The Thanksgiving holiday break is nearly here and with it comes a LONG holiday weekend! Whether you’re entertaining out-of-towners, or enjoying a family staycation, we’ve got you covered. From sports events to fun holiday happenings and a sprinkling of family-friendly shows, we’ve rounded up a few fun ways to spend some quality time with your family over the long Thanksgiving weekend in Des Moines.
Remember, you can find additional listings on our Event Calendar and sign-up for our Weekend Fun Guide to find out our top picks for even more Thanksgiving weekend family fun in Des Moines!
From all of us at dsm4kids, have a happy Thanksgiving!
Here’s a few ideas to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend with your family in Des Moines:
Seasonal Events & Activities Happening Thanksgiving Weekend in Des Moines
Des Moines Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Start off Thanksgiving Day on a trot…a Turkey Trot! Runners will start their trek with the Des Moines Courthouse as their backdrop in Downtown Des Moines. Choose a 5K or 5-mile run, or the kids can participate in a Tot Trot. Also, be sure to wear a Thanksgiving inspired costume. Prices vary.
Waukee Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Start a new family tradition by participating in Waukee’s Turkey Trot. 5K runners and walkers will make their way through Triumph Park. This chip-timed event offers not only a fun run for all ages but also special kids’ categories, making it a perfect family activity. Prices vary.
Disney on Ice
Thursday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1, 2024
Chart a course through the night sky to Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party. Join Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends on adventures filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts! Fun for the whole family! Several times available to attend at Wells Fargo Arena.
Entirely Kids Day
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Designed for art lovers of all ages, the bi-annual Entirely Kids Day is a must-attend event! Mark your calendar for this FREE community gathering, where the Art Center focuses on engaging children and their families. Enjoy hands-on art activities, scavenger hunts, snacks, and kid-friendly entertainment from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Enjoy a fun-filled day of creativity and connection—it’s the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones!
Holiday Events Happening Thanksgiving Weekend in Des Moines
Miracle on 86th Street
Thursday, November 28 – Sunday, December 1, 2024
Bundle up and stroll through the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The park features a large custom-built train and larger-than-life ornamental displays. The park is lit with more than 50,000 holiday lights throughout the holiday season!
Winter Wonder Lights
Thursday, November 28 – Sunday, December 1, 2024
Walk, ride or drive through Uptown Ankeny after sundown to enjoy over 30 animated holiday displays sponsored by local businesses. In addition, you’ll find decked out store fronts, several photo ops, and their 25 foot tall show tree which will perform every 30 minutes.
Holiday Hullabaloo
Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1, 2024
Holiday Hullabaloo is an indoor, all immersive, family-friendly holidays experience that will surprise and delight guests of all ages this holiday season. The event is held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Holiday Hullabaloo is an InnovativEvents production benefitting Dorothy’s House— a local nonprofit organization that helps survivors of human trafficking in Iowa at the Horizon Event Center.
Blank Children’s Festival of Trees & Light
Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1, 2024
Meander along a guided, one-way path to view the beautifully decorated trees and read impactful stories of children cared for at Blank Children’s. The annual event is the largest fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital and is a central Iowa tradition to kick off the holiday season at the Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center.
Holiday Promenade
Friday, November 29, 2024
The annual Holiday Promenade will return to the Historic East Village on Fridays for the 2024 holiday season. It’s an exciting celebration full of holiday-themed activities, entertainment, shopping and family-friendly fun. Along with the great shops, bars, and restaurants of East Village, there will be something special each night!
Santa’s Rock N Lights Drive Thru Light Show
Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1, 2024
Santa’s Rock n Lights is a drive thru Christmas light show experience located at Living History Farms. Load up family and friends to watch the action of lights dancing to music all from the warmth of your car! Tickets can be purchased online.
Christmas in Olde Town
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Altoona Historical Society is hosting “Christmas in Olde Town” when they will have crafts for children, cookie decorating, hot chocolate and photos with Santa from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Small Business Saturday is a great way to get your shopping done early AND support your community! In addition to shopping, many communities host fun events including: Ankeny and Valley Junction.
Local Attractions Open Thanksgiving Weekend in Des Moines
Brenton Skating Plaza
Thursday, November 28 – Sunday, December 1, 2024
Burn off a few of your extra turkey calories by ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza. Families can ice skate throughout the holiday weekend, including on Thanksgiving Day. Online registration for skating sessions is recommended. Walk-up admission will be allowed if space allows. Visit their website for hours and admission prices.
Blank Park Zoo
Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1, 2024
The zoo will be open during their normal business hours throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. (They are CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day.)
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1, 2024
The Botanical Center will be open their normal hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving. They will host Dome After Dark starting at 6:00 pm on Friday, November 24, 2023.
Science Center of Iowa
Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1, 2024
The Science Center of Iowa will be open during their normal hours during the Thanksgiving weekend. (They are CLOSED on Thanksgiving.) It’s recommended to purchase tickets online, as they can reach building capacity on busy holidays.
In addition Des Moines area Bowling Alleys, Skating Rinks, Movie Theaters and Indoor Play Centers will also be open throughout the Thanksgiving weekend.
What is your family planning for Thanksgiving weekend 2024? Let us know in the comments!
