Who's hungry? We're giving away a $25 gift card to a local restaurant of your choice — and YOU pick the spot! As long as it's a local gem and not a big chain, you're good to go. We love supporting small businesses, and this is a fun way to do it together!
Entering is super easy. Just visit the link below to get started — but don't stop there! You can unlock additional chances to win by completing bonus steps right on the giveaway page. The more steps you complete, the better your odds, so make sure you check them all off!
Know someone who would love this? Share it with your friends and family — spreading the word is one of the ways to earn even more entries! The more the merrier, and the more chances you have to win. 🎉
Don't wait too long — we'll be drawing a winner at the end of the month. Head over now, complete those bonus steps, and boost your chances!
👉 desmoinesdigest.com/giveaway
Good luck to everyone who enters — we can't wait to pick a winner!

🎨 1. Des Moines Art Center — New Exhibition Opening April 11 | 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines | Free Admission
A new exhibition, "Christine Rebet: Sound of Time," opens this weekend on April 11 and runs through August 23. The Art Center is free to visit and a wonderful way to spark creativity in kids. They also offer Art Spectrums, a program that enables children and teens with autism and their families to enjoy the Art Center and make memories with art. A great low-key, enriching outing for the whole family!

🌿 2. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Open weekends | 909 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines

A beautiful spot for a family outing, this 14-acre center along the Des Moines River features a domed conservatory housing over 1,000 varieties of exotic plants — perfect for kids to explore and parents to enjoy. A relaxed, educational, and scenic way to spend a spring afternoon.

🏛️ 3. Iowa State Capitol
Free admission | 1007 East Grand Ave, Des Moines

By all accounts the No. 1 tourist attraction in Des Moines, the Capitol sits atop a hill offering a panoramic view of the city. It's the only five-domed capitol in the country — a free, budget-friendly outing packed with history for the whole family.

The dinner table is one of the best places to connect with your kids! Asking simple questions can lead to big conversations, help kids feel heard, and give parents a peek into their child's world. Put the phones away, pull up a chair, and try one of these fun questions tonight:

Thursday: What was the best part of your day, and what was the hardest part?

Friday: If you could change one thing about school, what would it be?

Saturday: What's something that made you laugh recently?

Sunday: If you could have any superpower, what would you choose and why?

Monday: Who did you sit with at lunch today, and what did you talk about?

Tuesday: What's something you're really looking forward to this week?

Wednesday: If you could plan our next family adventure, where would we go?

Struggling with more than study tips can solve? Camp Homework offers affordable K–12 tutoring with real human tutors — not AI — starting at just $150/month. camphomework.com

Nothing says spring in Des Moines like a day at the ballpark.

The Iowa Cubs take on the Omaha Storm Chasers at Principal Park for two afternoon games — and it’s the perfect excuse to get outside.

Think sunshine (hopefully), ballpark snacks, and that easygoing, family-friendly vibe that makes minor league baseball such a great time. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun midday break, this is one of the best ways to enjoy the start of the season.

📅 Today (April 8) & Tomorrow (April 9) | 12:08 PM
📍 Principal Park, Des Moines
🎟️ Affordable tickets available

Iowa Cubs vs. Omaha Storm Chasers Today (April 8) and tomorrow (April 9) at Principal Park, 12:08 PM. Affordable, fun, and a great way to enjoy the first weeks of spring baseball season.

Monster Jam Sunday, April 12 at Casey's Center, 1:00 PM. Big trucks, big noise, big fun — a crowd-pleaser for families with kids of all ages.

Fred Hersch Trio: Legendary Jazz Pianist Friday, April 17 at Sheslow Auditorium, 7:30 PM. A world-class jazz performance right here in Des Moines.

Iowa Wild Fan Appreciation Weekend + Olympic Speed Skater Meet & Greet Friday, April 17 at Casey's Center, 7:00 PM. Free meet-and-greet with Olympic speed skater Zach Stoppelmoor before the game.

116th Drake Relays April 22–25 at Drake Stadium. One of Des Moines' most beloved annual traditions — world-class track and field, community energy, and the unofficial start of summer festival season.

Grand Blue Mile Tuesday, April 21 at Western Gateway Park, 6:00 PM. A one-mile community run through downtown Des Moines. All ages and paces welcome.

Thank you so much for reading — we hope you found something fun, helpful, and inspiring in today's edition! If you enjoyed this newsletter, please share it with your friends and family so they can be part of the fun too. The more the merrier! We'll see you back here on Monday for our next edition. Have a wonderful weekend, Des Moines! 🎉

— Alex | Des Moines Digest 📘 facebook.com/desmoinesdigest | 📸 instagram.com/desmoinesdigest