Events Calendar
Welcome to dsm4kids’ calendar of family events!
No matter where you live in the Des Moines metro, you can rely on our calendar to find nearby events and activities your kids will love!
To keep up to date on weekend events and activities be sure to sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide!
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information listed on the calendar. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
Events considered for inclusion onto the dsm4kids calendar include those at local venues, including free and low-cost events, as well as special events that may require paid admission. Events are posted to the online calendar in a timely manner throughout the month.
While all submissions are considered, inclusion is based on event relevance. Events occurring outside of Central Iowa or events primarily geared toward adults will not be listed.
If you are a business or organization and would like to submit an event listing, please click on Submit Event.
The DMPS Central Campus Horticulture program is hosting their annual Plant Sale from April 26 – May 18, 2024. The Horticulture classes have been working hard all school year to fill their 10,000 sq.ft. greenhouse with annuals, perennials, house plants, vegetables, hanging baskets, and more. The greenhouse is the learning lab area to put into place the learning that has been taking place in the classroom. Students in three different classes, learn about topics like seed structure, photosynthesis, flower structure, greenhouse management, floral design, career exploration, marketing and many more.
Sale Hours are 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The Drake Relays is a Des Moines springtime tradition and is regarded as one of the top track and field events in the United States.
Find the full schedule on the Drake Relay’s website: https://godrakebulldogs.com/sports/dr.
Farm Camp is a week-long summer day camp that offers an opportunity to educate children about farm life while fostering friendships and cultivating a passion for farming!
Campers aged 6 – 11 years old will experience hands-on fun and have the opportunity to:
- Care for animals – feeding, training, and cleaning
- Learn about growing crops – riding hayride to fields to examine plants, soil, and weeds
- Explore the farm and the environment including creeks and ponds
- Discover the by-products of many crops—corn, soybeans, pumpkins, apples, cherries, and strawberries.
- Connect the importance of science to agriculture
- Play – enjoying our fun activities such as our Super Slides, Jumping Pillows, and more!
Farm Camp Sessions
Session 1: May 29 – May 31
Session 2: June 3 – June 7
Session 3: June 10 – June 14
Session 4: June 17 – June 21
Session 5: June 24 – June 28
Friday, April 26th, 6:30pm Caddy Stacks for Adults $25 per person OR $40 per couple
Saturday, April 27th, 10am-4pm Caddy Stacks for Families, free admissionJoin the Norwalk Easter Public Library Foundation as they tee off their mini-golf fundraiser, Caddystacks! With the help of local sponsors, the library stacks will be transformed into a mini-golf course. Festivities will tee off with a fundraiser event for adults on Friday night. Admission covers access to the mini-golf course, participation in contests, and tournament play for prizes. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at the cash bar, and there will be appetizers and other beverages at no additional cost. Join in the fun at our silent auction and come dressed in your wackiest golf attire for a special prize.
Families are invited to play through on Saturday, April 27, between 10:00 am-4:00 pm, compliments of the NEPL Foundation. Free popcorn and selfie booth available, as well as a special appearance from Scribbles, the library mascot.
Junk Jubilee brings a unique vintage shopping experience to Des Moines! Vendors show off their wares in creative displays of vintage used in the home. From vintage clothing to architectural salvage to unique pieces for your garden, you’ll find a piece of history to add to your life!!!
Friday, April 26th: Early Bird Sale from 8:00-10:00AM, Admission is $25
General Admission: $10, Children 14 and under are free
For more information or to be a vendor, please contact Miccia Humphrey at 660-582-0894
Visit the Junk Jubilee website!!!
Event Schedule:
April 26 – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
April 27 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
April 28 – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
FIND US ON THE LOWER LEVEL OF VALLEY WEST MALL, NEAR THE PLAY AREA.
Museum hours
Admission
Take2 sells new and gently used children’s, teen and maternity clothing and shoes. Also, toys, games, puzzles, books, accessories, children’s decorations, baby gear and much more.
April 26th & 27th are Half Price Days!
Event Schedule
April 23, 2024 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
April 24, 2024 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
April 25, 2024 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
April 26, 2024 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
April 27, 2024 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Build simple kites as we explore the science of flight. We will discuss the remarkable adaptations birds have developed in order to take flight. We will assemble and decorate a small kite and send them aloft for a fun ending. Each registered individual will receive a kite.
REGISTRATION: Required for those making kites
DEADLINE: April 19
COST: $10
AGES: 5+
Join a naturalist on a lovely spring day for a walk in the woods. We’ll take a leisurely stroll and identify and discuss some of Iowa’s native woodland wildflowers. We will also discover other plants and maybe even a coveted fungus.
REGISTRATION: None
COST: Free
AGES: All ages welcome
Marvel comes to life with our productions of Squirrel Girl Goes To College and Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play running in rep April 26 – May 5.
Doreen Green secretly possesses the powers of a squirrel… and the powers of a girl! You know her as the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! Doreen arrives at Empire State University to make new friends – and protect them from super villains – by keeping her super hero identity a secret. But when a beloved computer science professor suddenly disappears, can Doreen trust her friends with her inner squirrel so she can save the day?
As Thor struggles with the stress of final exams, his brother Loki finds himself under a different sort of pressure. Neither are beneath pranks in the endless competition for their parents’ favor. But underneath all the thunder and mischief, these two Princes of Asgard discover a bond that will last millennia.
Parents can enjoy a Saturday night out on the town or a relaxing evening in while your kids have a blast with us from 5-8pm. Each Parents’ Night Out will have a fun theme, arts and crafts, healthy activities, and a pizza party for only $20 per child.
5-12 year olds
Break Time is a free program providing single parents several hours of uninterrupted time for running errands, studying, or simply having some alone time. While parents take some intentional time to recharge, their kids will enjoy a fun evening with activities, games, a meal, and crafts. All of the extraordinary volunteers who make Break Time possible undergo background checks and are well equipped and enthusiastic about engaging with the children who attend. Registration is required for this free program and happens at singleparentprovision.org.
Based on the classic Shakespearean comedy, Peter Anastos’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes audiences on a whimsical journey full of love, trickery, and magic. Set to the music of Felix Mendelssohn, this joyous production features a robust cast of professional and youth dancers from the greater Des Moines area.
Friday, April 26, 7PM
Saturday, April 27, 7PM
Sunday, April 28, 2PM
Friday and Saturday – 7 PM to 10 PM
Price – $15 for 2 Hours, $20 for 3 Hours
Join us every Friday and Saturday for a night of dance music, fun with your friends, and JUMPING on trampolines!
Light up your weekend with Club Air! Join us every Friday and Saturday for a night of dance music, fun with friends, and JUMPING on trampolines! This time is best for Big Air jumpers (over 46”) and over 9 years old. Jumpers under 9 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Jumpers under the age of 18 will need a signed waiver from their parent or guardian, fill out your waiver at the park or online.
Marvel comes to life with our productions of Squirrel Girl Goes To College and Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play running in rep April 26 – May 5.
Doreen Green secretly possesses the powers of a squirrel… and the powers of a girl! You know her as the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! Doreen arrives at Empire State University to make new friends – and protect them from super villains – by keeping her super hero identity a secret. But when a beloved computer science professor suddenly disappears, can Doreen trust her friends with her inner squirrel so she can save the day?
As Thor struggles with the stress of final exams, his brother Loki finds himself under a different sort of pressure. Neither are beneath pranks in the endless competition for their parents’ favor. But underneath all the thunder and mischief, these two Princes of Asgard discover a bond that will last millennia.
Blank Park Zoo’s Wild Lights Festival presented by MidAmerican Energy Company will feature 50 handcrafted, larger-than-life, illuminated animal shaped Asian lanterns. This year’s festival features underwater wildlife, giant insects, mythical creatures and endangered animals. Immerse your family in a magical night of light and culture in this visually stunning festival.
April 5-May 27 (nightly, Wednesday – Sunday plus Memorial Day)
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. (last admission at 9:30 p.m.)
The best times to walk the path and see the lights begin at sunset. Allow 60-90 minutes for the best viewing experience. Admission begins at 7:30 p.m., but you may enter the festival anytime until 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Peak Ticket: $25, $21/member; Non-Peak Ticket: $23, $19/member
Group Tickets: For groups of 40 or more, call 515-285-4722 for more information
Age one (1) and under are free. Tickets are limited for each evening, please purchase tickets in advance.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
We’re different after dark. Lasers, music and blacklight transform the whole park into a crazy jumping dance club. Waivers are required for all persons entering the park during Glow.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8PM-10PM
ALL participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult for their entire visit after 7:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Saturday public nights at Ashton Observatory are every Saturday evening, April through October. Except for first Saturdays of each month, most evenings begin with a classroom program at 8:00 pm. Free admission! All ages welcome. Find a 2024 schedule here.
The Observatory is open but there will be no classroom programs during July.
The DMPS Central Campus Horticulture program is hosting their annual Plant Sale from April 26 – May 18, 2024. The Horticulture classes have been working hard all school year to fill their 10,000 sq.ft. greenhouse with annuals, perennials, house plants, vegetables, hanging baskets, and more. The greenhouse is the learning lab area to put into place the learning that has been taking place in the classroom. Students in three different classes, learn about topics like seed structure, photosynthesis, flower structure, greenhouse management, floral design, career exploration, marketing and many more.
Sale Hours are 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Farm Camp is a week-long summer day camp that offers an opportunity to educate children about farm life while fostering friendships and cultivating a passion for farming!
Campers aged 6 – 11 years old will experience hands-on fun and have the opportunity to:
- Care for animals – feeding, training, and cleaning
- Learn about growing crops – riding hayride to fields to examine plants, soil, and weeds
- Explore the farm and the environment including creeks and ponds
- Discover the by-products of many crops—corn, soybeans, pumpkins, apples, cherries, and strawberries.
- Connect the importance of science to agriculture
- Play – enjoying our fun activities such as our Super Slides, Jumping Pillows, and more!
Farm Camp Sessions
Session 1: May 29 – May 31
Session 2: June 3 – June 7
Session 3: June 10 – June 14
Session 4: June 17 – June 21
Session 5: June 24 – June 28