Iowa State Fair--Kid Edition

I LOVE the Iowa State Fair! I've been going to the fair my entire life and have recently started taking my boys with me. We spent about 4 hours at the fair today and I thought I'd share some of the boys' favorite FREE activities of the day. This is in the order we tackled the fair. 

Jeep/Ram Power Wheels Test Drive--West side by the Food Building

I had to take a 4 minute survey about car products, but the boys enjoyed driving the Power Wheels around the track. 

Lego Road Trip--Far west side by the Food Building

My oldest spotted the Lego Tents the second we entered the fair! Be sure to check out this FREE activity center. Our boys made their own designs which were promptly displayed in the glass case, built race cars, and played in the Duplo area too. The best part was trying out Lego race car launcher things which they get a FREE LEGO KIT to take home! 

Natural Resources--West end of the fair on the Main Concourse

We looked at a Bald Eagle's nest, studied some big fish, watched a demo on the dangers of dams, and saw some swans. 

Varied Industries Building

We collected various pencils, tattoos, and stickers from different vendors. We hit the UNI Booth and Iowa Booth for football schedules (UNI has cool magnetic photo frames too!) The IPTV/PBS booth was cute, but Clifford was on a break so we kept moving. The Hy-Vee booth was giving out free water pouch bottles which were worth the wait. We kept filling them up for free instead of having to buy bottled water. On the south entrance of the VI building was a neat area for kids with a Lego map of Iowa--we loved this!

Hall of Law--under the east end of the grandstand

The boys practiced crawling through a burning building and learned how to stop, drop, and roll. They also loved sitting inside a fire engine and talking to the police officers. More pencils and tattoos ended up in our bag here!

Little Hands on the Farm--North Side  (Click here for Website)

They boys loved this as well as hundreds of other kids! It was very busy! They got to learn about different parts of farming--from planting the seed, to harvesting the food and selling it at the Farmer's Market. They even got to pick out a fun food item at the grocery store! Ben picked a banana and Will got peanut butter crackers. This free snack was well worth our time playing/learning on the farm! 

Knapp Animal Building--next to Little Hands on the Farm

We wanted to see the baby pigs but it was just the mama pigs today. I'm sure there will be lots of babies soon! We looked at lots of baby animals and even watched a milk-chugging contest!

Butter Cow/Seed Survivor

We didn't wait in the long line to see the butter cow, but got a really good view of it walking by. We then spent a lot of time at the Seed Survivor ar

ea and they even got to plant seeds to bring home! This was a big hit. 

Animal Barns

I'm a farmer's daughter so I grew up walking every aisle of every barn, every year. This year we walked through one aisle in each barn and that was plenty! The boys loved the chickens and horses the most. 

Tractors

My boys loved climbing into a BIG tractor on the south end of the fair. So fun! 

By the end of all of our adventures, we were tired! I'm sure we missed hundreds of great activities, but for the price of admission, we had a full day at the fair! We spent a little on food, and they even talked me into ice cream at the Food Building before we left. (I ordered one dish and had them put it into two bowls--saves money and limits sugar too!) 

Here are some more kids' ideas: Iowa State Fair Kids

Final note--we parked at the Capitol and took the bus. I really liked this option--it is $2 for adults, $1 for kids over 5(?); round-trip. If you have fair tickets already, it's half price. It dropped us off right at the entrance and we didn't have to wait for the bus either time. They had plenty lined up. Bonus--the boys loved riding in a bus without seat belts and car seats! 

What's your favorite part of the fair with kids? 

Calling All UNI Panthers!

TC's Tailgate is Getting Close! 

Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 15th at 6:00pm at the Jasper Winery!!

Did you know there is an active UNI Alumni population right here in Des Moines? Be a part of this exciting event and also mingle with UNI coaches, staff, and student athletes.  President Bill Ruud will also be attending TC's Tailgate. Help welcome Bill and Judy to the Des Moines area at the Jasper Winery on Thursday, Aug. 15 from 6-9pm. 

This is your chance to tune up your tailgating skills before the fall season officially kicks off. It's also a great opportunity for Panther fans to socialize and network with other UNI Alumni and friends. UNI apparel from the bookstore will be available to purchase along with a raffle for exclusive Panther memorabilia. We also have food, drinks, and prizes. Come be a part of a fun-filled evening at Jasper Winery and remember to wear your purple! 

Please register online to help us plan for the event: TC's Tailgate. Money will be collected at the event only. Credit Card options will be available. Ages 21 & over: $10; Ages 6-20: $5; Children 5 and younger: Free

Event Sponsors: Johnny's Hall of Fame, The Other Place, Aviva, Advocacy Strategies, and Bravo Printing Company

Katie's Notes:

This is an annual event I look forward to every year. I always take my boys and they have fun running around, getting tattoos, playing games, and listening to the music. I love sitting on the patio with my family, drinking a glass of Jasper Winery wine, and meeting the coaches in person. I am so excited for next Thursday! 

Free and Cheap Fun at Gray's Lake Park!

One of our favorite summer spots is our very own Gray's Lake Park in Des Moines.

Everyday activities include boat rentals for a nominal fee with a concession stand. They have life jackets available and you can rent paddle boats, etc. for even just a 1/2 hour if you are looking for something fun to do! The trail around the park is about 1.9 miles around for running, walking or biking. Picnic tables are available and there is a kids park area with playground equipment and a beach for swimming and relaxing.

They also have tons of free and inexpensive events going on a ll summer long!  Check out the events schedule here.  Activities and events include things like Yoga in the park, zumba, dancing, boating basics, moon floats and Unwined!

Unwined is a super fun event with music and free beer and wine samples along with food for purchase.  It's held weekly on Fridays during the summer at Gray's Lake. Here is the info about it:

Start Date and Time: 06/14/2013 05:30 PM

End Date and Time: 09/20/2013 08:30 PM

Location: Gray's Lake Terrace

Taste free beer and wine samples and live music overlooking Gray's Lake. Bottles of beer and wine as well as grilled food are available to purchase. Bring your blanket, but please leave your drinks at home!

Musician Schedule
June 14- The Other Side
June 28- Soul Searchers
July 12- Retro Rockets feat. Tony Valdez
July 26- El Dorados
Aug. 9- Freestyle
Aug. 23- Brother Trucker
Sept. 6- Brian Holtz Band
Sept. 20- Sonny Humbucker Band

Check out the Japanese: Tanabata Star Festival in July too!

Start Date and Time: 07/07/2013 06:00 PM

End Date and Time: 07/07/2013 08:00 PM

Location: Gray's Lake

Japan America Society of Iowa is teaming up with the Iowa Bonsai Association and the Raccon Valley Kendo Club to offer an evening of Japanese culture, through our own local "Tanabata: Japanese Star Festival"

They will have their own Taiko drums at the event to do a short performance and offer a workshop to anyone interested. The Kendo club will also have a demonstration and workshop to teach how to swing a Bamboo Sword. The Bonsai Association will bring their Bonsai Trees displays and teach anyone the art of cutting Bonsai. And of course, they will still have origami and bamboo branches to hang written wishes

Creative Treasures

I have two boys and therefore don't get as much "crafting/creating" time as I wish I had. I'm blessed with three goddaughters who are perfect for doing such outings with!

I gave one goddaughter a gift certificate for Creative Treasures in Ankeny for her Christmas present. We also took my oldest son (6yrs) with us and we had a blast! The staff was very helpful and their projects turned out beautifully. 

Here's the basics. First, you pick out your project. Do you want to make a mug, plate, cup, magnet, wine holder, or something a big more complicated? Then you select your paints and paint your masterpiece taking as much time as you need. Next, leave it for the staff to fire it in their kiln. One week later you pick up your creation and take it home to enjoy. 

They also have a jewelry-making area. I've used this area before to make a grandmother's bracelet for my mom. And I used them again after the latest grand-baby was born. I took back the original bracelet, added the new name/birthstone, and they restrung it for me (at a small cost). 

Need a birthday party idea? Check out Creative Treasures! Need a wedding gift idea? Check out Creative Treasures!

Hint: 

Jewelry Section--
thousands of beads!

• Be sure to check their weekly schedule. Some days they have free or 1/2 price studio fees which can save a lot of money. 
• Need collegiate or high school accessories? They had some ideas that would be great gifts for any type of fans. 

Paint Selection

Party Area

Finished Projects!

Kick Off Contest Winner Announced!

Congrats to Carole for winning our first blog contest! Where's a favorite Des Moines restaurant of hers? Christopher's in Beaverdale! 

Carole says: 

We like to go to Christophers in Beaverdale. Good food, good service, and many good memories there. They have a big neighborhood bar, nice dining rooms, and a great party room. We rented the party room, and had a beautiful dinner there for our wedding reception. Can feel comfortable in casual or dress attire.

I love eating at Christophers for the same reasons! I've been to wedding rehearsal dinners, Prom dinners, and retirement parties there. Great food and a great restaurant for special events!

Wonderful food and great venue for special events! 

Congrats Carole! You were the 16th comment! 

Cherry Berry Ankeny

Birthday Boy having fun!

We love frozen yogurt--especially my kids. We have a few frozen yogurt places in Ankeny (TCBY, Lemon Tree, Cherry Berry) and frequent Orange Leaf in Urbandale with our extended family. If you ask each of our family members which is their favorite, we'd all say something different! So I cannot recommend one more than another. 

I'm posting about Cherry Berry Ankeny because of our recent experience there. We had our son's 6th Birthday Family Party in this facility and we were really impressed. They have an open area on the north side of the building with a few tables and some extra chairs/couches. We had that entire area for about 25 people and it worked really well for us. 

There are a few different party options and we chose the cheapest one since we were mostly adults. It was $4 per person and they received a cup for their yogurt and toppings (whatever fit in the dish--one trip-no weight check). This was MUCH cheaper than us hosting people at our house and having to clean up before/after the party. Bonus--each guest got to take home a coupon too! 

Hints: 

• Bring some balloons or decorations from home to add some birthday flair.
• Ask the staff questions--they were so nice and helpful! 
• We told guests (in the invite) to join us after dinner for a dessert party so they knew to eat ahead of time. 
• Be sure to get lots of sample cups from the staff ahead of time so people can sample a little bit of different flavors. We had a lot of "first timers" with us--they loved it! 

An uncle enjoying his creation!

Need to Warm Up? Visit the DSM Botanical Center!

One of my favorite places to warm up in Des Moines is the Des Moines Botanical Center. I don't necessarily love to learn about the names of plants or where they're found, but I do like to see living green stuff in the winter. If you are interested in plants, you could stay very busy just attending their many events. Their event calendar is always full and I can always find something fun going on there like local musicians or kids' events. 

Hints:

• Use a map. There is a lot to see that isn't out in the main atrium part. Some of avorite areas are located in the back or small gardens in the front of the building. 
• Visit in different seasons. While much of the center remains the same, much of it changes with the seasons too. 
• Take the kids! We like to visit there on weekdays when we have extra space to move around, explore the bridges (and what lives underneath!), and take our time. 
• Meet for lunch. My father works downtown and we have met at the Riverwalk Cafe a few times. Very good! You can eat at the cafe without having to pay admission to the center. 
• Check out the events page! There is something there for everyone! 

Check out The Des Moines Botanical Center for yourself, your next big event, or with your family! 

Be sure to check out the events calendar too! 

So you think you're an artist?

You don't have to have taken tons of art classes to have fun at these painting classes!

All around the area, venues are popping up that offer a painting class along with options to purchase or bring in wine and snacks!  These make great girls-nights and have specified sessions that you can bring kiddos.  Some even offer date-night options where you each paint half of a picture on your own canvas....Valentine's Day date perhaps??

A few places offering these classes include :

*The Social Canvas in Waukee...They offer wine and beer for purchase, but allow you to take your own snacks.  We brought cheese and fruit last time and it was great!

*El Arte Uncorked which meets at local restaurants. This is kind of neat because you can order appetizers along with a wide selection of drinks while you paint.

*Wine & Canvas which also meets at local restaurants. They are also offering cookie and painting classes now! I'll let you know when I check THAT out!

*Glazed expressions in Clive...They've recently taken the plunge in offering these canvas classes after offering pottery and glass painting classes for a while now.

Tip: Make sure you check living social, group on or deal chicken as they often have coupons for these places!

Bass Pro Shop Bowling

I recently decided to open a Val-Pak and found a coupon for Free Bowling at Bass Pro Shop in Altoona. It was good for up to four people and I thought it would be a lot of fun to take my kids there on a cold winter day. I was not disappointed!

Pros: 

• Very Clean and Great Atmosphere--you feel a bit like you're underwater with the decorations and shark's mouth ball return. 
• Automatic Bumpers appeared for the kids and lowered for my turns. 
• Clean-ish shoes. They were the cleanest shoes I've seen at a bowling alley, but they are still bowling shoes.
• Great score board screen and I didn't have to do a thing! 
• My littlest guy--two years old--was able to use a stand to push the ball off of and he had a great time playing too!

Cons:

• This bowling alley has you pay per lane, per hour. It is too expensive for just the kids and myself to go to, but it would be a fun night out with friends or more people. 

Overall, we had a great time and look forward to going back soon!