For the most part we’ve been blessed with a very mild winter so far.  We finally saw the first major snow on the ground last week, and that already seems like it’s on the way out of the door.  However, even with the mild winter,  the golf courses have been pretty empty aside from the occasional devout golfer.  Luckily, the 27th Annual Skywalk Mini Golf event is coming up to alleviate our golf addiction.

On February 11th get ready to break out your putters and explore the 3.2 mile skywalk system that serves as a necessary transit route for many who work downtown during the winter months.  Each year the skywalk transit system gets transformed into multiple 18 hole miniature golf courses setup for singles, double, or foursomes.  Tickets are $25 a piece, and each adult ticket gets one child under the age of 12 in for free!  This family friendly event is held all day Saturday with tee times ranging from 8am-3pm so you don’t have to miss out if you’re busy in the morning and free in the afternoon or vice versa.

So grab your putters and the rest of the family and check out the event.  More information and registration information can be found on the Skywalk Golf Webpage here.  It gives you a great excuse to checkout Des Moines’ vast skywalk system and have some fun doing it!

Here in Des Moines broomball has become a yearly tradition for many once the weather turns cold and the urge to get out into the cold and get active.  However, for many the term “broomball” might have little or no meaning so let me do a little explaining.  Although very similar to hockey there are enough small differences that make this sport more accessible to to those who may not be up for such a physical sport as hockey.  For starters you don’t even need to know how to skate!  Instead you can either play in your sneakers (Definitely would not recommend this if you value your safety), or use specially made rubber soled shoes to run around on the ic.  Instead of a hockey stick and puck, you play with a stick shaped like a broom with a rubber soled bottom, and a very tiny ball resembling a small soccer ball that does not bounce on the ice at all.  Aside from that most other rules mimic hockey.

That being said, I can speak from experience, broomball is a ton of fun.  Luckily enough Des Moines is large enough to accomodate not only a yearly league, but special tournaments as well.  One of said tournaments is actually coming up soon, as an event that is part of the 5th annual Winter Games.  Registration is due by January 26th so if your interested in getting a team together you’re running out of time!

If you haven’t heard of the Winter Games in Des Moines, then you’re missing out on a lot more besides broomball.  Featuring events such as the polar plunge, cardboard sled racing, downhill kayaking, downhill ski bike racing and much, much more.  If your interested in learning more about some of these events you can read more about it on the Des Moines Parks and Recreations website.

So go on and get out there.  With such a warm winter so far it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy wintertime without freezing!

Every year it seems as though holiday decorations are up earlier and earlier every year.  This year decorations were up at some stores before Halloween!  Despite that, they always seem to come down at the same time.  With all the big family meals out of the way, all the cookies eaten, and the holiday decorations on their way back to the garage it’s almost time to say goodbye to the holidays.  Well what better way to send them off than with a big bang.

New Years Eve is the perfect holiday for this, sandwiched between Christmas and football, it allows us to send out the last year in style, and welcome in a new year.  While there are plenty of events to choose from for celebrating, it’s much tougher to find something to do when you have small kids.  While the kids may be too young to stay awake until midnight to watch the ball drop at Times Square, that doesn’t mean they should be left out of the celebrations.  There are quite a few ways your family can celebrate the new year and we’ve found a couple of things for you.

1. GuideOne ImaginEve

• When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011
• Time: 4-8 p.m.
• Cost: Free

ImaginEve is a free, non-alcoholic family themed event for New Year’s Eve.  Featuring inflatable rides, bounce houses, clowns, balloon artists, carnival games, and live entertainment.  It’s a one stop shop for a good time for you and your family.  The event only runs until 8, so there’s still plenty of time afterwards to find a babysitter if you wanto to go out for a night on the town afterwards.  Or you can stay home and watch the ball drop on Times Square from the comfort of your couch!

2. Noon Years Eve

• When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011
• Time: Doors open at 10am
• Cost: Included with admission ($7-$11)

If something earlier in the day is more appealing then look no further than the Science Center.  Featuring visits from the I-Cubs mascot, Cubbie Bear, and Maniac from the Des Moines Menace.  This event also features other family friendly events such as face painting and balloon art, and is capped off by a balloon drop at noon to celebrate the new year.  Geared more for smaller children it’s a great way to get the kids excited for the holiday.

If your looking for a more adult themed way to ring in the new year, the Des Moines Metromix has put together an extensive list of events going on around Des Moines here.  No matter what you, have a good time and we look forward to seeing you in 2012!