Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

by Molly Johnson

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:

Friday, January 23rd 2026 – Sunday, January 25th 2026

Every weekend there are amazing Fun Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa! We have created a list of what we think are the most fun, most interesting family events in the Des Moines area this weekend – so you can have the best time together!

The page will be updated every week so be sure to come back and see what great kids’ events we have coming up for the weekend in Des Moines. Take a look at our full FREE, extensive event calendar to plan your weeks and days in Des Moines, Iowa.

Play + Do

Friday, January 23, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Blank Park Zoo – Des Moines, IA

Explore Play + Do, offered Friday through Monday, now through March. This interactive space is perfect for families looking to take a break, get creative, and let kids burn off some energy during their zoo visit. Play + Do is included with general admission and located inside the Discovery Center Waterlab. Learn More or Register Today

Friday Afterwork (Adults Only Open Studio)

Friday, January 23, 2026
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Studio #211 at Mainframe Studios – Des Moines, IA

Unwind after a long week with a relaxed, creative night at Studio #211. Choose from sample designs or create your own canvas with guidance from a local artist. This adults-only open studio is BYOB, making it the perfect DIY happy hour. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. Learn More or Register Today

Open Roller Skate

Friday, January 23, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Skate South – Des Moines, IA

Roll into the weekend at Skate South during open skating night! With a full-size rink, arcade games, concessions, and energetic DJs, this is a classic Friday night activity for families and friends of all ages. Learn More or Register Today

80s Ski Party

Friday, January 23, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Paws & Pints – Des Moines, IA

Bundle up and break out the neon for this retro winter party! Enjoy glow foam fun for pups, a shot ski and winter drink specials for humans, and throwback hits with DJ Lizz. It’s a high-energy night of music, lights, and fun for dogs and their people. Learn More or Register Today

Iowa Bike Expo

Saturday, January 24, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Iowa Events Center – Des Moines, IA

Cycling enthusiasts of all levels are invited to the Iowa Bike Expo, one of the Midwest’s largest one-day bike shows. Explore the latest bikes and gear, attend educational demos, and connect with the biking community during this inspiring event! Learn More or Register Today

Model Trains

Saturday & Sunday, January 24–25, 2026
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
West Des Moines Library – West Des Moines, IA

Stop by the library this weekend to see DesMoinNTrak’s impressive N-scale working train layout. This all-ages event also includes a fun train-themed craft in the Children’s Department. No registration required. Learn More or Register Today

Hobby Day

Saturday, January 24, 2026
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Grimes Public Library – Grimes, IA

Explore new interests and creative outlets at Hobby Day! Local hobbyists and enthusiast groups will be on-site showcasing everything from arts and crafts to gaming and collecting. Drop in and discover a new hobby to love. Learn More or Register Today

Parents’ Night Out

Saturday, January 24, 2026
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RecPlex – West Des Moines, IA

Enjoy a night out while your kids enjoy a fun, supervised evening at RecPlex. This popular program offers parents peace of mind and kids a safe space to play and connect. Register your kids for this fun event! Learn More or Register Today

Winter Nights: Zoo Brew Pop-Up

Saturday, January 24, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Blank Park Zoo – Des Moines, IA

Beat the winter blues with local brews, live music from BitterSweet Nation, and cozy igloos at this Zoo Brew Pop-Up. The first 200 guests receive a free koozie, and tastings are available from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM inside the Discovery Center. Learn More or Register Today

Circus of Bubbles LIVE!

Saturday, January 24, 2026
7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Franklin Events Center – Des Moines, IA

Circus of Bubbles brings giant bubbles, physical comedy, and interactive fun to the stage in this all-ages live show. It’s a magical experience filled with laughter and jaw-dropping bubble creations the whole family will enjoy! Learn More or Register Today

Iowa Reptile Show

Sunday, January 25, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Hilton Garden Inn – West Des Moines, IA

Explore reptiles, exotic animals, and supplies at the Iowa Reptile Show! Tickets are available at the door, kids 4 and under are free, and VIP entry allows early access starting at 9:00 AM. Buy, sell, or trade this weekend in Des Moines! Learn More or Register Today

Pop-Up Food and Board Game Day

Sunday, January 25, 2026
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Moxie Events – Des Moines, IA

Join Moxie Events for a monthly, family-friendly board game day featuring food from DSM Pasta Co. and a huge selection of games from The Dealt Hand. Staff will help recommend and teach games for all ages and experience levels. Learn More or Register Today

Jazzy Ash & The Leaping Lizards

Sunday, January 25, 2026
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Des Moines Civic Center – Des Moines, IA

Enjoy New Orleans jazz for the whole family with Jazzy Ash and her band. This lively performance highlights traditional songs, rhythms, and stories passed down through generations in a joyful, engaging concert experience. Learn More or Register Today

Free Trial Guitar Lesson

Sunday, January 25, 2026
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Arrow Academy of Music – Urbandale, IA

This free in-person guitar discovery lesson is perfect for beginners ages 10-13. Families will meet accredited instructors, explore group learning, tour the studio, and learn what next steps could look like for young musicians! Learn More or Register Today