🍺 Big Grove Brewery Is Now Iowa's Largest Craft Brewer

Here's a fun hometown brag worth celebrating: Big Grove Brewery — which opened its Des Moines taproom back in 2022 — has officially become Iowa's largest craft brewer by volume, surpassing longtime leader Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. for the first time ever. That's a huge milestone for a brewery that started with a single location in Iowa City and has since grown across the region. Next time you stop by their Des Moines taproom, raise a glass — you're toasting the biggest craft operation in the state.

🌱 170+ Des Moines Youth Apply for Oak Futures Summer Jobs

The Oakridge Neighborhood's Oak Futures Youth Employment Program has received more than 170 applications from Des Moines-area young people (ages 14–24) seeking paid summer work experience. Over its 30-year history, the program has placed more than 1,000 youth — primarily from underrepresented backgrounds — into summer internships and work-based learning opportunities aligned with their career interests. Current funding supports 40 placements, and the program is actively seeking additional community support to serve even more students. It's exactly the kind of investment that makes this city better year after year.

🐾 Animal Rescue Groups See Record Adoption Interest

Several central Iowa animal shelters and rescue groups are seeing a major increase in pet adoption interest this season, with more families opening their homes to dogs and cats ahead of summer. Local rescues say community support, fostering programs, and volunteer involvement have all helped more animals find permanent homes. It’s one more reminder that Des Moines continues to show up for both people and pets in a big way.

✈️ DSM Airport Continues Adding Flight Options

Des Moines International Airport continues expanding travel options for residents, with growing passenger numbers and additional flight routes helping connect central Iowa to more destinations across the country. The airport’s continued growth is bringing added convenience for travelers while also boosting tourism, business opportunities, and regional development around the metro.

☀️ Keep Learning “Light but Consistent”: Kids don’t need hours of summer studying to stay sharp. Just 15–20 minutes of reading, math games, journaling, or educational activities a few times a week can help prevent major learning loss before the new school year begins.

📖 Let Kids Choose What They Read: Summer reading works best when kids actually enjoy the material. Comic books, sports articles, mysteries, recipe books, or even graphic novels all build vocabulary and comprehension skills while making reading feel fun instead of forced.

🧠 Mix Learning Into Everyday Activities: Real-life learning counts too. Cooking helps with math, grocery shopping builds budgeting skills, and family trips can spark conversations about history, geography, and science. Kids learn more when education feels natural.

🎯 Focus on One Skill at a Time: Instead of overwhelming kids with full worksheets and long assignments, pick one small skill to strengthen each week — multiplication facts, handwriting, reading fluency, or vocabulary words. Small wins build confidence and momentum.

🎨 Encourage Creativity Every Week: Drawing, building, storytelling, music, and creative projects help kids practice problem-solving and critical thinking skills that support classroom learning. Creative brains stay active brains.

Want more smart summer learning tips like these? Camp Homework is offering a free course at PreventSummerSlide.com to help your family stay sharp, confident, and ahead before summer learning loss even begins.

Looking for ways to keep the kids active, entertained, and off screens this summer? Greater Des Moines is packed with family-friendly places to explore all season long!

• Gray’s Lake Park — beach area, walking trails, paddle boats, and a fun new playground

• Jester Park Nature Center — hiking trails, bison and elk viewing, and hands-on nature activities

• Raccoon River Park — swimming beach, playgrounds, and kayak rentals

• Easter Lake Park — biking trails, paddling, fishing, and lakeside family fun

• Union Park — home to the famous Heritage Carousel and giant rocket slide

• Water Works Park — huge open spaces, bike trails, and picnic spots perfect for summer days

• Miracle Park in Ankeny — inclusive playground designed for kids of all abilities

• Lauridsen Skatepark — one of the largest skateparks in the country for skateboards and scooters

• Adventure Bay Water Park — wave pool, lazy river, and exciting water slides

• Cascade Falls Aquatic Center — surf simulator, slides, and family water fun

• Clive Aquatic Center — lazy river and pools for all ages

• Valley View Aquatic Center — zero-depth entry pool and family-friendly slides

• Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center — splash zones and shallow pools great for younger kids

• Holiday Aquatic Center — classic outdoor summer swimming experience

• Birdland Pool — affordable outdoor pool fun in Des Moines

• Blank Park Zoo — animal exhibits, train rides, and carousel fun

• Science Center of Iowa — hands-on STEM exhibits and interactive learning

• Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden — beautiful gardens and relaxing indoor/outdoor walks

• Living History Farms — interactive outdoor history museum with farm animals and demonstrations

• State Historical Museum of Iowa — free exhibits exploring history and culture

• Des Moines Art Center — free art museum with family-friendly exhibits

• Pappajohn Sculpture Park — giant outdoor sculptures and great downtown photo spots

• Des Moines Children’s Museum — pretend play and interactive activities for younger kids

• Get Air Des Moines — trampolines, foam pits, and toddler jump sessions

• Urban Air Adventure Park — climbing wall, and indoor adventure fun

• Sky Zone Des Moines — freestyle jumping and active indoor entertainment

• Climb Iowa — indoor rock climbing for beginners and experienced climbers

• Spare Time Des Moines — bowling, arcade games, laser tag & food all in one place

• Skate South — roller skating, arcade games, and family skate nights

• MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex — public ice skating, sports courts, and year-round recreation

Summer in Des Moines is full of ways for families to stay active, explore new places, and make unforgettable memories together!

Looking for easy summer adventures beyond Des Moines? These family-friendly destinations are perfect for day trips filled with outdoor fun, attractions, and memorable experiences.

• Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium — one of the nation’s top zoos with indoor jungles, aquariums, and massive animal exhibits

• Omaha Children’s Museum — hands-on exhibits, climbing spaces, and interactive learning for younger kids

• The Amazing Pizza Machine — arcade games, rides, laser tag, and pizza all in one spot

• Fontenelle Forest — scenic walking trails, nature boardwalks, and peaceful outdoor views

• Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium — large animal exhibits, train rides, and family-friendly attractions

• LEGOLAND Discovery Center — indoor LEGO rides, building stations, and creative play

• Science City at Union Station — interactive science exhibits and hands-on STEM fun

• Worlds of Fun — roller coasters, water rides, and all-day amusement park excitement

• Lake Okoboji — beaches, boating, mini golf, and classic Iowa summer vibes

• Arnolds Park Amusement Park — historic lakeside rides, games, and family entertainment

• Maquoketa Caves State Park — caves, hiking trails, bridges, and scenic rock formations

• Field of Dreams Movie Site — iconic baseball movie location where families can walk the field

• National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium — river exhibits, aquariums, touch tanks, and interactive learning

• Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad — relaxing train rides through the Iowa countryside

• Pella Historical Village — Dutch bakeries, windmills, and charming downtown shopping

• Amana Colonies — local restaurants, candy shops, and unique small-town experiences

• Ledges State Park — creek walking, sandstone cliffs, and shaded hiking trails

• Backbone State Park — hiking, kayaking, climbing, and beautiful outdoor scenery

• Honey Creek Resort — lakeside resort with beaches, biking, and family recreation

• Lost Island Themepark — roller coasters, themed rides, and family attractions

• Lost Island Waterpark — waterslides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones

Whether your family loves zoos, train rides, beaches, caves, roller coasters, or small-town exploring, there’s no shortage of easy summer adventures just a few hours from Des Moines.

Monday, June 1 · 7:30 PM Des Moines Civic Center · 221 Walnut St, Des Moines

Tonight is an absolute must for any Pink Floyd fan. Brit Floyd — the world's premier Pink Floyd experience — rolls into the Civic Center for one night only as part of their 2026 world tour. Expect nearly three hours of iconic music: "Comfortably Numb," "Wish You Were Here," "Another Brick in the Wall," and more, backed by an award-winning production of lights, lasers, and massive sound that Rolling Stone has praised as one of the finest tribute experiences anywhere.

Wed June 3 · Thu June 4 · Fri June 5 — All at 7:00 PM
Outlets of Des Moines · 801 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona, IA 50009

This is your LAST CHANCE to see the Venardos Circus before they leave the metro! Step through the looking glass and into a Broadway-style big-top experience inspired by Alice in Wonderland — world-class acrobatics, aerial feats, comedy, and genuine heart, all in an intimate tent where every seat feels close to the action. About 90 minutes with a brief intermission.

Friday, June 5 · 5:00–8:00 PM Galleries & Creative Spaces Across Greater Des Moines

Every first Friday of the month, Des Moines' arts community comes alive. Galleries open their doors, artists greet visitors, and the whole city leans into creativity together. This month's featured exhibition is "Nostalgia" — an evening of art, conversation, and a celebration of Iowa's incredible creative community. It's free, it's walkable (in many areas), and it's one of the truly unique cultural traditions in Des Moines.

We want to hear from you! Des Moines Digest exists to help locals find the best things to do, see, and explore across the metro — but we can only make it better with your input. Tell us what sections you love, what you skip, and what you wish we covered more. Whether it's a hidden gem, an event type, or just a quick "keep doing this" — we're all ears. Your feedback shapes every issue, so hit reply or click below and let us know. This digest is for you, Des Moines! 💬
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Thanks for starting the week with us, Des Moines. See you Thursday! 🌱

— Alex | Des Moines Digest 📘
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