Who loves family fun? We do!! From to-go craft kits you can complete at home to live performances and outdoor activities, there is big fun packed into a short month.
Want to get outside? Don’t miss our Guide to Winter Fun and our Winter Bucket List for tons of ideas for family fun.
What to do in Des Moines
Feb 1-28 | Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center has reopened to the public. Tickets are free but you must reserve a ticket online ahead of time to ensure social distancing.
Feb 1-28 | Greater Des Moines Botanical Center
A great way to warm up and beat the winter doldrums is to visit the Botanical Center. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday. Cost is $10 for adults and $7 for kids 4-17. Free admission is available through the Museums for All program with your EBT card and ID for up to four people.
Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 | Storytime To Go Kits, Johnston Public Library
Each Tuesday you can swing by Johnston Public Library to pick up a storytime craft and activity kit. Kits will be available between 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays while supplies last. This activity is geared toward kids ages 2-6.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 | Skyhawks Virtual Hoopster Tots, Ankeny Parks and Rec (virtual)
12:30 p.m.-1:15p.m.
Learning basketball has never been more fun for ages 3 to 5. This virtual class brings games and lessons into your living room, ensuring an enriching and active experience for your child. Kids will have a blast and parents will come away with great new family activities. Zoom video link will be emailed prior to the program start date.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 | 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!
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 | 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.
Feb 3-28 | 1900 Farm Dinner, Living History Farms
Go back in time to experience life on an Iowa farm in 1900. Living History Farm staff welcomes guests with a horse-drawn wagon ride to the farm house, where they cozy up to the wood-burning stove and enjoy a hearty meal.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 | 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.
Feb. 5 | Iowa Wild Opening Night
Cheer on Des Moines’ local AHL hockey team in their opening night at Wells Fargo Arena. See their COVID-19 Game Day procedures here.
Feb 6 | Virtual Magic Academy with The Amazing Max, Des Moines Performing Arts
11 a.m.
Prepare for lots of laughs and magic as your kids watch the Amazing Max in a live experience. Tickets are $20 per device from dmpa.org.
Feb 8 | Good Time Gang to Go, Urbandale Parks and Rec
This winter you can request a special delivery from the Good Time Gang. Each delivery will include 3 to 4 specially-themed crafts, activities, songs, and more! You will need to supply some basic supplies like markers, glue, and crayons. Your Good Time Gang activities will be dropped off at your front door with contactless delivery.
Feb 10-13 | Zoo Tots, Blank Park Zoo
Sign up for in-person or virtual classes with the zoo. There are many options to fit your family’s preferences. Or if you prefer to learn at your own pace, order a Blank Park Zoo STEM Box, with a specially-crafted box with an animal-related STEM project.
Feb. 11 | Virtual Trivia Night, Des Moines Parks and Rec (adults only)
Make it a date night at home or assemble a team of your friends to put your knowledge to the test with a mix of general questions. The event is hosted by The Rook Room and takes place on Zoom. Teams are limited to six or fewer participants. Cost is $20 per team.
Feb 13 | Red Flannel Run, Wellmark YMCA
The Red Flannel Run is the unofficial start of the running season in Des Moines. All proceeds benefit the YMCA. Costumes encouraged!
Feb 19-21| Leaving Iowa, Des Moines Playhouse
Plan a date night to attend this live performance in person or stream it from home. The play is an outlandish take on the classic family road trip. Leaving Iowa is the story of writer Don who returns home to find a final resting place for his father’s ashes. Tickets are $29.
Feb. 19 | Virtual Storytime, Des Moines Public Library (virtual)
Hop on Facebook for a very silly storytime with Miss Maddie! Listen to a couple of silly stories and enjoy jokes.
Feb. 20 | Frozen Frolic, Waveland Golf Course
Runners can get out for a fun cross country race (2.1 miles) on the Waveland Golf Course. There will be a socially-distanced start, prizes for top finishers, and free ice scrapers for all participants who register here. Cost is $35.
Feb. 20-March 7 | Mountain Goat Mountain, Des Moines Performing Arts
Experience a virtual theater adventure from the Australian theater company Threshold that the whole family would enjoy. Tickets start at $10 per device from dmpa.org.
Feb. 26-28 | Stuart Little, Des Moines Playhouse
You can attend this live performance in person or stream it from home. The play is about a mouse living in a human world that’s full of adventures. This performance is intended for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $15.
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.
