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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
THE WORLD FOOD PRIZE HALL OF LAUREATES tells a story in every room – from the building’s rich history as the Des Moines public library, to the Foundation’s celebrated agricultural and humanitarian pioneers there is something for every visitor.
Built in 1903, this century-old building has been restored into a museum that celebrates those who have dedicated their lives to fighting hunger around the world. The Hall of Laureates is a beautiful space of learning and collaboration, and we welcome you to visit.
Tuesday Open House – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Guided tours are available at the following times:
9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.
Reservations required for groups 10+, not required for groups smaller than 10.
The Hall of Laureates is closed during all federal holiday weekends, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving week and Christmas. The Hall of Laureates is also closed during World Food Prize Week.
Join us outdoors weekly for our popular Early Childhood Development program featuring stories followed by nature exploration and activities. Best for children ages 2-5 with an adult.
SPECIAL NOTE – we will be outdoors rain or shine, except in extreme weather conditions when temperatures drop below freezing (32 degrees or below with windchill).
- However, please dress for the weather; we will still go outside at least briefly each week.
Registration is helpful but not required. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Find Tickets and Promotions Schedule on the Iowa Cubs’ Website.
2024 Home Schedule
Tuesday, April 2 vs. Toledo 6:38 pm CDT – Twos-Day 2024 Magnet Schedule Giveaway
Wednesday, April 3 vs. Toledo 12:08 pm CDT – Windy City Bundle
Thursday, April 4 vs. Toledo 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club, Throwback Thursdays
Friday, April 5 vs. Toledo 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, April 6 vs. Toledo 3:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, April 7 vs. Toledo 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases, Family Fun Pack
Tuesday, April 16 vs. Louisville 6:38 pm CDT – Jackie Robinson Day
Wednesday, April 17 vs. Louisville 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, April 18 vs. Louisville 12:08 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, April 19 vs. Louisville 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, April 20 vs. Louisville 3:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, April 21 vs. Louisville 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases, Family Fun Pack
Tuesday, April 30 vs. Omaha 6:38 pm CDT – Iowa Caucuses
Wednesday, May 1 vs. Omaha 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, May 2 vs. Omaha 12:08 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, May 3 vs. Omaha 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, May 4 vs. Omaha 3:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, May 5 vs. Omaha 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases
Tuesday, May 7 vs. Columbus 6:38 pm CDT – $1 Dogs, Dog Days
Wednesday, May 8 vs. Columbus 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, May 9 vs. Columbus 12:08 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, May 10 vs. Columbus 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks, Outdoors Day
Saturday, May 11 vs. Columbus 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, May 12 vs. Columbus 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases, Family Fun Pack
Tuesday, May 21 vs. Indianapolis 6:38 pm CDT
Wednesday, May 22 vs. Indianapolis 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, May 23 vs. Indianapolis 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club, Throwback Thursdays
Friday, May 24 vs. Indianapolis 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, May 25 vs. Indianapolis 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field, Marvel Super Hero Night
Sunday, May 26 vs. Indianapolis 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases, Family Fun Pack
Tuesday, June 4 vs. Toledo 6:38 pm CDT – $1 Dogs
Wednesday, June 5 vs. Toledo 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, June 6 vs. Toledo 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, June 7 vs. Toledo 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, June 8 vs. Toledo 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field, Bobblehead Bundle
Sunday, June 9 vs. Toledo 1:08 pm CDT – Sensory-Friendly Game, Kids Run The Bases
Tuesday, June 25 vs. St. Paul 6:38 pm CDT
Wednesday, June 26 vs. St. Paul 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, June 27 vs. St. Paul 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, June 28 vs. St. Paul 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks, Pride Night
Saturday, June 29 vs. St. Paul 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, June 30 vs. St. Paul 1:08 pm CDT Kids Run The Bases, Ed’s Dinosaur Display & Jurassic Ballpark
Thursday, July 4 vs. Omaha 7:08 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, July 5 vs. Omaha 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, July 6 vs. Omaha 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Tuesday, July 23 vs. Indianapolis 6:38 pm CDT
Wednesday, July 24 vs. Indianapolis 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, July 25 vs. Indianapolis 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, July 26 vs. Indianapolis 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, July 27 vs. Indianapolis 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field, Marvel’s Defenders Of The Diamond
Sunday, July 28 vs. Indianapolis 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases
Tuesday, July 30 vs. St. Paul 6:38 pm CDT – $1 Dogs, Dog Days
Wednesday, July 31 vs. St. Paul 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, August 1 vs. St. Paul 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, August 2 vs. St. Paul 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, August 3 vs. St. Paul 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, August 4 vs. St. Paul 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases
Tuesday, August 13 vs. Columbus 6:38 pm CDT
Wednesday, August 14 vs. Columbus 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, August 15 vs. Columbus 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, August 16 vs. Columbus 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, August 17 vs. Columbus 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, August 18 vs. Columbus 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases
Tuesday, August 27 vs. Memphis 6:38 pm CDT – $1 Dogs
Wednesday, August 28 vs. Memphis 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, August 29 vs. Memphis 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, August 30 vs. Memphis 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, August 31 vs. Memphis 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field, Bobblehead Bundle
Sunday, September 1 vs. Memphis 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases
Tuesday, September 10 vs. Louisville 6:38 pm CDT
Wednesday, September 11 vs. Louisville 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, September 12 vs. Louisville 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, September 13 vs. Louisville 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, September 14 vs. Louisville 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field, COPA – Demonios
Sunday, September 15 vs. Louisville 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases
Find Tickets and Promotions Schedule on the Iowa Cubs’ Website.
2024 Home Schedule
Tuesday, April 2 vs. Toledo 6:38 pm CDT – Twos-Day 2024 Magnet Schedule Giveaway
Wednesday, April 3 vs. Toledo 12:08 pm CDT – Windy City Bundle
Thursday, April 4 vs. Toledo 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club, Throwback Thursdays
Friday, April 5 vs. Toledo 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, April 6 vs. Toledo 3:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, April 7 vs. Toledo 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases, Family Fun Pack
Tuesday, April 16 vs. Louisville 6:38 pm CDT – Jackie Robinson Day
Wednesday, April 17 vs. Louisville 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, April 18 vs. Louisville 12:08 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, April 19 vs. Louisville 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, April 20 vs. Louisville 3:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, April 21 vs. Louisville 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases, Family Fun Pack
Tuesday, April 30 vs. Omaha 6:38 pm CDT – Iowa Caucuses
Wednesday, May 1 vs. Omaha 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, May 2 vs. Omaha 12:08 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, May 3 vs. Omaha 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, May 4 vs. Omaha 3:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, May 5 vs. Omaha 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases
Tuesday, May 7 vs. Columbus 6:38 pm CDT – $1 Dogs, Dog Days
Wednesday, May 8 vs. Columbus 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, May 9 vs. Columbus 12:08 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, May 10 vs. Columbus 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks, Outdoors Day
Saturday, May 11 vs. Columbus 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, May 12 vs. Columbus 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases, Family Fun Pack
Tuesday, May 21 vs. Indianapolis 6:38 pm CDT
Wednesday, May 22 vs. Indianapolis 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, May 23 vs. Indianapolis 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club, Throwback Thursdays
Friday, May 24 vs. Indianapolis 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, May 25 vs. Indianapolis 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field, Marvel Super Hero Night
Sunday, May 26 vs. Indianapolis 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases, Family Fun Pack
Tuesday, June 4 vs. Toledo 6:38 pm CDT – $1 Dogs
Wednesday, June 5 vs. Toledo 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, June 6 vs. Toledo 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, June 7 vs. Toledo 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, June 8 vs. Toledo 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field, Bobblehead Bundle
Sunday, June 9 vs. Toledo 1:08 pm CDT – Sensory-Friendly Game, Kids Run The Bases
Tuesday, June 25 vs. St. Paul 6:38 pm CDT
Wednesday, June 26 vs. St. Paul 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, June 27 vs. St. Paul 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, June 28 vs. St. Paul 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks, Pride Night
Saturday, June 29 vs. St. Paul 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, June 30 vs. St. Paul 1:08 pm CDT Kids Run The Bases, Ed’s Dinosaur Display & Jurassic Ballpark
Thursday, July 4 vs. Omaha 7:08 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, July 5 vs. Omaha 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, July 6 vs. Omaha 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Tuesday, July 23 vs. Indianapolis 6:38 pm CDT
Wednesday, July 24 vs. Indianapolis 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, July 25 vs. Indianapolis 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, July 26 vs. Indianapolis 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, July 27 vs. Indianapolis 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field, Marvel’s Defenders Of The Diamond
Sunday, July 28 vs. Indianapolis 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases
Tuesday, July 30 vs. St. Paul 6:38 pm CDT – $1 Dogs, Dog Days
Wednesday, July 31 vs. St. Paul 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, August 1 vs. St. Paul 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, August 2 vs. St. Paul 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, August 3 vs. St. Paul 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, August 4 vs. St. Paul 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases
Tuesday, August 13 vs. Columbus 6:38 pm CDT
Wednesday, August 14 vs. Columbus 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, August 15 vs. Columbus 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, August 16 vs. Columbus 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, August 17 vs. Columbus 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field
Sunday, August 18 vs. Columbus 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases
Tuesday, August 27 vs. Memphis 6:38 pm CDT – $1 Dogs
Wednesday, August 28 vs. Memphis 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, August 29 vs. Memphis 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, August 30 vs. Memphis 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, August 31 vs. Memphis 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field, Bobblehead Bundle
Sunday, September 1 vs. Memphis 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases
Tuesday, September 10 vs. Louisville 6:38 pm CDT
Wednesday, September 11 vs. Louisville 12:08 pm CDT
Thursday, September 12 vs. Louisville 6:38 pm CDT – Mug Club
Friday, September 13 vs. Louisville 7:08 pm CDT – Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, September 14 vs. Louisville 6:08 pm CDT – Pre-Game Catch On The Field, COPA – Demonios
Sunday, September 15 vs. Louisville 1:08 pm CDT – Kids Run The Bases
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.
Let your imagination run wild with this nature-themed story time! Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets or a craft.
REGISTRATION: None
COST: Free
AGES: 2+
Monthly Themes:
March 7 – Salamanders
April – No Toddler Tales this month!
May 2 – Wiggly Worms
June 6 – Pond Life
July 3 – Ladybugs
August 1 – Snakes
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.
Grab your roller skates or blades and head down to Brenton Skating Plaza on the first Friday of every month from May through August. Bring your own skates/blades. Limited concessions will be for sale.
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.