Your Family’s Must-Do Downtown DSM Fall Bucket List

Fall is the perfect time to make lasting family memories with your kids. Whether you’ve got littles, middles or teens, there's something for everyone to enjoy on this bucket list of things to do in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) this fall.

1. Visit the Des Moines Public Library’s Central Library family programming, such as Family Storytime, Wiggles and Giggles or Baby Rhyme Time. Mark your calendar for the upcoming Dia de Los Muertos events.

2. Take a stroll through Historic Court District during the final weekends of the Downtown Farmers’ Market, taking place every Saturday morning through October. And don’t miss the indoor Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market, offering local produce, meats and cheeses, eggs, jams, salsa, handmade goods and art, entertainment, and holiday products in November.

3. Sign-up for a fun run, like the Jack O’Lantern World Night 5K featuring illuminated Jack O’Lanterns or the Des Moines Turkey Trot!

4. Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and wander through the indoor and outdoor areas. Check out the events calendar for upcoming programs, classes activities, entertainment and more.

5. Take the whole fam out for breakfast or brunch to start the day off right!

6. Catch the excitement of an Iowa Wild hockey game! Grab your family, cheer on the home team, and enjoy a thrilling night of fast-paced action on the ice.

7. Capture family memories to last a lifetime with a photoshoot at one of these top places for fall photos in Downtown Des Moines.

8. Get outside your comfort zone and embrace the adventure at Climb Iowa East Village. A great place to test out your family’s climbing skills!

9. Take in the sights, sounds and beauty of the season at Water Works Park! Spend a family day kayaking, walking, biking or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy together.

10. Hit the trails for a bike ride! Downtown DSM is the culminating point for many of the over 800 miles of connected trails in the region.

11. Leash up your furry family member and head to the Riverwalk Dog Park for a fun, crisp fall day with the whole family, just outside Downtown DSM!

12. Take an autumn stroll through the city. Psst! We have a list of the best places in Downtown DSM for a fall walk!

13. Grab a warm drink to enjoy! Check out this list of fall-flavored coffee and tea drinks. Most locations also have fun caffeine-free fall drinks as well for the kiddos!

14. Stock up on fall accessories and cool-weather clothing for the whole crew!

15. Visit the Science Center of Iowa, the perfect place to spend an extra chilly fall day.

16. Pick up some delicious fall-flavored treats to enjoy and savor the cozy flavors of the season!

17. Take the fam to a Downtown Des Moines restaurant with a fun patio space! Many patios feature outdoor heaters to keep you comfortable even when the temps start to cool.

18. Grab ingredients for a family dinner at Gateway Market and spark some fun with a friendly cooking competition, trying out new fall-inspired recipes together! Be sure to buy a yummy jog of apple cider, too.

19. Plan a visit to one of the family-friendly Downtown Des Moines breweries. Tip for parents: Check out these fall-inspired beers and cocktails to sip on.

20. Catch a live performance at the Civic Center, Stoner Theater or Temple Theater.

21. Explore local artists and themed exhibitions at Mainframe Studios, including at their monthly First Friday events, not to mention live music, food and drinks.

22. Stay active as a family, even as the temperatures start to drop at the Wellmark YMCA. Play a friendly game of racquetball or hit up the indoor Olympic-size pool for a family swim.

23. Celebrate spooky season together and plan a family costume! Maybe you’ll even win a costume contest!

24. Expand your family’s culinary horizons and try out one of these cultural restaurants in Downtown Des Moines, full of flavors from around the world.

25. Visit Up-Down during family hours, which takes place one Sunday each month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.!

26. Sign up for a nature program through Des Moines Parks and Recreation.

27. Plan a weekend staycation in Downtown DSM.

28. Take a pizza tour throughout Downtown DSM and rank your family’s favorite local eateries to enjoy a nice cheesy slice!

29. Visit a free museum or art gallery for a family filled day at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, Hoyt Sherman Place or the Polk County Heritage Gallery (shown below).

30. Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park using the exploration guide to experience the park in a whole new way.

31. Celebrate Taco Tuesday with the family at a new-to-you taco spot in Downtown DSM.

32. Bring a cozy blanket and book for each family member and enjoy a relaxing day reading a book at one of these reading spots in Downtown Des Moines.

33. Get tickets to the basketball game and cheer on the Iowa Wolves at their season opener in November.

34. Spend a beautiful fall afternoon fishing! MacRae Park, Gray’s Lake, Water Works Park, the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers are all great locations to fish nearby.

Photo Credit: Des Moines Parks & Recreation

35. Grab some matching family tees from RAYGUN and show off your love for your favorite sports team or rock a clever punny one-liner together!

36. Dust off your roller blades or skateboard and head to Lauridsen Skatepark and show the kids some tricks! You’ve still got it!

37. Spend an afternoon at Gray’s Lake. Bring your family something on wheels like bikes, rollerblades, skates or scooters to trek around the lake’s surrounding paved path.

38. Head to the Iowa State Capitol for a free tour. Learn about the rich history and architecture while enjoying a unique family experience in Downtown DSM.

39. Try a new restaurant your family has never been to! Whether you’re craving burgers, barbecue or anything in between, Downtown DSM has the perfect spot to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

40. Divide the family into teams and head to EMC Park for a lively game of pickleball!

41. Fill up your family’s home library with a new book for each member of the crew at Storyhouse Bookpub! Check their calendar often for exciting upcoming events.

42. Choose your adventure and team up to solve puzzles and escape at Escape Chambers in Downtown DSM. It’s the perfect challenge for family fun and excitement!

43. See how many artful murals you can find throughout the city. Use this list as a guide!

44. Mark your calendar for Beggars’ Night in Downtown DSM on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 6-8 p.m. Don’t forget to brush up on your jokes!

45. Check out the United Way of Central Iowa website to find volunteering opportunities near Downtown Des Moines at venues such as Central Library, Science Center of Iowa and even hospitals including UnityPoint Health, MercyOne and Broadlawns.

46. Go on a scavenger hunt on the lookout for art sculptures throughout Downtown DSM.

47. Pick a cozy spot for family lunch or dinner and warm up over a hearty meal or bowl of soup.

48. Take a self-guided history tour throughout the city and learn about historical landmarks and other must-see things along the way.

49. Head to the Des Moines Ballet or the Des Moines Symphony for a captivating evening of world-class performances and unforgettable music.

50. Peruse the treasurers at West End Architectural Salvage and grab some coffees and hot cocoa from the coffee shop while you’re there.

51. Schedule a fall playdate with family friends at MacRae Park.

52. Rent BCycles and take a family bike ride through the city and take in all the fall foliage.

53. Watch a football game at a family-friendly sports bar. Check out this list of Downtown DSM sports bars for options.

Find even more bucket list ideas in Downtown Des Moines with restaurants, attractions, outdoor recreation and more. And find affordable and convenient parking options to make your Downtown visit easy to navigate.