Summer Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Events in Des Moines 2025

by Whitney Alaniz, MOT OTR/L

Summer Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Events in Des Moines 2025

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:

May

Sensory Spaces

Waukee Public Library

May 10^th from 3:00-4:00 PM

Registration requested.

During this hour, enjoy designated quiet browsing and inclusive programming for individuals with special sensory needs and their families or caregivers. A dimmed, calm room, natural lighting, computer availability, and access to library materials will be available. This month, supplies for making flower crafts will be available.

June

Family Fishing Basics

Athene North Shore

June 6^th from 1:00-4:00 PM

Cost: Free

Learn about Iowa’s different kinds of fish, fishing safety, casting, and how to tie a hook. It is Free Fishing Weekend in Iowa, so no license is needed. Bait and poles will be provided. Feel free to bring a chair to sit in. Participants can fish from an accessible fishing dock or natural shoreline. Adaptive fishing equipment will be available for individuals with difficulties sustaining a grasp on a fishing pole.

Outdoor Kids Sensory Station

Valley Community Center

June 9th-13^th from 9:30 AM-7:30 PM

Check out our Outdoor Kids Sensory Station under the gazebo to the east of our outdoor playground. Here, parents and caregivers can complete daily hands-on activities with their kids.

Community Conversations with Iowa Life: Caring for Caregivers

6450 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA

June 12^th, 2025; 6:30 PM

Join us for an important conversation about the challenges and compassion involved with caregiving on June 12 at 6:30 p.m. This in-person and virtual discussion will open the conversation for caregivers of all types including family members, friends, professional caregivers, and those providing support for aging parents, individuals with disabilities, or loved ones facing chronic illness.

Hosted by Charity Nebbe, the panel discussion will include:

Michael Wagler, state director with AARP Iowa
Kathy Good, senior director with The Chris and Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia of Mercy
Jennifer Jones, MHS-PH, program coordinator of the Optimal Aging Initiative at the Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence at the University of Iowa College of Nursing

We will preview local and national content, including an Iowa PBS special from Iowa Life and a documentary produced by Bradley Cooper titled Caregiving. A community discussion with local experts will follow. Questions will be solicited from the audience ahead of the event as well as live. Join us in the Maytag Auditorium at the Iowa PBS studios or online via Zoom.

Dance and Cheer Clinic

Indian Hills Jr High School Gym

June 14^th

12:00-2:30 PM

Hosted by Iowa Miss Amazing and Dance Without Limits, this clinic is for girls and women of all ages with disabilities. Participants will learn a dance and cheer routine, make friendship bracelets, eat pizza, and perform for friends and family. Register here.

2025 Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) Program

Iowa DD Council

Application Deadline: June 16^th

Training Dates: July 28^th– August 1^st

Time: 10:00 AM- 12:30 PM

Cost: Free

Apply for this virtual training to connect with other peers with disabilities and learn leadership skills. Sessions are for those with disabilities ages 14-21 to learn advocacy, goal setting, networking, mentoring, self-determination, disability rights, and more. Apply by June 16^th.

Embrace the Race 5k

Gray’s Lake Park, Des Moines, IA

June 21^st, 2025; 9:00 AM

Registration required for ages 7 and up

Join us on Saturday, June 21st at 9 AM at Gray’s Lake Park for Des Moines’ inclusive movement race and official Iowa Juneteenth event, which promotes health equity, spreads cultural awareness, and fosters unity!

Sensory Spaces

Grimes Public Library

June 22nd

Time: 12:00-1:00 PM

For those wishing to visit the library in a more controlled sensory environment, Grimes Public Library is one of many Metro Area Libraries offering Sensory Spaces in the Metro. Sensory Spaces offers a quieter browsing experience outside of regular library hours.

Weather Hunters Sensory Friendly Screening

Iowa PBS

6450 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA

June 28^th, 2025; 9:00 AM

Cost: Free and registration requested

Be among the first to watch PBS KIDS’ new program, Weather Hunters, at our special family event! Join us on June 28 at 9:00 a.m. at Iowa PBS in the Maytag Auditorium for a special sensory-friendly screening. This relaxed environment is designed for children who may benefit from a more low-key atmosphere. The volume will be softer, the lights dimmed and audience movement is welcome. This screening will offer all the fun of the show with a few thoughtful adjustments, including a more limited capacity.

July

2025 Ag Art Contest

Iowa State Fair

Submissions due July 24^th, 2025

Kids ages 3-12 can enter the Ag Art Contest by drawing something related to this year’s theme, “Farm Sweet Farm”. Submissions must use 8 ½” x 11” inch white paper or complete the provided coloring sheet. The contest is split into age groups.

There is now a category for any age for those with intellectual disabilities.

Abilities in Harmony Show Choir

Ankeny Centennial High School

July 21-23rd

1:00 PM- 4:00 PM

Grades: 5^th to College Senior

Cost: $25

Come sing, dance, and shine at Abilities in Harmony — a fun and inclusive show choir camp for students with disabilities, ages 11–21! Each camper is paired one-on-one with a student from one of Centennial’s high school show choirs for three afternoons full of music, movement, and making memories. We will learn three songs and dances to perform in a special show on Wednesday at 3:30 PM, alongside the Junior Show Choir Camp. Cost includes a t-shirt and daily snack.

For questions contact Abby Hoshaw at [email protected]

August

Sensory-Friendly Night by Anchored Hearts Support

Heritage Carousel at Union Park, Des Moines, IA

5 PM-7 PM

Anchored Hearts Support is a faith-based support group that aims to connect with other families and caregivers of children with special needs. This sensory-friendly event will provide families with the opportunity to ride the carousel in a low-music environment, accompanied by snacks, drinks, and shade. There will be a mini-resource fair for parents to learn about resources available to families with special needs in the Des Moines Metro Area.

IOWA STATE FAIR

August 7^th-17, 2025

This year, the Iowa State Fair will introduce new features to continue promoting inclusivity. These include:

A welcome tent, sponsored by Drake University at Gate 15: Stop by the new welcome tent inside Gate 15, where families can get all their questions answered and get a jump-start on their adventure.
Variety Star Playground near Hy-Vee Fun Forest: The new inclusive playground features agriculture-themed equipment with accessible ramps and easy-to-navigate surfaces, allowing children of all abilities to play together.
Stage Programming at the MidAmerican Energy and Susan Knapp Amphitheater stages: Stop by the Susan Knapp Amphitheater or MidAmerican Energy stage for special programming on mobility, sensory adventures, and make-and-take activities.
Check the Iowa State Fair website in mid-July for a full schedule of activities during the Sensory Morning.

–Iowa State Fair: Sensory-Friendly Morning

Iowa State Fair

August 13

8 AM-12 PM

The fourth annual Sensory-Friendly Morning offers a welcoming and accessible Fair experience for individuals and families. Throughout the fairgrounds, there will be lower sound levels, limited flashing lights, clearly marked directional signage, designated educational areas, and trained volunteers throughout the morning.

During this time, two air-conditioned rooms will be available for anyone who needs a break. The “Calm Your Body” room, located in the Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center, offers a quiet and relaxing space featuring fidgets, dimmable lighting, soothing music, coloring sheets, and soft seating. The “Move Your Body” room, located in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center classrooms, will provide an active area featuring stretching, jumping, therapy balls, and a small obstacle course.

ChildServe Occupational Therapists will staff both rooms from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13.

Summer CATSAbilities Camp

Iowa C.A.T.S. Dance Company

Clive, Iowa

August 13^th, 14^th and 15^th

9:00-11:00 AM

Cost: $25

Enjoy 3 days of Jazz, Pom and Lyrical dancing with a Parent Showcase taught by certified instructor, Lindsay Amundson. This camp is for all ages and abilities. Register on their website.

Autism-Friendly Haircuts

Fi & Friends in partnership with La’ James

8805 Chambery Blvd, Johnston, IA

August 14^th

5:00-7:00 PM

Registration Required

The Penguin Project Production of Honk Jr

Des Moines Community Playhouse

August 14th-17th

Tickets on sale June 2025

Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, unknowingly outwitting a hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and discovers that being different is not bad. Honk Jr is a delightful adaptation of the beloved fable and the award-winning musical.

The Penguin Project is a group of special needs artists who are joined on stage by a dedicated group of peer mentors—youths the same age without disabilities who have worked side-by-side with the artists through four months of rehearsals. By providing access to community theatre, The Penguin Project demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability should not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences.

Details coming soon!

Multiple Dates:

Sensory Play

Gameday

3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA

(515) 635-0705

Tuesdays and Fridays

10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Starting June 17^th, Gameday will provide “Sensory Play” for those with sensory sensitivities. Enjoy gameplay with low game sounds, soft background music, and dimmed lights.

A Special Time for You

Get Air in Urbandale

First Saturday of the month

8:00-10:00 AM

Cost: Little Air $8.99, Big Air $13.99

We offer a dedicated time just for jumpers with special needs. Music is played at a lower volume and the park’s atmosphere is calmer. One parent or guardian can support jumpers on the trampoline for free. Siblings of jumpers are welcome to jump for the same price, but should be more careful during this time.

Anchored Hearts Support

Virtual and monthly meet-ups in the Des Moines Metro

Join this private Facebook group to connect with other families and caregivers of children with special needs. This faith-based support group includes monthly meetings, park meetups, monthly newsletters, and a place to connect. Request to join their private Facebook group for more information.

Clive Aquatic Center Sensory Swims

Clive Aquatic Center

Dates: Wednesdays – June 4, August 6, August 13
Time: 9:30-11:00 am
Fee: $5.00/person or season pass
No pre-registration needed.

This program is for families wanting a quieter swim experience! All music, jets, fountains, and spray features will be turned off to create a sensory-friendly environment. Waterslides will stay on.

Adaptive Swim Lessons

Clive Aquatic Center

Cost: $32 per class for 30 minutes

Adaptive lesson fees are based on the number of classes you want to register for ($32.00 per class). Each class is 30 minutes in length.

Clive staff will schedule your swim lessons according to the number of classes you select AND instructor availability. If you have a preferred instructor and/or certain day/time classes that would work for you, you will answer those questions within the registration process.

Power of Play

Athene North Shore Recreation Area

June 10^th,June 26^th, July 8^th, July 24^th, August 5^th, August 7th

9:00-10:00 AM

Cost: $5

At the North Shore, we know that play can be a powerful tool for a child’s growth and development. Please have your child join us for a fun, creative morning of outdoor play. Each date has a different theme and targets a variety of skills, including fine motor skills, problem-solving, visual scanning, creativity, and more.

Power of Play Nature Yoga

Athene North Shore Recreation Area

June 16^th, June 30^th, July 14^th, July 28^th, August 11th

Cost: $10

At the North Shore, we know that play can be a powerful tool for a child’s growth and development. Strike a pose outdoors with us! In this outdoor yoga session, we will blend movement, mindfulness, and nature.

This activity is excellent for building strength, coordination, and body awareness, supporting self-regulation and attention, and providing sensory input in a calming environment. Learn more here.

Adaptive Sports

Valley Community Center in West Des Moines

There will be a variety of adaptive sports classes at Valley Community Center.

Adaptive Kickboxing is free for ages 18 +

May 12^th, May 19^th at 10:45 AM-11:45 AM

Join us for an inclusive Adaptive Kickboxing Class led by Coach Liz, designed for individuals of all abilities! This class focuses on improving strength, coordination, and confidence through modified kickboxing techniques in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Adaptive Cardio and Strength class free for ages 18+

May 1^st, May 15^th, May 22^nd at 10:30 AM

Join us for an Adaptive Cardio & Strength Class led by Coach Diana, designed for individuals of all abilities! This energizing class focuses on improving endurance, strength, and mobility through modified exercises in a fun and supportive environment.

Adaptive Tennis clinic free for ALL ages

Most Fridays in May-August (several breaks, check their calendar for the schedule); 10:30-11:30 AM

Join us for an Adaptive Tennis Clinic with Bunny’s Buddies. The game of tennis can be adapted to accommodate any age, environment, condition, or disability. The goal is to enable those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn and play tennis to do so. RSPA Master Professional Bunny Bruning will teach this clinic, which is for adults and kids.

Sensory Friendly Playtime

Des Moines Children’s Museum

May 23^rd, June 27^th, August 22nd

5:00-6:00 PM

The fourth Friday of each month is our Sensory-Friendly play time, a time for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities and their families to connect and explore in a calmer and quieter space.

All regular exhibits will be open. We will have sensory bins, communication boards, and a low-light calming space.

Farm Discovery & Adventure Summer Camp

Cultivating Hope Farms in Ames, Iowa

Weekly camps June-August

Cost: $140 per week for half day or $280 per week for full day

Age: Kids entering first grade through high school

At Cultivating Hope Farms, we believe in creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing space where all children can grow, explore, and learn through hands-on farm experiences. Our half-day and full-day camps are designed with both neurotypical and neurodivergent children in mind, offering a structured yet flexible environment to help them thrive.

Ask Each Other: Virtual Support Group

Ask Resource Center

May 5^th, June 2^nd, July 7^th, August 4th

12:00-1:00 p.m.

This virtual support group is held monthly for Iowa families of individuals with disabilities. Join parent mentors and other parents and family members to share your experiences and collaborate. Bring your resources, questions, and possible solutions to share with the group. Register on their website.

Sensory Friendly Play Hour

Des Moines South Side Public Library

May 20^th, June 17^th, July 15^th, August 19th

Time: 4:00-5:00 PM

Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration! From cool textures to fun activities, kids can learn while doing what they do best: playing! The program space is set up in stations, so families can move between different activities at their own pace or enjoy gathering around the story rug, where we have books, scarves, and other interactive story tools.

It is a casual drop-in program, so no registration is required, and, as with all library programs, Sensory Play Hour is free!

Sensory-friendly tools are available, such as wobble cushions, noise-reduction headphones for babies and kids, some weighted blankets, and fidgets.

Sibshops

Childserve in Johnston

August 16^th and October 18th

10:00 a.m.-1:00 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.

Sensory Friendly Hours

Science Center of Iowa

May 13^th, June 10^th, July 8th

4:00-7:00 PM

Registration Required.

Cost: Free

This is a time for children on the autism spectrum, those with sensory sensitivities, and their families to explore the center in a quieter and less crowded environment. Utilize their Sensory Guide and check out a Sensory Backpack.

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. Please register for a variety of classes on their website.
Blank Park Zoo: The zoo has many inclusive features that make it easier for all families to enjoy a day there, from the height-adjustable adult changing table and sensory inclusion to the 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.
Easterseals Iowa: Registration is now open for resident and day camps, where children with and without disabilities learn and grow together. They also offer Caregiver Connection events and many other supportive services for people with disabilities and their families.
Gigi’s Playhouse in Windsor Heights: Gigi’s Playhouse provides therapeutic and educational FREE programming for individuals with Down Syndrome, from birth through adulthood, and their families. They offer various programs, including support groups, dance classes, music classes, open play, cooking, and more.
Ankeny Parks and Recreation: Programs include Special Needs Water Aerobics for ages 18+ and Miracle Leagues.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation: Programs include Adapted Youth Kayak Camp, Adapted Baseball and Adapted Summer Camp.
Urbandale Parks and Recreation in Urbandale: Many adaptive recreation programs are available, including Miracle League baseball, soccer, flag football, and track and field.
West Des Moines Parks and Recreation: Adaptive programs through Can Play include a variety of group games, baseball, basketball, tennis and outdoor camp.
Waukee Parks and Recreation: Programs include Miracle League baseball, Adaptive Cheer Class with Heartland Cheer and Dance, Can Play Diamondball and Can Play Sports Camp.