Kids & Family Events in Des Moines
Event list last updated
Upcoming family-friendly events in Des Moines and its suburbs: story times, festivals, science and nature programs and seasonal events, with dates, times and prices on every listing.
0 of the events below are listed as free. Looking for somewhere to play instead? See the Des Moines playgrounds guide.
More for Families in Des Moines
Playgrounds guide
Playgrounds across the metro, each with its features and directions.
Free events
Every event on the calendar whose admission is listed as free.
Attractions
Museums, the zoo, gardens and landmarks, with hours and admission from each listing.
This weekend
Everything on the calendar from Friday through Sunday.
Upcoming Family Events (34)
All day, Oct 27 - Dec 29Giordano's
Kids Eat Free/Tuesdays
Weekly kids eat free promotion at Giordano's
7:00 PM CTWater Works Park
Pumpkins After Dark: Jack-O-Lanterns Come Alive!
Jack-o-lantern display event at Water Works Park.
All day, Oct 29 - Oct 31Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation
Pumpkins After Dark: Jack-O-Lanterns Come Alive!
Illuminated jack-o-lantern display presented by Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation.
Time not listedCity of Winterset
Trick or Treat: Winterset
Trick or treating in the City of Winterset.
Time not listedWest Des Moines Public Library
Teen Halloween (Grades 6-12)
Halloween event for teens in grades 6-12 at the West Des Moines Public Library.
Time not listedCity of West Des Moines
Trick or Treat: West Des Moines
Community trick-or-treating in West Des Moines on Halloween.
Time not listedCity of Pleasant Hill
Trick or Treat: Pleasant Hill
Community trick-or-treating in Pleasant Hill on Halloween.
Time not listedBig Barn Harley-Davidson
Saddlebag-Or-Treat
Halloween trick-or-treat event at Big Barn Harley-Davidson.
Time not listedThe Hope Foundation
Treat Street: Fall Fun for All/Sensory Friendly
Sensory-friendly fall fun and trick-or-treating event at The Hope Foundation.
Time not listedCity of Windsor Heights
Trick or Treat: Windsor Heights
Community trick-or-treating in Windsor Heights on Halloween.
Time not listedCity of Norwalk
Trick or Treat: Norwalk
Community trick-or-treating in Norwalk on Halloween.
Time not listedCity of Polk City
Trick or Treat: Polk City
Community trick-or-treating in Polk City on Halloween.
Time not listedCity of Waukee
Trick or Treat: Waukee
Community trick-or-treating in Waukee on Halloween.
Time not listedCity of Urbandale
Trick or Treat: Urbandale
Community trick-or-treating in Urbandale on Halloween.
Time not listedCity of Des MoinesEast Village
Trick or Treat: Des Moines
Halloween trick or treat in Des Moines.
All day, Nov 2 - Nov 9Virtual via Zoom
Powerful Tools for Caregivers of Children with Special Health & Behavioral Needs
Virtual weekly caregiver workshop on Mondays via Zoom (until November 9, 2026).
12:00 PM CTMultiple DSM Locations
Santa N' Paws
Santa N' Paws event held at multiple Des Moines area locations.
Time not listedEMC Expo CenterDowntown / Court Ave
Kids Markets at Des Moines Holiday Boutique
We are a non-profit, outdoor farmer’s/craft market where kids run their own mini-businesses and sell products like handmade crafts & games! Our...
7:00 PM CTWooly'sEast Village
Kurt Vile + The Violators with Twisted Teens
Presented by First Fleet Concerts. Kurt Vile + The Violators with Twisted Teens.
12:00 PM CTMultiple DSM Locations
Santa N' Paws
Santa N' Paws event held at multiple Des Moines area locations.
Time not listedHoyt Sherman Place
Kids Landscapes
Young artists will explore the beauty of nature as they create their own colorful acrylic landscape painting. Students will learn basic painting...
Time not listedHoyt Sherman Place
Kids Color Pencil Animals
Students will explore the colorful world of animal art in this fun and creative colored pencil drawing class! Students will learn basic drawing...
6:00 PM CTWells Fargo ArenaDowntown / Court Ave
Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero - Des Moines
Disney On Ice, Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero
7:00 PM CTWells Fargo ArenaDowntown / Court Ave
Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero - Des Moines
Disney On Ice, Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero
7:00 PM CTWells Fargo ArenaDowntown / Court Ave
Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero - Des Moines
Disney On Ice, Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero
Tips for Families at Des Moines Events
Check the age range
Organizers publish age guidance on their own pages. Each listing here links to it.
Have an indoor backup
Iowa weather changes quickly. On a wet weekend, the this weekend list puts indoor events first.
Stay on budget
0 of the events below are listed as free. See all free events in Des Moines.
Get outside
Between events, the playgrounds guide shows where to play near you, with its splash pads and best playgrounds by age.
Kids & Family Events FAQ
Common questions about family-friendly activities in the Des Moines metro area
What are the best kids events in Des Moines?
This page lists upcoming family-friendly events across Des Moines and its suburbs - story times, festivals, science and nature programs and seasonal events - with the date, time, venue and price on every listing.
Are there free activities for kids in Des Moines?
Yes. Free kids events are listed here alongside paid ones and are marked free on their cards. The Free Events page lists every free event on the calendar, and the playgrounds guide covers parks and play areas across the metro.
What age groups do kids events in Des Moines serve?
It varies by event, from programs for babies and toddlers to teen events, and many festivals welcome all ages. Each listing links to the organizer's page, which is where age guidance is published.
Where can kids play in Des Moines?
The playgrounds guide maps playgrounds across the Des Moines metro with their features, and each playground has its own page with directions.
What's the best time of year for kids events in Des Moines?
There are family events all year. The month pages show what is scheduled for each month.
How often is this list updated?
New events are collected daily from venue and organizer calendars. All times are Central Time, and each list shows when it was last updated.
More Des Moines Activities
Free Events
No-cost activities and entertainment
Date Night
Romantic outings and couple activities
Today's Events
What's happening right now
This Weekend
Weekend activities and entertainment
Open Now
Restaurants currently serving
Dietary Options
Vegan, gluten-free, and more
Planning dinner too? Check out restaurants open now or explore dietary-friendly options.