Remedy for Winter Blues

I don't know about the rest of you ladies but I for one am ready for some warmer weather. I need to get out of my apt. and more importantly so do my kids!! I did some investigating into what things are going on around town that would be fun to take the kiddos to. Here is what I came up with.

*Red Rock Wildlife Education Center

Apparently this is a new store located in the Merle Hay Mall. It doesn't have a ton of animals but would be fun to take kids to just to see some cool animals. Here is some more information.....Visit Red Rock Wildlife Education Center to see live animals, including 3 wolves and a cougar. Keona is an Artic Wolf, Lola & Bridger are North American Great Plains Timber wolves and Buddy the baby cougar. If the cougar or wolves are not available, a live skunk will be available to pet and red foxes will be on display. Click here and here for more info. They are open during mall hours and even have programs at certain times to learn more about these animals!

*Barnes and Noble Wednesday Morning Story Time

I have never been to one of these yet but think it might be fun to mix it up and go here instead of the library.

Children's Event
Every Wednesday 10:00 AM 2011Recurring At Jordan Creek Town Center 515-453-2980

* Kaleidoscope at the Hub

Also have never been to the downtown mall. Click "here" for the mall's website
Hop in the car and head to Kaleidoscope at the Hub, a downtown complex featuring more than 30 national and local shops. Let the little ones play in Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, check out the latest styles at JNK Wears, or support your favorite team with sporting apparel and memorabilia from The Stadium Store. When their tummies start to growl, you can get them some popcorn at AJ's popcorn or grab chinese food, pizza, sandwiches, and more at the food court.
Info: Free
Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm
555 Walnut St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 243-3228

*Kids EAT FREE places- Also if you are dying to get out and go somewhere for food and don't have a babysitter, here are some kid friendly restaurants around the metro.

Fuddruckers - One free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal on Tuesday evenings.
Granite City - Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday evenings
Spaghetti Works - Kids eat free Monday evenings
Hy-Vee (Jordan Creek Parkway and Ankeny) - Kids eat for $.99 with an adult on Tuesdays from 4 to 8 p.m.
Perkins -Tuesdays kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal all day.
Philly's Finest - Tuesdays kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.
McDonalds - All metro locations offer reduced-price Happy Meals (From $1.69 to $2.00 depending on store) on Wednesdays
Shane's Rib Shack - Wednesday kids 10 & under eat free all day with the purchase of an adult meal.
Z'Mariks Noodle Cafe - Saturday two kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal all day.

Hope these ideas help you fight the winter blues and gives you a fresh new outlook on the city we live in!