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.
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
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 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
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 on the back patio of the Jester Park Nature Center for our 2024 Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series beginning on June 20!
Each month, through August, a local, Iowa band will kick off the evening with live music. Thelma’s will also be selling ice cream on site.
Music begins at 6 p.m.
June 20: Brian Herrin Duo
July 18: Flying Silos
August 8: Jake Schrodt
Bring your own food and drinks, blankets, camp chairs, your friends and family, and enjoy a summer evening at Jester Park. Free & open to the public!
The event will be held rain or shine with a backup location at the Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, adjacent to the nature center.
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 on the back patio of the Jester Park Nature Center for our 2024 Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series beginning on June 20!
Each month, through August, a local, Iowa band will kick off the evening with live music. Thelma’s will also be selling ice cream on site.
Music begins at 6 p.m.
June 20: Brian Herrin Duo
July 18: Flying Silos
August 8: Jake Schrodt
Bring your own food and drinks, blankets, camp chairs, your friends and family, and enjoy a summer evening at Jester Park. Free & open to the public!
The event will be held rain or shine with a backup location at the Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, adjacent to the nature center.
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 on the back patio of the Jester Park Nature Center for our 2024 Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series beginning on June 20!
Each month, through August, a local, Iowa band will kick off the evening with live music. Thelma’s will also be selling ice cream on site.
Music begins at 6 p.m.
June 20: Brian Herrin Duo
July 18: Flying Silos
August 8: Jake Schrodt
Bring your own food and drinks, blankets, camp chairs, your friends and family, and enjoy a summer evening at Jester Park. Free & open to the public!
The event will be held rain or shine with a backup location at the Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, adjacent to the nature center.
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