WHAT SHOULD I DO THIS SUMMER?
The sun is shining, the SPF is applied, and you’ve made at least one (or five) trips to the ice cream shop. It’s no secret that summer is HERE and you don’t want to miss it.
But where should you start? What should you do?
You’re in the right place This DSM Summer Guide is designed to help you plan your summer so that you make time for the things that matter most to you (and leave the rest for next summer!)
So grab your iced coffee, kick off your flip flops, and get ready to map out your summer in the 515!
TrektheParks
As a parent, so many of our nice weather days are spent adventuring one of the many(!) parks around the metro Jump to page 9 to learn more about a fun challenge while you explore parks with your littles this summer!
MakeaSplash
FREE THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
At the splash pads! Some of our favorites include the Waterworks Park (Grimes), Dean Park and Fox Creek Splash Pad (Waukee). We are eagerly awaiting the opening of the new Bondurant City splash pad!
Library
Story Time, Reading Challenges, or just a lazy afternoon on the couch with a book all of these things can be enjoyed at the Public Library! As residents, we love the Kirkendall library as well as the Johnston Library (and the park behind is one of our favorites!)
VacationBibleSchool
We look forward to Lutheran Church of Hope’s VBS program every summer! This year’s theme is Hope Stadium the second and third week of July. VBS goers will enjoy games, snacks, songs, and lessons each night
MoviesinthePark
Get out of the heat and into the movies! You can catch free, kid-friendly movies throughout the summer at Colby Park (Windsor Heights), The Town Square (Polk City) and Wagner Park (Ankeny). For a full list of where and what is showing when, click here for DSM Parent’s comprehensive list!
THE BEST SUMMER SPOTS
ICE CREAM
The Creamery: Polk City, Bondurant, +
East Village
Outside Scoop, Ankeny
Snookies, DSM
Black Cat, Valley Junction, DSM
Home Sweet Cone, WDM and Waukee
Al’s Dairy Freeze, Waukee
PATIOS
30Hop, Ankeny
Trailside Tap, Ankeny
Wilson’s Ciderhouse, Cumming
Blue Agave, Waukee
Big Grove Brewery, DSM
Lua, DSM
Either / Or, WDM
Arcadia, Polk City
PLACES TO PLAY
Outdoor
O’Brien Nature Play (Brenton Arboretum), Dallas Center
Treehouse Village (Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, Madrid)
Indoor
Playgrounds Cafe, Waukee
Triad Gymnastics, Ankeny
WDM RecPlex, West Des Moines
Little Gym, Johnston (coming in June!)
JUNE
HIGHLIGHTS
YOGAINTHEDISTRICT 4
Ready to soak up some Vitamin D and good vibes? Bring your yogi bestie for Yoga in the Park every Wednesday at 5:30 PM at Town Square Park in The District in Prairie Trail (right by the fountain)! Whether you’re a yoga pro or just learning which way your mat unrolls everyone’s welcome See you there!
SUMMERCONCERTSERIES 5
What’s better than live music, good food, and a crisp sangria? Jasper Winery’s Summer Concert Series is UNDOUBTABLY one of our favorite Thursday night hangs. Get there about a half hour before it begins (6 PM) and set out your lawn chairs and blankets. Food trucks are on site for bites!
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SATURDAYFARMER’SMARKETS
The Farmer’s Markets are in full swing! Bring your reusable grocery bags to stock up on this week’s vegetables and flowers! Also, if you’re anything like me, you know you’ll grab yourself a breakfast burrito, too! It’s a good thing Farmer’s Market calories don’t count You can visit both the Downtown and Ankeny markets on Saturday AM’s, and for my full list of metro markets.. flip to page 10
DSMARTFESTIVAL 27
The Des Moines Art Festival is taking over the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park from June 27-29, and it’s a total vibe! Three days of strolling through incredible art from 190+ professional artists, hands-on creative activities, live music on two stages, and alllll the good eats from local faves to food trucks!
WHERE TO COOL OFF around dsm
DISCOUNTED KIDS MOVIES
B & B Theaters, Ankeny: Tuesday-Thursday, movies are at 10 am and 12:30 pm
Century 20 ( Jordan Creek Mall) and Cinemark (Altoona and Ames) host their Summer Movie
Clubhouse on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM
Fridley Summer Movie Series (Waukee Palms)
Wednesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
BOWLING + ARCADE FUN
Get ready for a summer of bowling! The Kids Bowl Free program is nationally recognized, offering two free games of bowling daily to eligible kids all summer. Participating alleys include: Air Lanes-Des Moines, Spare Time Des Moines and Warrior LanesWaukee
SHADY PARKS FOR SUNSOAKED DAYS
Stewart Square Park: 1401 E Grand Ave, DSM
Greenwood Park: 100 45th St, DSM
Lions Park: 72nd Street and, NW Aurora Ave., Urbandale
Pinedale Park: 3405 Woodland Ave, WDM
Willow Springs, 5685 Wistful Vista Dr, WDM
Peony Park: 1100 63rd St, WDM
RUN, JUMP, CLIMB
Triad Gymnastics, Ankeny (Tues/Thurs open play)
Playgrounds Cafe, Waukee
West Des Moines RecPlex
Urban Air, Ankeny
Skyzone, Grimes
CITY CELEBRATIONS
GREEN DAYS
June 19-21, Johnston Green Days is an annual community celebration held in Johnston, Iowa, at Terra Park. Green Days 2025 activities include Jammin’ in Johnston a Business Expo, the parade, a carnival, and live entertainment in the beverage garden
CLIVE FESTIVAL
The 48th annual tradition will take place at the Greenbelt Landing at the Clive Aquatic Center The Clive Festival features “Thunder Over Clive Fireworks” (both evenings at 9:30 p.m.). Live music, the popular Fire Department’s Slip-NSlide, Clive Running Festival, and plenty more FUN!
FOUR SEASONS
The Four Seasons Festival, June 27-28, is held in town square in Polk City, Iowa Live Music, Friday Night Bike Night, a Beer Garden, a 5K Run, a Kids Fun Run, a Parade, a Bill Riley Talent Search, a Classic Car Show, FREE Children’s Activities, Food Vendors, and MUCH MORE
JULY HIGHLIGHTS
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WHERETOWATCHFIREWORKS
If you are looking for a grande, Americana display, check out Yankee Doodle Pops in DSM, or something a bit smaller (but still OOOH-worthy) head to Centennial Park in Waukee* where you’ll also find food vendors, outdoor games, and live music *events scheduled all day 7/3-7/4
4
FOURTHOFJULYPARADES
If you know me, you know I love the 4 and a good parade Our favorite tradition is the Urbandale Fourth of July Parade, hosted on the 4 at 10 AM, and the Ankeny Summerfest parade is a must-do the following week!For a full list of where to find the candy- I mean parades- check out page 6! th th
11
SUMMERFEST
If there’s one can’t-miss event in our area this summer, Summerfest (July 1113th, The District At Prairie Trail) is it. Starting with the Summerfest parade, and continuing with live music, vendors, rides, and food! Get a babysitter and grab your friends and look for me while you’re there!
25
NATIONALBALLOONCLASSIC
Get ready to look up! The National Balloon Classic in Indianola is back from July 25 – August 2, filling the sky with 100+ colorful hot air balloons Enjoy live music, delicious food, kids' activities, and even book a balloon ride for a magical view.
TREK THE PARKS challenge
WHAT IS IT?
A completely free, fun way to get out and about with the kids this summer and explore parks all around the DSM + surrounding metro areas From spaygrounds and splash pads, to traditional playgrounds, consider your “MOMMM I’M BOREDDDD” days taken care of!
WHEN DOES IT START?
The 8th annual Central Iowa Trek the Parks Challenge KickOff Party will be held at The Brenton Arboretum on June 1st! :FREE Sno Cone for every child from Dille Delights - Traveling Tropical Sno, Hands-on fun with The Brenton Arboretum team, Creative activities with Muddy Boots Forest Camp, + $10 arcade card + meet Benny from Spare Time Des Moines No registration is needed to join the kick-off celebration at Brenton Arboretum on June 1st
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
IBe sure to follow @desmoinesparent on Instagram (which, like, RUN to go do, now) for little meet-ups, and park challenge information throughout the summer
FARMERS’ MARKETS
Mondays
Pleasant Hill- Berean Church parking lot, 5299 E University, Pleasant Hill, IA, 4 to 7 p m
Tuesdays
Johnston Town Center; 6245 Merle Hay Rd , Johnston, IA 50131, 4 to 7 p m
Beaverdale; The west parking lot of Franklin Junior High School off Franklin Avenue; 4-7 p m
Saturdays
Downtown Farmer’s Market
Downtown Des Moines in the Historic Court District on Court Avenue, 8 a.m. to Noon
Grimes Heritage Park, 7 to 11 a m
Ankeny Market & Pavilion; 715 W 1st Street in Uptown Ankeny, 8 a m to Noon
Wednesdays
Bondurant- 201 Main Street SE 5 to 8 p m
Downtown Triangle Park, 6th Street & Ashworth Drive in Waukee, 4 to 7 p m
Thursdays
Historic Valley Junction; 100, 200 & (sometimes) 300 blocks of 5th Street, West Des Moines, 4 to 8 p m
AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS
1
HINTERLANDMUSICFESTIVAL
A three day music festival held in St Charles, featuring big name artiists such as Tyler the Creator, Lana Del Ray, Kacey Musgraves and more! For the full, three-day music line up, click here
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IOWASTATEFAIR
Nothing compares to the ISF! 11 days filled with food, fun, and more For a comprehensive guide to all things corn, cattle, and more.. jump to DSM Parent’s Ultimate Guide to the Iowa State Fair with Kids linked here
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SWEETCORNFESTIVAL
Is it Iowa if we don’t have a festival dedicated completely to sweet corn?
Celebrate our state’s golden goodness in Adel, August 9th, in downtown Adel The fun includes sweet corn (obvi) activities, music, and more for the whole family
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FARMSCHOOLFINALE
Celebrate the end of the Rose Farm, Farm School series on Friday, August 8th from 9-11 AM Children will enjoy ice cream treats, crafts, face painting, yard games, live farm animals + story time All tickets are complimentary + there is no cost to attend Rose Farm will release 500 tickets
EXPLORE MORE DSM
BERRY PICKING
The Berry Patch Farm, Nevada
Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Currants, Gooseberries, Raspberries, and Strawberries opens in June for picking
Center Grove Orchard, Cambridge
Wander sun-kissed fields and gather the juiciest berries straight from the vine (expected late May / early June)
Wilson’s Orchard + Farm, Cumming
Strawberries are available beginning June 1.
LIVE MUSIC
Beats and Eats, Ankeny
Thursdays, Ankeny Market Pavilion, starting June
5! Food trucks, beer truck, live music and activities for all ages!
Music in the Junction, Thursdays 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Stroll, shop and enjoy music Thursday nights from May through September
Fridays on the Farm, Friday’s 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Beginning May 23 through September 26 Live music, food, drinks, vendors
OUTDOOR YOGA
Yoga in the Park – Des Moines Every Saturday at 9 a.m. at Gray’s Lake Park
Campbell Recreation Area – Clive Every Wednesday, May 14 – August 27 at 6 p.m.
Yoga on the Square- Polk City, Saturday’s 8 to 9 a m (June 7 – 28, July 12 –August 2)
YOUR NOSTALGIC 90'S SUMMER BUCKET LIST
Bring a stack of books to read under a tree
Have a backyard water balloon fight
Host a lemonade stand with your kids
Gather the neighborhood for a game of baseball
Ride bikes to get a treat slushies, milkshakes, or soft-serve
Have a backyard picnic with a DIY lunchable
Watch a movie outside on a projector or blanket fort "theater"
Make homemade popsicles
Play tag, Red Rover, or capture the flag at the park
Go to the library and sign up for the summer reading program
Draw chalk obstacle courses or murals on the driveway
Have a sprinkler or Slip ‘N Slide day
Have a pool day - don’t forget the SPF, and $$ for a pool break snack
Build a blanket fort indoors and read or nap inside it
End a long summer day with s'mores or root beer floats in the backyard
Print off this checklist and hang it on the fridge so you can check them off all Summer!
SUMMER MARKET Snapshot
WHAT’S SELLING
Homes in the 515 that are selling have been priced competitively The sellers have worked hard to present their home in it’s best condition And they are working with an agent who knows what buyers want AND advocates for the best interest of their seller at the same time.
WHAT’S SITTING
The two most common qualities of homes that do not sell in and around the DSM area are that they are either overpriced or in poor condition (or both!). I’ve also noticed sellers that are poorly marketed (bad listing descriptions, cell phone photos, etc) tend to sit longer (which is why I’m so thorough with my marketing!).
HAPPY BUYER CHARACTERISTICS
Happy buyers have signed an agreement with their preferred agent. They have a pre-approval from their lender and they feel good about their budget. They are realistic of what to expect in their price range and they are ready to buy as soon as the right house pops up on the market
FRUSTRATED BUYER CHARACTERISTICS
Frustrated buyers are looking outside their price range. They’re spending more time scrolling Zillow than making a plan with their agent. And they haven’t prepared to list their current home for when the right house comes along.
NEXT STEPS Want more?
Did this guide leave you wanting more? I got you! Learn about other resources I have for you and the best way to work with me (even if you’re not buying or selling just yet!)
LOCAL RECS
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SCHEDULE MINI CONSULT
HOME BUYER
Want to talk to me about moving (even if it’s not right now?) Click to schedule a mini client consult on Zoom! Serious about buying soon? Grab my free Home Buyer Bootcamp Guide!
Ready to sell but not sure where to begin? Click for your next steps!
treking the parks meet me @ jasper at the pool on a vibe-y patio
this summer WHERE YOU’LL
F I N D M E
