Happy New Year!
It’s a new year and there’s much to look forward to. This month your family can follow along with weekly park challenges to get everyone moving and out of the house. There are also virtual storytimes and online cooking classes the whole family will enjoy. We threw in a few events for moms to enjoy with friends or on a date night.
Here’s to kicking off a great year!
JANUARY 2021 EVENTS IN DES MOINES
Jan. 1-31 | Friday Funday: Chicken Little (on demand), Des Moines Playhouse
If you ever visited the Des Moines Playhouse’s Friday Funday performances in person, then you know how great they are for preschool age kiddos. Now you can bring the fun home anytime with an $8 on-demand viewing of this classic tale.
Jan. 1-3 | Ice Skating, Brenton Skating Plaza
Ring in the new year with a refreshing skate downtown. Cost is $10 for adults and $6.50 for kids 12 and under. You can rent skates for $5 or bring your own.
Jan. 1-17 | Black Stories Exhibit, Des Moines Art Center
Connect to artwork by Black artists in the Art Center’s permanent collections. If you aren’t comfortable visiting the exhibit in person, there are virtual tours of the pieces available online.
Jan. 1-31 | Chill Out Challenge, Polk County Parks
Join this online family challenge that will get you out of the house and out exploring local parks. Download the GooseChase app to participate and follow the new missions posted each Monday.
Jan. 5 | Storytime with Sue, Science Center of Iowa
11 a.m.
Tune in for a virtual read-aloud program. We all know the magic that comes from dreaming of the time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. This week’s guest readers are Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, and SCI’s director of early childhood Amber Forrest.
Jan. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 | Toddler Time, Get Air
10 a.m.
Little jumpers get special access to the trampolines on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Admission is $8.99 (free for a parent). It’s a great way to burn some winter energy!
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 | Storytime Online, Waukee Public Library (Virtual)
Every Wednesday there is a new storytime video from the team at Waukee Public Library. Work this into your routine at home whenever it works for your family, and enjoy an engaging storytime experience.
Jan. 6 | Teen Book Group (virtual), Ankeny Public Library
4:30 p.m.
This book club is for older kids (grades 6-12). Participants can pick up a copy of “Seraphina and the Black Cloak” at the Circulation Desk to borrow and discuss in January. There will also be time to share what they are currently reading.
Jan. 8, 15, 11, 29 | 2-fer Fridays, Seven Oaks Recreation near Boone
Enjoy some winter fun on Friday nights with a two-for-one special. Buy one lift ticket and get a second for free on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Skiing under the lights is always a special memory.
Jan. 8 | Virtual Storytime, Des Moines Public Library
Hop on Facebook for a very silly storytime with Miss Maddie! Listen to a couple of silly stories and enjoy jokes.
Jan. 9, 16, 23 | DIY Workshop, AR Workshop
10 a.m.
Plan a girls’ day at AR Workshop and make a personalized keepsake for your home.
Jan. 13 & 27 | Lactation Support Group, Sacred Health
10:30 a.m.
If you’re a new mom who could use some support and advice on latching, pumping, and feeding styles, don’t miss this support group. Connect with other lactating people. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Jan. 13 | Among Us Teen Zoom Hang Out, Johnston Public Library
2:30 p.m.
Do your big kids (grades 6 and up) love to play Among Us with friends? Give them an opportunity to hang out on Zoom and play one of the hottest new games.
Jan. 19 | Focaccia Bread Virtual Class, Cooking with Alessandra
This is the year to learn some new cooking skills. Check out the variety of Italian cooking classes available. If this virtual class doesn’t work for your schedule, there are lots of other options (including to-go classes that include all the ingredients and instructions).
Jan. 23-24 | The “Triple” & Tchaikovsky 4, Des Moines Civic Center
If you’ve been missing live music and culture, here is a chance for a night out at the Civic Center with the Des Moines Symphony. Tickets range from $15 to $75.
Jan. 28-31 | Okoboji Winter Games, Okoboji
Need a little getaway? Head to northwest Iowa’s favorite lake destination for winter games and fun. From ping pong challenges to broomball tournaments, there is fun for the whole family.
Jan. 30 | Kids in the Kitchen, Iowa State Fair Online Class
Let your kiddos learn about the science of foods and how to safely prepare food from the ISU Culinary Science Club. Participants will learn basic knife skills while practicing food safety. Cost is $10 for the class. You will need to gather all the supplies on your own before class begins.
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, as COVID guidelines are changing week to week, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
