Just came from lunch with my husband at Jethro's BBQ on Forest near the Drake campus. The food was awesome... really awesome. But as I looked around, I couldn't help but notice there were no high chairs, and a quick scan of the menu showed no kids menu.
So, while I definitely recommend the place, you might want to make a call ahead of time to verify the above (if you've got little ones in your party).
Did you know Java Joe's hosts Family Game Night every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.?
The coffee house has its own library of board games families can choose from; our you can bring your own. KaleidoScoops ice cream is available for $2.00 in cool flavors like Superman, Playdough, Birthday Cake and Cotton Candy. All ages are welcome.
If you've ever tried it, let us know!
According to the "Cent"sible Sawyer, the follwoing Des Moines-area restaurants give the kiddos free stuff on their birthdays...
Free gift and burger on your birthday at Red Robin (but you have to sign up... adults, do it here; kids, do it here)
Free appetizer on your birthday at Famous Daves
Free 2.5 oz ice cream scoop on your birthday at Baskin Robbins (you have to sign up... do it here)
Coldstone does it, too (sign up here)
DesMoinesFamilies.com will be exhibiting at this Saturday's Playdate event. As such, we've been granted the opportunity to allow our users free admission.
To get in free, just print this out.
See you there!
One of the best family-friendly events in the city has become so popular the organizer is now asking for RSVPs.
The East Village Book's Friday Family Fun Night, which successfully blends parent entertainment with kid fun, is now "registration required." Store owner Teri TeBockhorst asks that you call 515-244-5999 if you plan to attend.
This month's Friday Family Fun Night is occuring on an off-night -- still on a Friday, just not the first one of the month as usual. So, on Friday, February 8, the bookstore is hosting Freight Train Frank. You can learn more at the store's Web site.
I figured my 2-year-old was too small to give ice-skating a try. But when I sent an email to Robin McClelland at Brenton Skating Plaza, I was plesantly surprised to hear that they rent Size 8 toddler skates.
Not up for teaching your kids to skate? The skating plaza offers the Polar Bear program from 10 to 11 a.m. on Fridays for kids 7 and under. And it's only $5.
My boys absolutely love music, so I've been curious about the possibility of taking them to a Des Moines Symphony show, specifically the upcoming Symphonic Haunts halloween-themed show.
I recently got in touch with the Symphony's Laure Fredenburg, and here's what she had to say about kids at the performances:
From what I know, our Saturday concerts are more formal than the Sunday concerts. As an example, people wear jeans to our Sunday concerts. I would say for a Saturday concert most attendees are late high school and older. For our Sunday concerts we have kids from late elementary on up attend.
Update: Marketing & PR Director Director Christina Zink adds the following info:
Kids are welcome at all times. People come dressed in jeans on Saturday nights, as well. Saturdays being "formal" is something we are trying to get away from. We are a family orchestra and believe that all ages should enjoy music.
If you are worried about young children I would encourage a Sunday peformance. Also, when purchasing a ticket I would talk to the ticket office and ask for something near an aisle or door.
A performance geared for children that encourages audience participation is planned for the spring. Stay tuned for more information.
According to Dan Stevenson, Music Under the Stars is a perfect venue for families:
"This is an event designed for families. We absolutely encourage families with children to attend. We perform traditional band music from 7:30 - 8:30 (including marches and other familiar tunes ... no hard rock or objectionable lyrics here!) preceded by small groups featuring a variety of musical styles with performers who talk about their instruments and build rapport with the audience.
Concessions are available at every concert, portable restrooms, a lovely setting at the Capitol ... it's just a very nice summertime tradition."
The Register's article on wine events inspired me to check in with a few of the organizers to see how they plan to accomodate families. I've heard from two so far and will continue to update this entry as I learn new details. If there's a specific event I should be checking into, add a comment and let me know.
sWINE (July 14): According to the event's spokesperson, Melinda Toyne: "Though SWINE is truly an adult oriented event, we are accommodating those under 21 in the following manner: Children 5 and under are free. Ages 6-20 and Designated Drivers are $20 at the door (Other adults are $25 at the door.) Our concern with kids is that there really isn’t anything to entertain them; though with the beautiful setting by the lake there is plenty of room for them to run and play!"
Summerset Winery, Sunday Tunes (Sundays from 3 to 6 p.m.): According to Kristin: "We really don't cater to the families. We welcome children, but we don't encourage parents to bring them. Many times most parents let their children run freely unsuprvised and, for many reasons, that disturbs me."
When asked if tours of the Great Ape Trust of Iowa are open to children, Education Coordinator Katie Klag let us know: "Due to the more advanced nature of our tours, children must be ten years of age or older. They are not included free on the tour but may be considered one of your guests."
