Summer Outdoor Recreation Activities
The warmer temperatures are here which means more time outdoors for the whole family! There is no shortage of fun things to do outdoors in the Des Moines area. Whether you seek adventure, or enjoy a more relaxing activity we have gathered some of our favorite summer outdoor recreation activities to do in the heart of Iowa.
Fishing
Grab your fishing pole, some bait and head to one of the many ponds and lakes to catch some fish. This is a relaxing outdoor activity every family member, no matter the age, will love. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Make sure you have your fishing license! You can also take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend June 2-4. Here are some fun events and activities happening throughout the Des Moines area that weekend.
Save these fun places to fish:
Get on the Water
There are many places to get out on the water this summer. The nice thing is you do not have to own a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat. There are many options to rent and even take classes if you are new to it.
Some of our favorite places to get on the water are at:
Pick Some Produce
Summer is the perfect time to pick some fresh produce. Grab your sunblock, baskets, and spend the morning picking strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and more. Nothing beats the feeling of picking, washing, and eating fresh fruit. Take it home and bake a yummy treat for the whole family. Take a look at our whole list of places to pick strawberries and other produce in the Des Moines metro area.
Cool Off at a Splash Pad
Maybe you don’t want to be on the water, but would still like to enjoy some water fun. Splash pads are the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day after a hike or playing on the playground. Numerous park departments across the metro offer free splash pads and other spray features in their city parks. Here is a list of wading pools, fountains, and spraygrounds in Des Moines.
Take on a Challenge
Sign up for the Central Iowa Trek the Parks Challenge. Every summer families all across central Iowa head outdoors to explore parks in their community and surrounding communities. It is a fun way to learn about new parks, be active, and enter to win some fun prizes. The 2023 Trek the Parks Challenge kicks-off June 1 and runs through August 20.
Play with Nature
Play on a playground made of nature! Natural playground or natural playscapes encourages a different type of play where children can use their imaginations. Natural playgrounds are usually made up of stumps, rocks, sticks, water features, and more. Climbing logs and rock never gets old! Over the years many park departments have been really creative on how to use natural features to create excitement for all ages. Here is a great list of natural playgrounds in the Des Moines area.
About the Author: You can find Erin Huiatt blogging and sharing her family’s adventures on Des Moines Parent and Des Moines Outdoor Fun. Erin is a stepping-stone for thousands of families and women throughout the Midwest. With Des Moines Parent, she shares events, activities, parenting tips, and more with families. The mother of two, Erin loves to explore Des Moines and travel while sharing her experiences with others.
