Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend: March 31st – April 2nd
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.
Friday Funday Presents The Three Little Pigs
Friday, March 31st
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM
Des Moines Playhouse – Des Moines, IA
“Once upon a time, there were three smart and sassy pigs, and one big, bad wolf. Will the pigs overcome their differences long enough to work together, so that Operation Wolf Removal can succeed? Find out!”
Interactive Theatre Shows for Children Ages 4-6! Great for preschools, child care centers, kindergarten classes, and families. Join the Adventure Clubhouse and the Playhouse Gang each month as they dramatize a favorite story using their imaginations and the costume pieces and props they find in their Magic Trunk. Children learn the Clubhouse pledge and secret handshake, and listen for the word of the day.
Reading Ruckus
Friday, March 31st
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Clive Public Library Harbach Center – Clive, IA
Join Friday afternoon at 4:30 at the Clive Public Library Harbach Center for an energetic story time! Each Reading Ruckus has a different theme of stories and songs to make you laugh out loud and jump around! Elementary school-age children are invited to attend on their own, and of course, entire families are always welcome!
Night Hike
Friday, March 31st
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Jester Park Nature Center – Granger, IA
Join Jester Park Nature Center for a campfire program and learn all about the wild nightlife that lives in Jester Park. A short hike will follow as the group searches for some of the nocturnal animals in the area. Stay for s’mores! Registration is required by March 30th. This program is for ages 5 and older.
Easterfest
Saturday, April 1st + Sunday, April 2nd
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Howells Greenhouse and Pumpkins – Cumming, IA
Are you tired of egg hunts with the pushing and shoving and the mass chaos? Visit Howell’s for their “Chaos Free” Egg Hunt. No bucket or bags needed for the hunt. They provide an egg carton to collect empty eggs to then be redeemed for prizes. Every child will go home with something! Busy in the morning? That’s ok. The egg hunt is an ALL DAY event. Once you have collected your eggs you can play and enjoy the playground. Admission for activities for the day is $10 per child (plus tax). Admission includes egg hunt and unlimited playground time. $8 per Adults (plus tax). They will have concessions available and the Easter Bunny will be hopping around for photo opportunities!
Ugly Duckling
Saturday, April 1st
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Temple Theater – Des Moines, IA
“Meet the most unusual duckling the pond has ever seen!
In their nest at the edge of a pond, the baby ducklings wait impatiently for Mummy’s enormous egg to hatch. But their new brother doesn’t look like everyone else. He doesn’t even quack like a proper duckling!
Teased and called Ugly by his siblings, our hero goes on an adventure in search of a place to fit in. As the woodland trees change from dark weathered branches to silver sticks of frost, the lost and lonely fledgling hides in brushwood and stares skyward at the migrating swans, yearning to belong and marvelling at their beauty…. Where does he really belong?”
Trout Day
Saturday, April 1st
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Waukee Triumph Park – Waukee, IA
Reel in a fun time with Trout Day at Triumph fishing event on April 1! Watch the Iowa Department of Natural Resources stock the pond at Triumph Park with beautiful trout, including several pre-tagged fish for prizes generously donated by Scheels and Bass Pro Shops.
Entry is FREE, and all ages are invited. Cast off the shore or the ADA-accessible fishing pier. Don’t forget your fishing license, trout stamp and a cooler to take your catch home!
Geocache Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 1st
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Jester Park Nature Center – Granger, IA
Learn how to use a GPS and go search the park to find nests of hidden eggs, collecting prizes and candy along the way. Especially keep an eye out for the “golden egg” worth a very special prize! Registration deadline is March 29th. This event is designed for ages 3-14.
Wild Lights Festival
Saturday, April 1st + Sunday, April 2nd
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Blank Park Zoo – Des Moines, IA
The Blank Park Zoo Wild Lights Festival is presented by MidAmerican Energy Company. Each year the zoo is covered with light displays all over and there is always something new to see. New for 2023 visitors will be in awe of the 75-foot-long sunflower tunnel and a giant 33-foot-wide octopus. Blank Park Zoo has partnered with Tianyu Arts & Culture to bring a new theme that highlights Asian culture and includes Asian mythical creatures, Asian lanterns, and so much more.
Adel Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 2nd
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Kinnick-Feller Riverside Park – Adel, IA
Join Adel Kiwanis Club for an egg hunt, Easter Bunny, firetrucks, prizes and more! Bring a nonperishables for The Good Samaritan Food Pantry. Free will donations will also be accepted for The Adel Kiwanis Club. All donations are disbursed within the ADM community!
Pucks ‘N Paws
Sunday, April 2nd
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wells Fargo Arena – Des Moines, IA
Bring your furry friend to experience Iowa Wild with Pucks ‘N Paws! Each dog needs to have a waiver filled out. If you purchase your ticket using the link provided, $2 is donated to the AHEINZ57 Pet Rescue & Transport, presented by Tito’s. Doggos must be leashed and seated in the four paws friendly seating section. The first 400 dogs in the building will receive an Iowa Wild rope toy courtesy of Fleet Farm!
