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
Storytime Swim
Altoona Aquatic Center – Weekly on Thursdays at 11:15 am – June 8 through August 3, 2023
Join the Altoona Public Library at the Altoona Aquatics Park for a short story time in the shallow end of the pool. In case of inclement weather, please check their website or social media. Ages 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Ankeny
Story Time in the Park
Various Parks – Weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 am – June 6 through July 25, 2023 (no session on July 4)
Join Ms. Kelly & Ms. Brittany with the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library in various Ankeny parks for story time fun.
Dates and Locations:
June 6: Centennial Park
June 13: Georgetown Park
June 20: Sawgrass Park
June 27: Glenbrooke Park
July 18: Sunrise Park
July 25: Hawkeye Park
Clive
Stories in the Park
Various Parks – Fridays at 9:30 am – June 16 through July 28, 2023
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.
Dates and Locations:
June 16: Campbell Park
June 30: Canary Park
July 14: Stonegate Park
July 28: Wildwood Park
Water Tales
Clive Aquatic Center – Fridays at 9:30 am – June 9, 23, July 7 and 21, 2023
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. If you are planning to stay to swim, they will be offering a discounted admittance of $5 per person, children 2 and under are free. 2023 Clive Aquatic Center Passes are honored for entry. Registration is recommended.
Des Moines
Sunshine Storytime
East Side Library – Weekly on Wednesdays at 10:00 am – June 7 through July 12, 2023
Eastown Park – Wednesdays at 10:00 am – July 19 & 26, 2023
Join a DMPL librarian on the lawn for Sunshine Storytime at 10:00 am. Bring a blanket, chair or tarp and listen to silly stories and move to fun songs outside. All ages are welcome to join in.
Splash Pad Storytime with Moana and Ariel
Evelyn K. Davis Splash Pad – Wednesday, June 7 at 10:00 am
Little Princess Parties is bringing two of your favorite princess friends for a special storytime. Enjoy dancing alongside Moana and Ariel or running through the splash pad at Evelyn K. Davis Park in good weather or the meeting room if it is rainy or too hot!. After you read stories about water, popsicles will be served and crafts and sensory activities will be provided as supplies last.
Family Storytime Colby Park
Colby Park – Bi-weekly on Fridays at 10:15 am – June 9, 23, July 14 & 28, 2023
The whole family can visit Colby Park for this special outdoor Family Storytime. Bring your own blanket or chairs and join us for stories, songs, and rhymes in the great outdoors. In case of inclement weather, this event will be held in the Franklin Library meeting room.
Family Storytime at the Heritage Carousel
Heritage Carousel – Bi-weekly on Fridays at 10:30 am – June 9, 23, July 14 & 28, 2023
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.
Johnston
Pop Up Library in the Park
Various Parks – Weekly on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm – June 7 through July 26, 2023
Join the Johnston Public Library at various Johnston parks every Wednesday evening 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.
Dates and Locations:
June 7: Terra Park
June 21: Adventure Ridge Park
June 28: Pointe Vista Park
July 5: Providence Pointe Park
July 12: Crosshaven Park
July 19: Morningside Park
July 26: Ray Schleihs Park
Indianola
Splash and Story
Indianola Aquatic Center – Saturday at 10:30 am – June 10 and July 8, 2023
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.
Urbandale
Storytime in the Parks
Various Parks – Weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 am – June 13 through August 8, 2023
Various Parks – Weekly on Thursdays at 6:30 pm – June 15 through August 10, 2023
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!
Dates and Locations:
June 13 & 15:Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park Shelter
June 20 & 22: Walnut Creek Regional Park Shelter
June 27 & 29: Lions Centennial Shelter
July 6: Barrett Boesen Shelter
July 11 & 13: Bishop Shelter, Jackaline Dunlap Arboretum
July 18 & 20: Barrett Boesen Shelter
July 25 & 27: Murphy Park Shelter
August 1 & 3: Rocklyn Park Shelter
August 8 & 10: Large Walnut Creek Regional Park Shelter
West Des Moines
Fairytale Time in the Park
Various Parks – Weekly on Thursdays at 10:30 am – June 8 through July 27, 2023
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.
Dates and Locations:
June 8: Pearson Park
June 15: Jaycee Park
June 22: Ashawa Park
June 29: Meadowview Park
July 6: Fairmeadows Park
July 13: Wild Rose Park
July 20: Quail Cove Park
July 27: Brookview Park
Where’s your family’s favorite place to attend an outdoor story time in Des Moines?
