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.
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
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
PLAY TIME WITH A PURPOSE
Little Leapers is a fun, high-energy play adventure created for parents and little ones to enjoy together.
You’ll love watching your child bounce, climb and explore in a safe environment while interacting with similar age children and learning about sharing, teamwork, and other important social skills.
Bond, make memories and watch your Little Leaper thrive.
TICKETS: $11 – One Adult jumps FREE for each Little Leaper that jumps!
*Ages 7 & Under
Sunday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am-11am
Finding your child tapping their toes and clapping on beat? At Arrow Academy of Music, we’ll inspire and support them as they pursue their musical talent!
Join us for a free trial of our in-person group piano lessons! We’ll show you how learning music can be FUN, and the many benefits it can provide.
FIND US ON THE LOWER LEVEL OF VALLEY WEST MALL, NEAR THE PLAY AREA.
Museum hours
Admission
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.
Bargain Tuesdays
Every Tuesday, at all Fridley Theatre locations, we offer discounted admission for all tickets purchased online or at the box office. Plus, you will receive a FREE 46 oz. bag of popcorn with any beverage purchase!
Tuesday discounted admission prices:
- Waukee:
- Regular 2D – $6.00, 3D – $8.00;
- XLD 2D – $6.00, 3D – $8.00
- IMAX 2D – $11.00, 3D – $13.00
- Muscatine, Pleasant Hill: 2D – $5.50, 3D – $7.50
- Hastings: 2D – $6.00, 3D – $8.00
- Algona, Carroll, Centerville, Decorah, Grinnell, Indianola, Marshalltown, Spencer, Sioux Center, Storm Lake: 2D – $5.00, 3D – $7.00
- Cherokee, Oskaloosa, Washington: 2D – $4.00, 3D – $6.00
Discount admission not valid for premieres, opening day movies, holidays, and special engagements.
FIND US ON THE LOWER LEVEL OF VALLEY WEST MALL, NEAR THE PLAY AREA.
Museum hours
Admission
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.
FIND US ON THE LOWER LEVEL OF VALLEY WEST MALL, NEAR THE PLAY AREA.
Museum hours
Admission
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!
PLAY TIME WITH A PURPOSE
Little Leapers is a fun, high-energy play adventure created for parents and little ones to enjoy together.
You’ll love watching your child bounce, climb and explore in a safe environment while interacting with similar age children and learning about sharing, teamwork, and other important social skills.
Bond, make memories and watch your Little Leaper thrive.
TICKETS: $11 – One Adult jumps FREE for each Little Leaper that jumps!
*Ages 7 & Under
Sunday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am-11am
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.
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!
Location: Downtown Bondurant
Months Open: May 1 to October 23, 2024
Hours: 6:00 to 8:00 pm (October: 5:30 until dark)
FIND US ON THE LOWER LEVEL OF VALLEY WEST MALL, NEAR THE PLAY AREA.
Museum hours
Admission
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.
Join us for our signature Thursday evening events in Historic Valley Junction – our weekly Farmers Market from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Music in the Junction at 5:30 to 8:00 pm, music starts at 6:00 pm. Bring the family and enjoy fun, music and shopping at the farmers’ market.
May 2: The Rivieras
May 9: Cory Walker & the Wicked Things
May 16: Black Diamond Loons
May 23: Brother Trucker
May 30: The Other Brothers
June 6: Buckmiller Schwager Band
June 13: Simply Seger
June 20: Molly Nova & the Hawks
June 27: Gut Feeling
July 11: The Get Down
July 18: Ronley King Blues Band
July 25: Kinda Petty Band
August 1: Standing Hampton
August 8: The Unfortunate Sons
August 15: Three on the Tree
August 22: Echos V
August 29: Recoil
September 5: The Sons Of Gladys Kravitz
September 12: Get Off My Lawn
September 19: Jana West & Retrospect
September 26: The Punching Pandas