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.
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.
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
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.
Movie Mondays
Every Monday
Details
Join us for a movie on our big screen and free popcorn!
All ages are welcome!
There are no limits to the grins and giggles at our play room. That’s because your kids are invited to jump, climb, swing, and play in our indoor showroom.
Follow us on Facebook for other special offers or changes to open play times and dates.
Groups of 6 or more must call ahead. No Open Play parties are allowed.
Of course, to keep the kiddos safe, we require adult/parent supervision at all times.* We also require shoes and socks to be worn at all times in the showroom. (Closed toe shoes only.) Tennis shoes are recommended. And finally, every attendee must have a signed waiver before playing in the showroom. (Multiple kids from the same family can be included on one waiver.) Consult our showroom rules for all the details.
Water is always available or parents may bring along their own soft drinks and snacks, store them in our refrigerator, and let the kids enjoy them in our party room. We’ll even provide plates, cups, napkins, and plastic silverware.
To ensure a fun time for all, no birthday parties are booked during Open Play.
Hours
Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
$10 for 2 hours
We also now offer punch cards – 5 Plays for $40 and 10 Plays for $75.
*Child care is not provided during open play time.
Tot Town is a fun and safe children’s playgroup that is open to the community. Our Community Center gym space turns into an indoor playground designed for children ages 2 to 6 years and their families. Parents have the opportunity to interact with their child in a safe environment made for play! For your child’s safety we recommend supervising your children at all times and not leaving them unattended. We hope to see you at Tot Town!
Featuring: Large Inflatable bounce house, games, ball pit, toys, puzzles, books, and more!
Tot Town Information:
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays anytime between 9:30-11:30 am
Ages: 2-6 years
.
There are no limits to the grins and giggles at our play room. That’s because your kids are invited to jump, climb, swing, and play in our indoor showroom.
Follow us on Facebook for other special offers or changes to open play times and dates.
Groups of 6 or more must call ahead. No Open Play parties are allowed.
Of course, to keep the kiddos safe, we require adult/parent supervision at all times.* We also require shoes and socks to be worn at all times in the showroom. (Closed toe shoes only.) Tennis shoes are recommended. And finally, every attendee must have a signed waiver before playing in the showroom. (Multiple kids from the same family can be included on one waiver.) Consult our showroom rules for all the details.
Water is always available or parents may bring along their own soft drinks and snacks, store them in our refrigerator, and let the kids enjoy them in our party room. We’ll even provide plates, cups, napkins, and plastic silverware.
To ensure a fun time for all, no birthday parties are booked during Open Play.
Hours
Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
$10 for 2 hours
We also now offer punch cards – 5 Plays for $40 and 10 Plays for $75.
*Child care is not provided during open play time.
Storytime Tuesdays, 10:30am
Join us for songs, stories and rhymes! We’ll have a fun, interactive 25 minute storytime followed by an optional playtime or craft. This storytime is geared towards children ages 2-4, though children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome!
This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from Jan 2, 2024 to Apr 30, 2024 and happens every:
Tuesdays: 10:30am – 11:30am CST
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.
Bring your little one in for a story and a craft! Every week we will read a book aloud from our library and pair it with a small guided craft. One ticket covers one child and craft, parents do not need a ticket if they are not participating in the craft.
For this event to take place as scheduled, there must be at least 3 participants. If the minimum participant quota is not met by 2 days prior to the event, it will be cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded in full. Want to make sure it takes place as scheduled? Share this event with family and friends! The more, the merrier!
There are no limits to the grins and giggles at our play room. That’s because your kids are invited to jump, climb, swing, and play in our indoor showroom.
Follow us on Facebook for other special offers or changes to open play times and dates.
Groups of 6 or more must call ahead. No Open Play parties are allowed.
Of course, to keep the kiddos safe, we require adult/parent supervision at all times.* We also require shoes and socks to be worn at all times in the showroom. (Closed toe shoes only.) Tennis shoes are recommended. And finally, every attendee must have a signed waiver before playing in the showroom. (Multiple kids from the same family can be included on one waiver.) Consult our showroom rules for all the details.
Water is always available or parents may bring along their own soft drinks and snacks, store them in our refrigerator, and let the kids enjoy them in our party room. We’ll even provide plates, cups, napkins, and plastic silverware.
To ensure a fun time for all, no birthday parties are booked during Open Play.
Hours
Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
$10 for 2 hours
We also now offer punch cards – 5 Plays for $40 and 10 Plays for $75.
*Child care is not provided during open play time.
Maker Wednesdays Wednesdays, 2-3:30pm
Get creative with weekly activities for kids focused on making, building, and creativity. No registration required, just stop by anytime from 2-3:30pm. Recommended for ages 5 and up, held on Wednesdays when Norwalk Schools are in session and releasing early.
Not held on March 13th, but join us for special spring break activities!
This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from Mar 6, 2024 to May 22, 2024 and happens every:
Wednesdays: 2:00pm – 3:30pm CST
Join us every first wednesday of the month during the school year for our Kid’s Canvas guided painting class! Our instructor will guide your little picasso to make a masterpiece of their own. Depending on the design, which is TBD for each class, the student will get either a 9″x12″ or 12″x12″ canvas. This class is for ages 8 and older, all materials provided.
For this event to take place as scheduled, there must be at least 3 participants. If the minimum participant quota is not met by 2 days prior to the event, it will be cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded in full. Want to make sure it takes place as scheduled? Share this event with family and friends! The more, the merrier!
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.
Tot Town is a fun and safe children’s playgroup that is open to the community. Our Community Center gym space turns into an indoor playground designed for children ages 2 to 6 years and their families. Parents have the opportunity to interact with their child in a safe environment made for play! For your child’s safety we recommend supervising your children at all times and not leaving them unattended. We hope to see you at Tot Town!
Featuring: Large Inflatable bounce house, games, ball pit, toys, puzzles, books, and more!
Tot Town Information:
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays anytime between 9:30-11:30 am
Ages: 2-6 years
.
There are no limits to the grins and giggles at our play room. That’s because your kids are invited to jump, climb, swing, and play in our indoor showroom.
Follow us on Facebook for other special offers or changes to open play times and dates.
Groups of 6 or more must call ahead. No Open Play parties are allowed.
Of course, to keep the kiddos safe, we require adult/parent supervision at all times.* We also require shoes and socks to be worn at all times in the showroom. (Closed toe shoes only.) Tennis shoes are recommended. And finally, every attendee must have a signed waiver before playing in the showroom. (Multiple kids from the same family can be included on one waiver.) Consult our showroom rules for all the details.
Water is always available or parents may bring along their own soft drinks and snacks, store them in our refrigerator, and let the kids enjoy them in our party room. We’ll even provide plates, cups, napkins, and plastic silverware.
To ensure a fun time for all, no birthday parties are booked during Open Play.
Hours
Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
$10 for 2 hours
We also now offer punch cards – 5 Plays for $40 and 10 Plays for $75.
*Child care is not provided during open play time.
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.
There are no limits to the grins and giggles at our play room. That’s because your kids are invited to jump, climb, swing, and play in our indoor showroom.
Follow us on Facebook for other special offers or changes to open play times and dates.
Groups of 6 or more must call ahead. No Open Play parties are allowed.
Of course, to keep the kiddos safe, we require adult/parent supervision at all times.* We also require shoes and socks to be worn at all times in the showroom. (Closed toe shoes only.) Tennis shoes are recommended. And finally, every attendee must have a signed waiver before playing in the showroom. (Multiple kids from the same family can be included on one waiver.) Consult our showroom rules for all the details.
Water is always available or parents may bring along their own soft drinks and snacks, store them in our refrigerator, and let the kids enjoy them in our party room. We’ll even provide plates, cups, napkins, and plastic silverware.
To ensure a fun time for all, no birthday parties are booked during Open Play.
Hours
Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
$10 for 2 hours
We also now offer punch cards – 5 Plays for $40 and 10 Plays for $75.
*Child care is not provided during open play time.
Performance Times: 7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays
Seven-year-old Ivy is quiet and loves to read books. Bean is outgoing and would love to be known throughout the world. When the two get together, there’s mischief and laughter at every turn – along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joys of family, friendship, and love.
Note: Ivy + Bean The Musical will be presented in the John Viars Theatre.
Single tickets on sale Monday, Apr. 1, 2024, online; Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.
If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.
Playhouse children’s theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.