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2014 Fall & Halloween Activities

Here are some 2014 Fall & Halloween Activities to mark on the calendar for this year!

1. Deals Orchard Fall Festival

Saturday & Sunday October 11th & 12th

This is one event we are for sure checking out this fall! Located in Jefferson, Iowa this apple orchard will not only have apples to offer! They will have a jumping pillow, horse-drawn hayrides, giant slides, sand art, corn pool, corn maze, petting zoo, yummy goodies and much more! Check out Deals Orchard’s website for more details!

2. Night Eyes at Blank Park Zoo

October 16th – 19th & 23rd – 26th

Even though we went to Night Eyes last year, we WILL be attending again! Night Eyes is a wonderful, kid-friendly event where your kiddos dress up in their costumes and trick or treat their way through the zoo. Some of the animals are out, train rides are available, and there are always some kid friendly characters making an appearance.

3. Great Pumpkin Party at Valley Church

October 21st – 23rd

I have always heard great things about this event and I am excited to take Monte this year! There are inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, carnival games, food, and more! Tuesday, the 21st, is specifically for families with special needs to enjoy. For more information and to keep track of the event, “like” their Facebook page.

4. Spooky Science at the Science Center of Iowa

October 25th

Dress up in your costume and come out to the Science Center! Enjoy spooky flashlight tours of the dinosaur exhibit, participate in the costume contest, meet creepy crawly critters, experience live science experiments such as a pumpkin explosion, and get candy of course! Check out the Science Center of Iowa website for more details!

5. Pumpkin Walk at Valley Junction

October 26th

Trick or treat through Valley Junction in your costumes, enjoy fun children’s activities at Green Grounds Cafe, and get a free pumpkin at the Swander Gazebo. Chillin’ in the Junction will also be going on where you can sample great chili’s and play Bingo! Check out their website for more details and times.

6. Valley West Mall Trick or Treating

October 28th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Who knows how cold it will be the week of beggars night? This is a great opportunity to trick or treat, indoors and get lots of candy! Not only is there candy, but free inflatables to bounce on, crafts, balloon animals, and more! This is the last family fun night of the season, so make sure not to miss it!

7. Living History Farms Family Halloween

October 18th – 19th, 23rd – 26th, & 30th – 31st

We attended this event last year and had so much fun! Trick or treat through the old town, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, storytellers, pumpkin bowling, roast marshmallows (Monte’s favorite part), and more! Check out the Living History Farms website for more details.

What fun events will you be attending this Halloween?

Pumpkins Patches, Apples, Crafts and More!

It’s cooling off, the leaves are changing colors, and everything smells like pumpkin!

That means it’s FALL! My favorite time of year!!

This time of year means pumpkin patches open, apples are ready for picking, farms open with lots of fun activities, corn mazes, and it’s time to do fun crafts! I thought I would share some previous posts from Midwest Mom and Wife to give you ideas of what to do in the Des Moines area to celebrate this fun time of year!

1. Check out my Top 10 Pumpkin Patches & Orchards post!

2. Center Grove Orchard is one, of the many listed, pumpkin patches and orchards we visit every year. We already made our visit early this year. Check out last years post on all of the fun they have to offer. They are also offering season passes if you think you will visit multiple times this year!

3. Monte and I checked out Wills Orchard last year and had lots of fun picking apples. Make sure you visit when they have Apple Pumpkin Fest going on. This years dates are September 27 & 28, October 4 & 5, and October 11 & 12. Check out their website for even more information.

4. Looking for fun snacks and activities to do with your kiddos at home? Last year I made a fun Halloween goody box and festive treats!

5. If you don’t want to make a Halloween box, here are some ideas of creating a Fall Sensory Bin! You can continue to use this beyond Halloween!

Keep your eyes open as we check out some new pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and new crafts for this fall!

What is your favorite fall activity?

 

Ironwood Park

I have to tell you about a REALLY fun park located in the Des Moines area, Altoona to be exact!

Ironwood Park or also know as the Pirate Park!

Ironwood Park

If you have kiddos Monte’s age or older, you know how popular Jake and the Neverland Pirates is! Monte loves acting like a pirate and this is the perfect place for him to be even more like Jake!

You can even walk the plank!

This is a newer park located on the very southwest edge of Altoona. We actually accidentally found it last summer when we were looking to meet for a play group. We ended up staying here to play because it’s so much fun!

There are two playgrounds. The pirate ship shown above, and a much larger wooden playground off to the left side. The wooden playground also has slides, a bridge, and climbing walls.

This park is perfect for a half-day outing. Pack some snacks and even a sack lunch and spend the morning running and playing. There is even a HUGE green hill that kids love to run/roll up and down! This park can definitely entertain for hours.

I would recommend checking out this park now, while it’s cooler out, instead of in the middle of the summer. Since it’s a new area of town, they are still building in the surrounding area and there are not much trees for shade. It can get super hot, super quick!

Have you been to Ironwood Park before? What is your favorite park in the Des Moines area?

DSM Activities & Events 12/12 – 12/18

 

 

1. Nutcracker at Hoyt Sherman

When: Thursday, December 12th – Sunday, December 15th

What: Make sure to purchase soon if you are wanting to see this Holiday classic! Go to Hoyt Sherman Place for information on show times and ticket prices.

2. Winter Market 

When: Friday 11 am – 2 pm & Saturday 9 am – 1 pm

Where and What: Miss the weekly downtown farmers market? You do not want to miss this then! This market will be located at Capital Square and there will be more then 120 vendors to shop from. Wine, jams, honey, turkeys, crafts and much more will be available for purchase. Check out the Downtown Farmers Market for more information and scheduled entertainment!

3. Cloth Diaper Garage Sale 

When: Saturday 10 am – 12 pm

Where and What: Whether you want to sell or buy cloth diapers, this event is for you! Check out the Little Padded Seats page for information on how to sell or buy!

4. Reiman Gardens Breakfast at the North Pole

When: Saturday 9 am or 11 am

What: There are two sittings available one at 9 am and 11 am. This event is for the whole family where you will enjoy a healthy breakfast in the Winter Wonderland, activity station, and carolers. You must register! For more information, prices, and to register check out Reiman Gardens website!

5. Santa at the Blank Park Zoo

When: Saturday 10 am –  2 pm

What: This event is for the whole family! Take a picture with Santa and his reindeer, write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and explore the zoo! For scheduled events going on through out the day, check out the Blank Park Zoo website!

6. Brunch with Santa

When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

Where and What: Located at the Urbandale Senior Center … bring your kiddos, camera, and wish list! Join Santa for donuts, juice, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and so much more! $10 per child. For more information and to register check out the Urbandale website!

7. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove

When: Saturday 9 am – 12 pm & Sunday 11 am – 2 pm

What: Eat breakfast, do crafts, and visit with Santa & Rudolph! There will also be a coloring contest! Cost $7.95 per adult and $5.95 per child Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

8. Holiday Tea at Terrace Hill

When: Monday and Tuesday times vary!

What: This is an adult event! So make it a date day/night with your significant other! Enjoy the Terrace Hill decked out in holiday lights and decor, enjoy tea, desserts, sandwiches, and entertainment! For more information, times, and to purchase tickets check out the Holiday Tea at Terrace Hill event!

9. Rainforest Romp at the Science Center of Iowa

When: Tuesday 1 pm – 2 pm

What: For ages 3-5 and their families! General admission to the Science Center is included. Discover one of the world’s biggest and most incredible mysteries as we uncover life in the rainforest! Where are rainforests located? What animals live there? Find out all about this amazing ecosystem, the animals that live there and the amazing explorers who help us to understand it better.

10. Cloth Diaper 101 

When: Tuesday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where and What: Are you wanting to learn more about cloth diapers? Not sure what to purchase or how to care for them? This class is PERFECT for you! Located at the local Little Padded Seats, you will learn everything you need to know. Check out Little Padded Seats website for more information.

11. Children’s Craft Days at Center Grove Orchard

When: Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm

What: Bring the children out and create a kids holiday craft, eat some sweet treats, do a scavenger hunt, and story time! There will also be some lunch items available for purchase. $4.95 per child. Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

12. Ladies Night at Center Grove

When: Wednesday 6 pm – 8 pm

What: Make it a fun night out with friends at Center Grove Orchard! Enjoy appetizers, soup, bread, dessert and create a special holiday Pinterest craft. There will also be a drawing for a gift basket giveaway! $9.95 per person and reservations are required! Check out the Center Grove flyer for more information!

 

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is fast approaching and I love that this day has become so well-known and supported. American Express designated that the first Saturday, after Thanksgiving, would be Small Business Saturday a few years ago. They did this as the United States was experiencing a recession. The goal of Small Business Saturday is to well … shop local and support small businesses.

One thing to remember when you are shopping local, you may be paying a bit more, but you are supporting your community. You also cannot find the creativity, you may find from local businesses, in big brand names such as Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, etc.

I will admit that I tend to fall for the GREAT deals that big brand names offer and turn to that route, instead of buying locally. This holiday season, I am setting a goal for myself … I will purchase 1-2 items locally or even MORE! I think that everyone else should set themselves a goal, to help support small businesses and the local community!

Here is a list, I created, of some small business and areas to shop at this holiday season. If you have more ideas you want to share or own a small business yourself, please share!

 

1. East Village 

The East Village is a great place to start! Not only are there several shops such as Allspice for the culinary person, East Village Spa for the one that needs some pampering, Founds Things for the creative individual, but there are also great places to eat while you shop! 🙂 There is also Jett and Monkey’s Dog Shoppe for your furry critter on your list! Check out the link above for the complete list of shops, places to eats, and events that may be going on this holiday season.

2. Historic Valley Junction 

Valley Junction is full of antiques, gifts & collectibles, jewelry, services, and specialty stores. You can purchase a bottle of wine from Wines of Iowa, or some unique gifts at Wicker & the Works. Not only are there several shops to shop at, but there are also great places to wine and dine 🙂 Check out the link above for a complete list!

3. Shops at Roosevelt

The Shops on Roosevelt are located right off of 42nd Street near Roosevelt High School. There are several local, specialty shops including The Cheese Shop, the WORN Store, Bella Salon & Day Spa, The Juice Company, La Mie, and more. A lot of these places you can purchase gift certificates or make your own little gift basket using items from one or several of these stores!

4.  Etsy

Are you not really in the mood to get off your couch and get caught up in all of the people shopping? Well, you can still support small businesses online! I absolutely LOVE Etsy! I have purchased several things off their for my son, our wedding, and gifts for others. You can find about anything on Etsy and you can also have things customized if you like. Check out the link above and look around.

 

Where do YOU plan to shop local this holiday season?

 

DSM Activities & Events 11/14 – 11/20

Make sure to check out the events calendar on the right hand side of the page! Have a great weekend everyone!

1. Little Big Fest 

When: Friday at 5 pm

Where and What: This is an annual one day event located in the East Village. This is one of many events that help support the Des Moines Music Coalition. There will be 17 acts including headliner Soul Rebels. The music acts feature roots, bluegrass, jam, blues, soul music, and more! Advance tickets are $20 for a full fest pass. Tickets are $25 at the door. You can purchase individual show tickets. The bands will be playing at various places in the East Village including: House of Bricks, Wooly’s, and Beechwood Lounge. Check out the Little Big Fest website for more details!

2. Santa’s Arrival at Valley West Mall 

When: Friday 6 pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Santa is making is arrival at the Valley West Mall for the holiday season! There will be FREE train rides, animal balloons, crafts, treats and entertainment! For more information check out Valley West Mall’s event page!

3. Beaverdale Holiday Boutique 

When: Friday 6 – 8:30 pm & Saturday 8 am – 3 pm

Where and What: Get a head start on your holiday shopping at Holy Trinity School! There will be food available and lots of vendors to take a look at. Admission is $4.

4. Stam Chocolate Charity Run

When: Saturday at 9 am

Where and What: Who LOVES chocolate?!? This is a fun, yummy run and also benefits John Stoddard Cancer Center! Does not get any better then that? The 5k run/walk starts at 9 am and the Kids Fun Run will begin at 10 am. Afterwards the State Historical Society of Iowa will offer FREE tours. Check out Chocoalterie Stams website for more information!

5. Magic Workshop

When: Saturday 2 pm – 3 pm

Where and What: Magician, Jonathan May will host a magic show at the Clive Public Library. Not only will he show children magic tricks, but also teach them how to do magic tricks at home! This is a FREE event!

6. Breaking Bread Together

When: Sunday 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Where and What: This FREE event is for the whole family! Breaking Bread Together is held by the Gateway Dance Theatre. Come together with several other people to learn about dance, make fall ornaments, and sample bread. Bring some homemade bread or bread from a local bakery to share! There will also be soup and dessert available.

7. Cloth Diaper 101

When: Tuesday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where and What: Little Padded Seats, located in Valley West Mall offers a great class for those interested in cloth diapering. In class they go over what diapers to buy, how to care for them, how many you need, and more! This is also a great class for those who may already by cloth diapering, but just need a refresher! Check out Little Padded Seats: Cloth Diaper 101 Information page for more information.

 

 

 

Hy-Vee Gift Card GIVEAWAY!

If you live in the Des Moines area you may have noticed all of the SUPER Hy-Vee’s popping up!

The first one opened in Urbandale (I personally shop at this one!) Now there is one located in Ankeny and Waukee!

A few things I like about the Super Hy-Vee  are …

1. Bulk Section 

Each Super Hy-Vee has a bulk section. You can find nuts, dry fruit, oatmeal, flours, quinoa, trail mixes, organic, non-organic items and much more. You can also get honey, grind your own peanut butter and almond butter! The nice thing about shopping bulk is it’s more economical. Personally, I do not have much space in my kitchen to store large bags of flour, boxes of rice, nuts, oatmeal, etc. I enjoy purchasing EXACTLY what I need for a recipe or what I will be using that week. It also saves me a lot more money that way. If it is something that I use over and over again I will buy it in larger quantities. I love to place whatever I have leftover, into mason jars and place in our cabinet. I think it looks so much more neater 🙂

2. Meat and Seafood Counter

There are a lot of pre-made items available. When I know we have a busy week coming up I love buying an already marinated salmon or a stuffed chicken breast. All I have to do is throw it in the oven, bake it, and add some veggies! Every once in awhile they will also have GREAT meat bundle packages for awesome prices and you receive fuel saver money for it also. This past summer, I would always stock up on their brats when they had their 10/$10.00 deal with 10 cents off on fuel saver! We would use them that week or I would just throw them in the freezer for when we had any family get together’s like my birthday party 🙂

3. Organic and Health Food Department

I LOVE walking through the Organic and Health Food Department! I always find something new and wonderful to try. They have Kind Bars, Almond Milk (I buy the Hy-Vee brand, way cheaper then anywhere else), Kombucha, sweet potato chips, Monte’s favorite cheese ravioli’s, and so much more. If you shop in this department on Wednesdays, you can receive a 10% discount. This helps tremendously, when you try to shop mostly organic.

4. Produce Section 

Their produce section is not my ALL time favorite, but they do offer some great deals on their produce. I also like their Hy-Vee grillables, which are various chopped up vegetables in a tin tray. You can place them on the grill or saute them and a lot of times they offer fuel saver on these too!

5. Fuel Saver

The main reason why I always shop at Hy-Vee is the Fuel Saver program. As I mentioned above, there are a lot of items they offer for Fuel Saver.

Each week, I look through the Hy-Vee add and circle any item that we may be interested in that has Fuel Saver on it. If it is an item we use frequently, I may stock up on it so I earn even more Fuel Saver, such as batteries or toilet paper. Considering Travis drives 45 minutes EACH WAY to work, almost every day, getting as much off of gas is VERY helpful with our monthly budget.

I would love to hear from YOU about your thoughts and favorite things you enjoy about Hy-Vee! I am offering a FREE $25.00 gift card to YOU!

There are a few rules though …

1. You must comment on one post. Please comment anything you would like! I am looking for feedback, so I can provide more of what YOU want to read 🙂

2. Subscribe! The 15th subscriber who subscribes AND comments will win the $25.00 gift card.

3. You have 1 week to do all of the above!

Don’t forget to go “like” my Facebook page to stay on top of what is going on!

 

Great Cloth Diaper Hunt

Have you ever heard of the Great Cloth Diaper Hunt by Diaper Decisions? Well, it starts today and if you have not signed up yet, you should sign up!

The Great Cloth Diaper Hunt is a way for small businesses, of work at home mothers and bloggers, to get their name out there! Many of these businesses and bloggers offer great services and/or products. Starting today, through November 30th, at midnight, you can hunt through the listed sites and look for this icon …

When you click on the icon it will take you to a form, to fill out your information, so Diaper Decisions can keep track of how many icons you have found. The more icons you find, the more chances of prizes you can win!

Midwest Mom & Wife has donated a $20 gift card to Lincoln & Lexi for the Great Diaper Hunt!

Image Source

Lincoln & Lexi is a locally owned, children’s boutique in West Des Moines, Iowa. They have two locations! One store is located at Valley West Mall and the other store is located at Bridgewood Plaza in West Des Moines. Lincoln & Lexi is also known for bringing their children clothing and accessories to you, by offering at home parties and baby showers! They offer unique, hip; children’s clothing, accessories and maternity clothing. They are also known for customizing and personalizing items for you!

Meg Fisher, is the founder and owner of Lincoln & Lexi. I was very fortunate to have a question and answer type “interview” with her, to learn more about what Lincoln & Lexi has to offer and what some of her favorite products are!

1. You host house and shower parties, are they similar to the Pampered Chef and Party Lite parties? How do they work

“Yes! We have our storefronts, website and offer home parties which are very similar to Pampered Chef. I bring a good portion of the products along with photo albums, and soon, a L&L catalog, and customers can purchase on the spot or make orders if the product they are looking for is not available right at the home party. We are working on growing the L&L Linc team, which are our sales consultants and this will be a large foucs in 2014!”

2. What inspired the idea of at home parties?

“I was in my senior capstone class at Drake for my Entrepreneurial Management major and I was working on finishing my business plan. I met with my professor and we turned the original plan of a high end children’s boutique, to the home party idea. He made me realize that it was important to grow my brand awareness before going full in on a storefront. The home parties allowed me to grow my brand and company without the high overhead of a store front and all the other expenses that come with having a brick and mortar. No other companies were out there doing what I wanted to offer and I realized I had found my niche!”

3. You do a lot of personal customization; can anyone bring in anything to be personalized? Or must it first be purchased in your store?

“We love when customers bring in products to have personalized! We offer the personalization and customization on all the products we offer but we are always open to other products that are brought in. We want our customers to be 100% happy and if they have a specific idea in mind, we want to help create that, whether it be a product we have in store or a onesie style or stocking from outside that they are looking for, we want to help their vision to be 100% executed!”

4. What are your most popular products and/or line you sell?

“Personalized onesies and blankets are definitely top sellers for baby gifts and birthdays! Our most popular brands that we carry are Aden+Anais, Kickee Pants, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Mud-Pie and DogWood. I am always looking for high end, sought after brands that are hard to find but in high demand! Other fun brands are Huggalugs, ZootieB Little, Posh Peanuts, Giggle Moon, Mustard Pie, Dino Bebe,  and Robeez.”

5. What are your favorite product and/or line you sell?

“My personal favorite brands are #1, of course, Lincoln&Lexi J, Kickee Pants, Petunia Pickle Bottom and aden+anais. I have soo many favorites but I would have to say those are my 4 top picks!”

 

Make sure to follow Lincoln & Lexi on Facebook! Not only is it a great way to keep track of sales going on and new products they are offering, but they recently have been hosting several events you may want to check out!

Good luck hunting! 

 

DSM Activities & Events 11/7 – 11/13

 

As always make sure to check out the calendar on the right hand side of the page for more events going on in the area! Have a great weekend!

1. Science Center of Iowa

When: Friday 5 pm – 8 pm

What: TWO great events are going on at the same time!

  • Family Night: You can build a rocket, travel through outer space, eat some snacks from the cafe, and more! $5
  • LEGO Build: The Iowa LEGO Users group will discuss the process and engineering behind the SCI LEGO Build. There will also be plenty of LEGO bricks to play with! $5

 

2. Wells Fargo Arena 

When: Friday & Saturday

What: Are you wanting to get out and go to a concert this weekend? You have two opportunities! Pink will be performing Friday night at 8 pm and Keith Urban will be performing Saturday night at 7 pm. Check out Iowa Events Center to get your tickets!

3. Iowa’s Premier Beer, Wine and Food Expo 

When: Friday 4 – 10 pm & Saturday 10 am – 8 pm

Where and What: Find a sitter and make it a date night! This event is a great way to try wonderful food from various chefs in the Midwest, and to try beer and wine! Please check out the Iowa’s Premier Beer, Wine and Food Expo’s website for a list of scheduled events, vendors, and to purchase tickets!

4. Holiday Open House

When: Saturday 10 am – 1 pm

Where and What: It’s that time of year! West Glen Town Center is hosting a holiday open house. There is a chance to win a $500.00 gift card and Santa will be available for a FREE family photo! Everyone is encouraged to bring a personal hygiene product that will be donated to Children & Families of Iowa.

5. Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. 

When: November 8th – December 1st

Where and What: Today is the opening night for this wonderful show at the Des Moines Playhouse! The show is for ages 5 years and older, so if you think your kiddo can sit, listen and watch a classic, this would be a great family event! Tickets are $17 for adults and seniors, and $13 for students and children. To purchase tickets and for show times check out the Des Moines Playhouse.

6. Infant & Children’s Clothing Swap 

When: Saturday 10 am – Noon

Where and What: Little Padded Seats, located in Valley West Mall is hosting a great event! Are you looking for winter clothes, for your little one or looking to get rid of some clothes? This is also a great way to make some extra cash for the holiday season too! Please check out all of the rules and guidelines whether you are looking to sell or buy here.

7. On the Wagon Ride 

When: Saturday 6 pm – 10 pm

Where and What: Do one last Fall celebration before all the Holiday activities start! Summerset Winery, in Indianola is hosting “On the Wagon”. Join them for a bon-fire, hay rack rides, hot dogs, chili, and of course wine! The cost is $25 per person and RSVP is requested. For more information check out Summerset Winery.

8. Central Iowa Wind Ensemble Children’s Concert 

When: Sunday at 2 pm

Where and What: The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble will be conducting a special children’s concert at the Temple of Performing Arts. This is a FREE event, so bring the whole family! There will be themes from the Hobbits, Peter and the Wolf, Barnum & Bailey’s Favorite, and more. It is a great educational event for everyone! For more information regarding the concert and directions please check out Central Iowa Wind Ensemble.

 

 

 

DSM Activities & Events 10/31 – 11/6

A lot of FREE events going on this weekend for your kiddos! Also, this is the last weekend for the Des Moines area Haunted Houses!

Also, do not forget we FALL BACK this weekend! Do not forget to change your clocks!

1. Wonder of Words

When: November 2nd – November 12th

What and Where: This is a unique event that connects writers, readers, and publishers in several events around the Des Moines area. There are several events scheduled within the ten days. Please check the Wonder of Words website for a complete schedule and more information about Wonder of Words!

2. Wicked 

When: Thursday, October 31st – Sunday, November 10th

What and Where: Wicked is at the Des Moines Civic Center! If you have not seen this amazing show, now is the time! Tickets may still be available for various times. Please check the Des Moines Performing Arts website for times and ticket availability.

3. Mixology Night

When: Friday 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

What and Where: A fun date night! The Science Center of Iowa is hosting another Mixology Night. There will be drinks, science, experiments, entertainment, and lots of mingling! Admission is $5 BUT if you are a Science Center of Iowa member it is FREE!

4. Fall Back Festival 

When:  Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm

What and Where: Grimes United Methodist Church is holding a Fall Festival! There will be horse rides, relay races, bounce houses, fall snacks, and much more! This whole event is FREE! So bring out the entire family and celebrate!

5. Magickal Costume Party

When: Saturday at 1 pm

What and Where: Beaverdale Books is hosting a Magickal Costume Party! Dress up in your best wizard costume! There will also be a book signing by Alan Lance Anderson and activities. Costume judging begins at 1:30 pm and you can win some awesome prizes! The is event is FREE!

6. Kanzi’s Carnival

When: Saturday 2 pm – 4 pm

What and Where: Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary is celebrating Kanzi’s 33rd brithday! This is a great event for the whole family, especially for the little ones.  Kanzi will be having a carnival themed birthday party with popcorn, face painting, clowns, balloons, and more! All the proceeds for this event will directly benefit Kanzi and his family! Tickets are $10 per person, kids 2 and under are FREE! Reserve your tickets today at the Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary site.

7. Halloween Hot Chocolate Run 5k and 5 Mile Race

When: Sunday at 9 am

What and Where: A fun run to help benefit Above & Beyond Cancer. This run will take place at Principal Park. $38.00 for early bird registration and for the Kids Fun Run is $5.00 registration. A great event for the whole family to get some fresh air and be active!

8. Crafty Readers

When: Tuesday at 4 pm

What and Where: The Franklin Avenue Library and Central Library are hosting a fun reading event for preschoolers to second grade. Come listen and read “The Dot” and do a fun craft to take home! Another great, FREE event for the kiddos!

 

Plan Ahead … 

Yes, the Holiday season is just around the corner and NOW is the time to start planning for some of those special events!

1. Nutcracker at Hoyt Sherman Place

When: December 12th – 15th

Where: These tickets are now on sale! Make sure to purchase soon if you are wanting to see this Holiday classic! Go to Hoyt Sherman Place for information on show times and ticket prices.

 2. Santa Express 

When: November 29th – December 14th

Where: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is offering the Santa Express again this year! A perfect event for your little ones. You will travel to the “North Pole” while singing Christmas carols, have hot chocolate and a cookie, meet Santa and receive a silver bell! Tickets are on sale today! Make sure to reserve your ticket soon, because they will go fast. Check out the website for times and prices.