Even though it’s cold outside there are several sweet events that will warm up your heart and bring you closer to your family, friends and others around you. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Des Moines, look no further! We’ve got you covered with plenty of things to do for Valentine’s Day, including Valentine Dance’s, with this round-up of our best resources for family fun.
Find even more lovely events in on our Winter Fun Guide and our calendar for even more family fun!
2024 Valentine Events & Dances in Des Moines:
Enchanted Forest Father Daughter Dance
Southeast Polk Junior High School • 8325 Northeast University Avenue • Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Enjoy the magic at Southeast Polk’s Annual Father Daughter Dance hosted by the Clay Elementary PTA. Young ladies in Pre-K through 6th grade and their father or caregiver in the Southeast Polk School District will enjoy an evening of fun. This fun event features a DJ, raffle, refreshments, professional photographer, selfie stations, coat check, and more.
When: Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Register: On-line by January 11th. Tickets will also be sold at the door.
Cost: 3 ticket packages ($15, $25, or $35). Tickets at the door are $20 CASH ONLY.
Family Skate Day
Brenton Skating Plaza • 520 Robert D. Ray Drive • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 248-6373
Des Moines Parks and Recreation invites you to attend the Family Skate Day at Brenton Skating Plaza. Enjoy ice skating and family-friendly games such as limbo, four corners, broomball and more. Each participant will receive free refreshments, admission and skate rental. All friends, family, guardians and loved ones of all ages are invited to attend.
When: Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 12:00 to 2:00 pm
Register: On-line registration ends on January 20, 2024
Cost: $5 per person (A ticket must be purchased for everyone attending the event.
Sensory Friendly Valentine’s Family Dance
Des Moines Children’s Museum • 1551 Valley W Drive • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 218-8344
Join the Des Moines Children’s Museum for special hours designed for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities, along with their families, to connect and explore. This month’s playdate will include a tranquil dance floor under a disco ball, a calming space with low lighting, sensory bins, and therapy pets.
When: Friday, January 26, 2024, at 5:00 to 6:30 pm
Cost: $10 per child 1-10 years old; Free for members
Sweetheart Dance
Senior Recreation Center • 7305 Aurora Avenue • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 278-3963
Fathers and daughters and grandfathers and granddaughters of all ages are all invited to enjoy an evening together. While a D.J. entertains the crowd with great music and fun, a variety of finger foods and desserts will be served during the festivities. Photos will be available at the dance for a small fee. Event fills quickly – please register early!
When: Friday, February 2, 2024 at 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Register: On-line by January 26, 2024
Cost: $20 person (Please register ALL participants.)
Father/Daughter Valentine’s Dance
Pinnacle Club at Otter Creek Golf Course • 4100 NE Otter Creek Drive • Ankeny, IA 50021 • (515) 963-3570
One of the most popular special events hosted by Ankeny Parks and Recreation is the Father/Daughter Valentine’s Dance. This event provides fathers, grandfathers or father figures an opportunity to take their daughters or granddaughters, in first through fifth grade, out for an evening of fun and dancing. In addition to dancing, there will be door prizes, refreshments, and a dessert buffet.
When: Friday, February 2 or Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Register: Pre-Registration is required. You can register on-line or in person at Ankeny Parks & Recreation office.
Cost: $35 per couple (residents) and $15 for each additional daughter (must register in person to receive this discount.)
Snowball Dance
Science Center of Iowa • 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Parkway • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 237-1386
Join Des Moines Parks and Recreation for the best party of the year. Parents, relatives, guardian and/or role models are invited to bring their kids to the Ball. This event provides and evening of dancing, refreshments, photo opportunities, art projects and science exhibits. A carnation flower will be given to all children and a chocolate fondue station with dipping options will be available for everyone to enjoy. Dress your best and don’t miss out on this memorable event.
When: Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Register: Online registration ends on February 2, 2024
Cost: $10 per person.
Daddy Daughter Dance
Lutheran Church of Hope • 925 Jordan Creek Parkway • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 222-1520
An evening of dancing and fun for dads and daughters, age 3 through grade 6, hosted by Lutheran Church of Hope. The evening’s entertainment includes crafts, treats and beverages. Professional photographers will be on hand for an additional cost.
When: Friday, February 2, 2024, at 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Cost: $7.50 in advance or $10 at the door
Friendly Valentine’s Family Dance
Des Moines Children’s Museum • 1551 Valley W Drive • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 218-8344
Join Des Moines Children’s Museum for an all inclusive family dance! Dance under their disco ball on the dance floor, go on a scavenger hunt, make a Valentine’s card for someone special, and enjoy all of their regular exhibits.
When: Friday, February 9, 2024, at 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Cost: $10 per child 1-10 years old; Free for members.
Bouquet Bar
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden • 909 Robert D. Ray Drive • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 323-6290
In the spirit of love, create a personalized petite bouquet to give to someone who is important to you! This drop-in style activity allows you to work at your own pace. Walk-up registration only. Available while supplies last.
When: Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Cost: $12 per bouquet
Family Painting Classes
Painting With A Twist • 3753 86th Street • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 252-6311
Create a one-of-a-kind piece of Valentine inspired art by painting with your child during a Mommy & Me, Mommy, Daddy + Me or a regular class at Painting with a Twist. They will provide the instruction for your family to paint a lovely masterpiece.
When: Multiple dates February 10 at 12:00 pm, February 11 and 17 at 11:00 am
Register: On-line
Cost: $27-30
Hidden Heart Hike
Annett Nature Center • 15565 118th Avenue • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 961-6169
Bring your thinking caps for this hidden heart-hunt adventure, Warren County Conservation is going to put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with a scavenger hunt. Your job will be to find 10 hearts both inside and outside the nature center. You will be given clues to find each of the hearts. Each clue will be about a living thing. You will need to figure out what living thing that is and where it is. At each heart there will be one piece you will need to pick up and take with you for a craft. Are you up for the challenge? This program is great for the whole family, the targeted age range will be 7 to 10-year-olds. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Saturday, February 10 at 9:00 to 11:00 am
Register: On-line
Cost: FREE
Owl You Need is Love
Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center • 12112 NW 128th Street • Granger, IA 50109
Join Polk County Conservation to celebrate Iowa’s true winter romantics…the owls! By Valentine’s Day owls are often sitting on a nest of eggs. Learn why owls court in winter, and which owls call Iowa home. For ages 5+.
When: Tuesday, February 10, 2024 at 10:00 am
Cost: FREE
Valentine’s Day Skate
Brenton Skating Plaza • 520 Robert D. Ray Drive • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 248-6373
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Brenton Skating Plaza! Buy One Get One (BOGO) admission and skate rental. Two skate for the price of one! This is the perfect family or date activity for the special holiday. Walk-ups only, no pre-registration required.
When: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Cost: Adult Admission $10.00, Child (Ages 6-12) & Senior (Ages 60+) Admission $6.00, Child (Under 5) Admission FREE
Valentine’s Day Dome After Dark
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden • 909 Robert D. Ray Drive • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 323-6290
Make this Valentine’s Day extra special at Dome After Dark! Enjoy the conservatory and Gardeners Show House illuminated with colorful lighting and filled with live music from singer Day! The perfect date night, Galentine’s event, or family activity!
When: Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 6:00 to 10:00 pm
Cost: Members – FREE; Adult $12; Senior (65+), Active Military $11, Children (2-12) $9; Children 1 and under FREE
Day After Valentine’s Skate
Brenton Skating Plaza • 520 Robert D. Ray Drive • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 248-6373
Did you forget it was Valentine’s Day? Don’t fret because Des Moines Parks and Recreation has you covered! Buy One Get One (BOGO) admission and skate rental on Feb. 15. Two skate for the price of one! Walk-ups only, no pre-registration required.
When: Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Cost: Adult Admission $10.00, Child (Ages 6-12) & Senior (Ages 60+) Admission $6.00, Child (Under 5) Admission FREE
Downtown Daddy-Daughter Dance
Walnut Creek Church Downtown • 323 E Locust Street • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 418-9994
Join Walnut Creek Church Downtown for the 2024 Daddy-Daughter Dance, a special night of celebration with sweet treats, activities, and fun for dads and daughters. This event is recommended for girls ages 3-11, though all are welcome to attend. All proceeds will benefit the Foster Care & Kid’s Ministries of Walnut Creek Church.
When: Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Register: Purchase tickets online.
Cost: $20 per couple
Let us know if we missed your favorite family friendly Des Moines area Valentine event or dance and we’ll add it to the list!
