Fun Family Activities

I may spend a lot of time on this topic, but it's what my family does. We love to go and try out new events, and everything is an adventure.  A few weeks ago, we went to see a model airplane show.  I wouldn't have thought we'd all enjoy it, but we really did.  The learning that can come out from such an experience is awesome, too.  The best part of that show--it was free to get in, and only a few miles from our house. 

Wherever you live, I hope that you are able to find all the family fun you can.  Make every weekend special for your kids.  I enjoy seeing things for the first time all over again through the eyes of my children.  Their excitement carries through for all of us.

This weekend in our area, there are some really great events I've added to the calendar.

• Center Grove Orchard has re-opened for the season, and they are having their Farmer Days celebration this weekend.  You can go on Saturday or Sunday, but they have the Amazing Chemistry Show three times on Saturday.  Need more incentive?  Like them on Facebook, and you can get a coupon for $1 ice cream cone.
• It's time for another Sample Sunday at the farms near Woodward.  There are great farms in a small area just outside of Woodward, Iowa that serve up some delicious samples and home-grown family fun.  There's always good music, good food to taste, and lots of animals.  Go in any order you like, but make sure you visit all three farms: Picket Fence Creamery, Northern Prairie Chevre, and Prairieland Herbs.  It looks like they are having a treasure hunt this weekend.
• It is also the last weekend for the Des Moines Renaissance Festival.  This one comes with a higher entrance fee for family fun, but it can be great for a change of pace.  There are discount tickets available at area Casey's and HyVee.  It's pirate weekend.  ARGH!
• There are a lot of activities going on at the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines as well.  Most are free admission.  Here is a list of all the activities, but I see a Paint Horse show and Every Family Rocks--which looks like fun, but comes with a REALLY steep entrance fee.  You can get $8 tickets at Dahl's before the show, or $15 at the door.
• If you're in Southwest Iowa or don't mind traveling, this would be a terrific weekend to watch the hot air balloon races.  I remember these fondly from when I was growing up.  There's nothing better than some pancakes and hot cocoa on a frosty September morning, then watching the balloons launch with the sunrise.  Click the link for the schedule of events.

Whatever you do this weekend, have fun!  I'll probably be away from the blog for the weekend again, but back on Monday with more great deals.