Summer in the city is all about FREE outdoor entertainment. There are complimentary concerts, no-cost movies, and lots of FREE festivals. But don’t forget about outdoor story times! We’ve rounded up a dozen storytelling series for families to enjoy all summer long.
Please click on the links for more information, and it’s always wise to doublecheck to make sure the story time is being held as scheduled.
Don’t miss a moment of summer fun! Visit our Summer Fun Guide and sign up for Weekend Fun Guide and stay “in the loop” on FREE activities, special events and insight into making the most of your family time this summer.
Check out our list of FREE outdoor story times taking place this summer in Des Moines:
Altoona
Tales Around Town
Various Locations – Weekly on Wednesdays at 10:00 am – June 5-July 31, 2024
Join the Altoona Public Library for Tales around Town where they take Storytime to a different venue each week. They will have a fun interactive Storytime followed by a firsthand experience of what each location offers our community!
Ankeny
Story Time in the Park
Various Parks – Weekly on Wednesdays at 10:00 am – June 5-19, 2024
The Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library is taking Story Time to the park this Summer. Join them for Elephant & Piggie stories, rhymes, bubbles, and more.
Sing & Shake at Ankeny Market & Pavilion
Ankeny Market Pavillion – Tuesday at 10:00 am – July 16, 2024
The Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library is moving Sing & Shake outside for the summer! Join them at AMP under the shaded pavilion for singing, dancing, and bubbles.
Sing & Splash: Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center Splash Pad
Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center – Wednesday at 9:30 am – July 17, 2024
Singing, splashing, dancing, and bubbles! Attend Sing & Splash at the Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center Splash Pad hosted by the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library.
Clive
Stories in the Park
Various Parks – Fridays at 9:30 am – June 7, 21, July 12, and 26, 2024
The Clive Public Library is heading to various parks around Clive this summer! Join them on Fridays for a storytime full of music, movement, stories, and fun. For ages 0-7 with an adult.
Water Tales
Clive Aquatic Center – Fridays at 9:30 am – June 14, 28, July 5, and 19, 2024
The Clive Public Library and Clive Aquatic Center have teamed up to bring you cool summer fun! If you only attend the story time and a short swim, admittance is FREE. For ages five and younger with caregiver. Registration is recommended.
Des Moines
Park Picnic with DMPL
Woodlawn Park – Mondays at 11:30 am – June 3, July 15, and August 19, 2024
Pack a picnic for the family and join Franklin Avenue Library at Woodlawn Park! Listen to a story (or two) from a local librarian while you eat your lunch, then showcase your creativity and teamwork during a fun interactive activity. In the event of inclement weather, Park Picnic with DMPL will be canceled. Check their website at dmpl.org for updates.
Sunshine Storytime
East Side Library – Wednesdays at 10:00 am – June 5 and 12, 2024
Teachout Aquatic Center – Wednesday at 10:00 am – June 26, 2024
Join a DMPL librarian on the lawn or at Teachout Aquatic Center for Sunshine Storytime at 10:00 am. Bring a blanket, chair or tarp and listen to silly stories and move to fun songs outside. This event is geared for ages 3-6 but older and younger siblings are welcome.
Family Storytime at the Heritage Carousel
Heritage Carousel – Fridays at 10:30 am – June 14, 28, and July 19, 2024
Join Miss Alicia at the Heritage Carousel for a very special story time! Families will enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes together. After story time, there will be a craft provided and each participant will receive one free carousel ride. In case of inclement weather check DMPL’s website.
Preschool Storytime: Water Fun!
South Side Library – Thursdays at 10:00 am – June 20 and July 11, 2024
The South Side Library will bring out their water tables and kiddie pool for some summer fun during Preschool Storytime. Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join them for a 30-minute session filled with stories, rhymes, music, and play!
Family Storytime at Grandview Park
Grandview Park – Thursday at 6:00 pm – June 27, 2024
Grab your blanket and chairs and meet DMPL librarians at Grandview Park Open Shelter for a special outdoor Family Story time. They will read, sing, dance, and be nature explorers in one of your favorite local Des Moines Parks!
Toddler Tales at Easter Lake
Easter Lake – Wednesday at 10:00 am – July 10, 2024
Let your imagination run wild with this nature-themed story time about ladybugs! Hear a story followed by the Polk County Conservations Naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets or a craft. You will take a short walk on a paved surface to their pollinator gardens to catch insects. The rest of the program will be indoors.
Granger
Pony Tales
Jester Park Equestrian Center – 11:00 am – June 20, July 12 and August 15, 2024
Enjoy listening to a pony-themed story while the ponies of the Equestrian Center are listening nearby. A pony meet and greet will follow!
Indianola
Splash and Story
Indianola Veteran’s Memorial Aquatic Center – Saturday at 10:30 am – June 15 and July 13, 2024
Join Janis at the Indianola Aquatic Center for this special edition of Tot Splash Time. Come at 10:30 am with the interactive story time to begin at 11:00 am. Then stay after for some exclusive time with your toddler. Swimsuits required. This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child at this program.
Johnston
Pop Up Library in the Park
Various Parks – Weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 am – June 18, 25, July 16 and 23, 2024
Join the Johnston Public Library at various Johnston parks on Tuesday mornings throughout the summer, weather permitting. Sign-up for a library card, choose a free book, create a fun craft, and participate in their Summer Library Program and earn prizes.
Urbandale
Storytime in the Parks
Various Parks – Weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 am – June 11 – August 6, 2024
Various Parks – Weekly on Thursdays at 6:30 pm – June 13 – August 8, 2024 (no story time on July 4th)
The Parks and Recreation Department and the Urbandale Library have partnered together to bring you Storytime in the Parks. Come enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and other activities that delight and entertain as well as encourage the love of reading. No registration required!
Waukee
Stories in the Park
Windfield Park – Weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 am – August 6-27, 2024
Join the Waukee Public Library for Stories in the Park! Enjoy around 25 minutes of songs and stories at Windfield Park (114 Windfield Parkway). This event is for kids aged 0-5 and their caregivers.
West Des Moines
Fairytale Time in the Park
Various Parks – Weekly on Thursdays at 10:30 am – June 6 – August 8, 2024 (no story time on July 4th)
Join the West Des Moines Park and Recreation Department for Fairytale Time in the Park. Experience your community park and enjoy a story and a snack or craft for FREE.
