Below is the complete list of things to do, including fall/winter and spring/summer activities:

Fall/Winter
Spring/Summer

Fall/Winter

Ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza: A must during the winter, this big-city outdoor skate rink sits on the river with a view of the skyline. Drop in for affordable lessons, or to watch a friendly league game between broomball teams most Sundays.

Sleigh rides in Historic Valley Junction at the Holiday Open House: Step back in time and let a horse-drawn sleigh take you through six blocks of specialty shops among 150,000 twinkling lights.

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park events…Renaissance Faire and Haunted Scream Park: Get the yell scared out of you in October, or choose the medieval event for thee lady, held September 4-6, 11-12 and 18-19.

Jolly Holiday Lights at Des Moines Water Works Park: This is a can’t-miss experience. Celebrating its 15th year, see 3.5 miles of displays each night from November 23-January 1.

Tonic Sol-fa and Silent Night with the Nadas at Hoyt Sherman Place: These very special performances are at their best in this historical landmark theater just north of downtown. See the Nadas December 3 and Tonic Sol-Fa December 17-18.

20th Annual Night Eyes at Blank Park Zoo: This merry, not scary, event is held October 21-24 and 28-31 and utterly transforms the zoo into a world of storybook characters for costume-clad kids.

Riding the D-line during blustery days: Hop on to hop out of the elements. Check the free shuttle route and times at dmmta.com/schedules.

Pumpkin patches, corn mazes and apple orchards throughout Greater Des Moines: Fall is a colorful, tasteful time in Iowa, and the season’s farmers’ markets and annual locations won’t disappoint.

Festival of Trees & Lights, November 24-28: An annual favorite fundraiser held at The Plex downtown benefits Blank Children’s Hospital.

Drake Basketball games: “Get your blue on” and cheer the Bulldogs of Drake University in the Knapp Center.

Gatsby Gala at the Salisbury House and Gardens, September 10: This much-loved event is an ode to the Roaring 20s and the Jazz Age held in a 42-room mansion modeled after the King’s House in England.

High School State Wrestling and Basketball Tournaments: Join the throngs of proud parents in February and March for these quintessential sporting competitions for Iowa high schools.

Check out the downtown nightlife at Court District bars and clubs: If you’re looking for an easy street to visit for a good time, this historic district of bars and restaurants offers great variety and tons of energy.

Flying Mango: Truly a unique experience in barbecue, foodies will appreciate the Cajun-Caribbean influence and homemade side dishes.

Botanical Blues at the Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center: See spectacular seasonal displays of plants and flowers while listening to great music.

Beaverdale Fall Festival, September 17-18: Celebrate among the brick homes and charming merchants in one of Des Moines’ favorite neighborhoods.

Iowa Events Center shows: Home to shows such as the Iowa Premier Food and Wine Expo, November 12-13; Home and Garden Show February 10-13; and the American Quilters Society Quilt Expo, October 6-9.

Give the gift of Greater Des Moines! The Greater Des Moines Gift Card makes the perfect holiday gift: It is accepted at hundreds of hotels, restaurants and attractions around the Metro. Stop by the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau offices in Capital Square downtown or visit SeeDesMoines.com/giftcard to make someone’s holiday the best they’ve ever had!

Lunch at the Cub Club overlooking Principal Park complete with a “fire” burning on the field’s big screens: Feel like a big shot dining in a restaurant “skybox” behind left field.

Snow-shoeing or cross country skiing on the 100 miles of recreational trails: Connected and quiet, Central Iowa’s trails are more extensive than ever, and used year-round. Polk County Conservation is a good place to start for details.

Go for a walk at Iowa Arboretum: Billing itself as a “Library of Living Plants,” you’ll stroll through hundreds of species of trees, shrubs and flowers in a tranquil 40-acre scenic fall setting.

Eating in the indoor garden at Riverwalk Café: Located inside the Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center, this elegant café serves creative cuisine overlooking tropical gardens.

Breakfast all day at Waveland Café: Classic diner chow, near a golf course in the heart of Des Moines. ‘Nuff said.

Basilica of St. John historic site: One of only two basilicas in the state, you’ll marvel at the beauty of the imported marble columns and majestic pipe organs in this century old landmark near Drake University.

Lace up your bowling shoes for a round at Bass Pro Shop’s bowling alley: A first for Bass Pro Shops, the Altoona store features a 12-lane nautical-themed bowling alley.

Movies and popcorn at one of the area movie theaters: Indie flick or big-screen blockbuster? Glass of wine at Fleur Cinemas or a giant soda? Settle in for an affordable movie in one of the metro’s 10+ cinemas.

Grab a bite to eat at South Union Bread Café’s expanded and updated space: You may smell it before you see it; South Union’s bread is legendary in this town. Serving lunch from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on weekdays, the popular spot recently doubled its seating.

Holly and Ivy Tour at Terrace Hill and Salisbury House and Gardens: Enjoy guided tours of magnificent mansions decked out in their holiday finest. December 4-5.

Check out the new, colorful sculpture at the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park: Any season is the perfect season to explore the sculpture park, and the playful dancing figures by world-class artist Keith Haring will lift your spirits.

Civic Center of Greater Des Moines: Broadway comes to town…get your tickets for Mary Poppins, November 26-December 12; Chicago, February 25-27; the most talked-about new show, Next to Normal, March 15-20; and Rock of Ages, April 19-24.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides at Jester Park: When the snow is flying, you can be riding in style, with 45-minute horse-drawn sleigh rides for groups at $10 per person.

Skiing, snowboarding and tubing at Seven Oaks Recreation: Get totally tubular with the new snowboard options at this winter sports facility.

Pumpkin Express and Santa Express on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad: Catch the fall foliage on a train trip to the Pumpkin Patch or to the North Pole on the Santa Express. Dates are TBA, but get your tickets early as they sell out fast!

Grape stomping at local wineries: You heard it through the grapevine…most of Iowa’s 50+ wineries feature a Grape Stomp through the fall.

Historic East Village Holiday Promenade: On November 19, the streets, shops, restaurants and night clubs of this eclectic historic district will be alive with holiday festivities.

Greater Des Moines festivals: Amid the myriad community festivals offered in the fall, our World Food Festival, held October 8-10 in the Historic East Village, is an amazing experience of Iowa’s diverse culinary traditions.

Tour the State Capitol: It’s absolutely free to see the gorgeous gold dome from the inside of our cool Capitol, built between 1871-1886.

Des Moines Playhouse: High-energy local talent brings high quality shows, which include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, March 17-25 and The Wedding Singer, June 3-26 in a historic theater on 42nd Street.

Living History Farms Off-Road Race (Saturday before Thanksgiving): It’s muddy, sloppy and crowded but many Iowans refuse to miss this 7-mile race, dubbed the biggest cross country race in North America by Runner’s World. November 20.

Make your own smores with Beaverdale Confections: 11 – count them – 11 flavors of fluffy gourmet marshmallows to work with. Oh, yes, and 45 varieties of candies.

Des Moines Art Center: A world-class collection of 19th and 20th century artists, contemporary art, sculptures, five-star restaurant and more housed in architecturally-reknowned structures. And it’s free.

IMAX movies at Science Center of Iowa and Blank IMAX Dome Theater and a little Leonardo: Get swept away with a nature film or a feature film shown in IMAX. Or be one of the first to see “Da Vinci: The Genius,” a 15,000 square-foot traveling exhibition, scheduled to open October 2.

State Historical Museum of Iowa: Located at the foot of our capitol, is home to many permanent exhibits chronicling Iowa history. Plus, catch a First World War exhibit through this fall, and The Art of Native Americans and Art of Model Making from December 5 through January 2011.

Eating sushi at Samurai Sushi and Hibachi and the Hoshi Sushi Lounge: Partake in authentic Japanese cuisine without ever leaving Des Moines.

Delicious BBQ at Bandana’s Bar-B-Q and Jethro’s BBQ: No need to head south to KC for tongue-tickling taste, Des Moines offers plenty of options, including the award-winning Jethro’s BBQ in the Drake Neighborhood and Bandana’s Bar-B-Q in Clive, which has real wood pit smokers operating 24/7.

New Year’s Eve festivities: GuideOne’s ImaginEve for the family; The Des Moines Symphony’s Cirque de la Symphonie, which combines classical music and the artistry of professional cirque performers, for the grown-ups.

Downtown Farmers’ Market – Winter Season: Featuring 120 vendors, Iowans come indoors to enjoy an abundance of local products, homemade food products and gift items, November 20 and December 18, just in time for giving.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, October 23: Join nearly 20,000 pink-clad runners for an emotional race through downtown, in support of loved ones.

Indoor golfing inside the 40,000 square foot dome of Longview Golf Centre: Clubs are available, lessons are taught by PGA and LPGA professionals, and, or a fun family activity during the cold winter months, check out Longview’s new 18-hole indoor miniature golf course.

Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center: Honors the U.S. Army’s first officer candidate class for African American men in 1917, and the establishment of the first Women’s Army Auxilary Corps in 1942. Tours are available Mondays through Saturdays.

Try your luck at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino: Loose slots, table games and a smoke-free poker room make this a favorite place to play.

Discover Iowa’s military past at the new Iowa Gold Star Military Museum: The premiere veterans museum has been housed at the Iowa National Guard headquarters at Camp Dodge in Johnston since 1985. Admission is free. The exhibits are priceless.

Bike through the colors of the fall on over 100 miles of trails: Iowans like to bike, thus the large network of wonderful trails throughout Central Iowa.

Historic group dinners at Living History Farms: Go back in time with a hearty group dinner by lantern-light and play parlor games in the 1875 Tangen House or the 1900 Farm House.

Explore the climate-controlled four-mile skywalk system: Browse some of the shops in the Kaleidoscope @ the Hub, or grab lunch at one of the many restaurants located throughout the downtown system.

Go Karts at America’s Incredible Pizza Company: Challenge your friends in a 10-lap race, then kick back with pizza, drinks and arcade games.

Kids are sure to love the Laser Maze and arcade games at All Play of Des Moines: They can take in the tickets and redeem for fun prizes.

Take a ride down the slides at the indoor water park at Ramada Tropics Resort and Conference Center: Enjoy a reprieve from the winter chill with a day spent poolside at this indoor tropical retreat.

See the fantastic entertainment options coming to Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Carrie Underwood: The Rockettes are sure to get you in the holiday spirit with this famous show that features high-kicking numbers such as “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.”

Walk across the new Center Street Pedestrian Bridge and see the icy, Des Moines River below: The newest addition to the Principal Riverwalk is an idyllic spot to admire the beauty of the downtown skyline.

Sample a wine flight at Sbrocco Wine Bar & Wine Shop: With more than 200 wines by the bottle from around the world, the owners promise you’ll find something new on the wine list with every visit.

Spring/Summer

John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park: One of the Metro area’s newest attractions, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, also kicks off the list of places to see and things to do in Greater Des Moines, and for good reason.

Breakfast burritos at the Downtown Farmers’ Market: These burritos are freshly made on site by Farm Boys and are a favorite among market patrons. So prepare to wait in line for this tasty treat.

 

Adventureland Park and Adventure Bay: In addition to the more than 100 rides, shows and attractions, the Altoona amusement park is unveiling an expanded water park with water slides, the longest lazy river in the state and plenty more fun in the sun.

 

Friday night fireworks at the Iowa Cubs: What better way to end the workweek than with a relaxing night at Principal Park, followed by a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night sky?

 

Brenton Skating Plaza: This outdoor skating plaza, located along the banks of the Des Moines River in Downtown Des Moines, offers open skating and skating lessons from November through March. Broomball teams compete throughout the season as well.

 

West Glen Town Center nightlife: Arguably the new downtown of West Des Moines, West Glen is home to bars both fun and classy. Try the Fish Bowl drink at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant.

 

Fong’s Pizza: Head to this downtown eatery for a truly unique dining experience, complete with tiki drinks, Chinese food and some unusual pizza by-the-slice. Philly cheesesteak pizza, anyone?

 

****Broadway shows at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” takes the stage May 18-23. Take in “Jersey Boys” July 7-25.

 

Gong Fu Tea: The owners travel throughout the world to hand-select the loose leaf teas found in this one-of-a-kind, Asian-inspired teahouse that features selections such as Silver Needle tea from China’s Fujian province.

 

Horseback riding at Jester Park: Take a one-hour guided trail ride past Saylorville Lake and through the peaceful, secluded woods of Jester Park.

 

Drake Relays: Spend an afternoon at Drake Stadium, where some of the state’s and world’s top athletes – including Olympic contenders – will compete at the world’s largest collegiate track and field meet.

 

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park: Enjoy year-round outdoor fun and recreation at this 60-acre park with bumper boats, miniature golf, a 30-foot climbing wall, go-karts and batting cages, as well as the annual Renaissance Faire in September.

 

Tableside guacamole at Dos Rios: Mild, spicy or hot, you must not pass up this delicious dip, prepared tableside and made-to-order with fresh ingredients in a traditional lava bowl. This Latin American hot spot in the Court District promises a cosmopolitan ambience, inside or on the patio.

 

Boot of beer at Hessen Haus: Head to downtown’s authentic German bier hall with some friends and order a boot of beer to pass around the table, but be sure you know the rules or you’ll be buying the next one.

 

Seven Oaks Recreation: Grab a cooler and hit the waters of the Des Moines River for a relaxing 8-mile tube ride that takes you through the scenic river valley.

 

Make your own chocolate at Suzette Candies: A visit to any of this 50-year tradition’s three locations around the Metro area is guaranteed to end sweetly. Go ahead; ask them about a personal Willy Wonka experience. 

 

The Machine Shed: With hearty breakfasts fit for a farmhand, this restaurant at Living History Farms serves up gooey homemade cinnamon rolls that are bigger than a breadbox.

 

Blank Park Zoo: Arrange for a behind-the-scenes tour in the months of November through March to learn about various species of animals from the zookeepers, and get up close for feedings and training sessions.

 

Meredith Corp. Test Gardens: Tour the beautifully designed gardens where the publishing giant evaluates plants and gardening techniques for its flagship publication, Better Homes and Gardens.

 

IMT Des Moines Marathon: The full and half marathons take runners throughout the City of Des Moines, and a number of other events provide opportunities for athletes and spectators alike to participate in the fun of marathon weekend.

 

Living History Farms: Learn all about Iowa’s agricultural history through the many historical interpreters who dress and play the part of pioneer farmers, craftsmen and other individuals in this outdoor living museum.

 

Iowa Hall of Pride: Check out the exhibit on 2008 Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson, a West Des Moines native who shot to fame as a member of the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team.

 

Coffee and treasures at West End Architectural Salvage: Grab a latté from the first-floor coffeehouse and take your time as you peruse the many antiques, treasures, furniture, repurposed items and other unique pieces salvaged from homes and buildings.

      

Science Center of Iowa Blank IMAX Dome Theater and A-ha! Gift Shop: This state-of-the-art science center is complemented by the six-story Blank IMAX Dome Theater that makes films come to life, and the A-ha! Store that is filled with merchandise that makes science fun.

 

Bowling at Bass Pro Shops: The 145,000-square-foot retail store opened in Altoona in 2009 with, among other attractions, a 12-lane aquatic-themed bowling alley. 

D-Line: Ride the free downtown shuttle between Western Gateway Park, Downtown Des Moines, Historic East Village and the Iowa State Capitol.

 

Golfing in Greater Des Moines: Perfect your swing at more than 20 golf courses. The Tournament Club of Iowa is an award-winning 18-hole course in Polk City that was designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer.

 

NASCAR races at the Iowa Speedway: The NASCAR Nationwide Series race will be held July 31 at the Iowa Speedway near Newton and will feature some of NASCAR’s top Sprint Cup Series drivers.

 

Iowa State Fair: A trip to this quintessential state fair is not complete without a visit to see the famous Butter Cow and indulging in at least one of the 50 fair foods served on a stick.

 

Boating at Saylorville Lake: Rent a pontoon boat from the Saylorville Lake Marina and spend a long summer day soaking up the sun and exploring the 26,000-acre lake.

 

Music at Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater: Nitefall on the River, the long-running summer concert series on the east bank of the Des Moines River downtown, plays to all ages as they relax on lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the backdrop of the city skyline and twinkling stars.

      

Rose garden at Greenwood Park: Located just south of the Des Moines Art Center is a beautiful rose garden that provides a stunning backdrop for several of the museum’s outdoor sculptures.

 

Go-kart races at America’s Incredible Pizza Company: For about $5, you get to feel the wind in your hair in Nascar Speed Cars…without venturing outside.

 

Tour the Salisbury House and Gardens: This 42-room English Tudor-style mansion, built in the 1920s, holds a collection of 10,000 pieces of art and antiques.

 

Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center: This downtown arena hosts world-class events throughout the year, from star-studded concerts to Iowa Barnstormers arena football and NBA Development League games featuring the Iowa Energy.

 

Dinner and a show at Ohana Steakhouse: Count your fingers and your toes when you dine at this West Des Moines favorite. Famous Cy, aka That Guy, is the ringleader of the entertaining chefs at this fast-paced Teppenyaki grill, perfect for adults or families.

 

East Village events: The eclectic vibe in this district makes every event come alive. Check out annual festivals like Bike Nights, the World Food Festival and Holiday Promenade.

 

Walking trails and parks: Greater Des Moines boasts more than 100 miles of trails connecting neighborhoods, city parks and other major attractions.

 

Historic Valley Junction: Browse the locally owned neighborhood boutiques along Fifth Street in West Des Moines during the weekly Valley Junction Farmers’ Market, followed by an evening of live music as part of the Music in the Junction concert series.

 

Horse racing at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino: Grab a front-row seat for all the action of life horse racing at Prairie Meadows from April through October.

 

Chicken Spiedini at Latin King: These garlicky breaded chicken kabobs please at this old-school Italian-American restaurant on the east side of Des Moines, which is owned by the Tursi family and has been in business since 1947.

 

Locally brewed beers: Visit Raccoon River Brewing Company or Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company, both located downtown, to sample some of the various handcrafted beers produced by brewmasters on site.

 

80/35: This multi-day music festival features nonstop entertainment from local, regional and national music acts, as well as children’s activities, food, fireworks and meet-and-greets with some of the performers.

 

 Lazy river at Clive Aquatic Center: Cool off on a hot summer day by grabbing a tube and cruising along the lazy river at this city-owned aquatic center.

 

Principal Charity Classic: Selected as the Champions Tour’s best event in 2009, the Principal Charity Classic returns to Glen Oaks Country Club May 31-June 6.

 

Raygun: This apparel shop in Des Moines’ Historic East Village  carries its own line of edgy T-shirt designs featuring slogans such as “Des Moines: French for ‘The Moines’” and “Iowans: The Few, The Proud, The Extremely Attractive.”

      
Paddle boats and yoga at the park at Gray’s Lake: Whether seeking a killer cardio workout or just looking for your happy place, Gray’s Lake, just south of Downtown Des Moines, is a gorgeous local favorite for recreation buffs.

 

Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center: Located along the banks of the Des Moines River just north of downtown, this popular tourist attraction features a number of indoor and outdoor gardens, including the lush tropical dome.

 

Iowa Gold Star Military Museum: This museum at Camp Dodge honors the service and sacrifice of Iowa’s military men and women, with a collection of memorabilia that tell the story of the state’s military history.

 

Downtown Des Moines bars: More than 60 bars, from trendy nightclubs to casual brew pubs, can be found throughout Downtown Des Moines, making it a hot spot for nighttime entertainment.

 

Cultural festivals: Festa Italiana, CelebrAsian and the Latino Heritage Festival provide fun and entertainment for all ages, plenty of food and a rich celebration of Greater Des Moines’ cultural heritage. 

 

Yankee Doodle Pops: Iowa’s premier Fourth of July celebration takes place at the Iowa State Capitol, with a free concert by the Des Moines Symphony followed by a colossal fireworks display.

 

Centro: Enjoy drinks, coal-fired oven pizza and the famous Centro salad at this four-star restaurant that is one of the most popular eateries in Des Moines.

 

Fresh seafood from Waterfront Seafood Market: The seafood market adjoins the popular West Des Moines seafood restaurant, and features a large selection of seafood purchased directly from fishing boats and docks.

 

Ice cream at Snookies Malt Shop: There’s some space inside this old-time shop on Beaver Avenue, but most savor the sunshine with their ice cream and sit outside. Yes, people camp out to get the first cone of the season, and yes, you may bring your pooch and ask for a “puppy cone.”

 

Watch local actors at the Des Moines Playhouse and Kate Goldman Children’s Theater: The Playhouse has entertained audiences for more than 90 years, featuring the talents of local actors, while the children’s theater delights young audiences with live performances of stage shows such as “How I Became a Pirate,” coming in May.

 

Free tours of the Iowa State Capitol: Cap off your visit with a climb to the balcony of the building’s dome, which is covered in 23-karat gold leaf.

 

Des Moines Arts Festival: Walk by more than 200 professional and emerging artists from more than a dozen genres fill Western Gateway Park for this three-day festival that is among the best in the nation.

 

Terrace Hill tours: Plan a visit to this ornate Victorian mansion that is home to Iowa’s governor and his family.

 

Walk dogs at Water Works Park, West Des Moines Raccoon River dog park: Call it fitness for Fido, these locations are just one of many benefits of the extensive parks and trails system found here.

 

Brunch at Granite City Food and Brewery: Thanks to reasonably priced and plentiful food, you’ll never walk away hungry from this chain restaurant’s famous spread offered on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

Walk over four miles in the Downtown skywalk system: Get around in any weather and enjoy the many shops and restaurants along Des Moines’ famous elevated-walkway system.

 

Apple Store, Sephora, Coach and Pottery Barn at Jordan Creek Town Center: No need to head to Chicago or New York. West Des Moines’ Jordan Creek Town Center brings the big names to Iowa.

 

Hy-Vee Triathlon: One hundred of the world’s top athletes will compete in the Hy-Vee ITU Elite Cup Triathlon, and hundreds more will compete in the amateur and youth triathlon events at West Des Moines’ Raccoon River Park.

 

Take a hot air balloon ride at the National Balloon Classic: Soar over the skies of Central Iowa during this world-class ballooning event in Indianola.

 

Rock climbing at Climb Iowa: Families, groups and individuals of all skill levels can engage their inner adventurer at one of the Midwest’s largest indoor climbing facilities.

 

$1 night at Buccaneer Arena: Des Moines Buccaneers hockey fans are some of the most dedicated people in town. Get there early, prepare to get rowdy and get ready for a good old-fashioned hockey fight.

 

Take a riverboat ride on the Jon Anderson White Riverboat: The authentic sternwheel paddlewheeler has been refurbished and is available for private charters.

 

Vault tours at the State Historical Museum: Explore this underground area where 90 percent of its collection is stored through a very special walking tour of more than 100,000 artifacts guided by museum curators.

 

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad: Travel north to Boone for a scenic ride through the Des Moines River valley on one of the railroad’s excursion trains.

 

Coffee and entertainment at Java Joe’s Coffeehouse: Enjoy a hot cup of coffee – coffee beans are roasted fresh daily – and enjoy a performance by local and regional musicians in this downtown hot spot.

 

Cookies at the Baby Boomers Café: Beloved by President Obama and his family during the presidential campaign, this chocolate-chunk, specialty has gained a global following and was proclaimed Des Moines’ official cookie by the mayor.

 

LaserX at All Play of Des Moines: Enjoy 5,000 square feet of pure laser tag strategy for just $7 at a convenient location near the Iowa Events Center. Corporate rates are available in case you want to take team building to a new level.

For more information on fun things to see and do in and around the Greater Des Moines area, visit SeeDesMoines.com/100.