Looking for something beyond the usual weekend plans? Des Moines has a thriving arts and culture scene, from the free Des Moines Art Center and Pappajohn Sculpture Park to local artist studios, historic homes, interactive museums, and live theater.

Our Ultimate Guide to Des Moines Arts, Museums & Culture brings these spots together, with options for families, art lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to discover something new around the metro.

👉 Explore the Complete Guide

Ask a kid what they remember most about being little, and it’s rarely the expensive thing. It’s the pile of leaves, the flashlight under the blanket, the night Dad let everyone have pancakes for dinner. Here are a few free ideas to try while the weather is still on our side.

🍂 The Great Leaf Pile Launch
Rake one giant pile, then take turns running, jumping, and burying each other. Declare a winner for best landing. Judges are very strict and also easily bribed with cider.

🔦 Backyard Flashlight Parade
Once it’s dark, hand everyone a flashlight and walk the block to see who has the best decorations. Pick a “most dramatic cobweb” winner. Wave at neighbors.

🔥 Porch S’mores Summit
No fire pit? Use the oven broiler or a grill. Set up a s’mores bar with weird extras like peanut butter cups, cookies, or sliced bananas. The most chaotic combo gets a trophy.

🎃 No-Carve Pumpkin Faces
Skip the knives and decorate with markers, stickers, yarn, and googly eyes. Pumpkins always look better when a five-year-old is in charge.

🚲 Trail Day, No Destination
Grab the bikes or walking shoes and pick any trail or park path. Nobody picks the route, and the only rule is that you stop at the first thing someone says “ooh” about.

🎬 Blanket Fort Movie Night
Build the fort first, because it’s half the fun. Then pick a spooky-but-not-too-spooky classic and make popcorn with the good seasoning.

✨ If everyone is smiling but nobody knows exactly what the plan is, you’re probably doing the weekend right. ❤️

Dinner's one of the few times the whole family lands in the same room — here's a question to open things up each night this week.

These questions are a great way to kick off dinner. And if you've got a student in the house, they're a good reminder that learning doesn't stop when school does. Camp Homework supports K–12 students all year long, whether they need a little extra help keeping up or just want to stay sharp and ahead of the curve. Worth a look at camphomework.com.

Real talk: the last few weeks of school matter. If your child is struggling, Camp Homework connects K–12 students with real human tutors — not AI — starting at just $150/month. Affordable, personal, and actually effective. Don't wait until summer to course-correct. camphomework.com →

When: Fri, Oct. 23, 5–8 p.m. | Sat, Oct. 24, 5–8 p.m. | Sun, Oct. 25, 3–6 p.m. (new toddler-friendly time)
Where: Living History Farms, Urbandale
Cost: $13 per person (discounts for members and advance sales)

This is trick-or-treating with a twist. You’ll wander the 1876 town of Walnut Hill, collecting treats and trinkets at the historic storefronts.

Along the way you can take a horse-drawn wagon ride, make potions, have your fortune told, and try crafts and games. The blacksmith and the printer are there too, running historic demonstrations the kids tend to watch with their mouths open.

It’s one weekend only, and with 79° forecast for Friday and Saturday, it’s a good one to catch. Dress in layers once the sun goes down.

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
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