Naturally Fun Schedule

Run for the Egg!

Saturday, April 11
8:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Runners, walkers, families and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to “Run for the Egg” in a 5-mile cross-country run/walk that begins at the beach parking lot at Easter Lake Park on Easter weekend. Pre-registration is required by April 3, fee applies. Call (515) 323-5300 for information.


Endangered Species Program – at a Free Flick Movie Night

Friday, May 8
8:15 – 8:45 p.m.
Come learn what causes animals to become an endangered species and what kinds of animals are endangered in Iowa. The movie Kung Fu Panda follows the program. FREE


Canoe Basics

Thursday, May 14
Thursday, May 21
Tuesday, June 16
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Gray’s Lake Park
$10 registration fee

Come learn the basics of canoeing while exploring Gray’s Lake. This lesson will make first-time canoeists feel at ease on the water. All equipment is provided. Participants 10-15 years of age need an adult that is at least 21 years of age or older to be their tandem partner. Pre-registration required at least 48 hours in advance. Contact DMPS Community Education office (242-8521; www.dmced.org) to register. Choose one of the dates listed.


Advanced Canoe Basics

Thursday, May 28
Tuesday, June 18
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Gray’s Lake Park
$10 registration fee

Requires previous basic canoeing instruction or equivalent experience. This course will briefly revisit the fundaments of Canoe Basics, and then add more paddling strokes, as well as in-water rescue techniques. Canoes, lifejackets and paddles provided. Dress in swimsuits, shorts, or other clothing suitable for getting wet. Participants 10-15 years must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years of age or older. Pre-registration required at least 48 hours in advance. Contact DMPS Community Education office (242-8521; www.dmced.org) to register. Choose one of the dates listed.


Des Moines River Canoe Outing

Saturday, May 30
Saturday, June 20
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Local Waterways
$15 registration fee

Wouldn’t you rather be on the water, than driving over it? Depending on water levels, this trip will be on one of several local rivers, like the Des Moines, Raccoon or Skunk. Requires knowledge of Canoe Basics instruction or equivalent experience. Canoes, lifejackets and paddles provided. Pre-registration required at least 48 hours in advance. Contact DMPS Community Education office (242-8521; www.dmced.org) to register. Choose one or both dates listed.


Basic Whitewater Canoe Class

(with Optional Trip to Minnesota)

Thursday, June 4 (Part A – Gray’s Lake) $10 registration fee
Thursday, June 11 (Part B – Raccoon River) $10 registration fee
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

June 12-13 Optional Trip to Minnesota (Kettle River)
$15 registration fee

Requires previous Advanced Canoe Basics or equivalent experience. This course briefly revisits basic and advanced canoeing instruction, and introduces basic whitewater strokes and skills. A trip to the Kettle River north of Minneapolis is an optional outing for class participants only. Trip participants leave on Friday afternoon/evening, self-arranged accommodations (camping or motel), and return Saturday evening. Canoes, lifejackets and paddles provided for both class and optional grip. Dress in swimsuits, shorts, or other clothing suitable for getting wet. Must be 21 years or older. Pre-registration required by June 5. Contact DMPS Community Education office (242-8521; www.dmced.org) to register. Choose one or both dates listed.


Brought to you by a partnership between
Des Moines Park and Recreation Department and Des Moines Public Schools


A Play Date

Wednesday, Jun 17
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Greenwood Park, Mary Miss Double Site Pond
Join and meet families interested in getting their children outdoors for natural play and discovery with a Polk County naturalist. Children will explore, discover and play in the park. Be sure they bring their curiosity and wear appropriate clothes and shoes – they may be hiking, discovering life in a log or playing in the creek. FREE


Nature’s Story Hours

Wednesday, June 17 - Animal Habitats
MacRae Park – upper shelter
Wednesday, June 24 – Wiggly Works
Ashby Park Shelter
12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.
Pack your picnic lunch, blanket and bring your family for a free hour of nature stories and activities with a Polk County naturalist. FREE


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City of Des Moines, Iowa
Parks and Recreation