Honey Creek State Park is a great place to take your family for a camping get away. There are different levels of "roughing it" depending upon your taste. You can pitch a tent, bring your RV, rent a simple cabin, rent a fancy cabin, or stay at the resort. It all depends on what you're comfortable with.

My family has gone camping two years in a row at Honey Creek State park. We have children that range in age from 1 year to 7 years old. They all enjoyed the stay.

Both times we have rented the "rustic pine log cabins" which run about $35 a night. The cabins are great, they give you the camping feel, with the comforts you need. Inside your cabin you have A/C, electricity, mini-fridge, microwave, Bunk Beds and futon, and a dining table. Out doors - the cabins have a picnic table and a fire pit. Basic bathroom facilities are not far away (walking distance).

You're also close to the lake if you're in to boating - it's a busy place in the summer!

The cabins face in to the woods, and you're at the top of the a bluff - so you have a spectacular view of the woods and the night sky.

My children loved being able to run free and not get in to too much trouble.

The Des Moines Farmer's Market is a great place to get out and be social. Lots of great stuff to see! There are regularly bands, musicians, etc performing at the farmer's market. Terrific food is always available.

My kids love to go to the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. We usually run in to old friends. It's a great time for the whole family.

The Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater is a great adult venue. Beautiful location - right along the river. You will primarily see concerts and activities geared towards teens and adults here. I have yet to see any thing for young children at this location.

Big Creek is known for it's beach and play ground area. The playground equipment is getting up there in years and the other facilities are just about as old. The bathroom facilities were in terrible conditions last summer. My oldest son refused to go in and ended up having to go in to the woods to take care of his business.

There are several picnic shelters available for rent. We have tried to rent them for several years, but they appear book early. There are usually picnic tables available.

We occasionally go there for a nice time on the water. The lake itself is not where you would go to take your speed boat out - it is a no-wake lake. There is a small shop that sells the necessities and rents some equipment to go out on the lake.

Growing up in Iowa, we always went to Adventureland. Now that I have kids of my own, I realize that we really have a nice sized amusement part right at our back door.

There are activities for most children 4 years old and up. They have classic rides, like the "Tea Cups" that have been around for ever, as well as newer attractions.

Adventureland has several big coasters for those that are looking for thrills. Other great rides are scattered through out the park. Everything from bumper cars to a log ride.

Last summer several water park additions to the park opened. The Kokomo Cove is a great addition to the existing park. It's nice to have a place to go and get wet on a hot summer day!

The ticket prices have risen over the years, for 2011 they are priced at $30 for children and $35 for adults. Children under 3 are free. They normally have discounted tickets available online prior to the opening of the park, and discount coupons are available at local grocery stores as well.