Labor day weekend, the time of the year more typically associated with a three day weekend than the symbolic end of summer. But that’s what it marks… a transitionary period between summer and fall. So what better way to celebrate the passing of the seasons than with one final summer hurrah?

Earlier this year we talked about Gray’s Lake in one of our blog posts. Going back to revisit that idea there is really no better way to enjoy the last days of summer than by spending time outdoors.  With fishing, swimming, and watercraft rental available (paddleboats, canoes, sailboats, kayaks and hydro bikes to name a few) if you want some fun on the lake this place just can’t be beat. More information can be found here: http://www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/Parks.aspx

If the beach is more your thing there are a couple of options in the area to catch some rays. Over in West Des Moines is a great park with a nice beach, Raccoon River Park. This park boasts a 700 foot beach open for swimming, but you’ll want to get there early to grab a prime spot because it is a pretty popular place. If your interested in more information, or just interested in finding a nice quieter park to do some grilling and relaxing, a list of parks with some more informatoin can be found here: http://www.wdm.iowa.gov/Index.aspx?page=198

If that seems like it might be too many people for you then you may want to check out Saylorville Lake, located just north of Johnston. Used more for boating than anything, it still has a great beach area. More information can be found here: http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/Saylorville/

If that’s not your thing then there are a couple of events coming into town that you might want to look into. Out at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park the Des Moines Renaissance Fair kicks off this weekend for the 6th year in a row. Glass blowers, blacksmiths, potters, wood carvers, jugglers, musicians, and comedians all overlooked by a giant castle. If your looking for the best Renaissance Fair in Iowa you’ve found it. If nothing else the giant turkey legs have me sold!

The other event coming into town is the Hy-Vee Triathalon. Do you know anyone running in it and want to help support them? For more information on watching the race check this out: http://www.hy-veetriathlon.com/spectators/spectator-info-maps.aspx

So whether you’re in the water, on the beach, in a castle or watching form the sidelines, have fun and enjoy the holiday!

Looking for ways to keep your kids AND yourself cool during the dog days of summer? We are too, and today we’ve picked our top 3 places to cool off this week.

Today until Friday, take your family to the Blank Park Zoo to cool off with “Safari Splash”. Every day from noon to 4 pm, kids of all ages  can head to the zoo’s SplashPad to play around and cool off. The SplashPad has wading pools, a wild palm tree sprinkler, mini Slip N’ Slides and a large inflatable slip n’ slide! Kids can also get some education in, and see how, some of the animals keep cool when its so hot. All activities are free with regular zoo admission and of course free for zoo members. Keep in mind swimsuits are encouraged.

If the zoo isn’t your thing, then Adventureland’s new water park Adventure Bay is another great way to keep your kids cool with Iowa’s largest lazy river, lots of fun waterslides, and a wave pool. Kokomo Kove in Adventure Bay is the PERFECT place for the younger ones, with mini-slides, lots of water spray toys and even a giant splash bucket!! Adventure Bay is included in Adventureland Park admission.

If you prefer the lake to the pool, Gray’s Lake is another great place to take your family. With beaches, paddle boat rentals and a concession stand, Gray’s Lake offers a great place for you to rest in the shade or in the water, and best of all, park admission is FREE!

So if you’re tired of being cooped up inside and want your kids to run around without overheating, take them to one of these places, and enjoy some cool time off for yourself.

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the beautiful weather with your whole family, and not looking to break the bank. Look no further then Gray’s Lake.

Gray’s Lake is located just west of Downtown on Fleur Drive and has plenty of summer fun activities in store.

For just $25 you can spend an evening learning how to canoe or master your own sailboat.

One of the more popular events on the water at Gray’s Lake is the moon float. Happening once a month, you can bring your own non-gas powered boart, or rent one from the park and enjoy a float under the stars.

If the water isn’t your thing, Gray’s Lake still has activities for you to do.

The park has bikes available for rent for both kids and adults. Where riders can explore the 2 mile trail that surrounds the lake.

And of course if you’re just looking for a place to take a shady nap, have a picnic or take a leisurely stroll through the lake, you can do that too.

So, next time you’re looking for something to do outside, take a visit to Gray’s Lake.

For information on everything we talked about, check out the Gray’s Lake website.