DesMoinesFamilies.com helps families enjoy, appreciate Des Moines’ kid-friendly amenities

Posted on June 26, 2007 in Around the metro by DM

Kelly Moore had something of an “a-ha moment” as she sat on the floor of a single-stall bathroom in a local restaurant, changing her son’s diaper. She decided that what this town needed was a way for parents to know - before they loaded up the mini-van - which restaurants, retailers and other venues had kid-friendly amenities - such as the changing table she was desperately needing at that moment.

It was this desire for plan-ahead details that inspired Moore to start DesMoinesFamilies.com, a Web site designed to let parents know what to expect from area restaurants, attractions and retailers around the city.

The site launched in February of this year and includes such features as:
Kids Eat Free – a searchable listing of restaurants offering free and discounted meals to children
Have You Tried This? – a searchable listing of well-known and/or recommended kids activities
Local Parent Blogs – links to central Iowa parents’ online journals and photo blogs
Message Board – for parents with ideas and issues on their minds

Kelly said the site’s designed to give parents a way to know in advance what they’re likely to find when they venture out to a restaurant, attraction or retailer.

“It’s hard to fall in love with something in which you don’t participate. And if our young families are spending the majority of their time at home – afraid to venture out and find themselves adrift in unwelcome territory – they’re missing out on all that Des Moines has to offer.”

But it’s not just the parents who benefit from getting out more and enjoying Des Moines’ amenities. As the area continues to focus resources on issues of workforce attraction and retention, it doesn’t seem outrageous to begin encouraging even the youngest kids to appreciate their home city.

“…By engaging two-, three- and four-year olds in our city, we’re not only giving them a great introduction to their hometown,” Kelly said. “We’re instilling a sense of permanent community that will intrinsically influence the decisions they make as they grow and decide where to exercise their passions, contribute their talents and raise their families.”

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