
Groups and organizations of Des Moines are coming together to celebrate our youngest members. The annual celebration, Week of the Young Child will take place Sunday, April 23rd through Friday, April 28th. The week is designated to the needs of young children and their families. It is a great way for families to recognize what early childhood programs and services are needed for our younger children.
Art Sample at the Art Center
Sunday, April 23rd; 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.| Des Moines Art Center
Families are invited to attend a fun-filled afternoon of art activities designed for early learners ages 2–5. Enjoy a variety of hands-on art experiences throughout the studios and explore the museum. Families with children of all ages are invited to attend! Light refreshments will be available
Simple Steps to Success Celebration
Monday, April 24th; 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.| Central Library
A free family event at the Central Library. Five fun activity stations will be set up around the library’s Simple Steps to Success program-Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk. There will also be a Community Resource Fair with freebies, snacks, games, and more.
Play and Learn
Tuesday, April 25th; 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.| Taylor Preschool
A variety of play-based activities for children ages 0-8 years and an adult. Includes a storytime, snack and a free book to keep!
Play and Learn
Wednesday, April 26th; 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.| Mitchell Preschool
A variety of play-based activities for children ages 0-8 years and an adult. Includes a storytime, snack and a free book to keep!
Science Center Day
Wednesday, April 26th; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.| Science Center of Iowa
Free child (ages 0-5) admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. Once admitted, people can stay as long as they wish. Families must mention WOYC at the admission desk to receive the discount. SCI will be hosting special activities for young children all day.
Play and Learn
Thursday, April 27th; 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.| Carver Elementary
A variety of play-based activities for children ages 0-8 years and an adult. Includes a storytime, snack and a free book to keep!
Blank Park Zoo Day
Thursday, April 27th; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.| Blank Park Zoo
Free child admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. Families must mention WOYC at the admission desk to receive the discount. The Zoo will also be hosting special activities for young children at the zoo from 1-3 PM. This will include nature play and zoo tunes music activities.
Family Friday
Friday, April 28th
Celebrate with your family! Share your family’s celebration on social media with the hashtag #woyc17 and on the Facebook page “Mid Iowa AEYC”!
Erin Huiatt
Erin is a reliable resource and stepping stone for women and families to find support and make connections within our community. She wants families to feel confident to reach out and ask for help and advice to get pointed in the right direction. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her two children in tow!