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.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Solar Parties
SCI Solar Parties are held during the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market on the north side of the Science Center near the SCI main entrance. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Solar Party activities.
- Monday, April 8: 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE PARTY, Noon—2:30 p.m. @Drake Municipal Observatory
- Saturday, May 4 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, June 1 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, July 6 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, August 3 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, September 7 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, October 5 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
Sensory-Friendly Hours provide a quieter, less crowded SCI experience for families with children on the autism spectrum.
The Science Center of Iowa is an exciting place, bustling with sights and sounds… but we provide a quieter, less crowded experience.
Families with children on the autism spectrum or children with sensory processing disorders will enjoy exploring the Science Center of Iowa with the help of Sensory Guide signage, which indicates audio, visual and activity stimuli.
Sensory-Friendly Hours are currently planned for the second Tuesday of each month from 4-7 p.m.!
Admission is free. Advanced ticket registration is required.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Star Parties
Each SCI Star Party is held at a different location around the Des Moines Metro. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Star Party activities. See below for the dates, times and locations for this year’s schedule.
- Saturday, May 18: Galaxies, Clusters, and Nebula @ Ashton Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 28: The Moon, Stars and Constellations @ SCI from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 19: Planets – A Chance to See Mercury through a Telescope @ Drake Municipal Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 10: Perseids Meteor Shower @ Ewing Park from 6:00 p.m.—Midnight
- Wednesday, September 18: The Moon (Full and Super Moon) @ Location TBD from 7:00—9:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 18: Double/Binary Stars @ Drake Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Solar Parties
SCI Solar Parties are held during the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market on the north side of the Science Center near the SCI main entrance. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Solar Party activities.
- Monday, April 8: 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE PARTY, Noon—2:30 p.m. @Drake Municipal Observatory
- Saturday, May 4 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, June 1 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, July 6 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, August 3 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, September 7 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, October 5 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
Sensory-Friendly Hours provide a quieter, less crowded SCI experience for families with children on the autism spectrum.
The Science Center of Iowa is an exciting place, bustling with sights and sounds… but we provide a quieter, less crowded experience.
Families with children on the autism spectrum or children with sensory processing disorders will enjoy exploring the Science Center of Iowa with the help of Sensory Guide signage, which indicates audio, visual and activity stimuli.
Sensory-Friendly Hours are currently planned for the second Tuesday of each month from 4-7 p.m.!
Admission is free. Advanced ticket registration is required.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Star Parties
Each SCI Star Party is held at a different location around the Des Moines Metro. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Star Party activities. See below for the dates, times and locations for this year’s schedule.
- Saturday, May 18: Galaxies, Clusters, and Nebula @ Ashton Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 28: The Moon, Stars and Constellations @ SCI from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 19: Planets – A Chance to See Mercury through a Telescope @ Drake Municipal Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 10: Perseids Meteor Shower @ Ewing Park from 6:00 p.m.—Midnight
- Wednesday, September 18: The Moon (Full and Super Moon) @ Location TBD from 7:00—9:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 18: Double/Binary Stars @ Drake Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Solar Parties
SCI Solar Parties are held during the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market on the north side of the Science Center near the SCI main entrance. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Solar Party activities.
- Monday, April 8: 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE PARTY, Noon—2:30 p.m. @Drake Municipal Observatory
- Saturday, May 4 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, June 1 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, July 6 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, August 3 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, September 7 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, October 5 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
Sensory-Friendly Hours provide a quieter, less crowded SCI experience for families with children on the autism spectrum.
The Science Center of Iowa is an exciting place, bustling with sights and sounds… but we provide a quieter, less crowded experience.
Families with children on the autism spectrum or children with sensory processing disorders will enjoy exploring the Science Center of Iowa with the help of Sensory Guide signage, which indicates audio, visual and activity stimuli.
Sensory-Friendly Hours are currently planned for the second Tuesday of each month from 4-7 p.m.!
Admission is free. Advanced ticket registration is required.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Star Parties
Each SCI Star Party is held at a different location around the Des Moines Metro. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Star Party activities. See below for the dates, times and locations for this year’s schedule.
- Saturday, May 18: Galaxies, Clusters, and Nebula @ Ashton Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 28: The Moon, Stars and Constellations @ SCI from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 19: Planets – A Chance to See Mercury through a Telescope @ Drake Municipal Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 10: Perseids Meteor Shower @ Ewing Park from 6:00 p.m.—Midnight
- Wednesday, September 18: The Moon (Full and Super Moon) @ Location TBD from 7:00—9:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 18: Double/Binary Stars @ Drake Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Solar Parties
SCI Solar Parties are held during the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market on the north side of the Science Center near the SCI main entrance. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Solar Party activities.
- Monday, April 8: 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE PARTY, Noon—2:30 p.m. @Drake Municipal Observatory
- Saturday, May 4 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, June 1 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, July 6 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, August 3 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, September 7 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, October 5 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Star Parties
Each SCI Star Party is held at a different location around the Des Moines Metro. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Star Party activities. See below for the dates, times and locations for this year’s schedule.
- Saturday, May 18: Galaxies, Clusters, and Nebula @ Ashton Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 28: The Moon, Stars and Constellations @ SCI from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 19: Planets – A Chance to See Mercury through a Telescope @ Drake Municipal Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 10: Perseids Meteor Shower @ Ewing Park from 6:00 p.m.—Midnight
- Wednesday, September 18: The Moon (Full and Super Moon) @ Location TBD from 7:00—9:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 18: Double/Binary Stars @ Drake Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Solar Parties
SCI Solar Parties are held during the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market on the north side of the Science Center near the SCI main entrance. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Solar Party activities.
- Monday, April 8: 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE PARTY, Noon—2:30 p.m. @Drake Municipal Observatory
- Saturday, May 4 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, June 1 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, July 6 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, August 3 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, September 7 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, October 5 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Star Parties
Each SCI Star Party is held at a different location around the Des Moines Metro. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Star Party activities. See below for the dates, times and locations for this year’s schedule.
- Saturday, May 18: Galaxies, Clusters, and Nebula @ Ashton Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 28: The Moon, Stars and Constellations @ SCI from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 19: Planets – A Chance to See Mercury through a Telescope @ Drake Municipal Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 10: Perseids Meteor Shower @ Ewing Park from 6:00 p.m.—Midnight
- Wednesday, September 18: The Moon (Full and Super Moon) @ Location TBD from 7:00—9:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 18: Double/Binary Stars @ Drake Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Solar Parties
SCI Solar Parties are held during the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market on the north side of the Science Center near the SCI main entrance. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Solar Party activities.
- Monday, April 8: 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE PARTY, Noon—2:30 p.m. @Drake Municipal Observatory
- Saturday, May 4 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, June 1 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, July 6 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, August 3 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, September 7 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, October 5 from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Star Parties
Each SCI Star Party is held at a different location around the Des Moines Metro. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Star Party activities. See below for the dates, times and locations for this year’s schedule.
- Saturday, May 18: Galaxies, Clusters, and Nebula @ Ashton Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 28: The Moon, Stars and Constellations @ SCI from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 19: Planets – A Chance to See Mercury through a Telescope @ Drake Municipal Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 10: Perseids Meteor Shower @ Ewing Park from 6:00 p.m.—Midnight
- Wednesday, September 18: The Moon (Full and Super Moon) @ Location TBD from 7:00—9:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 18: Double/Binary Stars @ Drake Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.