Easter has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute it’s snow boots, the next it’s pastel dresses and chocolate bunnies. If you’re searching for something more exciting than candy overload, this is your year to level up the fun. Families across the area are looking for real experiences, especially those who love visiting a pumpkin patch Des Moines families already trust for seasonal traditions. Below, we’re sharing the best Easter activities for kids this year, all packed into one unforgettable farm day.

Bath Tub Train Rides & Farmyard Adventures

There’s something about a train ride that makes kids light up instantly. At Howell’s, our Bath Tub Train is one of those simple joys that turns into a core memory. Kids climb into colorful tubs, parents wave from the sidelines, and off they go around the farmyard with huge grins on their faces.

The best part? It’s not a one-and-done experience. During Easter events, families can enjoy the train along with the rest of the Farmyard Play Yard. That means slides, swings, wiggle cars, and pedal tractors are all part of the adventure. Siblings can race each other. Cousins can pile into activities together. Parents get those candid, wind-in-the-hair photos without forcing a smile.

Because everything is in one open space, the day feels relaxed. You’re not rushing from station to station. You’re simply letting the kids explore, ride, laugh, and burn off some of that jellybean energy.

A “Chaos-Free” Easter Egg Hunt Experience

If you’ve ever watched a traditional egg hunt turn into a five-minute frenzy, you’ll appreciate this twist. At Howell’s we’re holding “Egg Palooza” on March 28 to 29 and April 4, 2026. We designed it to take the stress out of the scramble and replace it with steady, all-day fun.

Instead of a whistle blowing and kids sprinting in every direction, eggs are spread out and replenished throughout the day. Families can arrive between 10am and 5pm, move at their own pace, and collect eggs without tears or pressure. No basket? No problem. Egg cartons are provided, which actually makes it easier for little hands to carry their treasures.

Photos with the Easter Bunny add another highlight. Kids can smile, wave, or even give a cautious high five. There’s no assembly line rush, so parents can capture a photo they’ll actually frame.

Because admission includes access to the farm attractions, the egg hunt becomes just one part of the day. You hunt for eggs, then head to the train, then the jump pillow, then back again. It feels natural and easy. That’s what makes it special.

Farmyard Play Adventures That Burn Off All That Easter Candy

After eggs are collected and chocolate is secured, kids still have plenty of energy. That’s where the rest of the farm shines.

Jump Pillow & Obstacle Course

The Jump Pillow is always a favorite. Shoes off, laughter on, and suddenly everyone is bouncing at once. It’s the kind of activity that pulls kids away from screens without even trying. Right nearby, the obstacle course gives them a chance to climb, crawl, and challenge themselves. Friendly competition starts quickly, especially between siblings.

Corn Pool & Bee Lines

For something a little different, the corn pool offers sensory fun that younger kids especially love. They dig, scoop, and bury their hands like it’s treasure. Meanwhile, the Bee Lines and climbing features keep older kids moving and testing their balance.

These activities give the day rhythm. High energy moments blend with slower play. Parents can sit back for a minute while still keeping everyone in sight. That balance makes a big difference.

Goat Cuddling & Farm Animal Encounters: The Sweetest Easter Surprise

Spring on the farm means one thing: baby animals. And few things say “Easter” quite like cuddly goats.

Goat cuddling is more than a photo opportunity. It slows kids down in the best way. They kneel in the straw, gently pet soft fur, and suddenly the excitement turns into calm smiles. Even kids who are usually nonstop seem to pause for a minute.

Animal encounters also create connections. Children learn how to approach animals carefully and respectfully. They giggle when a goat nuzzles their sleeve. Parents snap photos they’ll look back on for years.

You simply can’t recreate that feeling in a living room. Being surrounded by real farm animals makes Easter feel authentic and grounded. It adds warmth to the celebration.

Springtime in the Greenhouses: A Bloom-Filled Easter Experience

Between high-energy activities, families can step into the greenhouses and experience spring in full color. It’s a natural transition from play to peaceful wandering.

Rows of bright blooms, hanging baskets, and fresh greenery remind everyone that winter is finally over. Kids are often surprised to see where plants actually grow. It becomes a quiet learning moment that doesn’t feel like a lesson.

For families who love hands-on fun, container garden projects offer a creative break from running around. Choosing plants, arranging them, and adding a bit of soil to tiny hands makes the day feel productive as well as playful.

The greenhouses also connect Easter to something bigger. This farm has grown and evolved over generations, shifting from traditional crops to a place where families gather and make memories together. Walking through those spaces feels like stepping into that story.

Make This Easter the One They Remember

At the end of the day, kids won’t remember how many jellybeans were in their basket. They’ll remember racing their sibling on pedal tractors. They’ll remember the bounce of the jump pillow and the softness of a baby goat. They’ll remember hunting eggs without feeling rushed.

If you’re ready to trade stress for smiles, plan your Easter celebration at Howell’s. Buy tickets online, pick your date, and come ready to stay awhile. When families think about spring traditions and a pumpkin patch Des Moines visitors return to year after year, this is the kind of experience they’re talking about. We’ll have the eggs ready. You just bring the excitement.