We are thrilled to partner with the Jester Park Nature Center to bring you this monthly event guide.
Get a head start on holiday shopping, at the Fall Maker’s Market at Jester Park Nature Center (near Granger) on Sunday November 24 from noon to 5 p.m. This event has beautiful hand-made items inspired by nature. For more local gift-buying ideas visit our Holiday Market guide for a go-to guide for shopping local for the holidays.
Thanksgiving is late this year, so we rounded up plenty of family-friendly events (And a few grown-up nights out too!) to keep you busy until Turkey Day.
Want to get a jump start on your holiday shopping? Check out our Guide to Holiday Markets and Craft Shows.
November 2019 Events and Activities in Des Moines
November 1-10 | Seussical Jr., Stoner Theater at the Civic Center
Dr. Seuss’s world comes to life in this family-friendly production. When Horton the Elephant hears a small noise and discovers a world called Whoville on a tiny speck of dust, he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to save the Whos and prove that a person’s a person, no matter how small. Tickets are $24.50.
November 3 | Dia de los Muertos, Des Moines Art Center
The Day of the Dead is a Latinx celebration that honors the lives of members of the community who have recently passed away, as well as a festive day of music, dancing, food and drink, art activities, and remembrances for the whole family. Free admission to this event includes Mariachi music, art activities, and traditional refreshments.
November 3 | Grand Opening of Cornerstone Pediatrics & Family Allergy, 6800 Lake Dr #260, West Des Moines
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
All are welcome to this family friendly event! There will be guided tours of the clinic with a scavenger hunt and a raffle to win a Fitbit Ace. Support your favorite team and wear some gear. Come meet Dr. Federly, Dr. Petersen and Nurse Practitioner Sherri Chrisman-Batterson!
November 4 | Breastfeeding Iowa Fall Conference, The Euclid Room, 2540 E. Euclid Ave. Des Moines
8:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Attention all nurses, doulas, and maternal health counselors: This event is geared for healthcare and community professionals who assist mothers and babies with breastfeeding.
November 5 | Press Play!, Johnston Public Library
9:30 a.m.
Here’s a great way to get little ones (ages 18 months to 4 years old) out of the house for a fun and educational outing. The library provides different play prompts, sensory bins, and books that are great for this age group. This playtime is free and no registration is required.
November 7 | Goldie’s Kids Club: Cannons and Catapults, State Historical Museum of Iowa
10 a.m.
Price: Free
Examine a Civil War cannon to see how it works and then make your own (much safer) catapult to see how far you can something soar. Activities and topics are recommended for children 8-12 years old.
November 7 | Cat and Nat #Momtruths Live, Hoyt Sherman Place
7 p.m.
Grab your gal pals for a night of laughs with these hilarious mommas who aren’t afraid to tell it like it is. Tickets are $28 to $60.
November 7, 14 | Caterpillar Club, Reiman Gardens, Ames
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Price: Free with a general admission ticket, no preregistration required
Designed for children ages 2 to 7, this popular event features stories and creative activities around a nature-based theme. After class, you’re free to explore the garden and other exhibits.
November 7 | Stories & Stretches, Waukee Public Library
6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
It’s a pj party at the library. Prepare for bedtime with fun stories and yoga-inspired stretches for families. Children and their caregivers should arrive prepared to move in pajamas or other comfortable clothes. Please bring your own yoga mats or towels. This event is free, no registration is required.
November 8 | Family Night, Science Center of Iowa
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Price: $5 or free with membership
If you haven’t seen the new Brick by Brick exhibit with LEGO structures, this is the perfect excuse to go as a whole family. With extended evening hours, you can play, eat dinner, and explore together.
November 8-9 | Iowa Beer, Wine, and Food Expo, Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
Price: General admission is $40.
Need a night out? Come hungry and thirsty to sample food and drinks from restaurants, breweries, and wineries from across the Des Moines metro. Enjoy live music, watch cooking demonstrations, and check out vendor shopping, too.
November 10 | Fall Cookie Decorating, WineStyles Ankeny
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Brush up your cookie decorating skills with this workshop led by ChaCha’s Confections. Cost is $30 and you get 6 cookies to decorate, supplies, and a glass of wine! Sounds like a great excuse for a girls crafternoon out.
November 15 | Opening Day, Brenton Skating Plaza
12 p.m.
Get your skates and be the first to hit the ice at the only outdoor skating rink in Des Moines. Cost is $9 for adults and $5.50 for children and seniors. Skate rental is available for $5. (And stay downtown while you’re at it for the East Village Holiday Promenade!)
November 15-16 | Beauty Amidst the Ashes Hope Adoption Conference, NorthPoint Church in Johnston
This is a faith-based conference about adoption. If you are considering adoption or are looking for more support and resources for your family, connect with other adoptive families at this conference. Registration is $25 to $40.
November 17 | Toddler Obstacle Course, Johnston Public Library
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Let your little ones burn off some energy at an obstacle course specially designed for toddlers and preschoolers up to age 6. There will also be an activity corner for babies to play (safely away from the big kids). The event is free.
November 20 | Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Stephens Auditorium
7:30 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with the distinctive sound of Mannheim Steamroller. It’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
November 22 | Emperor’s New Clothes, Des Moines Playhouse
9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.
Plan a day out with your MOPS group! This interactive show is perfect for ages 4 to 6. Watch as the vain and foolish emperor learns an important lesson. Tickets are $6 each.
November 24 | Fall Maker’s Market, Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 NW 128th St., Granger, IA
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Get out of the city and shop for nature-inspired gifts, handmade jewelry, decor, furniture, candles, and more. While you are there, explore the nature center’s exhibits and, if the weather allows, relax on the back patio by the fireplace. Event is free.
November 27-December 1 | Disney on Ice Worlds of Enchantment, Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center
Times and prices vary
Add a little magic to the holiday weekend as you watch 50 of the most beloved Disney characters perform on ice.
November 27- December 1 | Festival of Trees & Lights, Veteran’s Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center
Price: $5; Children 2 and under: Free
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday: 1 to 7 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a magical land with fantastically decorated trees. Get ideas for your own home, and be inspired by the beautiful stories from Blank Children’s Hospital.
November 28 | Des Moines Turkey Trot, Downtown Des Moines
9 a.m.
Price: $30 to $40 (discounts for families of 4 or 5 running together); $10 Tot Trot
Get out of the house and pre-burn some Thanksgiving calories with a family-friendly 5K or 5-mile road race. The whole family can get in on the action with a Tot Trot that is full of high-fives, a racing bib, and finisher medal—just like mom and dad!
November 29 – December 30 | Jolly Holiday Lights, Adventureland Park, Altoona
5:30 to 10 p.m.
Price: $20 per car ($40 for limo or mini-bus)
Buy tickets ahead of time here.
A central Iowa favorite for more than 20 years, Jolly Holiday Lights kicks off on Black Friday. Support the Make-a-Wish foundation and treat your family to a night of lights and holiday fun.
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.
