November is a month of transition, as the celebrations of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the December holidays merge, and the Des Moines area is rich with related family activities. Below are our top 10 picks for November, but remember that our Event Calendar and Fall Fun Guide has many more fun and enriching activities of all kinds. Savor the season and enjoy it all!
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Here’s where you can kid n’ play in Des Moines this November.
November 1st
Girls in grades 7 through 12 can apply to attend Girls in Science – Meals with Mentors at the Science Center of Iowa. They will have the opportunity to meet female undergraduates studying for a degree in a STEM field as well as working female scientists.
November 2nd
Bison, aka buffalo, once roamed the grasslands of North America by the millions! Jester Park has maintained a small herd of bison for the public to view for over 50 years. Join a naturalist for a discussion about the natural history of bison before getting an up-close introduction of the resident herd on National Bison Day.
Garden Buds Series (for ages 3-5 and an adult) is a quarterly series hosted by the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens which encourages adult/child interaction with hands-on activities. Registration is required.
November 3rd
The Des Moines Art Center will host the 19th annual Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead celebration. Day of the Dead is a Latinx celebration that honors the lives of members of the community who have recently passed away, as well as a festive day of music, dancing, food and drink, art activities, and remembrances for the whole family.
November 5th
Go Vote and take your kids with you! Tuesday, November 5th is Election Day. Find your local polling place on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.
November 8th
Hit the court as the Iowa Wolves host the Sioux Falls Skyforce for their 2019-20 season home opener.
November 11th
Observe a moment of silence in honor of Veteran’s Day on Monday, November 11th, 2019. Veterans receive FREE admission to Reiman Gardens in Ames.
November 18th
Students in grades 6-12 are challenged to work in a group to solve clues to make their way out of the Escape Room at the Waukee Public Library. Registration is required for this FREE event.
November 22nd
Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf are back in Frozen 2 — and they’re on the brink of an epic adventure. Slide into a local Des Moines theater to join them.
Give back to your community on National Family Volunteer Day, a global day of service celebrating the power of families who work together to support their communities and neighborhoods. Learn more at PointsofLight.org.
November 28th
Happy Thanksgiving! Be sure to pencil in some fun activities over the long holiday weekend.
Where will your family kid n’ play in Des Moines this November in Des Moines? Let us know!
