Kid n’ Play in Des Moines: January 2018

Kid n’ Play in Des Moines: January 2018

January in Des Moines is the time for sledding, snow skiing, ice skating, and wonderful indoor family outings. This year, kids can take a cooking class, catch a family friendly show at the Civic Center and celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Urbandale Public Library.  They can also give back to their community on MLK Day and watch a rodeo at Wells Fargo. These are our Top 10 Picks for January in Des Moines!

Here is where your family can kid n’ play this January in Des Moines:

January 4th

Homeschool Kids Cooking Class with Happiness in the Kitchen with Holly Houg.  This is a fun two-hour hands-on experience with a small group. Kids will get to make four healthy recipes: a main dish, a side dish, a drink and a dessert.

January 7th

The first 1,500 fans will receive a FREE poster at the Iowa Wild’s Kids Winterfest and Princess Day when they take on the Cleveland Monsters at Wells Fargo Arena. There will also be a postgame skate.

January 12th

Mark your calendars (and hide your marmalade). Everyone’s favorite bear will be back in theatres this month in Paddington 2.

January 12th & 13th

Enjoy some edge of your seat family fun as the gates swing open on Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo at Wells Fargo arena. Find tickets starting at $20 on the Iowa Events Center website.

January 13th

Des Moines Performing Arts kicks off its Wellmark Family Series with Mr. Popper’s Penguins. You can participate in a pre-show Discovery Party for family art-making activities, demonstrations and other fun programs.  Tickets are $12 and can be purchased on-line by phone (515) 246-2300 or from the Civic Center box office.

January 13th & 28th

Hit the trails for FREE thanks to Warren County Conservation Board’s Snowshoeing Classes on Saturday, January 13th and Sunday, January 28th.  Proper clothing, equipment, and techniques will be discussed. Classes will be cancelled if there’s not enough snow or if it’s too cold. Registration is required.

January 15th

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination on April 14, 1968 in Memphis, TN. To honor his legacy, his birthday is set aside as a National Day of Service.  Each year Community Youth Concepts hosts their MLK Day of Service.  All Des Moines area youth are invited to attend and give back to their community from 9:30- 11:30 am.

January 26th

Go on an Overnight Adventure and spend a night at the Science Center of Iowa! Explore the U.S. premiere traveling exhibit Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family, see prehistoric predators come to life on the giant screen with Dinosaurs Alive! and experience hands-on science with dinosaur-themed programming throughout the evening. Space is limited. Call the SCI Sales Office at 515-274-6868 ext. 222 to register by January 19.

January 27th

Celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Urbandale Public Library. Learn all about the most important Chinese festival of the year from an expert CultureAll ambassador. Make your own paper lantern to kick off the New Year! Please register online or by calling 515-278-3945.

All Month Long

Go on a sleigh ride!  Join Jester Park Equestrian Center when the snow flies and they’ll hitch up one of their draft horse teams to take your family out for a 45-minute sleigh ride through Jester Park.  If there’s not enough snow, a wagon ride is always an option.  Call (515) 999-2818 ext 1 or send an email to JPEC_info@polkcountyiowa.gov to book a ride.

For even more fun, check out our 45 Ideas 4 FREE (and Cheap) Winter Fun in Des Moines and be sure to visit our Calendar of Events.

How will your family kid’n play this January in Des Moines?  We’d love to hear!