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.
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.
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!
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
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.
Come enjoy a nature story or two and a kid friendly craft. We will find some shade near or in the Biddle Shelter at Raccoon River Park. Bring a blanket and dress for the weather.
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!
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.
Come enjoy a nature story or two and a kid friendly craft. We will find some shade near or in the Biddle Shelter at Raccoon River Park. Bring a blanket and dress for the weather.
Enjoy listening to a pony-themed story while the ponies of the Equestrian Center are listening nearby. A pony meet and greet will follow!
An adult must be present to supervise the child during the event.
REGISTRATION: Not required
DEADLINE: None
COST: Free!
AGES: All
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!
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.
Come enjoy a nature story or two and a kid friendly craft. We will find some shade near or in the Biddle Shelter at Raccoon River Park. Bring a blanket and dress for the weather.
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!
Join volunteer storyteller, Carmen Epstein, for a fun, interactive tale tailored toward children ages 2 to 6 that explores the wonders of the outdoors. During each program, participants enjoy interactive stories and an activity.
REGISTRATION: None
COST: Free
AGES: 2+
Topics:
November 15 – In November
December 20 – Hibernation Station
January 17 – It is Snowing
February 21 – Owl Moon
April 17 – April Showers
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.
Come enjoy a nature story or two and a kid friendly craft. We will find some shade near or in the Biddle Shelter at Raccoon River Park. Bring a blanket and dress for the weather.
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.
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
Join West Des Moines Parks and Recreation staff for a free storytime and craft event at your favorite community park. No pre-registration required. Bring a blanket and a friend to enjoy this fun outdoor experience! Childcare providers, please notify us if you plan to bring a group so we can prepare enough supplies.
6/6 Huston Ridge Park
6/13 Jaycee Park
6/20 Ashawa Park
6/27 Meadowview Park
7/11 Fairmeadows Park
7/18 Wild Rose Park
7/25 Quail Cove Park
8/1 Brookview Park
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.