How to Get Connected: Families with Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers

Take a look at why Greater Des Moines (DSM) is perfect for families with tweens and teenagers. The school districts located in DSM and throughout the state of Iowa offer engaging curriculums, extracurricular and volunteer opportunities ranging from sports to music, speech and debate and academic associations. What’s unique about the schools here is the opportunity for kids to get engaged in multiple activities to explore various areas of interest, which in turn broadens and deepens their young experiences. 

Whether in middle school, high school or college-aged, there are also plenty of activities, recreational amenities, part-time employment and learning opportunities, and age-appropriate events to keep teens busy and engaged. 

Events for Teens in DSM

Community-Based Performing Arts Opportunities

Music

Dance

Theater Opportunities

Part Time Work for Youth Around DSM

If you’re 16 and up, you can work at Adventureland, gaining experience as an admissions team member, retail team member, games team member, guest or park services team member or special events team member. Not only that, but once graduated, you can apply for the College Leadership Program.  

To work in the grocery department at a DSM Fareway location, applicants need only be 14 and up, which means you can get a head start on work experience. Urban Air in Ankeny will also occasionally hire starting at age 14. 

Internships and jobs at the Iowa State Fair are another seasonal option for teens. The Des Moines Art Center has Studio Education Teaching Internships available during the summer months for those interested in pursuing a career in art, design or education, while swimming pools across DSM are always looking to hire lifeguards for June, July and August. Most pools are operated by the city in which they are located, so start your job search with a city’s parks and recreation department. 

Education and Development for Youth in DSM

Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI), produced by LeadDSM, is a longstanding program that helps high school students who are emerging as leaders to grow in their skillsets ranging from community engagement, connections and even confidence. 

Middle and high school students can also take advantage of learning through Junior Achievement of Central Iowa with programs like JA Business Communications (Grades 9-12), JA Career Speakers Series Grades (Grades K-12), JA Economics (Grades 11-12), JA Economics for Success (Grades 6-8), JA Entrepreneurial Mindset (Grades 9-12), JA Finance Park (Grades 7-9) and several others.  

In Iowa, the World Food Prize also offers the Iowa Youth Institute if you’re in grades 8-12 and looking to make an impact in Iowa and the world. If you’re a top student at the Iowa Youth Institute, you could advance to the Global Youth Institute, a weeklong conference for youth focused on global food security efforts.

Recreation for Youth in Greater DSM

A young girl skateboarding with a Des Moines bridge in the background

Parks & Rec Leagues/Teams

Check out the Parks & Recreation departments at the cities in DSM. Many offer robust programming, including league sports, classes and more. (Plus, they are often hiring for roles like lifeguards and camp counselors, perfect gigs for teens.) While your city of residence can be your first investigative stop, be sure to look at what surrounding cities offer, too. 

Restaurants Teens Will Love in DSM

  • 5 Bourough Bagels (Located in Clive and Urbandale); offers a variety of bagels and specialty coffees
  • Cinnaholic (Located in the Historic East Village in Downtown DSM); ooey gooey scrumptious goodness that your teen will devour
  • Pagliai’s Pizza (Located in Johnston and Grinnell); pizza, enough said
  • Papa’s Pizzeria (Located in Polk City); pizza, enough said
  • Tasty Tacos (Located in Ankeny, Des Moines, Urbandale, West Des Moines); tacos and teens just go together.
  • Zombie Burger + Shake Lab (Located in the Historic East Village in Downtown DSM and at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines); these zombie-inspired burgers and cereal shakes (fruity pebbles, anyone?) can’t be beat, and their mall location is perfect for teen customers

Learn even more about DSM’s food scene.

Find Your Community. Do Something Greater. 

Greater Des Moines (DSM) is full of ways to connect with like-minded parents to do all the family-friendly things you and your kiddos love to do. Find your community here and get connected! 

Learn More & Connect