Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in April
Save the date for all the fun things to do in Des Moines in April. Easter Egg hunts, fun kids programming, Earth Day fun, and fun at the Iowa Events Center. Start planning your April with this fun guide of things to do in Des Moines, Iowa.
Howell’s Easterfest
When: April 1st, 2nd, and 8th, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Address: Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch, 3145 Howell Ct, Cumming, IA 50061
Cost: $10 per child, $8 per adult (MUST buy online!)
Hop into April with Howell’s Easterfest! Start your visit with the chaos-free egg hunt. Howell’s will supply an egg carton as the “basket”. Take a ride on the bathtub train. Play at the farmyard play yard and don’t forget to get a picture with the Easter Bunny! Pony rides and face painting will be available for an additional cost. Remember to buy your tickets online before attending.
Blank Park Zoo’s Wild Lights
When: April 1st-May 29th, 7:30 PM-10:00 PM (last admission 9:30)
Address: Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
Cost: Peak prices: $25, $21/member; Off-peak prices: $23, $19/member (Click here for information on peak/off-peak pricing)
Blank Park Zoo’s Wild Lights are back! Presented by MidAmerican Energy Company, the lights festival has 50 handcrafted, illuminated animal-shaped Asian lanterns that have been designed by artisans at Tianyu Arts and Culture. Underwater wildlife, giant insects, mythical creatures, and endangered animals are some of the light displays that will dazzle and amaze. Follow on social media to find out about food truck nights. Remember this is a special event and animal exhibits will not be available for viewing. Check here for tips on attending.
Ugly Duckling
When: Saturday, April 1st at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Address: Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Cost: $12 per person
Attend a show this April with a viewing of the Ugly Duckling, part of the Wellmark Family Series. This classic story is a one-hour performance and a perfect introduction to theater for young children. Come one hour early to play at the Discovery Party. This will include arts and crafts, demonstrations, music, and other fun experiences.
Family Easter at Living History Farms
When: Saturday, April 8th, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Address: Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
Cost: $9 for ages 2 and up ($8 for members; 1 and under free)
Celebrate Family Easter at Living History Farms. Visit with baby farm animals, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and play some family-friendly games. Local food vendors will be on-site and of course, the Easter Bunny will be available for pictures. Egg hunts will be ongoing and divided by age. They will also have an allergy-free egg hunt option.
Monster Jam
When: Saturday, April 15th at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Sunday, April 16th at 1:00 PM
Address: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Cost: Tickets range from $23-$68 per person
Cheer on the monster trucks at Monster Jam! Start the day at the Monster Jam Pit Party at 10:30 AM. Fans will get to see the trucks up close and meet with their favorite drivers and crews. Then find your seats and watch the trucks compete in racing, skills, donuts, and freestyle competitions. Make sure to visit here to learn what to expect at Monster Jam.
Earth Day at the Des Moines Botanical Garden
When: Saturday, April 22nd, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Address: 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Cost: Free!
Enjoy free admission to the Des Moines Botanical Garden to celebrate Earth Day. Inside the conservatory, you will be surrounded by exotic plants that give you the feeling of the tropics, which is something we all need this time of year. They will have family-friendly activities and you will get a chance to see the unveiling of a new mural by local artist Marissa Hernandez.
Drake Road Races, Grand Blue Mile, and Drake Relays
When: Sunday, April 23rd-Saturday, April 29th
Drake Relays is an outdoor track and field event. It has been a part of Des Moines for over 100 years. There are a number of ways to participate. On Sunday, April 23rd, run a half-marathon, 10K, or 5K at the Drake Road Races. If you are looking for fewer miles, head to Downtown Des Moines on Tuesday, April 25th to participate in running the Grand Blue Mile. The race takes place in downtown Des Moines on Grand Ave. There are recreational and competitive divisions. $20 per adult and $15 per youth (17 & under) Register here.
The 113th edition of the Drake Relays will be held April 26th-29th at Drake University. Watch athletes from university, college, high school, and elite ranks participate in a variety of track and field events. For tickets and more information visit Drake Relays.
Iowa Barnstormers
When: Saturday, April 22nd at 7:05 PM
Address: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Cost: Tickets range from $19-$71
Cheer on the Iowa Barnstormers at their home opener as they take on the Tulsa Oilers. The theme is Blackout Night. The team will be wearing their all-black uniforms and fans are encouraged to wear all-black to the game. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free blackout t-shirt courtesy of Scrap Processors, Inc. For the adults, $2 beers for the first half of the game.
