As moms, I think we can agree that all the stuff that comes with the holidays can be overwhelming! This year we encourage you to create meaningful experiences for your kids and family while supporting local businesses.
Share this guide with friends and family. Enjoy and shop local!
Give the gift of entertainment this holiday season from Des Moines Performing Arts!
The Wellmark Family Series features hour-long performances where you can sing, dance, and reimagine the very air we breathe to comedians, concerts, family shows, and more – there is truly something for the everyone. Let family-fun take center stage this holiday season and experience the magic and wonder of live theater for memories that will last a lifetime!
Learn more about the upcoming shows and get tickets here.
Season tickets for the 4-package start at $47.
More Experience Gift Ideas
Looking to create more memories and have less stuff? Here are our favorite local options.
Old School Arcade
What kid wouldn’t love to spend an afternoon playing arcade games? Give them a gift card to Old School Arcade in Grimes and let them play to their heart’s content. Enjoy classics like Pacman, Frogger, and Pinball.
Real Food for Kids
Aspiring chefs will love these highly personalized cooking classes from Real Food for Kids. Learn about ingredients, follow a recipe, and learn new techniques to prepare a favorite meal. Choose from a variety of classes.
Warrior Lanes Bowling
Go bowling a gift card to Warrior Lanes in Waukee. This is a great way to spend a cold afternoon with the whole family.
Science Center of Iowa
Spark curiosity through exploration, discovery, and learning disguised as play. Explore the Science Center of Iowa’s themed experience platforms full of hands-on exhibits, live interactive programs and demonstrations, engaging planetarium shows, and so much more!
AR Workshop
HoneyNut Home
Maker Kits from HoneyNut Home are perfect for crafty kids. The projects are easy enough to do in under an hour and make great gifts! Choose from seasonal designs and more.
Climb Iowa
Get the adventurer on your list a gift card to Climb Iowa. They offer an amazing experience at either of their locations for first-time climbers. The professional staff will be more than happy to assist you in taking the first step into the world of climbing.
UrbanAir Adventure Park
Rainbow of the Heartland
Give the gift of outdoor play this holiday season. Rainbow Play Systems are a fun way for your kids to play by allowing your kids’ imaginations to run wild. Kids can climb, swing, and slide on Rainbow Play System.
Brenton Skating Plaza
Spend an afternoon ice skating in downtown Des Moines at the Brenton Skating Plaza. You can gift a one-time experience or get a 10-punch pass card.
Kids Create
The artist on your list will love a gift card to take a class at Kids Create in Polk City. There are a variety of classes to choose from including painting and ceramics to Lego robotics.
Glazed Expressions
Get creative at Glazed Expressions in Clive or Ankeny. Choose from a variety of projects starting at $7. Create a unique masterpiece!
