Or add Des Moines’s kids’ events to your calendar: subscribe once and new weeks appear on their own. (Google Calendar: paste that link’s address into “Other calendars → From URL”.) We keep your email and the city, nothing else; every note has a one-click stop.
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100 ideas near “Des Moines, IA”
Subscribe once and new weeks appear on their own. Google Calendar: copy that button’s link address into “Other calendars → From URL”.
Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.
Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and activities. You can even wear your jammies! Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!
Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story. This program is recommended for children from birth to 2 years of age.
Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Join us in the Forest Meeting Room where building blocks will be available for open play! Use your imagination to build your ideas or use the STEM-challenge prompts and building guides to bring ideas to life.
Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration! From cool textures to fun activities, kids can have a great time learning while doing what they do best: playing! The program space is set up in stations, so families can move between different activities at their own pace or just enjoy gathering around the story rug, where we have scarves and interactive story tools. It is a casual drop-in program, so no registration is required. Sensory-friendly tools are available, such as wobble cushions, noise-reduction headphones for babies and kids, some weighted blankets, and fidgets.
Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun.
The Art of Expression is a monthly program for teens to learn and create different types of art in a relaxed atmosphere. On November 18, we will use recycled materials and everyday scraps to create junk journals. Registration is required due to limited supplies.
Love anime and manga? Join us for an Anime Meetup! We’ll get together and discuss all things anime and manga, do crafts, eat snacks, and more! Ages 12-18.
Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for a 30-minute storytime with stories, music, and fun activities!
Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade. This event is open to children ages 6-18. The Franklin Library is located on DART Route #5.
Join us at Forest for Mindfulness Storytime. This will be a calm, gentle storytime where we will read books about big feelings, practice some simple yoga, learn breathing exercises, and tap into our creativity with a guided art therapy activity.
Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities. This is also a chance for babies and toddlers to meet other children and caregivers to connect! No Registration is Required.
Little Explorers has a new twist! Join us for Little Explorers with Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department. Drop in to the Central meeting rooms and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.
Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and activities. You can even wear your jammies! Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!
Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story. This program is recommended for children from birth to 2 years of age.
Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world! Each month we will be tasting snacks from a different country. Whether you like sweet or savory, we will try it all. Come in with an open mind, a readiness to experience the flavors of the world and to learn about the country we are tasting. This month's country is: SPAIN. Teens only please. This program is for ages 12 and up. Please register ahead of time, but drop-ins are welcome as space allows.
Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.
Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and activities. You can even wear your jammies! Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!
Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story. This program is recommended for children from birth to 2 years of age.
Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Acompáñanos a nuesta edición mensual de Baby Rhyme Time bilingüe con invitada especial Arlette el primer miercoles de cada mes! Para bebes de 0-18 meses de edad y sus cuidadores. Join us for our monthly Bilingual edition of Baby Rhyme Time with special guest reader Miss Arlette on the first Wednesday of every month! For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun.
Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for a 30-minute storytime with stories, music, and fun activities!
Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities. This is also a chance for babies and toddlers to meet other children and caregivers to connect! No Registration is Required.
Give your pup the winter night out they deserve! Let\'s beat cabin fever together with an evening packed of indoor play at our new Barks & Rec Center, holiday fun, and cozy vibes—all while supporting the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Is your pup looking for a new best friend? Join us and browse the […]
Help make a Lego Village to display at the library! Build a house or village scene and we will put it on display for families to enjoy all month long.
Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is required. Please wear play clothes as some activities may be messy.
Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.
Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Bring your stuffed friend to Central Library for a quick story and craft before leaving them overnight to get into some mischief! Pick up your buddy the next day and see photos of all their adventures. Feel free to wear your pajamas for storytime! If you can’t attend, you may drop off your stuffed friend at the Youth Desk anytime from Saturday, December 5, until 4 p.m. on Monday, December 7. Please pick up your stuffed friend on Tuesday, December 8, at the Central Library front circulation desk.
Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and activities. You can even wear your jammies! Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!
Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story. This program is recommended for children from birth to 2 years of age.
Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Join us in the Forest Meeting Room where building blocks will be available for open play! Use your imagination to build your ideas or use the STEM-challenge prompts and building guides to bring ideas to life.
Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Noche de Juegos—an open play game night for bilingual kids and language learners! Designed for families & children aged 6 and up, this monthly program begins at 6:00 PM on the second Tuesday of each month. Board games in both Spanish and English will be available to encourage language skills and most importantly—have fun! Únete a nosotros en la Biblioteca de Forest Avenue el segundo martes de cada mes a las 6:00 de la noche para una Noche de Juegos. Este programa está pensado para niños de 6 años en adelante. Habrá juegos de mesa en español e inglés disponibles para fomentar la alfabetización, practicar idiomas y, sobre todo, ¡divertirse!
Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun.
Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for a 30-minute storytime with stories, music, and fun activities!
Join us for Park-N-Play Winter, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Thursday mornings in the Franklin Avenue Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities. This is also a chance for babies and toddlers to meet other children and caregivers to connect! No Registration is Required.
Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.
Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and activities. You can even wear your jammies! Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!
Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story. This program is recommended for children from birth to 2 years of age.
Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration! From cool textures to fun activities, kids can have a great time learning while doing what they do best: playing! The program space is set up in stations, so families can move between different activities at their own pace or just enjoy gathering around the story rug, where we have scarves and interactive story tools. It is a casual drop-in program, so no registration is required. Sensory-friendly tools are available, such as wobble cushions, noise-reduction headphones for babies and kids, some weighted blankets, and fidgets.
Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun.
Curious about cooking? Sharpen your kitchen knowledge and learn to make delicious dishes. On December 16, we will mix bananas with s'more ingredients to make an irresistible treat. Registration is required due to limited supplies.
Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for a 30-minute storytime with stories, music, and fun activities!
Join us for Park-N-Play Winter, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Thursday mornings in the Franklin Avenue Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Join us at Forest for a special Pajama Storytime! Enjoy stories, a warm beverage, and a fun craft. Wear your coziest pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal to snuggle along.
Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities. This is also a chance for babies and toddlers to meet other children and caregivers to connect! No Registration is Required.
Join us for Little Explorers with Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department. Drop in to the Central meeting rooms and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and activities. You can even wear your jammies! Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!
Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.
Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and activities. You can even wear your jammies! Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!
Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Join us for Park-N-Play Winter, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Thursday mornings in the Franklin Avenue Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is required. Please wear play clothes as some activities may be messy.
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.
Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.
Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Bend your brain, and your body! Learn how to blend scientific concepts into the art of motion and dance through unique games and exercises. Snack provided for all participants.
Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and activities. You can even wear your jammies! Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!
Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story. This program is recommended for children from birth to 2 years of age.
Acompáñanos a nuesta edición mensual de Baby Rhyme Time bilingüe con invitada especial Arlette el primer miercoles de cada mes! Para bebes de 0-18 meses de edad y sus cuidadores. Join us for our monthly Bilingual edition of Baby Rhyme Time with special guest reader Ms. Arlette on the first Wednesday of every month! For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun.
Join us this month to learn about electricity as you make your very own colorful circuit using glue and salt. Science Wednesdays is a chance for kids ages six to twelve to explore different aspects of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Please pre-register for this program.
Join us for Park-N-Play Winter, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Thursday mornings in the Franklin Avenue Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost. All ages welcome!
Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for a 30-minute storytime with stories, music, and fun activities!
Join Erika Hall for a practical, honest session on why it's hard to let go of family heirlooms when no one in the family wants them, why decluttering can miss the point, and how to talk with your adult children without it turning into a fight. How do you pass on the story when no one wants the object? We'll also put together a donation list in the room for local organizations that will take furniture, medical equipment, craft supplies, books, instruments, formal wear, fabric, tools, etc.
Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities. This is also a chance for babies and toddlers to meet other children and caregivers to connect! No Registration is Required.
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.
Des Moines is Iowa's capital, with the gold-domed Capitol, the Science Center of Iowa and the Blank Park Zoo as its family fixtures. The Iowa State Fair each August is the state's biggest event, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park is downtown. Des Moines Public Library's central branch is a copper-clad building by David Chipperfield.
Holiday events for kids in Des Moines, 2026: tree lightings, light displays, Santa visits and gingerbread workshops, day by day.
Children’s events in Des Moines are read every night from the calendars of Des Moines Public Library (6 branches, 201 upcoming programmes), plus ARL Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Library programmes are free. Museum and zoo events say “admission may apply”; check the venue for prices.
34 places to collect. Tap “I'm here” when you're at one and the stamp goes in your book; collect 5 and print the certificate.
Stamps live on your phone. Open your passport to see them all, print the certificate, or save them to your email.
Yes and no. Every event, time, address and link is open to anyone. An account only lets you save outings you plan to go to.
Each library and venue calendar is re-read every night, so a cancelled storytime disappears within a day. Times are shown in Des Moines’s own time zone.
Babies and toddlers, preschoolers, early grades, tweens and teens. Pick an age range above to narrow the list; leave them all off to see everything.
More in Iowa: Ames, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Dubuque, Muscatine, Sioux City, Waterloo.