Des Moines Waterland Kids Festival returns Friday, July 18 with free family fun

The annual Waterland Kids Festival will take over Field House Park on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 1–5 p.m., bringing an afternoon of free activities, entertainment, and hands-on fun for children and families.

Hosted by Destination Des Moines, the festival is part of the larger Waterland Festival weekend and aims to provide a creative, interactive space where kids can explore, learn and play.

This event will include a “Picnic in the Park,” with free lunch and snacks, sponsored by the Des Moines Food Bank.

The Des Moines Police Department will also be giving our free bicycle helmets this year.

Activities Include:

• Magicians
• Face painting
• Bubbles
• Hydroplane painting
• Balloon art
• Bounce houses
• Slides
• Ice cream truck (not free)
• Art activities
• Jr. Parade float decorating

The event will feature community booths, giveaways, food vendors, and a wide variety of educational and artistic experiences.

Admission is free, and the festival is open to all ages.

The festival takes place at Fieldhouse Park, located at 1000 S. 220th Street (map below).

More details are available at destinationdesmoines.org.