Family events in Polk County, IA

Sapling Story Time takes place at Barista's Bouquet in West Des Moines, created in collaboration with Wandering Raccoon Books to spark little imaginations. Kids can enjoy $1 coffees and warm chocolates, and adults will find a variety of fully caffeinated beverages. This free event is at the Ashworth location.

A fundraiser at McDonald's in Ankeny benefits Northwest Elementary, with 20 percent of inside sales donated to the school. Attendees can see some of their favorite teachers while supporting this effort. Thank you for supporting Northwest Elementary.

A market takes place in front of Brightside Aleworks, featuring many vendors with produce and merchandise, food trucks, and more.

At Carlisle Public Library, the Tween Book Club explores Isle of Ever by Jen Calonita. Light snacks are offered and an activity is included.

Capital City Gaming Con is the Des Moines area board gaming convention, a weekend of tabletop fun held annually. The event centers on bringing people together through games and serves as a one-stop hub for the local community. Attendees can connect with local vendors, take part in sessions hosted by area businesses and influencers, and meet new friends in a welcoming setting. A curated library from Board Game Wagon offers more than 1,500 titles to explore, and a selection of play-to-win games gives participants a chance to take home a game simply by playing. Badge holders can reserve free tickets for scheduled events and tournaments, with some special events carrying an additional cost where noted. Signups are available in advance, then continue in person at the registration desk during the convention. The schedule includes tournaments with prizes and a variety of experiences presented by the organizers and community partners. Attendees can also propose and host their own events, and the Meeple Meet app will be used to help coordinate casual pick-up games during the convention. On-site dining is available at The Grill for breakfast and dinner, and there are numerous nearby restaurants in the area, many of which offer delivery through third-party services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. There is ample parking around the hotel, with the main entrance on the west side and the convention area located in the northwest part of the building. Families are welcome. Children ages 5 to 10 may register for a $10 kids badge or opt for a regular badge. Kids badges do not allow game library checkout or entry into play-to-win drawings. Children 11 and older require a full badge. Badges for this event will be offered with an early bird pricing period before regular pricing resumes.

At Des Moines Playhouse in Des Moines, follow Junie B. Jones as she faces Halloween jitters. She wonders whether witches and monsters might be real, worries about bats getting stuck in hair, and tries to figure out candy corn. Determined to be brave, she sets her sights on winning the school carnival games and prizes, hoping a string of victories will give her the confidence she needs. The story asks whether she can set aside her fears and enjoy Halloween.

Hy-Vee Kids Club offers a magic-themed experience at the Pleasant Hill Hy-Vee for young witches, wizards, and other magical creatures. Children can explore potions, make crafts, and enjoy special photo opportunities. The first 100 kids will receive a wand.

Trick-or-Treat Night at Outlets of Des Moines offers a festive chance for children to collect candy and give back to the community. Kids 12 and under can visit participating stores to pick up treats, with availability limited on a first come, first served basis. Look for orange bows on exterior door handles to find the stops. Please bring a trick-or-treat bag and a canned food item for the Caring Cauldron, benefiting the Caring Hands Outreach Center to help families in need. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Inappropriate costumes and toy weapons are not permitted. Event details may change without notice.

Skateland Des Moines hosts a themed skate night dedicated to Michael Jackson, featuring a soundtrack of his greatest hits. Families are welcome, with opportunities to moonwalk and show off smooth moves on the rink. The venue remains open through the afternoon and into the evening, so guests can arrive early or stay later around the highlighted session. The focused block of MJ music spans two hours within the evening schedule.

Celebrate a milestone as the IMT Des Moines Marathon Weekend marks 25 years of running with a nod to its 2002 beginnings. Thousands of runners and supporters come together in the heart of downtown Des Moines for a full slate of races and festivities. The marathon features a scenic, fast course, and there are distances for every level, including a half marathon, 10K, 5K, Marathon Team Relay, and a Free Kids Run. Beyond the finish line, the weekend buzzes with spirited cheer zones, a lively expo, local entertainment, and an energized race day atmosphere that highlights the best of Des Moines.

Enjoy a playful scavenger hunt throughout the Youth Services Area. Search for 10 themed items around the space, and after finding them all, receive a small prize. Suitable for all ages.

The inaugural Heartland Harvest with Heartland Youth Choir offers a family-friendly afternoon of seasonal fun. Admission is free, with an indoor trunk-or-treat, autumn crafts, games, and other activities to enjoy. Look for freshly baked goodies and a family dinner option, plus select food items and additional activities available for purchase. The event celebrates fall and also supports the choir’s singers.

This event takes place at Des Moines Biergarten, a family-friendly popup German-themed beer garden in Water Works Park. The venue serves steins of beer and German-inspired food and is open Wednesday through Sunday from May to October.

A drive-thru fall experience tailored for individuals with autism and other special needs, enjoyed entirely from the comfort of a vehicle. Admission is free. To ensure there are enough goodies for everyone, advance registration is requested.

A monthly pork loin dinner fundraiser offers a $10 plate that includes pork loin, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a roll. Guests can eat on site or take their meals to go. Drinks and desserts are available for an additional charge. Skip the cooking and cleanup and make it a family-friendly outing.

Enjoy a monthly Movie Matinee on the library’s large screen, featuring everything from recent hits to classic favorites. Screenings are free, and snacks are provided. To learn which movie is playing this month, check with the front desk.

This giveback night at Little Caesars Pizza supports East Elementary. Enjoy a meal while contributing to the school, and remember to show the flyer at the time of purchase so your order is credited to East Elementary. The flyer will be sent home in advance.

New View Autism hosts a parent education session with Easterseals Iowa focused on how assistive technology can support individuals with disabilities and their families. Topics include tools that aid communication, sensory needs, daily living, learning, mobility, and independence. Attendees will also hear about the Assistive Technology Lending Library, a program that lets families borrow and test devices before buying so they can compare options and make informed choices. Capacity is limited to 20 participants.

This recurring board game night at Dungeon's Gate offers the chance to bring favorite titles to play and share, join a game even if you do not bring anything, or choose from a wall of more than 400 demo games ready to play. There is no cost to participate, and everyone is welcome, from first-time players to experienced gamers of all ages.