Monte and the entire family had a blast! Not only was the entire Science Center open to roam through, but there was also live music, crafts, jugglers, balloon animals, face painting and more!
Every Family Rocks! is a family fun event and concert for all ages. This event benefits EFR Employee & Family Resources. It was free for Science Center members, $8 for ages 2-12, $13 for Adults & $8 for Seniors.
There were some awesome bands and singers. I loved all the upbeat music and all the movement, from all the kids! Everyone was dancing and hula hooping around 🙂 Artists included:
Aaron Nigel Smith: I absolutely loved him and his band! I loved their reggae type vibe and we had a lot of fun dancing to their music.
Debbie Do Wop & Dynamite Dan: These guys were so much fun and very entertaining! They had colorful scarves to dance with and other awesome instruments to play with!
Monte loved the Sparkle Hula Hoop dance, balloon animals and magic from Jonathan May, and trying all the different instruments available from Rieman Music Interactive Music Booth.
There were also some great craft stations such as a DIY yarn streamer and animal rocks.
We had so much fun and Monte was definitely exhausted after we left! We are looking forward to next year’s Every Family Rocks!
We checked out a new pumpkin patch and orchard this past weekend and LOVED it! We usually go to Center Grove Orchard every year, because they are awesome! We did make a trip this year, but decided to try out a new place also.
Deal’s Orchard is about an hour drive, depending where you are coming from. It’s located in Jefferson, Iowa. Saturday was the perfect fall day to make the drive. Not only was the weather perfect, but it was also their Fall Festival!
It was very busy because it was Fall Festival, but parking was not a problem. They had hayrack rides that picked you up and your parking area and drove you right to the entrance.
There was SOOOO much to do, we did not get a chance to do it all or see it all. A lot of things were going on specifically for the festival, but they had a lot of things that are available all season long such as:
Jumping Pillow
Corn Pool
Goats & Donkey!
Duck Races
Giant Slide
Pedal Tractors
Wiggle Cars (which Monte loved!)
Hamster roll (for the bigger kiddos)
The area where all these fun activities were located is called Apple Acres. It’s $6 for adults to enter and $4 for kids. Children 2 years and younger are free!
Wiggle Cars
Corn Pool
There were so many other fun activities specifically for the Fall Festival, such as:
Spook Cave – A haunted house put on by the Boy Scouts
Spin Art and Sand Art
Balloons and Face Painting
Live music
Lots of food (I think this is all season long!)
Train Rides (Not sure if this was just for Fall Festival or not)
Picket Fence Creamery had a stand
Samples of their own Hard Cider
Petting Zoo
and MORE!
Train Rides
Delish Hard Cider!
There is also a cute little shop with gifts, pies, already picked apples, pumpkins, there own honey, apple cider, and so much more!
Of course, there is a pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkins! And an apple orchard to pick your own apples!
We really enjoyed our time at Deal’s Orchard! Next year, we will definitely make an entire day out of it so we make sure to see and do everything!
Have you been to Deal’s Orchard? What is your favorite thing to do?
Make sure to check out the event calendar on the right hand side of the page! Also, for a list of places and times to visit Santa, check out my list I created “Places to visit Santa”.
1. Windsor Polar Express Movie Night
When: Friday 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Where and What: Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park, bring the family to see the classic holiday movie Polar Express! There will also be several activities and toy train on display. There will also be hot chocolate, popcorn, and hot dogs. $3 per person or $10 per family.
2. Peter Pan
When: Friday, December 6th – Sunday, December 29th
Where and What: Bring the family to see a Disney classic at the Des Moines Playhouse. Showtimes vary on days and times. To purchase tickets and view the details check out the Des Moines Playhouse website.
3. Snowball Express to Santa
When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm
Where and What: Located at Jester Park, your children will take a ride, on a pony through a Winter Wonderland to Santa! They will get their picture with Santa, drink some hot cocoa and eat cookies! $20 per child and reservations are not required. For more information check out the Jester Park Equestrian website.
4. 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.
5. A Flynn Family Christmas
When: Saturday 4 pm – 8 pm
Where and What: Celebrate Christmas at Living History Farms in beautiful decorated Victorian house! Frost cookies, make ornaments, dancing, music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and so much more! For more information and admission prices check out the Living History Farms website!
6. Windsor Wonderland Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday 8:30 am – 12 pm
Where and What: Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park, bring the whole family for a pancake breakfast, music, and a child/pet photo with Santa (for FREE)!$6 per ticket which includes the Santa picture and pancake breakfast. Check out the Windsor Heights website information and to purchase tickets!
7. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove Orchard
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! For more information about the brunch and other events going on at Center Grove Orchard, check out their holiday flyer!
8. Nada Silent Night
When: Saturday at 7 pm
Where and What: The Nadas are putting on their 11th annual Nada Silent Night at the Scottish Rite Temple! This could be made into a “date night” OR and event for the entire family. The admission to this event is one ticket and at least one unwrapped toy per person attending. The toys will be donated to U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots. A ticket is $20 and children 10 year and younger are FREE. You can purchase tickets here!
9. Jingle Bell Rock ‘n Run
When: Sunday at 9 am
Where and What: This is another fun holiday run hosted by the Science Center of Iowa! Get dressed up in your festive attire and dash through downtown Des Moines and end at the Science Center. After the run there will be live music, and food catered by Hy-Vee. To register and more information check out the Science Center of Iowa event page.
10. Pajama Party with Santa
When: Tuesday 6 pm – 8 pm
Where and What: Bring your children to Jordan Creek Town Center, in the photo area. They can bring a blanket and/or a stuffed toy. You can also take a picture with Santa! Bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots, and you can also donate $3 and received a personalized letter from Santa!
11. Pathways Connect – Discussion Group
When: Tuesday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where and What: Pathways Connect uses the Pathways to Family Wellness magazine as a launching point for discussions on living a conscious, holistic lifestyle. We take articles from the current issue to spring board the conversation and help educate each other on the path to conscious and holistic living. We hope you will join us, and bring a guest! This meeting’s topics will include: “All Your Health Solutions…As Simple As I Can Put It “How do we lose health? One main answer is STRESS. Stress comes in the form of physical, chemical or psychological.Conscious Path – “Fear or Freedom” We will all experience fears in life, and the way to live in freedom from being controlled by fear is to see fear as a sign of growth and challenging yourself beyond your comfort zone. All gatherings are FREE and located at Little Padded Seats in Valley West Mall.
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.
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.
Don’t forget to check out the events calendar on the right hand side of my page! Lots of fun things going on in the Des Moines area!
1. Mixology Night
When: Friday 5:30 – 9 pm
Where and What: Perfect date night activity! Located at the Science Center of Iowa. Come for drinks, live entertainment (The Parlours), and adult-themed presentations. Admission is $5 and FREE to Science Center members.
2. Slaughter House
When: Friday and Saturday
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.
3. Soap Box Derby Association Haunted House
When: Friday and Saturday 7 – 10 pm
Where and What: This is the 29th year for the spooky haunted house! Located at Linn’s Supermarket, the tour takes approximately 20-25 minutes. The admission is $12 which also includes a free line of bowling at Plaza Lanes AND a coupon for Trophy’s. There are $4 off coupons available at Plaza Lanes and other Halloween shops around the metro area.
4. New Moms Event by Des Moines Moms Blog
When: Saturday 10 – 12 pm
Where and What: Located at the Valley Community Center in West Des Moines. There will be food, drinks, giveaways and a great chance to meet other new moms. There will also be swag bags valued at over $300! Oh yeah, and FREE massages! Do NOT miss this! $15 and reservations are required. Click here to purchase tickets. Also, check out the Des Moines Moms Blog. It is a great blog to follow!
5. DSM Sushi Roll
When: Saturday at 11:45 am
Where and What: Do you LOVE sushi? This is the perfect event for you! Make it into a date activity also. A party bus will pick you up at Appare Steakhouse and drop you off at about 4 pm at Appare Steakhouse. You will travel around the Des Moines area, traveling to different sushi restaurants including: Sakura Sushi, Wasabi Tao, Wasabi Chi, and Waterfront. $45.00 per ticket and reservations are required. Check out here for reservation information and schedule.
6. Corn Harvest: Living History Farms
When: Saturday 10 am – 3 pm
Where and What: Discover how hard it is to harvest 80 bushels of corn a day! There will be horse drawn wagon rides and demonstrations on how corn is harvest! You can also see what tools are used in person. Check out here for more information!
7. DSM Zombie Walk
When: Saturday at 1 pm
Where and What: Event will start at 1 pm downtown in the East Village at Zombie Burger! This is something you will NOTwant to miss. Starting 1 pm go get your make up done, check out the vendors, and eat some crazy burgers and drinks. There will also be a costume contest beginning at 3 pm with CASH prizes. At 4:30 pm the Zombie Walk will begin through downtown Des Moines ending at Zombie Burger. For adults, enjoy the Zombie Pub Crawl which starts at 6:00 pm. Bars that will be included are El Bait Shop and High Life Lounge. This is truly an event for the whole family! For more information check out their website.
8. Cat-N-Around Cat Club
When: Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 4pm
Where and What: This event is for all you cat lovers! It will be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. There will be over 200 cats and 30 different breeds being judged. There will also be lots of different vendors for food, treats, beds, toys, and other fun cat products. Admission is $10 for a family, Adulst $5, and Children $4. Children 4 and under are FREE!
9. Apple Pumpkin Fest
When: Saturday 9 am – 6 pm & Sunday 1 pm – 6 pm
Where and What: Come out to Wills Family Orchard! Lots of events, activities, and entertainment! Pick pumpkins, pick apples, go on a hay rack ride, meet some farm animals, paint gourds, and much, much more! Check out our visit from last weekend, we had so much fun!
Where and What: For ages 3 – 1o come to the Franklin Library to celebrate Star Wars Reads Day. Dress like your favorite character, participate in games and trivia. There will also be special appearances from the galaxy far, far away! All of this is FREE! You do NOT want to miss it!
11. Oktoberfest
When: Saturday 2 – 6 pm
Where and What: Located in Windsor Heights at Colby Park. Lots of fun things to do including: inflatables, live music from a Polka band, costume contest, pumpkin carving contest, balloon animals, food & drinks, and more! Check out here for time of certain events and contests.
12. Craftoberfest
When: Saturday 6 pm – 12 am
Where and What: Located at Keg Stand this is the first year of Craftoberfest! There will be 20 seasonal beers available with live entertainment. Advance tickets are $6 and include a commemorative mug and first beer of choice. You can also purchase tickets at the door for $10. Check out here to purchase tickets before!
13. Pumpkin Train
When: October 5 & 12 at 10 am and October 8 & 9 at 6 pm
Where and What: Located at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum in Boone. Seating is limited so make sure to make your reservations ASAP! Ride the train, across the Bass Point Creek High Bridge, to the pumpkin patch and have your kiddos pick out their own pumpkin for FREE. $15 for all ages 2 and up. Check out their website for reservations.
14. Nature Friends: Bats
When: Monday 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Where and What: Located at Quail Cove Park in West Des Moines, all preschoolers with an adult are welcome! Guided exploration, art activities, and snack provided. Reservations are required at it is $7 per child with adult. Check out here for reservation information.
Train Rides
Delish Hard Cider!
