March is Women’s History Month, and it’s a great time to celebrate the many accomplishments of women in American history. From activism to art, science to suffrage, sports to politics and beyond, we ladies have done lots of awesome things! That’s why dsm4kids rounded up some fun ways for families to celebrate Women’s History Month with Des Moines kids.
If you’re looking for more things to do this month in Des Moines be sure to check out the dsm4kids Events Calendar, Spring Fun Guide and sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide.
Read on for nine of our favorite ways to celebrate Women’s History Month that will be fun for both you and your little feminists:
Visit the Plaza of Heroines on Iowa State University’s Campus
A perfect quick trip over spring break, head north to Ames and visit the Plaza of Heroines, a mosaic of bricks and granite pavers that forms the entryway to Carrie Chapman Catt Hall on Iowa State’s central campus. The center of the plaza features a large granite paving stone honoring Carrie Chapman Catt, a distinguished alumna of Iowa State’s class of 1880, leader of the U.S. women’s suffrage movement, crusader for international peace and an advocate for the expansion of women’s rights throughout the world. Surrounding that stone are smaller granite pavers and bricks that honor more than 3,900 women who have made an impact on individuals, families, communities, and society.
Women’s History Month Scavenger Hunts
Central Library, Forest Avenue Library and South Side Library will all hold Women’s History Month Scavenger Hunts March 1 -9, 2024, March 12-16, 2024 and March 18-30, 2025, respectively. This is a fun way for kids to learn about several important women leaders, artists, and athletes who have left their mark on history.
Visit the National Women’s History Museum
The National Women’s History Museum only exists online. But they have an extensive collection of virtual exhibits to explore, on topics ranging from women in STEM to women in the Olympics.
Read Children’s Books by Women Authors or Illustrators
There are lots of great book lists out there to choose from. For example, PBS.org has a list of children’s books that honor Women’s History Month. You can check out most of the books on this list from your local library.
Attend the 5th Annual Period Packing Party
Join Give Grace Give Hope in honor of International Women’s Day at The Hall where they hope to make more than 8,000 period packs on March 8, 2024! Why? Because no woman or young girl should be limited in life because of her period. All donations received by the organization go towards buying supplies needed to make period packs for those in need.
Cross the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
Take a walk across the pedestrian bridge that links the east and west sides of Des Moines at the northern edge of the Principal Riverwalk loop and learn about the many lasting contributions that Iowa women have made. The Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge serves as a visible reminder to all crossing it of women’s impact in their fields of work and on their communities.
Enroll in the Young Women’s Resource Center’s Empowerment Workshop
5th-grade through high school students in Des Moines and surrounding areas are invited to join the Young Women’s Resource Center for their Empowerment Workshop. Events take place on Tuesday, March 12th for 5th & 6th grades, Wednesday, March 13th for 7th & 8th grades, and Thursday, March 14th for high schoolers. The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required.
Iowa Wolves Women’s History Night
On Friday, March 29th, the Iowa Wolves will take on the Austin Spurs at 7:00 pm. To celebrate Women’s History the Iowa Wolves will host a Community Celebration featuring a Jersey by ArtForce Iowa with a Jersey Auction benefiting Girl Scouts of Central Iowa. Tickets start at $21.
Support Women Owned Businesses
Finally, a great way to celebrate Women’s History Month is to support women owned businesses. Not only this month, but throughout the year. Click on the link above to find the woman owned businesses in the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s on-line directory. It lists many wonderful businesses that offer services and products for kids and families.
How will your family celebrate Women’s History Month in Des Moines?
