Book Nook: 5 Unique Story Time Spots 4 Kids in Des Moines

Feed their appetite for a good story and get the kiddos reading at an early age by taking them to story time. Here are five unlikely spots to hear your favorite tales–not a hushed library among them.

Barnyard Readers

11121 Hickman Road • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 278-5286 • lhf.org

Do you know a 3, 4, or 5-year-old that loves stories about farm animals and living on a farm? If so, this 90-minute reading-based, activity-filled program is for them.  Living History Farms offers a spring, summer and fall session of Barnyard Readers.  The class is one Wednesday a month.  The first program of the fall session is on September 9th.  You can purchase a program pass or an individual pass when you register.

Science Storytime

401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 274-6868 • sciowa.org

Specially designed for the Science Center of Iowa’s youngest visitors. Bring your imagination for fun science stories and try out a related hands-on activity. Science Storytime is presented daily at 9:30 am in the What on Earth? exhibit and is included with the cost of your admission.

Story Hour at the Park

Raccoon River Nature Lodge • 2500 Grand Avenue • West Des Moines, IA  50265 • (515) 222-3444 • wdm.iowa.gov

Join the West Des Moines Park and Recreation Department for an hour of story power! Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy as their Naturalist shares nature books, stories and games at this FREE event.  Story Hours are on Wednesdays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm on August 19th, August 26th, September 2nd and September 9th.

Story Sprouts

909 Robert D. Ray Drive • Des Moines, IA  50309 • (515) 323-6290 • dmbotanicalgarden.com

Story Sprouts is offered every Friday (during select 8 week sessions) from 10:30 am to 11:15 am at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Every week kids will explore the natural world through stories, songs, puppets, games, crafts and more. Story Sprouts meet in the Gardener’s Show House or under the Veranda. Children 1-17 are $3; regular admission rates apply for adults and seniors.

Zoo Tots

7401 SW 9th Street • Des Moines, IA 50315 • (515) 285-4722 • blankparkzoo.com

Two to four year olds can join their favorite animal friends in a hands-on adventure during which they will read books, make crafts, create animal-themed snacks, and more. Classes are held from 10:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m. on alternating Wednesdays through Saturdays. The regular cost to enroll you and your child in a class is $16.00 and includes admission to the Zoo for the day.  The first story time is August 19th, registration and pre-payment are required.

Don’t see your favorite unique story time? Post a comment and we’ll add it to our list.