Summer Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Events in Des Moines 2024
There are lots of fun summer events and activities scheduled in the Des Moines Metro that are inclusive for all families. Check out our list of events whether you are looking for sensory times for reduced noise and crowds, adaptive sports, support groups, or even interaction with animals.
Bookmark these other sensory friendly guides:
- Blank Park Zoo – Sensory Friendly Place in Des Moines
- Riverview Park Inclusive Playground in Des Moines
- Accessible and Inclusive Parks in the Des Moines Metro
- Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Fun in Des Moines
June
Sensory Spaces
Where: Grimes Public Library
When: June 2nd from Noon to 1 p.m.
Attend outside of the regular library hours to experience a quieter browsing experience.
Little Explorers
Where: Des Moines South Side Library
When: June 7th from 10 to 11 a.m.
Designed for children 0-5, learn and play with a variety of sensory activities. Wear play clothes that you don’t mind getting messy.
Sensory Friendly Day at the Ballpark
Where: The Iowa Cubs at Principal Park
When: June 9th at 1:08 p.m.
In partnership with the Iowa Cubs, ChildServe, and the Autism Society of Iowa, enjoy the first Sensory Friendly Day at the Ballpark presented with children, teens, and adults with autism or sensory processing disorders in mind. There will be decreased sounds and motions as able, educational areas, directional signage, trained volunteers, engaging activities with movement, and calming rooms staffed by ChildServe therapists. After the game, those in attendance can run the bases.
Love You Des Moines Days
Where: Valley Community Center
When: June 10th-14
This annual 10-day celebration provides over 400 FREE activities for all ages including sports, art, health, cooking and so much more. Join Des Moines Parent for Daily Scavenger Hunts and a meet-up at the playground. They have fun activities planned for families and individuals with special needs including:
Monday, June 10th:
- 9-11:30 AM: Intro into Young Athlete Play Days with Special Olympics of Iowa (ages 2 to 7)
- 10:30-11:15 AM: Kickboxing for Adults with Special Needs (Ages 18 +)
Tuesday, June 11th:
- 3-4:00 PM: United Sports Day with Special Olympics (ages 8+)
- 7:30-9:00 PM: Dad’s Night Out: Games and Grilling for Dads of Children with Special Needs
Wednesday, June 12th:
- 6:30-8:00 PM: Mani’s for Moms of Children with Special Needs
Friday, June 14th:
- Hand-in-Hand Connect Events for Individuals with Special Needs
Try it Tuesday
Where: Athene North Shore Recreation Area
When: June 11th from 10 a.m. to Noon
Athene North Shore Recreation Area is the most accessible waterfront in Iowa. Join the group for Try it Tuesday for a trail walk or roll to explore the accessible trails around the park. No registration is required.
Pose and Play
Where: Athene North Shore Recreation Area
When: June 13, June 27, July 18th and August 1
Time: 9:00-10:00 AM
Attend a Yoga class for children with stretching, games, and mindfulness. The class is inclusive to all and can be accommodated for children of all abilities.
Sensory Play Hour: Outdoor Fun
Where: Des Moines South Side Library
When: June 18th from 4 to 5 p.m.
Enjoy sensory exploration activities outside this hour for ages birth-preschool and children.
Inside Out Craft Night
Where: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
When: June 24 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Celebrate the release of the movie Inside Out 2 by making sensory bottles based on the emotions of the film. Targeted for birth-preschool and children. Register for this event on their website.
Sensory Friendly Play Time
Where: Des Moines Children’s Museum
When: June 28th from 5 to 6 p.m.
The Iowa State Football players will be attending this play time for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities and their families. There will be sensory bins, communication boards, and a low-light calming space.
Public Landfill Tour
Location: Metro Park East Landfill in Mitchelville
When: June 29 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Enjoy a behind the scenes driving tour of Metro Park East Landfill to learn where your garbage goes after it leaves the curb, how yard waste is turned into compost and what happens to discarded appliances. The 30-minute tour will conclude with a scavenger hunt and a garbage truck and other large equipment can be viewed.
July
Little Explorers
Where: Franklin Avenue Library
When: July 5th from 10 to 11 a.m.
Designed for children 0-5, learn and play with a variety of sensory activities. Wear play clothes that you don’t mind getting messy.
Sensory Friendly Film: Despicable Me 4
Where: B&B Theatres Ankeny
When: July 7 at 9:15 AM
This Sensory Friendly show has lowered volume for those sensitive to sound and brighter lights for those that may not be comfortable sitting in a darker movie.
Outdoor Recreation Days
Where: Athene North Shore Recreation Center
When: June 15, August 17, September 7
Time: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Adaptive Sports and Athene North Shore Recreation Center teamed up to offer Outdoor Recreation Days for those to gather with friends and other people with disabilities. Lunch will be provided. The event is free but visit the website to register.
Sensory Play Hour
Where: Des Moines South Side Library
When: July 16th from 4 to 5 p.m.
Enjoy sensory exploration activities for ages birth-preschool and children. Stations for each activity will be set up around the room as well as sensory-friendly tools such as noise-reduction headphones, wobble cushions, weighted blankets, and fidgets.
Sensory Friendly Playtime
Where: Des Moines Children’s Museum
When: July 26th from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Participate in this sensory-friendly play time for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities and their families. There will be sensory bins, communication boards, and a low-light calming space.
40/34 Equal Access Festival
Where: Athene North Shore Recreation Area with Disability Rights Iowa
When: July 27th from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate Disability Rights Iowa’s 40th anniversary of advocating for Iowans with disabilities and the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Register and view the event schedule on their website.
Youth Leadership Academy (YLA)
Iowa DD Council
Virtual Training with graduation ceremony virtual or in Des Moines
When: July 29-August 2nd 2024 from 10 a.m. to Noon
Youth Leadership Academy teaches students with disabilities ages 14-21 leadership and advocacy skills. It’s a chance for peers with disabilities to network and receive mentoring. The session will include 8-12 students. They will need to be recommended for the academy. See their website for details and to share information for the letter of recommendation.
Application and Letters of Recommendation are due by June 17, 2024.
August
Iowa State Fair: Sensory-Friendly Morning
Where: Iowa State Fair
When: August 14 at 8 a.m. to Noon
In partnership with Drake University and ChildServe, the 3rd annual Sensory-Friendly Morning will have programming modifications, educational areas, directional signage and trained volunteers. The “Calm Your Body Room” provides adjustable lighting, fidgets, coloring sheets, fidgets and comfortable chairs for those needing a break from the sounds, smells and sights. The “Move Your Body Room” provides active sensory activities like an obstacle course, jumping and bouncing on therapy balls. The rooms will be staffed by ChildServe occupational therapists.
Click here to get their Sensory-Friendly Guide.
Sensory Friendly Playtime
Where: Des Moines Children’s Museum
When: August 23rd from 5 to 6 p.m.
Participate in this Sensory Friendly play time for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities and their families. There will be sensory bins, communication boards, and a low-light calming space.
Multiple Dates:
Sensory Swim Time
Where: Birdland Pool AND Ashworth Pool
When: Starting June 2nd and then EVERY Sunday this Summer from Noon to 12:45 p.m.
Sensory Swim Time will provide families with a sensory-friendly environment that will be quieter and more relaxing. It will be held without music, jets, fountains, or spray features. This will be held every Sunday this Summer!
Note: No Sensory Swim Time at Birdland Pool on 6/19 due to a swim meet.
Cost: $3 per person
Ask Each Other: Virtual Support Group
Ask Resource Center
When: June 3, July 1, and August 5 from Noon to 1 p.m.
This virtual support group is held once per month for Iowa families of individuals with disabilities. Join parent mentors along with other parents and family members to share your lived experiences and collaborate with each other. Bring your resources, questions, and possible solutions to share with the group. Register on their website.
Farm Learning Series
Where: Cultivating Hope Farms in Ames, IA
When: June 4, June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2
Time: 1:00-3:30 PM
Cost: $20
Join Cultivating Hope Farms every Tuesday for interaction with animals, social skills, executive function skills, crafts, and more. Session A has 3 spots weekly exclusively for kids with autism and varied abilities and session B has 20 spots for neurotypical children. Register on their website.
Family Farm Class
Where: Cultivating Hope Farms in Ames, IA
When: June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27
Time: 1:00-2:00 PM
Cost: $20
Register on their website for this inclusive class teaching kids about life on the farm. They will enjoy activities like livestock husbandry, horticulture, crafts, and equine basics.
Sensory Friendly Hours
Where: Science Center of Iowa
When: June 11, July 9 from 4 to 7 p.m.
This is a time for children on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities and their families to explore the center in a quieter and less crowded environment. Register on their website and admission is FREE. Utilize their Sensory Guide and check out a Sensory Backpack.
Sibshops
Where: Childserve in Johnston
When: July 27th and October 26th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $25
Sibshops is a fun support group for children ages 6-12 who have a sibling with special needs. Children will enjoy games, snacks, and meeting other kids who understand the unique relationships they have with their sibs. Register on their website to attend.
For more fun classes and activities, check out these organizations:
- Adventures in Social Development in Johnston: This non-profit organization helps individuals with social skills and communication by role-play theatre and drumming circle techniques. Register for a variety of classes on their website.
- Blank Park Zoo: There are so many inclusive features that make it easier for all families to enjoy a day at the zoo from the height-adjustable adult changing table, sensory inclusion, and carousel/train wheelchair accessibility. Read more about these features here.
- Can Play: This non-profit provides sports and recreation programming for free or low cost to those with financial, physical, cognitive, emotional, or chronic health care barriers. Register on their website for their adaptive programs.
- Gigi’s Playhouse in Windsor Heights: Gigi’s Playhouse provides therapeutic and educational FREE programming for individuals with Down’s Syndrome for all ages birth through adulthood and their families. They have a wide variety of programs from support groups, dance classes, music classes, open play, cooking, and more.
Save the Date: Night to Shine, a prom experience for those with special needs is held on February 7th, 2025. Registration opens November 1st.
Potential Opportunity: If you are interested in Adaptive Ninja from NinjaU in Ankeny for children 3 and up, their website states to email them at Ankeny@NinjaU.com to discuss starting a class.
