Yes, you read that right… SPRING! Even though we recently experienced a “fake spring,” real spring will hopefully be here in no time. If you’re worried about keeping your kids entertained over spring break, worry no more, we’ve got you covered! If you’re staying in the city, there’s plenty to keep every age group busy. We’ve rounded up 50+ things to do with kids in Des Moines during the break. Some of our picks only take place on specific dates; others run the entire duration, but all are engaging ways to get out and celebrate spring.
In addition to this list, we have a list of Spring Break Camps & Classes, St. Patrick’s Day Events, a Spring Day Trip Guide and you can find even more family fun on our Calendar. And, be sure to sign up for our FREE Weekend Fun Guide to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.
Editor’s Note: Not all spring break activities have been announced at post date. This is a working list, please check back often for updates. And, as always please double check dates and times in advance to confirm your activity before heading out.
Spring Break Activities for Kids and Families in Des Moines:
Take in a Live Show or Movie Over Spring Break
Dragons Love Tacos at the Des Moines Playhouse
You know what Dragons really love? Tacos of course! A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of what to serve to dragons to eat. Dragons love tacos, but if they accidentally eat spicy salsa…watch out! See this story come to life on the Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre stage March 1-10, 2024. Tickets start at $15.
Des Moines Performing Arts
Des Moines Performing Arts will host a number of performances throughout spring break. Enjoy the music of the Des Moines Symphony during their concert Discover Gershwin, March 9 & 10, 2024. Join Fanny Brice on stage for Funny Girl, March 12-17, 2024. Both are on stage at the Des Moines Civic Center. Visit DMPA’s website for a full list of events and to purchase tickets.
Hoyt Sherman Place
Hoyt Sherman Place will host a variety of acts during spring break week. The Des Moines Ballet presents Love Letters on March 8-9, 2024, followed by Bruce Hornsby and yMusic present BRHYM on March 12, Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Tour on March 15, The Black Jacket Symphony presents Journey’s “Escape” on March 16, and Dude Dad Live! on March 17.
Des Moines Area Movie Theatres
Why not take the fam out to see the latest blockbuster at your favorite local movie theatre over spring break? There’s nothing quite like seeing a new family movie on the big screen. Those cozy seats, the snacks, and of course, the trailers. Family friendly movies you can see over spring break include Dune: Part Two, Kung Fu Panda 4, and Arthur the King.
Attend a Sporting Event Over Spring Break
Iowa Demon Hawks
The Iowa Demon Hawks arena soccer team will host the St. Louis A2, Friday, March 8, 2024 and the Iowa Raptors on on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Buccaneers Arena. Single game tickets start at $20.
Iowa Wild
The Iowa Wild will host the Manitoba Moose, Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10, 2024. Saturday is Kids Takeover Day with a Post-Game Concert by School of Rock and on Sunday they will be celebrating Crash’s Dino Birthday with a Youth Jersey giveaway. Single game tickets start at $22.00.
Iowa Wolves
Cheer on the Iowa Wolves as they take on the Oklahoma City Blues on March 12 and 13, 2024 and the Mexico City Capitanes on March 16 and 17, 2024, at the Well during your spring break. Single game tickets start at $18.
Get Back to Nature Over Spring Break
Polk County Conservation
Polk County Conservation will be hosting several events at the Jester Park Nature Center during spring break week. Spend part of your spring break learning something new about nature. Registration fees and times vary by event.
Saturday, March 9 – Mammal Mania
Monday, March 11 – Hooray for Herps
Tuesday, March 12 – Critter Club
Wednesday, March 13 – Knee High Naturalists
Thursday, March 14 – Moths vs. Butterflies
Friday, March 15 – Pony Tales
Give Back Over Spring Break
Meals from the Hearland
Visit Meals from the Heartland’s website and sign up for a shift to package meals. Two-hour packaging shifts will be available at their West Des Moines Packaging Center from March 12-16, 2024.
Visit a Local Attraction Over Spring Break
All Iowa Auto Show
Family fun is welcome at the All-Iowa Auto Show and will bring out the kid in all of us. The All-Iowa Auto Show is your chance to compare vehicles from foreign and domestic brands side by side—without driving all over town. Experience the new models from compacts and family sedans to the latest in SUVs, trucks, and luxury cars. The All-Iowa Auto Show will be held at Hy-Vee Hall March 15-17, 2024.
Blank Park Zoo
The zoo will be open during their normal business hours throughout spring break. Kids can join Ruby the Reading Red Panda for a special story time on Monday, March 11, which is included with admission.
Des Moines Art Center
The Art Center will be open their normal hours during spring break. They will also host Entirely Kids Day: Africa on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Designed for art lovers of any age, Entirely Kids Day: Africa is a free event inviting visitors to explore the museum and participate in hands on activities, dance, music, and more inspired by the Art Center’s current exhibition, “States of Becoming.”
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden will be open their normal operating hours throughout spring break. Join them for an array of activities like Dome After Dark on Friday evenings and Botanical Blues on Sunday evenings.
Science Center of Iowa
The Science Center of Iowa will be open daily 9:00 am to 4:00 pm during spring break. They host Sensory Friendly Hours on Tuesday, March 12 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Advance tickets are not required, but because of capacity limits, it is recommended that you reserve your tickets in advance on SCI’s website.
State Historical Museum of Iowa
Families can drop by the Museum throughout spring break, where admission is always FREE! They will be hosting a variety of events, including two Family Exhibit Tours on March 12, a Museum Collections Tour on March 13, 15, & 16, and Goldie’s Family Day Camp on March 14, 2024. Visit their calendar for specific times and additional information.
Get Creative Over Spring Break
ArtFull
Keep your kids busy over spring break with some fun art projects! Kids can create in person at Artfull’s NEW LOCATION – 8805 Chambery Boulevard, Suite 100, Johnston, IA 50131, or you can pick-up craft supplies to complete at home. Keep an eye on their Calendar for their upcoming in person workshops.
Painting with a Twist
If you’re staying in town for Spring Break, check out Painting with a Twist’s (Urbandale) Spring Break classes for kids ages five and up. They are offering several canvas painting classes throughout the week. Prices start at $25.
Five Monkeys, Inc.
This artistic shop in Valley Junction is a fun place to get a little creative over Spring Break. Stop in during their business hours for pottery painting and they will set you up with everything you need. They stock several pottery shapes and pieces to fit all budgets. Pricing includes the pottery piece, paint and firing.
Get a Spring Break Assist from Your Local Library & Parks and Recreation Departments
Des Moines area libraries will be open their normal hours over spring break. Many also offer DIY activities to go. Be sure to watch their calendars for their upcoming spring break programming.
Whether you are looking for structured activities or just opportunities to get out and enjoy time together, our city is a great place to be for spring break. Des Moines Parks and Recreation has more than enough ways to keep you and your family active during their Spring Break Staycation Monday, March 11 through Friday, March 15 at Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center (2100 SE 5th Street) for just $1 per child/per day. Registration is required.
Lastly, don’t forget that Des Moines area Arcades, Bowling Alleys, Skating Rinks, Movie Theaters, Arts & Crafts Studios and Indoor Play Centers will also be open throughout spring break.
Will you be staying in Des Moines over spring break? If so, how do you plan to keep your kids entertained?
