Events Calendar
Welcome to dsm4kids’ calendar of family events!
As of January 1, 2025, this calendar is no longer being updated. Please contact the venue or organizer directly to confirm event details, including dates, times, locations, and other information.
Camp Refresh runs Fri, May 2, 2025, 12:00 PM – Sun, May 4, 2025, 3:00 PM CST.
Join us for our second year of Camp ReFresh – 3 days of Games, Summer Camp Fun, Crafts and Activities. Stay in the beautiful Y Camp cabins, eat meals in the dining hall, and do crafts and activities led by the Dealt Hand Crew!
Tickets are ALL INCLUSIVE – so you can leave you wallet in the car all weekend, and just play all weekend. With play to win games provided by Dungeons Gate, you’ll even have a chance to go home with some great games!
Full details are available on CampReFresh.com, and grab your tickets at the link!
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public.
Visit their Facebook page for specific event details.
JANUARY 2025 – Join us for the first First Friday of 2025 on January 3rd from 5-8pm at Mainframe Studios for a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture. In partnership with the Iowa Asian Alliance, the evening will be filled with delicious food, stunning fashion, captivating art, live performances, and plenty of fun for all ages!
Explore our open studio event and discover the creative work of over 200 artists across 180 studios. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of culture, creativity, and community!
Adventure Clubhouse at the Des Moines Playhouse
Show times 9:45 am, 10:45 am and 1:30 pm
Recommended for ages 4-6
Tickets $6
Join Edgar Allan Crow and the Adventure Clubhouse at The Playhouse crew as they dramatize a favorite story using their imaginations and the costume pieces and props they find in their magic trunk.
Adventure Clubhouse is a creative, participatory story theatre program for children 4-6 years old and their adults. Children learn the Adventure Clubhouse secret handshake, learn the spell to open the magic storybook, and listen for the word of the day. A new story is presented each month!
By visiting the Adventure Clubhouse at The Playhouse, students are encouraged to use their imaginations, read, develop creative thinking skills, and be inspired to learn more about their world.
Goldie Rocks – November 15, 2024
Is Goldie Rocks the perfect match for the Three Bears Band? Not too loud, not too soft, just rockin’!
The Elves & The Shoemaker – December 13, 2024
Kindly elves help to make the holiday season magical for a Shoemaker’s family.
The Mitten – January 24, 2025
Watch what happens when some woodland animals find a lost magical mitten in the forest.
Billy The Goat – February 14, 2025
Find out if Billy can trick the silly old troll and become the Greatest Of All Time.
The Leopard’s Drum – March 7, 2025
Who will outwit Leopard and bring harmony to the jungle?
Jack & The Giant – April 11, 2025
Who knew that a beanstalk could lead to an unlikely friendship?
Little Red – May 9, 2025
Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s aid, we ride!
Adventure Clubhouse at the Des Moines Playhouse
Show times 9:45 am, 10:45 am and 1:30 pm
Recommended for ages 4-6
Tickets $6
Join Edgar Allan Crow and the Adventure Clubhouse at The Playhouse crew as they dramatize a favorite story using their imaginations and the costume pieces and props they find in their magic trunk.
Adventure Clubhouse is a creative, participatory story theatre program for children 4-6 years old and their adults. Children learn the Adventure Clubhouse secret handshake, learn the spell to open the magic storybook, and listen for the word of the day. A new story is presented each month!
By visiting the Adventure Clubhouse at The Playhouse, students are encouraged to use their imaginations, read, develop creative thinking skills, and be inspired to learn more about their world.
Goldie Rocks – November 15, 2024
Is Goldie Rocks the perfect match for the Three Bears Band? Not too loud, not too soft, just rockin’!
The Elves & The Shoemaker – December 13, 2024
Kindly elves help to make the holiday season magical for a Shoemaker’s family.
The Mitten – January 24, 2025
Watch what happens when some woodland animals find a lost magical mitten in the forest.
Billy The Goat – February 14, 2025
Find out if Billy can trick the silly old troll and become the Greatest Of All Time.
The Leopard’s Drum – March 7, 2025
Who will outwit Leopard and bring harmony to the jungle?
Jack & The Giant – April 11, 2025
Who knew that a beanstalk could lead to an unlikely friendship?
Little Red – May 9, 2025
Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s aid, we ride!
Adventure Clubhouse at the Des Moines Playhouse
Show times 9:45 am, 10:45 am and 1:30 pm
Recommended for ages 4-6
Tickets $6
Join Edgar Allan Crow and the Adventure Clubhouse at The Playhouse crew as they dramatize a favorite story using their imaginations and the costume pieces and props they find in their magic trunk.
Adventure Clubhouse is a creative, participatory story theatre program for children 4-6 years old and their adults. Children learn the Adventure Clubhouse secret handshake, learn the spell to open the magic storybook, and listen for the word of the day. A new story is presented each month!
By visiting the Adventure Clubhouse at The Playhouse, students are encouraged to use their imaginations, read, develop creative thinking skills, and be inspired to learn more about their world.
Goldie Rocks – November 15, 2024
Is Goldie Rocks the perfect match for the Three Bears Band? Not too loud, not too soft, just rockin’!
The Elves & The Shoemaker – December 13, 2024
Kindly elves help to make the holiday season magical for a Shoemaker’s family.
The Mitten – January 24, 2025
Watch what happens when some woodland animals find a lost magical mitten in the forest.
Billy The Goat – February 14, 2025
Find out if Billy can trick the silly old troll and become the Greatest Of All Time.
The Leopard’s Drum – March 7, 2025
Who will outwit Leopard and bring harmony to the jungle?
Jack & The Giant – April 11, 2025
Who knew that a beanstalk could lead to an unlikely friendship?
Little Red – May 9, 2025
Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s aid, we ride!
Sensory-Friendly Hours provide a quieter, less crowded SCI experience for families with children on the autism spectrum.
The Science Center of Iowa is an exciting place, bustling with sights and sounds… but we provide a quieter, less crowded experience.
Families with children on the autism spectrum or children with sensory processing disorders will enjoy exploring the Science Center of Iowa with the help of Sensory Guide signage, which indicates audio, visual and activity stimuli.
Sensory-Friendly Hours are currently planned for the second Tuesday of each month from 4-7 p.m.!
Admission is free. Advanced ticket registration is required.
Other Sensory Resources:
- Sensory Guide – This guide features coded maps, which indicate audio, visual and tactile stimuli in each space throughout the building. View Sensory Guide
- Sensory Backpacks – Available for checkout at the SCI Box Office, these backpacks are filled with tools to help you tailor your experience, including noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, weighted stuffed animals and fidget materials.
These materials are also available during regular operating hours.
Upcoming Events
- Sep 10 2024 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – September 2024
- Oct 8 2024 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – October 2024
- Nov 12 2024 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – November 2024
- Dec 10 2024 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – December 2024
- Jan 14 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – January 2025
- Feb 11 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – February 2025
- Mar 11 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – March 2025
- Apr 8 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – April 2025
- May 13 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – May 2025
- Jun 10 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – June 2025
- Jul 8 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – July 2025
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public.
Visit their Facebook page for specific event details.
JANUARY 2025 – Join us for the first First Friday of 2025 on January 3rd from 5-8pm at Mainframe Studios for a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture. In partnership with the Iowa Asian Alliance, the evening will be filled with delicious food, stunning fashion, captivating art, live performances, and plenty of fun for all ages!
Explore our open studio event and discover the creative work of over 200 artists across 180 studios. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of culture, creativity, and community!
Sensory-Friendly Hours provide a quieter, less crowded SCI experience for families with children on the autism spectrum.
The Science Center of Iowa is an exciting place, bustling with sights and sounds… but we provide a quieter, less crowded experience.
Families with children on the autism spectrum or children with sensory processing disorders will enjoy exploring the Science Center of Iowa with the help of Sensory Guide signage, which indicates audio, visual and activity stimuli.
Sensory-Friendly Hours are currently planned for the second Tuesday of each month from 4-7 p.m.!
Admission is free. Advanced ticket registration is required.
Other Sensory Resources:
- Sensory Guide – This guide features coded maps, which indicate audio, visual and tactile stimuli in each space throughout the building. View Sensory Guide
- Sensory Backpacks – Available for checkout at the SCI Box Office, these backpacks are filled with tools to help you tailor your experience, including noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, weighted stuffed animals and fidget materials.
These materials are also available during regular operating hours.
Upcoming Events
- Sep 10 2024 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – September 2024
- Oct 8 2024 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – October 2024
- Nov 12 2024 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – November 2024
- Dec 10 2024 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – December 2024
- Jan 14 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – January 2025
- Feb 11 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – February 2025
- Mar 11 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – March 2025
- Apr 8 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – April 2025
- May 13 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – May 2025
- Jun 10 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – June 2025
- Jul 8 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – July 2025
Join us for the Des Moines Symphony’s 31st annual Yankee Doodle Pops, Iowa’s largest single-day concert event! This family-friendly, patriotic concert concludes with the area’s premier fireworks display over the downtown Des Moines skyline, and best of all, it’s free. Bring your picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs, or purchase food from an array of vendors at the concert.
FREE! No tickets required.
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public.
Visit their Facebook page for specific event details.
JANUARY 2025 – Join us for the first First Friday of 2025 on January 3rd from 5-8pm at Mainframe Studios for a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture. In partnership with the Iowa Asian Alliance, the evening will be filled with delicious food, stunning fashion, captivating art, live performances, and plenty of fun for all ages!
Explore our open studio event and discover the creative work of over 200 artists across 180 studios. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of culture, creativity, and community!
Sensory-Friendly Hours provide a quieter, less crowded SCI experience for families with children on the autism spectrum.
The Science Center of Iowa is an exciting place, bustling with sights and sounds… but we provide a quieter, less crowded experience.
Families with children on the autism spectrum or children with sensory processing disorders will enjoy exploring the Science Center of Iowa with the help of Sensory Guide signage, which indicates audio, visual and activity stimuli.
Sensory-Friendly Hours are currently planned for the second Tuesday of each month from 4-7 p.m.!
Admission is free. Advanced ticket registration is required.
Other Sensory Resources:
- Sensory Guide – This guide features coded maps, which indicate audio, visual and tactile stimuli in each space throughout the building. View Sensory Guide
- Sensory Backpacks – Available for checkout at the SCI Box Office, these backpacks are filled with tools to help you tailor your experience, including noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, weighted stuffed animals and fidget materials.
These materials are also available during regular operating hours.
Upcoming Events
- Sep 10 2024 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – September 2024
- Oct 8 2024 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – October 2024
- Nov 12 2024 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – November 2024
- Dec 10 2024 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – December 2024
- Jan 14 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – January 2025
- Feb 11 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – February 2025
- Mar 11 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – March 2025
- Apr 8 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – April 2025
- May 13 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – May 2025
- Jun 10 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – June 2025
- Jul 8 2025 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Sensory-Friendly Hours – July 2025
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public.
Visit their Facebook page for specific event details.
JANUARY 2025 – Join us for the first First Friday of 2025 on January 3rd from 5-8pm at Mainframe Studios for a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture. In partnership with the Iowa Asian Alliance, the evening will be filled with delicious food, stunning fashion, captivating art, live performances, and plenty of fun for all ages!
Explore our open studio event and discover the creative work of over 200 artists across 180 studios. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of culture, creativity, and community!
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public.
Visit their Facebook page for specific event details.
JANUARY 2025 – Join us for the first First Friday of 2025 on January 3rd from 5-8pm at Mainframe Studios for a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture. In partnership with the Iowa Asian Alliance, the evening will be filled with delicious food, stunning fashion, captivating art, live performances, and plenty of fun for all ages!
Explore our open studio event and discover the creative work of over 200 artists across 180 studios. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of culture, creativity, and community!
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public.
Visit their Facebook page for specific event details.
JANUARY 2025 – Join us for the first First Friday of 2025 on January 3rd from 5-8pm at Mainframe Studios for a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture. In partnership with the Iowa Asian Alliance, the evening will be filled with delicious food, stunning fashion, captivating art, live performances, and plenty of fun for all ages!
Explore our open studio event and discover the creative work of over 200 artists across 180 studios. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of culture, creativity, and community!
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public.
Visit their Facebook page for specific event details.
JANUARY 2025 – Join us for the first First Friday of 2025 on January 3rd from 5-8pm at Mainframe Studios for a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture. In partnership with the Iowa Asian Alliance, the evening will be filled with delicious food, stunning fashion, captivating art, live performances, and plenty of fun for all ages!
Explore our open studio event and discover the creative work of over 200 artists across 180 studios. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of culture, creativity, and community!
Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour over 130 artist studios, and enjoy special exhibitions, food, and live music. Always free and open to the public.
Visit their Facebook page for specific event details.
JANUARY 2025 – Join us for the first First Friday of 2025 on January 3rd from 5-8pm at Mainframe Studios for a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture. In partnership with the Iowa Asian Alliance, the evening will be filled with delicious food, stunning fashion, captivating art, live performances, and plenty of fun for all ages!
Explore our open studio event and discover the creative work of over 200 artists across 180 studios. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of culture, creativity, and community!