Family events in Urbandale, IA

A barbecue at Tower Park offers shared food, giant yard games, and friendly company. Charcoal for grilling will be provided, so bring your own meats and a side to share. Coordination for what is being cooked is available on Discord. This family friendly gathering is at a park with a splash pad, so plan accordingly.

Marlin, a cautious and fiercely protective clownfish who calls the Great Barrier Reef home, must brave the open ocean when his child, Nemo, is taken to Sydney. With help from upbeat Dory, easygoing sea turtle Crush, and the ever-supportive Tank Gang, challenges become turning points as father and son strive to find one another and, in the process, themselves.

A live performance in support of Lainey Wilson takes place at the Iowa State Fair. This all ages event welcomes families, friends, and fans to enjoy the experience together.

A celebration of Latino culture at the Iowa State Fair features a performance by La Sonora Dinamita at the Susan Knapp Amphitheatre. The event is presented by Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel and Nos Vemos en Marshalltown, with GreenState Credit Union as the event partner. It is organized by IMC - International Marketing Communications and Iowa's Latino Heritage Festival.

Lainey Wilson brings her country sound to the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines with an energetic set and heartfelt songs. A rising voice in the genre, she draws a wide audience with performances that connect through sincerity and spirit. Amid the buzz of the fairgrounds, attendees can experience her live show in a festive, lively setting.

Board Game Night at Dungeon's Gate welcomes tabletop enthusiasts for casual play and community. Bring a favorite game to share, jump into an open table without bringing anything, or explore a library of more than 400 demo titles ready to try. The event is free and open to everyone, with new and experienced players of all ages encouraged to take part.

Turn back the clock at a retro-themed evening where polished classics, muscular machines, and head-turning bikes are on display. A soundtrack of 80s and 90s favorites sets the mood while arcade games and vintage-inspired decor add to the nostalgia. Hot pizza and cold drinks are part of the experience, and the atmosphere stays friendly and laid back. Look for eye-catching vehicles, an easygoing crowd, and a celebration of both wheels and eats. Rides from any era fit right in, and there is no cover charge.

Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Iowa State Fair, now in its fifth consecutive year with ChildServe as presenting sponsor, offers a more inclusive fair experience. Select attractions and exhibits reduce sensory stimulation to create a comfortable setting for individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, and other special healthcare needs. Families can enjoy the fair’s sights and sounds at a pace that suits them, and ChildServe Calming Rooms staffed by occupational therapy professionals provide a quiet space to rest and recharge. This collaboration helps make this Iowa tradition accessible to more visitors.

Part of the Summer of Great Taste series at Homemakers, this event brings food trucks to the front of the store with picnic tables nearby for easy outdoor seating. Visitors can also step inside HomeGrounds Cafe to pick up a free cookie.

Family Night has a few updates. Children 12 and under eat free with an adult purchase, and this offer is available every Wednesday. Only the regular full menu will be available. A salad bar is coming soon.

At Barista's Bouquet in Urbandale, Sapling Story Time offers little ones a chance to explore stories and spark their imaginations in collaboration with Wandering Raccoon Books. This free gathering features $1 kid's coffees and warm chocolates, with a selection of fully caffeinated beverages available for adults.

ENGLISH serves up a flavorful blend of rock, funk, soul, and alt-country with a dash of the unexpected, powered by a tight groove, fiery horns, and a standout lead vocal. The band even jokes that their sound is like a comfort-food casserole of styles. This performance is part of Music in the Junction, a weekly concert series held in the beverage garden at the Valley Junction Farmers Market. The concert is free and open to all ages.

Experience the Summer of Great Taste series at Homemakers, with food trucks set up at the front of the store and picnic table seating nearby for an easy place to enjoy a meal. Step inside HomeGrounds Cafe to pick up a free cookie during your visit.

Free Flicks transforms the park into an open air cinema with a giant LED screen for a screening of Back to the Future at Gray’s Lake Park. Pack a blanket or lawn chair and your favorite movie snacks for a relaxed movie under the sky. Admission is free, locations rotate through parks and community spaces around Des Moines, and screenings do not take place if it rains. This family friendly series features popular picks that appeal to all ages.

The event includes a 5K run, an inspirational one mile walk, a dash for kids, a silent auction, and an exhibit area highlighting community partners. Donuts will be available for everyone.

This storewide sampling event at Hy-Vee invites visitors to taste their way through the aisles. Offerings include appetizers, dips, and other bites available throughout the store. It is an easy way to discover new favorites while exploring the selections.

The first Des Moines edition of the World Oddities Expo brings a traveling showcase of the unusual to the Iowa Events Center in Hall C. This event blends art, history, science, and entertainment, with a marketplace of distinctive vendors and small businesses. Explore the touring Deformed Exhibit, which presents authentic rare specimens that display medical anomalies, and note that VIP tickets offer early access to shop ahead of general admission. WOE Labs invites attendees to learn new skills through hands-on classes that may include taxidermy, rat skeleton articulation, or creating miniature diorama terrariums, with offerings varying by city. On the Main Stage, expect live performances like contortion, sideshow-inspired acts, and clowns, plus guest speakers offering free seminars. Children 12 and under receive free entry.

A weekly Pokémon Trading Card Game league at Never Bored Games in Norwalk welcomes both new and experienced Trainers to learn, build, and compete in a structured setting that supports growth. Expect three Swiss rounds each week with points recorded and a leaderboard that offers monthly rewards, all in a welcoming yet competitive atmosphere where players of all ages are encouraged to participate. A free learn to play session runs before league matches begin, so first timers can get comfortable, and those with a deck are ready to jump into battle. Entry is $5 each week, or included at no cost with the purchase of a Never Bored League Deck. On-site resources make upgrading and customizing decks straightforward, with bulk cards organized by type, a focused area for Trainer cards, Energy always in stock, and budget friendly bulk pricing to test ideas. Ready to play League Decks are also available, including Fire Surge and Lightning Rush, and each one includes a complimentary league entry. The aim is to build a consistent, welcoming, and competitive Pokémon community in Norwalk, whether you are brand new or returning to the game.