Things to Do in Des Moines this Fall for Families

The Ultimate Fall Bucket List for Des Moines Families

Make unforgettable family memories this season with our fall bucket list for Des Moines! We’ve rounded up 70+ fun things to do in Des Moines this fall—from unique central Iowa attractions to must-try seasonal foods, outdoor adventures, and cozy fall experiences perfect for both kids and adults.

Whether you’re looking for classic fall activities like pumpkin patches and apple orchards, or hidden gems only locals know, this Des Moines fall bucket list was created with families in mind.

How many can you check off our fall bucket list for Des Moines families? Save it, share it with friends, and start making the most of autumn in Iowa.

We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.

Fall Bucket List: 70+ Things to do in Des Moines this Fall

1. Learn about butterflies and participate in a monarch tagging workshop through Des Moines Parks and Rec.
2. Hang a festive fall wreath.
3. Boo your neighbor!
4. Pick out yarn at Yarn Junction Co in Valley Junction and make a scarf just in time for cooler temps.
5. Add fall color to your front step with a mum from Earl May or Canoyer Garden Center.
6. Satisfy your sweet tooth with some classic fall candy. (Are you team candy corn, or nah?)
7. Gather ’round a fire pit and roast marshmallows. 
8. Spend a rainy day at the State Historical Society of Iowa‘s museum. (Bonus: It’s free!)
9. Check out the view and take pictures of fall foliage from the top of Clark Tower in Winterset.
10. Plan a weekend getaway to Decorah. Hike to a waterfall, visit the fish hatchery, and explore the beautiful town. 
11. Make cinnamon playdough with this easy recipe.
12. Try these mom-approved tips for adding a little fall flair to your home.
13. Check out Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival.
14. Plant bulbs in your garden for next spring. (Never too early to think ahead!)
15. Make a pinecone bird feeder with your kids. (These directions from Martha Stewart make it easy!)
16. Buy fall produce at the Downtown Farmers Market, which runs until Oct. 25.
17. Enjoy Living History Farm’s Applefest.
18. Opt for a teal pumpkin.
19. Host a fall potluck with your friends. (Everyone brings soup or bread, and everyone leaves full and happy!) Try one of our favorite fall recipes.
20. Grab some friends and enjoy live music and hard cider at Wilson’s Ciderhouse.
21. Visit a pumpkin patch. (Our central Iowa guide will help you pick which one!)
22. Trek the trails of Ledges State Park.
23. Head downtown and grab an apple pie or pumpkin spice cupcake from Molly’s Cupcakes.
24. Try a handmade caramel from Beaverdale Confections.
25. Check out fall-themed picture books from the library, grab some stuffed animals, and have a cozy, at-home storytime with your preschooler.
26. Solve a spooky mystery at an escape room.
27. Buy a locally-made soy candle from Dirt Road Candle Co. in your fave fall scent.
28. Test your sense of direction at a local corn maze.
29. Make caramel apples or apple nachos.
30. Take a day trip over to Eastern Iowa and check out the fall foliage along the Mississippi.
31. Head to a Fall Festival.
32. Take a step back in time at the Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow Park. Attractions include full contact jousting, pirate cove, gypsy camp, royal court, and more.
33. Collect leaves and get the crayons out to make some leaf rubbings.
34. Add canned pumpkin to a spice cake mix for super-easy pumpkin spice cupcakes!
35. Gear up for a family bike ride on the High Trestle Trail. (The views are amazing this time of year!)
36. Take in Friday night lights at a high school football game. 
37. Get a babysitter and head to a haunted house.
38. Rake the leaves…so you can jump in them. (try slow-mo on your phone for some fun videos!)
39. Create a family theme for Halloween costumes and get ready for trick-or-treating. Might as well brush up on your jokes, while you’re at it!
40. Send out thank-you notes just because.
41. Grab some chairs and blankets and catch an outdoor family movie in Uptown Ankeny. The linup includes Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Matilda, Hocus Pocus, and more! 
42. Need to burn off energy? Head to Urban Air in Ankeny for an epic indoor play experience.
43. Explore Brown’s Woods and bring a picnic to enjoy the fresh autumn air when you’re finished.
44. Watch a spooky Halloween movie.
45. Plan a night out with friends at a local brewery. Most offer the chance to unwind with free live music.
46. Gather coats your little ones have outgrown and donate them. Then shop Just Between Friends for new ones!
47. Nosh some pumpkin pancakes at Drake Diner.
48. Make an apple pie with your kids and deliver it to someone who could use a smile. (Store-bought works too!)
49. Crack open the windows and enjoy the fresh air. (Simple, but sometimes we need the reminder to slow down and breathe!)
50. Order a pumpkin spice latte at your favorite coffee shop. (You know you want to.)
51. Take a hayride and enjoy some apple cider donuts at Will’s Family Orchard.
52. Book an Airbnb for a romantic fall weekend getaway. (Central Iowa has lots of gorgeous options!)
53. Toast pumpkin seeds after you’re done carving pumpkins.
54. Jump on the giant jumping pillow at Center Grove Orchard in Cambridge.
55. Go old school and make a scarecrow. (Not too scary, obvs!)
56. Create a playlist and play it while you drive over the mile-long Saylorville Lake bridge. The bold fall foliage will inspire you!
57. Enjoy a festive fall beer at one of the many local breweries.
58. Grab your slow cooker and make a big ol’ batch of chili.
59. Immerse yourself in fall foliage with a trip to Brenton Arboretum.
60. Create a Thanksgiving gratitude jar.
61. Take a family hike in Jester Park.
62. Get inspired by fine art at the Des Moines Art Center. Admission is free.
63. Spend a day picking apples at a local orchard and then bake with them.
64. Take advantage of cooler temperatures by giving back and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa.
65. Carve pumpkins.
66. Head to the Amana Colonies and enjoy Oktoberfest.
67. Book a family photography session to capture the beautiful changing leaves. Here are some of our favorite spots for fall photos.
68. Go on a camping adventure at Walnut Woods State Park. (Enjoy the country experience within city limits!)
69. Go thrifting for some vintage flair to add to your fall decor. (We love retro thermoses and plaid blankets!) Or check out the fall Vintage and Made Fair.
70. Throw a tailgate party and cheer on your favorite football team.
71. Make signs to cheer on runners of the Des Moines Marathon, October 19. 
72. Use up that leftover Halloween candy and make a cake.

What are you adding to your fall bucket list?