Happy New Year!
Resolve to get the kids out and explore the metro. From dinosaur events to princess parties, there’s so much to fun to be had through the winter. If you look closely, you’ll see we even threw in a few ideas for your next grown-up night out!
Kids need to burn off some energy? Check out our indoor play guide for a go-to resource for cabin fever cures.
January 2019 Events and Activities
Jan 2–4 | Winter Camp, Science Center of Iowa
Kids on winter break can come for day-long camp experiences ranging in topic from technology to nature. Camps are open to students in Pre-K through 8th grade. Registration is required.
Jan 3-4 | Winter Break Workshops, Des Moines Community Playhouse
Kids can learn about community theater and perform a short play as part of a two-day workshop. Registration required.
Jan 4 | Free Friday Flicks, Franklin Ave. Library, Des Moines
3:30 p.m.
Need to get out of the house? Bring the whole family to watch Space Jam.
Jan 4 | Piano Bar Night, The Fletcher, Ankeny
8:30 p.m.
Plan a moms’ night out or put a date night on the calendar and enjoy live music from piano man Richard Spierenbug. Sing, dance, and laugh the night away to the music you know and love. No cover.
Jan 5, 12, 19, 26 | Family Movies in the Gardens, Reiman Gardens, Ames
10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Looking to entertain the kids for a few hours? Every Saturday in January, Reiman Gardens offers free movies for children: Jan. 5: Christopher Robin, January 12: Winnie the Pooh, January 19: Pinocchio, January 26: Paddington. Movie snacks will be available for purchase.
Free for all kids ages 17 and under. Free for member adults and Iowa State University students. General public adults pay regular admission prices.
Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 | Yoga Under the Stars, Science Center of Iowa
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Take your yoga practice to the next level under the stars in SCI’s Star Theater Planetarium. Pre-registration is required.
Price is $10 for single pass; $35 for a monthly pass. ($8; $30 for members)
Jan 11 | Jurassic Quest, Iowa Events Center
3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Starting at $20 (Note: Active Duty Police, Firefighters, Paramedics, Active and In-Active Military Personnel, their spouses and kids save $2 on each ticket. Must present ID at event)
Walk through the Cretaceous period, the Jurassic Period, and the Triassic period and experience for yourself what it would be like to move among dinosaurs.
Jan 11-13 | Iowa Home Show, Iowa State Fairgrounds
Friday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Iowa Home Show boasts hundreds of new and innovative products for remodeling and updating the inside and outside of the home. Tickets are $7.75 for adults. Kids 16 and under are free.
Jan 12 | Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood, Des Moines Civic Center
1 p.m.
$12–$24
Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood is an unforgettable journey of classic music and visual wonder, featuring the Des Moines Symphony. Prokofiev’s tale is set in modern-day Los Angeles and anchored with a thrilling prequel that sets off when the wolf escapes from the local zoo. Peter is swept up in an exciting adventure that includes the building of a giant robot, a whirlwind helicopter chase, and a moment of poignant introspection— all before he enters the forbidden meadow where he finally captures the wolf.
Jan 12 | Ice Skating Skills, Brenton Skating Plaza
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Learn basic ice skating skills for free in a fun and energetic environment. All skill levels are welcome for ages 4 and up. Skating clinics are free, including admission and skate rental, thanks to Principal Financial Group. Click here to register.
Jan 13 | Princess Ball, Sheraton Hotel, West Des Moines
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tickets start at $32
Enjoy a day of magical fun for the whole family. Kids get to participate in princess games, story time sing along, learn some ballroom dance moves, and meet princesses. The event is geared toward 3 to 7-year-old princess fans, though all are welcome!
Jan 15 | Disney Movie Trivia Night, Noce
5 p.m. doors open, 6 p.m. trivia starts
$5/person or $25/team of 6
This is your moment. The one excuse you have to re-watch every Disney classic. This trivia event will be an epic test of your Disney movie knowledge. Plan a date night with a few couples or grab the ladies to fill out a team. Tip: Make sure you show up early as seats tend to fill up fast.
Jan 18 | Golden Goose, Des Moines Community Playhouse
9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
$6
Once upon a time, there were three brothers. Only the youngest one is kind and unselfish enough to share his food with a poor, hungry old man. His gift is a beautiful golden goose with especially sticky feathers. Will it be enough to make a gloomy princess giggle? This interactive show is geared for preschool-aged kids and their caregivers.
Jan 18-19 | KIDSFEST, Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds
Friday: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
$7.50 per person
Bounce the day away with inflatables, games, and activities for all ages. Proceeds go to support the programs of Children & Families of Iowa, which positively impact children and families across Iowa who are struggling with life’s challenges.
Jan 18-20 | Chow’s Gymnastics Winter Invitational, Iowa State Fairgrounds
8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Have little gymnasts in your home? All are welcome to watch this Junior Olympic gymnastics competition, which hosts more than 1,700 athletes. There will be gymnasts competing for three days.
Cost is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for students 5-12, and free for children four and under.
Jan 19 | Waukee Family Fest, Lutheran Church of Hope in Waukee
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event will help the kiddos burn off some cabin fever energy! Check out Waukee area businesses, enjoy games and prizes, and jump on inflatables.
Jan 21 | Critter Club, Jester Park Nature Center
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Free
Visit Jester Park Nature Center’s resident turtles, snakes, and salamanders to learn about these misunderstood animals. You may even get to touch a turtle or snake. This is an open house program, no registration required.
Jan 24 | Family Cooking Class, Mickle Center Shared Kitchen
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
$25 for one child and one adult
Want to get your kids involved in the kitchen? Hosted by Return to the Table, this class is perfect for families with kids ages 5 and over. You’ll learn how to make paleo pizza pasta. Everyone can participate in the prep of this yummy meal, learn about the importance of eating whole, nutrient dense food, and enjoy a meal together with others! Parent must be present to participate.
Jan 25-26 | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Des Moines Civic Center
This concert features the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in high-definition, on a giant screen, while the Des Moines Symphony performs the unforgettable score. Prices and times vary.
Jan 25-27 | Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Circus, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center
Times vary by day
See live freestyle motorcross, trapeze acts, and many more exciting acts. Adult tickets are $16 and tickets for children 12 and under are $8.
Jan 25 | Ladies Night Out with Comedian Amy Barnes, Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
$15
Amy started her stand-up career in Seattle, appearing at comedy clubs around town while working days as an engineer in aerospace. Amy’s comedy is fun and accessible to women at all ages and stages of life.
Jan 26 | The Amazing Chemistry Show, Compass Financial at 4801 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines
Free
10 a.m.
Compass Financial Services is hosting Josh Denhart and The Amazing Chemistry Show for an entertaining and educational
event about money for kids and parents. Space is Limited. Please Reserve your spot by sending an RSVP to [email protected]
Coffee, donuts and other refreshments will be provided.
Jan 26 | Mommy & Me Sweetheart Dance, FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny
Free
3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
This dance is a celebration for moms and their kiddos. All proceeds benefit Variety The Children’s Charity, whose mission is to improve the lives of children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs. The event features dancing, snacks, desserts, a magician, face painting, a fun photo booth, guest appearances from some well-known superheroes and princesses along with an arts and crafts station.
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Send us an email if we missed anything, and we’ll add your event to the list.
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
