Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

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Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:

March, 15th 2024 – March 17th 2024

Every weekend there are amazing 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.

More seasonal favorites from Des Moines Parent:

CHANCE ART: Creativity Workshop 

Friday, March 15th

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

Mainframe Studios #211- Des Moines, IA

This workshop offers painting prompts and simple tools for participants to get a composition started, letting the art piece grow and making conscious decisions in the end to finish your artwork. Led by local artist Teri Templeton Cadman, each student will have the chance to get hands on and express their inner artist and creativity! Register today! Learn More or Register Here

Coffee Date Storytimes

Friday, March 15th

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Storyhouse Bookpub – Des Moines, IA

Head on over to East Village Friday morning for $1 off coffee at Daisy Chain if you mention Storytime! At 10:30 be ready for storytime to start at Storyhouse Bookpub where it will be set up for parents and caregivers to relax, leisurely browse, sit and chat, while the kiddos enjoy reading, practicing fine motor skills, and singing along with Tiffany. End the morning session by heading over to Raygun to make fun art at the craft table in Tiny Raygun! Learn More or Register Here

Friday Flicks

Friday, March 15th

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

West Des Moines Public Library – Des Moines, IA

No registration required for this movie day! Join the West Des Moines Public Library for a movie showing! Arrive a little early to get settled in, showtime starts at 1:30 PM! This Friday, check out The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Rated PG, 1h 33min). Popcorn and water will be provided, or you may bring your own snack and covered drink (no peanut butter products) Parents and guardians are responsible for determining if each movie is appropriate for their children. Learn More or Register Here

Dome After Dark

Friday, March 15th

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden – Des Moines, IA

Attend this event while you can! Dome After Dark series ends for the season at the end of March! See the conservatory and Gardeners Show House illuminated with unique and colorful lighting at this family-friendly event! The perfect date night, girls’ night out, or unique and memorable outing with friends and family, Dome After Dark is an event you’ll want to keep coming back to! Pre-registration is required. Learn More or Register Here

St. Patrick’s Day Party

Saturday, March 16th

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Shop DSM – Des Moines, IA

Join The Shop DSM for a full day of fun! Hosted by IAFF Local 4, they can’t wait to celebrate year 2 with you! Free Parking available in the public lot across the street. Activities will include a Pancake Breakfast, Kids Activities, Touch the Truck, Face Painting, Keg Beer and more! Learn More or Register Here.

Des Moines St. Paddy’s Day Marathon & Half Marathon

Saturday, March 16th

7:30 AM – 11:00 AM – Des Moines, IA

Downtown Des Moines – Des Moines, IA

Get ready to Run..the DSM Paddy’s Day Marathon! Run or walk for a cause, take on a challenge with your family, or show the kiddos you’ve still got it! Join the fun and more this St. Patrick’s weekend! Learn More or Register Here.

Dig Into Gardening Symposium

Saturday, March 16th

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

FFA Enrichment Center – Ankeny, IA

Dig into Gardening will feature a unique opportunity in our area to meet and network with over 200 local gardeners, horticulture field experts and professionals! Grab your tickets and join at the beautiful FFA Enrichment Center for a day filled with education, horticulture, and so much gardening fun! Learn More or Register Here.

Cirque Kids

Saturday, March 16th 

10:00 AM – 10:50 AM

Cirque Wonderland Studios – West Des Moines, IA

Students ages 7-14 can experience the joy of circus arts at this non-progressive class with Cirque Wonderland Studios! Typically this class is enjoyed by students 11 and under or those with more youthful spirits. They create a fun and dynamic atmosphere and emphasize the joy of movement, play, and games. Pre-registration is required. Learn More or Register Here.

Leprechaun Trap Quest

Saturday, March 16th 

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Valley Junction Activity Center – West Des Moines, IA

Join STEAM STARZ at the Valley Junction Activity Center for their next ‘Me and My Adult Class,’ featuring a Leprechaun Trap Quest. This whimsical class will inspire creativity while families work together to create a Rube Goldberg- inspired leprechaun trap. Learn More or Register Here.

Learn on Saturdays

Saturday, March 16th

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden – Des Moines, IA 

Join the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for Learn on Saturdays, a weekly educational lecture series presented by experts from across the state of Iowa. Sessions begin at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Learn More or Register Here.

Entirely Kids Day: Africa

Saturday, March 16th

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Des Moines Art Center – Des Moines, IA

“While the world is a big and fascinating place, art and culture bring people of the world closer together. Designed for art lovers of any age, Entirely Kids Day: Africa is a free event inviting visitors to explore the museum and participate in hands on activities, dance, music, and more inspired by the Art Center’s current exhibition, ‘States of Becoming.’” Learn More or Register Here.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 16th

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Downtown Des Moines – Des Moines, IA

Learn More or Register Here.

Join the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Des Moines, Iowa! Get ready to paint the town green and celebrate Irish culture at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Des Moines, presented by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Central Iowa! This family-friendly event is filled with fun, music, and excitement for all ages. See spectacular parade floats showcasing Irish heritage and traditions, live performances by traditional Irish dancers and musicians, delicious food and beverages at the after party.

It’s Your Lucky Day

Sunday, March 17th

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Pied Piper Studios – Urbandale, IA

Miss Jenn is warming up her bagpipes! Join Pied Piper Studios for one of their all ages 45-minute Musical Playdates. Overflowing with lucky songs, dances, pretend play, & more, this playdate is enriching and engaging. Slide down the rainbow, find a pot of gold, dance a leprechaun jig, and enjoy some group drumming. Your time at Pied Piper includes a child-friendly bagpiping demonstration. Recommended age range: 6 months – 5 years, with a caregiver. Learn More or Register Here.

Jamming with JouJou: Concerts for Kids

Sunday, March 17th

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

JouJou DSM – Des Moines, IA

“Lani is March’s Jamming with JouJou musical artist! Lani is a Colombian-American singer/songwriter and self-taught keyboardist and accordion player based in Des Moines, Iowa. Always at her disposal have been her catchy melodies and lyrical hooks, with a delicate yet powerful voice that has the power to touch every heart it comes across. With the incorporation of South American rhythms and instruments, such as mambo, cumbia, and vallenato, Lani brings a new flavor of rhythm and spicy Latino flavor to her compositions.” Learn More or Register Here.

St. Patrick’s Day Family Glow Bowling

Sunday, March 17th

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Warrior Lanes – Waukee, IA

Join Warrior Lanes in Waukee, Iowa for their monthly Family Friendly Bowling Party! These parties are a blast and feature Glow-In-The-Dark Bowling, Mom-Approved Music, Food, Fun, (alcohol free) and of course…..your family! Reserve your lanes today! Learn More or Register Here.

Botanical Blues

Sunday, March 17th

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden – Des Moines, IA

“ Ducharme-Jones performances are dynamic and engaging, featuring the songwriting of Dave and Annie Ducharme-Jones. They cross genres, crafting songs that are lyrical with a little hook to create a connection between the artists and their audience. Both are Iowa natives who moved to San Francisco and later migrated to Austin, Texas before finding their way back to the Midwest.” Learn More or Register Here

Saint Patrick’s Day Paw-ty

Sunday, March 17th

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Paws & Pints – Des Moines, IA

Saint Patrick’s Day Paw-ty at Paws & Pints! Dress in your favorite shade of green, and bring your furry friends along for this St. Paddy’s Day Celebration! Enjoy a day of paw-some games, activities, and mingling with fellow pet lovers. Indulge in $3 Domestics & $15 Beer Buckets. Plus, specially crafted St. Patrick’s Day drink specials for the humans! Learn More or Register Here.

GPS Pot O’Gold

Sunday, March 17th

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

MacRae Park – Des Moines, IA 

Join Des Moines Parks and Recreation and explore the parks using a little bit of technology to guide you along the way! There will be 2 rotations for this event, the first rotation starts at 1:00 p.m. and the second rotation at 3:00 p.m. For this program, temporary geocaches have been hidden in the park for you to try and find. Participants will be taught how to navigate to the locations using a handheld GPS. After some basic instructions you will be sent into the park to look for the geocaches at your own pace. Each geocache will have a small prize for you to collect and some natural history information about the location. Test your skill and your “Luck” and see what kind of “Gold” you will find. Registration is required for this event. Learn More or Register Here.

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Molly Johnson

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