Friday 7 pm – 9 pm

Where and What: Go to Pump it Up and jump! $12 per child/$15 at the door. Each child will receive a treat bag and a glow necklace. The bounce houses will be decorated in halloween decor! For more information or to purchase tickets check out their website!

4. Mysteries of the Castle

When: Saturday 10 am – 4 pm

Where and What: Walk through the rooms at the Salisbury House and explore! There will be story telling, face painting, science experiments, learn about owls from the Owl Lady, arts and crafts, balloon animals, and more! Make sure to wear your costume. Gusto Pizza will also be available! $5 admission. More information on their website.

5. Octoberfest at Penoach Vineyard & Winery 

When: Saturday 12 pm – 6 pm

Where and What: Located at the Penoach Vineyard and Winery in Adel, come out for free wine tastings, free popcorn, tractor and wagon rides, live music and barbecue! Check out their website for more information!

6. Family Hayride & Bonfire

When: Saturday 3 pm – 7 pm

Where and What: Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary is hosting a Family Hayride and Bonfire. All proceeds will go towards the bonobo ape family. Take a hay rack ride through the sanctuary and when you are finished roast marshmallows and drink hot cocoa! $10 per person (before), $12 day of the event and children 2 and under are FREE! For an additional $5 you can go in and visit the bonobo ape family. For more information check out their website.

7. Spooktacular 5k Fun Run 

When: Saturday at 6 pm

Where and What: This is a kids fun run with food and drinks afterwards! Proceeds go to the Johnston Partnership. The run will take place at Johnston High School. Register now through October 17th $20. $25 to register the day of the event. Check out here to register online!

8. Mysteries and Movies After Dark 

When: Saturday 7 pm – 10 pm

Where and What: This is a perfect date night event to get in the Halloween spirit! Located at the Salisbury House, join others for adult beverages, snacks, spooky stories, and movies. Please RSVP! Check out the website for more information and to RSVP.

9. Great Iowa Pet Expo 

When: Saturday 10 am – 6 pm AND Sunday 10 am – 4 pm

Where and What: This event is being held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Come out and learn about all sorts of animals, enjoy entertainment, education, and win prizes! There may be some animals available for adoption also! Check out their website for scheduled events and prices for admission.

10. Spirits in the Gardens 

When: Saturday and Sunday 4 pm – 7 pm

Where and What: Located at Reiman Gardens in Ames! Come dressed in your costume and enjoy different craft and activity stations. Listen to stories and see live owls and raptors! Of course there will be trick or treating! FREE for all youth under 18 years of age. Adults are $8 and $7 for seniors. For more information check out their website.

11. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Where and What:  Located at the Wells Fargo Arena, you will not want to miss taking your kiddos to “The Greatest Show on Earth” full of animals and shows! Check out the website to see times and to purchase tickets.

12. Sample Sundays

When: Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm

When and Where: This is one event I definitely want to check out sometime! Located at Picket Fence Creamery in Woodward, walk around and try samples of items from various, local places. There will be root beer floats, kids activities, live music, and much more! And it’s all FREE! Check out their website for more information and other dates they host this fun event.

 Plan Ahead …

1. Wonder of Words Festival 

When: November 2nd – November 12th

What: This is a very neat event! The Wonder of Words Festival is an event that connects readers, writers, and publishers. There are many sponsors and several scheduled events. Check out the official website for more information and how to get involved!

DSM Activities & Events 10/10 – 10/16

Make sure to check out the calendar on the right hand of the screen. There are a lot of festivals and events going on this weekend not listed here!

1. Friday Funday “The Little Red Hen”

When: Friday 9:30 am, 11:30 am & 1:30 pm

Where and What: This is a once a month event! Located at the Des Moines Community Playhouse. This is an interactive theater for preschoolers! Each month they play out a different story and this month it is “The Little Red Hen”. This will be last one of this season, but this will be something to remember when it starts up again in June! For more information check out the website to purchase tickets and learn more about this awesome program!

2. Valley Junction – Gallery Night 

When: Friday 5 pm – 9 pm

Where and What: Located in Valley Junction, walk around a visit six different galleries that will be open to the public. This events is FREE. Shops and other restaurants will be open later for this event. This would be a perfect date night!

3. Children’s Haunted Forest

When: Friday & Saturday 6:30 pm

Where and What: Located in Carlisle, this is the perfect opportunity for your kiddos to participate in a kid friendly “haunted” house! There will be swinging bridges, pirates, ball pits and more! Admission is $6 ages 12 and under in costume! Everyone else $8!

4. Ames Oktoberfest 

When: Saturday 1 pm – 11 pm

Where and What: Located on Main Street in Ames come drink beer, play games and dance to Polka music! The Nadas will also be performing at 9 pm! You can purchase tickets ahead of time and take a look at their schedule of events here.

5. Walk for Wildlife 

When: Saturday 8 am – 1 pm

Where and What: Come out to Jester Park for a beautiful fall walk! There is a 5 k or 10 k walk to choose from. You will walk through the woods, on trails and terrain. Activities will be available. Pets on leashes are also welcome! This is perfect for the entire family! For more information check out here.

6. Fall Craft Day 

When: Saturday 1 pm – 2 pm

Where and What: Located at the Grimes Public Library for kids ages 7 and up. Come out and create fall crafts and decor including a spinning gourd. This event is FREE. Please register. For more information check it out here.

7. Zombie Nation 5 k Fun Run/Walk 

When: Saturday 12:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where and What: Dress up as a Zombie and walk around Water Works Park! $35.00 for individual, $30.00 per person for teams of 4 plus, and $8.00 per kid (5-13 years). The proceeds to go various charities including Blank Childrens Hospital. There will also be an after party for individuals 21+! For more information and to register check out here.

8. Pint Size Science– On the Farm 

When: Tuesday, October 15th at 1 pm & Saturday, October 19th at 10 am

Where and What: Located at the Science Center of Iowa, this is a perfect learning experience for your kiddo and the whole family. Help harvest crops, learn about planting pumpkins, learn how farm machines work, how to plant a garden, and much more! This is for children ages 3-5 and families. $12 for non-member and $8 for member. Pre- registration is encouraged. Check out their website to register and for other Pint Size Science classes available through out the year.

9. Madison County Covered Bridge Festival 

When: Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 5 pm

Where and What: Located in Winterset, take a tour of the beautiful covered bridges. There will also be arts, crafts, entertainment and food available! Check out here for a list of vendors, list of events, and information on the scarecrow contest!

10. Planned Parenthood of the Heartland Fall Book Sale

When: Friday & Saturday 9 am – 9 pm AND Sunday & Monday 9 am – 6 pm

Where and What: This is a book sale you do NOT want to miss! There will be over 600,000 books available to purchase AND CD’s, DVD’s, puzzles, and posters. This book sale will be taking place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Admission is $10 and Monday is FREE! For more information check out here.

dsmhaunted

It’s that time of the year! Check out these Haunted Houses!!

1. Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park

 Friday & Saturday

October 17th – 20th, 24th – 27th and 31st

7 pm – Midnight

$25.00 all inclusive

Website 

2. The Slaughter House

Friday & Saturday

October 18th – 19th, 25th – 27th, 31st AND November 1st – 2nd

8 pm – Midnight

$12.00, coupon on website for $2 off

Website 

3. Ultimate Haunted House

Friday & Saturday

October 18th – 19th, 25th – 26th

7 – 10 pm

Sunday October 20th & 27th – 31st

7 pm – 10 pm

$13.00, coupon on website for $2 off

Website

4. Linn’s Haunted House

Friday & Saturday

October 18th – 19th, 25th – 26th AND November 1st – 2nd

7 pm – Midnight

October 20th, 27th – 31st

7 pm – 10 pm

$12.00, coupon on website

Website 

5. Haunted Barn 

Friday & Saturday

October 18th – 19th, 25th – 26th AND November 1st – 2nd

8 pm – Midnight

October 20th, 27th – 31st

8 pm – 10 pm

$15.00, $3.00 coupon on website

Website

6. Trail of Terror

Friday & Saturday

October 18th – 19th and 25th – 26th

6:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Kids Trail

6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

$8 children ages 12 and under. If you wear a costume $2.00 discount!

Here is an awesome website that lists a few more haunted houses, including the ones listed above and more information! 

 

DSM Activities & Events 9/26 – 10/2

 

Make sure to check out the calendar on the right hand of the screen for more upcoming events not listed here!

1. Oktoberfest 

When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Where and What: Located downtown this is the 10th annual Oktoberfest. Drink a bunch of German beers and eat some German food. You can buy advance tickets for $7.00 or tickets at the door for $10.00. Each ticket includes: 2-day admission, a mug and your first beer! Check out their official website for scheduled events, beers, and menu here.

2. The Brew Mile

When: Saturday 4 pm – 6 pm

Where and What: If you are heading out to check out Oktoberfest, why not run a race?! There are 3 different runs to choose from: The Fun Mile, The Competitive Mile, and The Elite Mile. You can choose to walk, jog, or run and dress up in your favorite German beer attire! When you register, you receive FREE admission into Oktoberfest, a collectible brew pint, and a FREE brew ticket! Check out the website for all of the details!

3. Autumn Open House at the Garden Barn

When: Friday 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday 2 pm – 5pm

Where and What: The Garden Barn is located in Indianola. The Garden Barn sells a lot of nature inspired decor, including things for the house and your garden. If you are looking for a unique birthday gift or even a little early Christmas shopping, definitely head out to Indianola and check it out! Check out their website.

4. Fight for Air Walk 

When: Saturday at 8 am

Where and What: This walk is located at Principal Park and you can choose between a 1 mile or 3.1 mile walk. This walk is to help raise money to fight against asthma, secondhand smoke, lung cancer, emphysema, and those lost to these diseases. Check out the official website.

5. Sleepy Hollow Beer Run

When: Saturday at 10 am

Where and What: This run will take place at Sleepy Hollow and benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma society. Run the 5 k course while stopping for some beer samples along the way. Check out here for registration information!

6. Natural Playscape Celebration

When: Saturday at 10 am

Where and What: Bring the kids to Sargent Park for games and activities including: monarch maze, make a track, and a tree photo shoot. Refreshments will also be available.

7. Applefest at Living History Farms

When: Saturday 11 am – 4 pm

Where and What: Go out to Living History Farms and have your kiddos try stirring the kettle of apple butter, and try cranking the press of apple cider. There will also be fun games, activities, food and drinks available. Iowa Orchard will also be selling some goodies, including their Apple Butter I used to make Fall of the Bone Apple Butter Ribs! Check out their website for more information.

8. Illumifest, A Fall Festival of Lights

When: Saturday 2 pm – Dusk

Where and What: Located at the West Des Moines City School Campus (4200 Mills Civic Parkway). There will be activities for everyone including: a car show, carnival rides, games, FREE hot air balloon rides, an outdoor movie featuring “Brave”, fireworks and lots of food! Check out the official site here for a schedule of events!

9. SCI Star Party

When: Saturday 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Where and What: Join the Science Center of Iowa staff at Ewing Park! This is another event great for the whole family. You will be able to observe the moon and stars with several telescopes set up to use for FREE.

10. Iowa Outdoor Expo for Kids and Families

When: Saturday 9 am – 5 pm & Sunday 10 am – 4 pm

Where and What: Located at Water Works Park this is another event for the whole family! There will be LOTS of hands on activities all for free. If your kiddos have always been interested in hunting and fishing this is the perfect opportunity to show them what it is all about. There are also some great programs to see including: Reptiles Alive, Prairie Chickens of Iowa, Owls of Iowa, and more! Check out here for a schedule of events!

11. Apple and Pumpkin Fest at Wills Family Orchard

When: Saturday 9 am – 6 pm and Sunday 12 – 6 pm

Where and What:  Go out to Wills Family Orchard to pick out some pumpkins and apples! There will also be lots and lots of activities too including: shopping in the orchard store, paint a gourd, toss games, check out the barnyard animals, and of course food & drinks! Check out their website for more information!

12. DSMove

When: Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm

Where and What: Located in the Drake neighborhood, there will be a soccer pitch, yoga studio, playground, skate park, and more! This event is for the whole family! The World’s Largest Bike will be available to see and LOTS more!

PLAN AHEAD … 

1. Slaughter House

When: October 4th through November 2nd

Where and What: This haunted house is located in Pleasant Hill. Definitely not recommended for the kiddos, but if you are a fan of terrors and haunted house, this is a definite must this Halloween season! Check out their website for times and also a $2 off coupon.

2. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

When: October 18th – October 20th

Where and What: Tickets are on sale now for this incredible circus coming to Wells Fargo Arena! You will not want to miss taking your kiddos to “The Greatest Show on Earth” full of animals and shows! Check out the website to see times and to purchase tickets.

3. Wicked at the Civic Center 

When: October 20th – November 10th

What: Tickets are on sale now! This is a popular show so make sure you get them now! Buy Tickets.