Family events in Ankeny, IA

Ankeny gets a taste of the islands at Brown Dog Bakery with tropical-themed toys and treats, complimentary pet leis while supplies last, luau-style goodies for four-legged friends, playful photo spots, and in-store giveaways and surprises throughout the day. Hawaiian shirts are encouraged, and pets are welcome for a relaxed celebration filled with treats, photos, and tropical cheer.

Hosted by Des Moines Parks and Recreation at the Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum, this family friendly star party celebrates the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, a spectacle observed for more than two millennia. The evening features creative crafts, engaging experiments, and space themed activities for all ages, along with opportunities to learn about the night sky as twilight fades. There will be an outdoor screening of Wall-E on a big screen with freshly popped popcorn. Guests may bring blankets and lawn chairs. Admission is free and open to the public.

These tryouts are for the 26/27 season and are open to boys and girls entering grades 1 through 8 in the 26/27 school year. Participants should meet the stated grade eligibility for consideration.

Enjoy a regular board game night at Dungeon's Gate, where tables are ready for casual play and discovery. Bring a favorite to share, jump into an open game without bringing anything, or choose from a library of more than 400 demo titles available in-store. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome, from first-time players to long-time enthusiasts of any age.

An upbeat, crowd friendly performance brings the concert series to a close and caps a summer of music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and relax on the lawn just south of the Urbandale Public Library. Open to all ages, with coolers allowed so you can make an evening of it. Admission is free. Presented with support from AO Wealth and the City of Urbandale.

This fiber arts camp welcomes students entering grades 4 through 8 to explore creative techniques with guidance from Miss Elizabeth or a Kids Create teacher. Participants will learn fiber painting on flat surfaces and build sculptural pieces through needle felting, gaining new skills and bringing home eye-catching artwork. The fun continues with lighthearted cat videos, music, snacks, and time to interact with adoptable kittens. Camps are drop off style. Sending a no-spill water bottle is helpful, and clothing that can get stained is recommended. Please share any health considerations or food allergies, and confirm serious allergies with the instructor at drop off. Cancellations made two weeks or more before the start of camp receive an account credit. There are no refunds, credits, or transfers for cancellations within two weeks or for missed camps.

Polk County Extension hosts a family-friendly outdoor storytime at The Enabling Garden in Altoona that explores the plants we eat. The program features stories in the garden, themed activity stations, and hands-on activities for children and their caregivers. Registration is encouraged but not required.

All Ages Recess is a free outdoor gathering at Cowles Commons that makes it easy to get outside, connect with the community, and enjoy downtown. Framed as a playful pause in the workday, it offers games, music, local food, sweet treats, and plenty of community fun. Food trucks for this occurrence include Hotsy Totsy, Fruits N Such, and Matcha LUV.

Family Night offers free meals for children 12 and under with an adult purchase. There are a few updates, as only the full menu will be available, and the salad bar is coming soon. This offer is available every Wednesday.

Taking place at Iowa State Fairgrounds & Interim Events, the Iowa State Fair schedule includes an early arrival window, a deadline to be in place, and a show that spans two consecutive days. The timeline allows for arrival and setup in advance, followed by a clear cutoff for being in place, and then the main show across two days.

Marlin, a cautious clownfish, lives with his son Nemo on the Great Barrier Reef. When Nemo is taken to Sydney, Marlin steps beyond his fears and sets out across the ocean to find him. Along the way he is encouraged by Dory’s upbeat spirit, meets the easygoing sea turtle Crush, and finds allies in the supportive Tank Gang. Their separate journeys challenge them and bring them closer to each other, celebrating courage, friendship, and the effort to reunite while discovering who they are.