Family events in Des Moines, IA

Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 can dive into STEM through playful experiments and guided exploration that spark curiosity, creative thinking, and early learning. Activities are designed for young learners and keep things fun while building foundational skills through hands-on play. It is recommended that a caregiver accompany each child. This month’s theme is Magnetic Pull.

Story Sprouts offers an engaging children’s story time set within the Botanical Garden, with a focus on plants and the natural world. Each session features stories and a hands-on activity connected to a weekly theme. Designed for ages two to five, it provides a gentle way for young learners to discover the garden. Families can explore the indoor or outdoor gardens, including Nature Play, before or after the program. Participation is included with general admission, and members receive free access.

Family Skate Nights at Brenton Skating Plaza bring friends and families together to glide along the river with the city skyline in view while lively music fills the air. Friday Night Skate Dates welcome all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned skaters, for a relaxed, family-friendly outing. Admission is $5 per person. Skate rentals are not available, so personal skates or roller blades are required. Set in the East Village, this experience offers a fresh way to enjoy Brenton Skating Plaza and make lasting memories on wheels.

Colby Park hosts a screening of The Lego Movie, an animated adventure about Emmet, a by-the-book LEGO construction worker who is mistakenly identified as the Special and thrust into a quest to save his world. Joined by an unexpected team, he sets out to stop Lord Business from gluing everything in place and learns that individuality and self-belief can be powerful. The film blends action, humor, and creativity for a family-friendly experience. Thanks to the sponsors supporting this movie night. Bolton & Menk is the presenting sponsor, and T-Fiber is the movie sponsor. Additional support includes cookies from Soper Automotive, popcorn from Flix, drinks from Pepsi, and pizza from Matt Cale State Farm.

Families are invited to a lively story time that blends storytelling with music, rhymes, and simple movement. The session features books, songs, and interactive activities that keep children engaged while everyone shares stories and stays active.

The Barbie Truck rolls into Jordan Creek Town Center for the Original Icon Tour, featuring exclusive merchandise that can only be found on the Barbie Truck Tour. Look for the stop near the theater.

Norwalk Easter Public Library offers a friendly opportunity to meet adoptable cats and kittens in a relaxed setting. There are no on-site adoptions, but visitors can interact with the animals and learn more about the process. Volunteers from Whiskers TNR will be available to answer questions about adoption and the TNR program, short for Trap Neuter Return.

Get a little creative and dance the day away at Social Saturday: Silent Disco. Drop in for art activities across the Art Center, including crafts in the Art School studios, a scavenger hunt in the museum galleries, and a guided tour. There’s also storytime and treats available at the Art Center Café, plus a Silent Disco hosted by Iowa Silent Disco from noon to 2 PM.

Skate South opens the floor for an all day skating session with upbeat music and a lively vibe. Families, friends, and skaters of every age can glide at their own pace, practice new moves, or roll just for fun. The rink welcomes both casual visits and private celebrations, offering spacious floors, skate rentals, and a friendly team focused on making the experience easy and exciting. Birthday parties include dedicated party space, plenty of time on wheels, and high energy fun enjoyed by kids and adults alike. From a first time on skates to milestone moments, it is set up to help create lasting memories.

Play bingo beneath the oak trees at the Biergarten at Waterworks Park, with casual board games between rounds, prizes, and activities welcoming to all ages. There is no cost to participate, and friendly hosts are available to help you get started. You are welcome to bring a favorite game to play between rounds as well. Plans may change with the weather, and updates are shared by The Dealt Hand.

Explore collage and watercolor in a hands-on class led by instructor Cathy Pinegar. Participants ages 11 and up will layer vintage music pages and newsprint to build a textured base, then add watercolor washes and illustrative details to create a playful, patterned fish. Choose teal tones, delicate linework, or freeform designs to match your style. Everyone finishes with a one-of-a-kind piece and practical techniques to use in future art-making. Cost is $30.

Hosted by Des Moines Parks and Recreation, this community star party at the Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum celebrates the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, a display that has captivated observers for over two thousand years. Expect space-themed crafts, hands-on experiments, and other engaging activities for all ages, followed by an outdoor showing of the animated film WALL-E on a big screen. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy fresh popcorn. The event is free and open to the public.

A lively community market sets up in front of Genesis Health Club at Southridge Mall, offering locally grown produce, home-baked treats, handmade art, jewelry, and other creations, plus hot dishes and food trucks. With more than 30 local vendors, it is a great place to support small businesses. Paying with cash, when possible, helps vendors avoid card processing fees and keep more of each sale, though most can accept credit or debit. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is kid and family friendly. The market takes place every Sunday throughout the summer.

A hands-on flower bar returns as a Sunday series for the season, inviting attendees to craft a personalized bouquet by packing a 32-ounce mason jar with as many fresh stems as will fit. Pricing is $20 per jar with advance payment or $25 at the door. The experience welcomes all ages, whether you come with friends or family or opt for a solo, self-care morning. Prepayment is accepted via Venmo at @katiedespo and should be sent at least one week before the session you plan to attend, and include the date in the note. The series unfolds across the summer and concludes with a celebratory finale, giving participants a chance to watch the blooms evolve from one gathering to the next.

Skate South hosts a family-friendly roller skating day with lively music and a fun atmosphere for all ages, making it easy to create memories together. Because of Super Bowl Sunday, the rink will close earlier than usual.

Open to all kids, this afternoon gathering features games, creative crafts, and interactive learning activities. It offers a friendly space to play, create, and explore new ideas together.

Dogs get their own splash time at Teachout Aquatic Center before the pool closes for the season. The event is divided into two sessions, and space is limited, so pre-registration is required. The fee is $5 per dog plus regular admission. A one-to-one dog and human ratio is required. People may not enter the water with their dogs, and handlers must keep their dogs under control throughout the event. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required, shown with vaccine records or a visible rabies tag.

Skate South hosts a summer skating session featuring upbeat music and a lively rink atmosphere. Admission is $10 and includes rental of basic quad skates or inline skates, offering an affordable way to stay active with friends or family. Skaters of all experience levels are welcome, from first timers to veterans, with plenty of rink time to create lasting summer memories.

Kids explore fresh building challenges and open-ended projects in each session, building problem-solving abilities and teamwork. They can create independently or collaborate with friends while they test ideas, innovate, and turn their imaginations into real structures, brick by brick.

Designed for toddlers and early elementary children, this free music class led by instructor Emily Roeder builds rhythm, coordination, and creativity through singing, movement, games, and instrument exploration. No advance registration is required. The session is planned outdoors on the EMC Plaza on the front lawn, with a weather backup inside the Center for Artists and Education.

All Ages Recess brings a free summertime vibe to Cowles Commons, inviting the community to get outside and enjoy downtown. Take a break during the workday for games, music, local food, and sweet treats. This edition features food trucks Hotsy Totsy, Fruits N Such, and Matcha LUV. It is a simple way to add a little play to your day and connect with others in downtown.

The St. Paul Saints face the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park in Des Moines, offering an up-close look at Triple-A baseball. Watch players pushing for a call-up, quick on-the-fly adjustments, and late-inning situations that can change the game. It all plays out in a classic ballpark setting that highlights future big leaguers in action.

Skate South offers a summer skating special with admission set at $6, and rental skates are included with standard or inline options. It is a welcoming outing for families, friends, and skaters of every age, whether you are just starting out or already confident on wheels. Stay active, shake off summer boredom, and make lasting memories at the rink throughout the season.

Arrive with your vehicle and the family to see what Karl Kustoms is showcasing. The front area will be reserved for an ice cream truck, apparel, and displays of some of the latest projects. A food truck will be on site, and Danger and Lindsey from Nash FM will be there. Parking is first come, first served. Please do not arrive early to claim a spot.

Check out the Iowa State Fair PRCA Pro Rodeo during the Iowa State Fair at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The fair runs from August 13 through August 23, 2026, so the rodeo falls within that timeframe.

At Iowa State Fairgrounds & Interim Events, the Iowa State Fair outlines a livestock timeline that begins with an early move-in window, continues with a firm move-in deadline, and follows with two days of showing. These milestones reflect the fair’s livestock schedules and judges information and help exhibitors plan their arrival, check-in, and participation.

Designed for readers ages 8 to 12, this graphic novel book club spotlights a different title each session. Discussion covers the story, the characters, and the artwork. Copies are available at the front desk, and a snack will be provided. This month features "Big Bad Ironclad" by Nathan Hale.

Jordan Beem and Johnny G bring a lively blend of country and rock to JR’s SouthPork Ranch at the Iowa State Fair with a festive fair-time vibe. Jordan Beem is the 2024 Iowa Music Awards Country Artist of the Year and a 2025 nominee for the Midwest CMO and the Josie Awards.

Follow Marlin, a cautious clownfish father in the Great Barrier Reef, and his curious son Nemo in a story about courage and family. When Nemo ends up in Sydney, Marlin pushes past his fears and sets out across the ocean. With help from upbeat Dory, the easygoing sea turtle Crush, and the encouraging Tank Gang, both father and son confront obstacles that help them grow. Their journeys move toward reunion while celebrating friendship, perseverance, and the bond that carries them through.