Beat the Winter Blahs: Indoor Winter Fun 4 Kids in Des Moines

Beat the Winter Blahs: Indoor Winter Fun 4 Kids in Des Moines

Wintertime with kids usually falls into one of two categories: fantastic time outside sledding and building snowmen OR contracting a case of cabin fever. Fear not. We’ve rounded up a list of awesome indoor adventures for kids in Des Moines, so you can beat the winter blahs!

Waukee FamilyFest 2016

Lutheran Church of Hope – Waukee • 305 NE Dartmoor Drive • Waukee, IA 50263 • (515) 978-0007

Get the kids ready for a fun, FREE event. The City of Waukee will hold its fourth annual FamilyFest on Saturday, January 16 from 9:00 am to noon. This family-friendly event sponsored by Waukee Parks and Recreation provides a fun experience to look forward to after all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The annual event features inflatables plus games and prizes supplied by local Waukee businesses. This is a great way to combat cabin fever and mingle with others in the community.

Build Your Brain

Science Center of Iowa • 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Parkway • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 274-6868 • http://www.sciowa.org/

The Science Center is always a good option for an indoor adventure with kids, but this winter they have A LOT going on!  They currently have two exhibits: Geometry Playground and Race: Are we so different? and they also have several upcoming events.

  • January 18, 2016 – MLK, Jr. Day FREE Admission
  • January 29, 2016 – Grand Re-Opening of the Star Theater Planetarium
  • January 30, 2016 – Every Family Rocks!
  • February 7, 2016 – Girls in Science Festival
  • February 14, 2016  Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival Jr.

Catch A Flick

Flix Brewhouse • 3800 Merle Hay Road • Des Moines • (515) 612-9200 • http://www.flixbrewhouse.com/des-moines

It’s a double feature at Flix Brewhouse where you can grab dinner and catch a movie all in one place.  Mom and Dad can enjoy a cocktail, while the offspring can order off the Kid’s Menu.  Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip and Star Wars: A New Hope are currently being shown.  They also offer special children’s movies on select Saturday mornings at 10:30 am.  Be sure to check their Events listing on their website for a schedule.

Dance, Sing, Act and Sew

Pied Piper Studios •  3892 NW Urbandale Drive • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515)221-2948 • http://www.piedpiperstudios.org/

Kids can explore the magic of music and exercise their little bodies at Pied Piper Studios. Their year-round classes provide a nurturing environment that inspire kids to express themselves.  In addition to their scheduled classes, Pied Piper Studios, also offers a number of special events throughout the year.  Just be sure to check their constantly changing calendar to plan in advance.

Go for a Swim

Summit Pool  • 9500 Windsor Parkway • Johnston, IA 50131 • (515) 986-0951

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you can’t go swimming.  Summit Pool in Johnston offers open swim on weekends.  Remember to check their monthly schedules for open swim times.  It’s high school swim season and the pool will be closed several Saturdays for meets in January.  Daily Admission is $2 for kids and $3 for adults.  Punch cards and season passes can also be purchased.

Flutter Like a Butterfly

Reiman Gardens 1407 University Boulevard • Ames, IA 50011 • (515) 294-2710 • http://www.reimangardens.com/

Just a quick 40 minute drive to Ames, Reiman Gardens offers a number of activities for kids during the winter months.  If your kids like story time, they’ll flutter for Caterpillar Club.  Stories and activities are presented twice a month, from October to March. Caterpillar Club is included with paid regular admission and registration is required.  In addition, families can attend a movie every Saturday in January, at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Movies are FREE for kids, $8 for adults and $7 for seniors 65+.

Magical Moments

Iowa Events Center • 730 Third Street • Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515-564-8000 • http://www.iowaeventscenter.com/

Open the door to reveal mesmerizing worlds of unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions with Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to MagicJoin Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the comical duo of Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite Disney characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob! Two shows on February 7th at 3:00 and 6:00 pm.  Tickets start at $22.00 for kids one and up.

Take a Cake Pop Class

Sweet to Eat Bakery • 303 SW School St Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 249-5054 • http://sweettoeatllc.com/

Cake pops are (almost) as much fun to make as they are to eat! You and your kids can learn how to make and decorate them at Sweet To Eat Bakery in Ankeny.  The class costs $40 per person, which includes instruction on making and decorating these miniature confections.  When finished you get to take six home with you to share or enjoy yourself.

 

 

How do you beat the winter blahs with your kids? Let us know your favorite indoor spots in Des Moines!