Celebrate the best of the season in Des Moines with these fun winter activities the whole family will enjoy.
Looking for even more family fun? Be sure to check out our Events Calendar and sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide to get inspiration sent straight to your inbox.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to call ahead or check social media sites to confirm hours, attractions, availability, and prices, as circumstances can change.
1. Volunteer as a family in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and this National Day of Service.
2.Go sledding and take slow-mo videos to send to family members.
3. Move and groove under the dome during Botanical Blues at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Center.
4. Catch a college basketball game: both Drake Men’s and Women’s basketball teams host home games at the Knapp center throughout the winter months.
5. Celebrate National Popcorn Day on January 19th by taking the family to the movies at a local theater.
6. Compete in a card tournament at your local comic shop – Mayhem Comics in Clive.
7. Let the kids expend some winter energy at Waukee’s FamilyFest which is free to attend on January 20th.
8. Sign up for winter swim lessons at your family’s favorite gym or indoor pool.
9. Roll up your sleeves and join a Cupcake Decorating Class at Molly’s Cupcakes.
10. Go snowshoeing – it’s a great family-friendly way to get out and enjoy the winter months.
11. Attend Clive’s Cabin Fever Reliever on January 27th and enjoy free outdoor activities such as ice sculpting, ice fishing, crafts, and more.
12. Learn to downhill ski or cross country ski.
13. Check out Story Time and other events at IABE Books & Gifts in Valley West Mall.
14. Knock down some pins at the bowling alley. Alleys across the metro offer youth leagues, glow bowling and more.
15. Explore everything you need for your cycling journey, from gear to destinations and more, at the Iowa Bike Expo.
16. Plan a family friendly weekend getaway by attending a Winter Festival hosted by an Iowa community.
17. Toast National Hot Chocolate Day on January 31st with a warm mugful of frothy goodness.
18. Check in at a Junior, College or Semi-Pro Hockey game.
19. Read books by black authors to honor Black History Month in February.
20. Let the kids (and you!) have a fun night out during West Des Moines Park and Recreation’s Parent’s Night Out at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex.
21. Challenge the family to a race and go snowtubing at Seven Oaks Recreation Center near Boone.
22. Bring your little paleontologist to Jurassic Quest at the Iowa Events Center, February 9-11, 2024.
23. Challenge the family to a little friendly competition at a local arcade.
24. Go winter bird watching on Bald Eagle Day, February 10, sponsored by Des Moines Parks and Recreation.
25. Take a break from the electronics and enjoy a little Unplugged Winter Fun.
26. Ring in the year of the dragon on February 11 at Jester Park, where they will be hosting a Chinese New Year Celebration.
27. Stop by a local shop to get you your edible cookie dough fix.
28. Enjoy a more subdued experience during the Science Center of Iowa’s Sensory Friendly Hours.
29. Get a little hygge with it this winter.
30. Party hearty at a fun Valentine inspired event or dance.
31. Be transported to the tropics at an indoor water park a short drive from Des Moines.
32. Witness the action on the mat as Iowa’s high school wrestlers compete for a state championship at the 2024 State Wrestling Tournament.
33. Have a smashing good time playing pickleball.
34. Don your favorite red flannel attire, embrace the cold, enjoy a fun run, and support the Y at the Wellmark YMCA Red Flannel Run.
35. Cheer on the Iowa Wolves as they take the court at Wells Fargo Arena.
36. Lego enthusiasts won’t want to miss Brick Fest Live this winter at the Iowa Events Center on February 17-18, 2024!
37. Enjoy a FREE program at your local library.
38. Flip for fun on National Pancake Day, February 28 at a local Des Moines breakfast spot.
39. Winter is a great time to introduce kids to the theatre. Check out our list of family-friendly shows coming to Des Moines stages’.
40. Celebrate Leap Day! Let the kids jump, leap, hop and bounce to their heart’s content at an indoor trampoline park.
41. Plant an indoor herb garden or succulent garden. Local shops like Art Terrarium and Renovation Jungle have all the plants and supplies you need.
42. Decorate pottery at Glazed Expressions or Five Monkey’s Inc.
43. Cheer for your favorite hometown team during the Iowa Girls State High School Basketball Tournament.
44. Have the kids write letters and mail to friends and relatives who live far away.
45. Indulge in a dozen donuts at a local bakery!
46. Hit a trail on a fat-tire bike, or bike around the neighborhood.
47. Join the excitement on the court at the Iowa Boys State High School Basketball Tournament.
48. Book a winter visit at Rusty Stars Alpaca Farms to see and pet some loveable creatures.
49. Satisfy your sweet cravings at a local Des Moines area chocolate shop.
50. Take the family out to a nice dinner at a local restaurant.
What’s your family’s can’t miss winter events and activities?
