Des Moines Summer Bucket List | Over 125 Things to Do With Kids (+ Free Printable)

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Des Moines Summer Bucket List. Des Moines Mom

Get ready for summer fun in Des Moines!

We’ve made it easy for you to have your best summer ever by compiling over 125 of our favorite ideas for every budget, interest, and age. (Please check each event/business website for the most up-to-date information.) 

Start planning your summer now! 

Print out our FREE summer planner below and you can fill in what you want to do to truly customize your summer! 

 

Bookmark this page and start planning your best summer ever! 

Explore all Des Moines has to offer this summer and plan your fun with this FREE printable!

We Love DSM

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Des Moines Summer Family Fun 

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Des Moines Summer Eats + Drinks

  • Celebrate Donut Day, June 2, (or any day) with a sweet treat from these local bake shops
  • Go out for brunch at one of our favorite spots
  • Check out one of Des Moines’ many tasty food trucks.
  • Head to Bondurant and grab a to-go growler of Root Beer at Reclaimed Rails to share with the family
  • Go berry picking and then make a pie.
  • Help your kids in a grill-off competition using these tips!
  • Pack a picnic and head to a local winery.
  • Head to the Des Moines Biergarten in Water Works Park. The German-Theme popup is open Wednesday through Sunday May 17–the end of October. 
  • Get an ice cream cone at Outside Scoop in Ankeny or Indianola, the creamery in Polk City, or visit one (or all) of our favorite spots for ice cream.
  • Buy fresh sweet corn from a stand and grill it with this easy recipe
  • ‘Tis the season for iced coffee. Check out our Coffee Shop Guide for the spots to get caffeinated. 
  • Pick up a to-go charcuterie board at The Cheese Shop for a fun date night.
  • Food tastes better outside. Enjoy dinner and drinks at one of our favorite patios.
  • What’s better than pizza night? Pizza on the Prairie! Enjoy brick oven pizza topped with farm-fresh veggies and local meats at the Wallace Centers of Iowa on Friday nights.
  • Make BLTs. The combination of a juicy homegrown tomato with crunchy lettuce and crispy bacon can’t be beat.

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Des Moines Summer Outside Adventures

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Des Moines Summer Kids Activities

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Beat the Heat

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Neighborhood Fun

  • Pick up items to help other families in need, fill a donation box.
  • Load up on graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows and make s’mores.
  • Hang a large sheet and rent a projector for a “drive-in” movie experience.
  • Get creative and paint rocks to hide around your community.
  • Invite friends over and grill out.
  • Create a ninja warrior course in the backyard.
  • Start a little free library.
  • Have a lemonade or freeze pop stand.
  • Got the decluttering bug? Have a garage sale!
  • Plan a neighborhood block party or Fourth of July Parade around the block.

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Midwest Road Trips

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Cheers to summer! What would you add to the list? 

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