Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

by Molly Johnson

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:

April, 26th 2024 – April 28th 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.

Central Campus Plant Sale

Friday, April 26th

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Central Campus Des Moines Public School – Des Moines, IA

The Central Campus Horticulture students have been hard at work preparing the best products for this event! They are selling perennials, annuals, hanging basket varieties, veggie starts, herbs, houseplants, and more! Come support your local students and enjoy the best plant sale of the year! Be sure to check out other sale dates. Learn More or Register Here.

Open Studio: Mini Canvas Painting

Friday, April 26th

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Studio #211 at Mainframe Studios – Des Moines, IA

Join local artist Teri Templeton Cadman in studio 211 at Mainframe Studios in downtown Des Moines. This open studio project is great for kids and adults! Open Studio is the perfect time to try painting for the first time or for those who enjoy painting but don’t have all the supplies on hand. Pop in and have creative fun with Teri! Learn More or Register Here.

Words on Wheels Celebration!

Friday, April 26th

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

West Des Moines Public Library – West Des Moines, IA

West Des Moines Public Library is happy to introduce their new Words on Wheels vehicle! Stop by the library’s front parking lot between 2:00 – 6:00 PM on April 26th for vehicle tours and giveaways of library swag! Kate’s Kookies Cookies will also be in attendance selling cookies to those who stop through! A special ribbon cutting will be hosted at 4:00 PM. Learn More or Register Here.

CaddyStacks: Mini-Golf in the Library

Friday, April 26th & Saturday 27th

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Norwalk Easter Public Library – Norwalk, IA

Join Norwalk Easter Public Library Foundation as they tee off their mini-golf fundraiser, Caddystacks! Join this event for a special silent auction fundraiser on Friday night and grab your ticket to tee off! Ticket includes access to the mini-golf course, participation in contests, and tournament play for cool prizes. Adults are also able to enjoy beer and wine will be available for purchase at the cash bar and free appetizers. Be sure to attend dressed in your wackiest golf attire for a special prize. Families are invited to play through on Saturday, April 27th, between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, compliments of the NEPL Foundation. Free popcorn and selfie booth available, as well as a special appearance from Scribbles, the library mascot. Learn More or Register Here.

Borrow a Baby + Come to JouJou

Saturday, April 27th

8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

JouJou DSM – Des Moines, IA

Have a sister(in-law), friend, cousin, or coworker you have been trying to catch up with – but life with little ones feels tricky to meet up? This event is for you two! Grab your gal pal and littles (under age 5) and head to JouJou DSM! Enjoy play for the kids, light food and beverages, and mini bouquets for a take home. Want to give your friend a couple hours to herself? Give mom a break; borrow that little one and join the fun! Learn More or Register Here.

Fiberfest

Saturday, April 27th

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Franklin Jr High – Des Moines, IA

The Des Moines Weavers and Spinners Guild hosts Fiberfest every April in Des Moines, IA. This year attendees can enjoy classes, explore vendors featuring their woven and spun wares, see Angora bunnies, and the camaraderie of meeting up with guild members and other fiber enthusiasts! Learn More or Register Here.

NAPA Ribbon Cutting Event & Showcase

Saturday, April 27th

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

NAPA Auto Parts – Grimes, IA

Help welcome the new members of the Grimes Chamber or Commerce with a Ribbon Cutting to go along with the Grand Opening of NAPA Auto Parts in Grimes, Iowa. Roll into NAPA for grand opening festivities including food trucks, a Milwaukee Tool event, kids activities, and see Chase Elliott’s No. 9 NAPA Chevy on showcase! The ribbon cutting ceremony will start at 10:00 AM. Learn More or Register Here.

Spring Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, April 27th

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Historic Valley Junction – West Des Moines, IA

Great items at great prices! Find just what you’re looking for at the Valley Junction Spring Sidewalk Sale! Many shops will have discounted and clearance items on sale outside their storefronts. Valley Junction features local businesses and restaurants in a vibrant and historic region of West Des Moines. Shop outside at the many participating merchants, eat at one of their top-notch restaurants, or make something at one of the many DIY studios in the junction! Learn More or Register Here.

Birds and Bagel

Saturday, April 27th

7:00 AM – 9:00 AM

The Brenton Arboretum – Dallas Center, IA

Join bird expert John Bissell for an amazing walking adventure to discover all the species of birds that live at the arboretum. John will begin your adventure at the Vista Room and will take you on a guided hike through the entire property to hopefully see many species of birds. Be sure to bring you binoculars to this event! Learn More or Register Here.

Kites & The Science of Flight

Saturday, April 27th

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Jester Park Nature Center – Granger, IA

Build your own simple kite and explore the science of flight with Jester Park Nature Center and Polk County Conservation! As a group you will also discuss the remarkable adaptations birds have developed in order to take flight. Together assemble and decorate a small kite and send them afloat for a fun ending to the lesson. Each registered individual will receive a kite. Learn More or Register Here.

Wildflower Hike

Saturday, April 27th

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Thomas Mitchell Park – Mitchellville, IA

Join a Polk County Conservation naturalist and enjoy a lovely spring day for a walk in the woods. Then, they’ll take you on a leisurely stroll to identify and discuss some of Iowa’s native woodland wildflowers. Together you will also discover other plants and maybe even a coveted fungus! All ages are invited to register for this event! Learn More or Register Here.

Story Walk

Sunday, April 28th

8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale, IA

The StoryWalk Project’s mission is to promote early literacy, physical activity, and family time together in nature! Check out Urbandale’s StoryWalk this season by taking a walk around Walker Johnston Park. There are 20 posts you can follow along with on the trail and read along as you go! Check out the current StoryWalk book, Big Dance by Aoife Greenham, featured through the end of April! What story will they feature next? Learn More or Register Here.

Free Trial Piano Lesson

Sunday, April 28th

5:15 PM – 6:00 PM

Arrow Academy of Music – Urbandale, IA

During your free trial, learn how Arrow Academy’s unique piano lessons can benefit you and your child. Use this time to ask questions about Arrow Academy and see how their courses will help develop your child’s skills! Learn More or Register Here.