Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in March
Cheer on the Iowa Wolves, explore your creative side at Entirely Kids Day at the Des Moines Art Center, or celebrate at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Spring is just around the corner in Des Moines, so plan your March in Des Moines today.
Bookmark these other fun guides to enjoy your March and Spring Break:
- Spring Break in the Midwest
- Spring Break in Des Moines
- Easter in Des Moines
- Des Moines Spring Break Staycation
- St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Des Moines for Kids
Wine, Food & Beverage Showcase
Address: Des Moines Marriott Downtown, 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Friday, March 6, 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Cost: Purchase tickets
- The Grand Showcase: $55 online or $65 at the door
- The Reserve Experience: $150
Plan a night out with your partner or friends at the Wine, Food & Beer Showcase. Featuring 30-40 of the finest restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the area, the Wine, Food & Beer Showcase is Des Moines Metro Opera’s signature fundraiser. You can purchase the Reserve Experience and gain access to exclusive, rare, and fine wines from the private collections of members of The Wine Group, paired with high-end culinary creations from premier Des Moines restaurants. Get goodie bags, meet an animal from Blank Park Zoo, enjoy a visit with Cy the mascot from Iowa State, and an appearance by Cubbie Bear!
Iowa Wolves Basketball Game
Address: Casey’s Center, 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When:
- Sunday, March 8, 1:00 PM
- Monday, March 16, 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, March 18, 6:30 PM
- Thursday, March 26, 6:30 PM
- Saturday, March 28, 6:30 PM
Cost: Tickets start at $18 each
*Purchase an Alpha Family Deal and get 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 drinks for only $60 for any Iowa Wolves weekday game
There are so many sports teams to support in Des Moines. This month, check out the Iowa Wolves, the minor league team of the NBA Minnesota Timberwolves. Something new they have added is Alpha’s Pup Playground, which is an area with inflatables on the floor level. So when your kids need a break, let them play! Parking is $13 in the main lot, north of the arena. Metered parking is available on the street, and on Sundays, street parking is free!
Family Fun Night with Des Moines Parks & Recreation
Address: Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center, 2100 SE 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
When: Saturday, March 7, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Cost: $10 per person. Register here.
Join Des Moines Parks & Recreation for Family Fun Night. Meet live animals from the Blank Park Zoo, jump through the inflatable obstacle course, see a magician, make a special project with the Des Moines Botanical Garden, meet members of the Des Moines Police Department, say hi to the K-9 unit dog, tour a fire truck with the Des Moines Fire Department and play laser tag.
Jurassic Quest
Address: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When:
- Friday, March 13, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday, March 14, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday, March 15, 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Cost: Purchase tickets
- Kids Ultimate Admission (Ages 2-10) $36
- General Admission (Ages 11+) $23
Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest dinosaur event. Children will get a chance to ride on the animatronic dinosaurs, jump in dinosaur bounce houses (socks are required), create a dinosaur craft, dig for fossils, meet baby dinos that are very life-like, run around with the adolescent dinosaurs, and greet the underwater sea creatures including the 50-foot megalodon! There will be a live interactive Raptor show and a “triceratots” soft play area. This year, they are offering a Sensory and Mobility Friendly Session on Saturday, March 14, from 8:00 AM-9:00 AM. There will be lighter crowds, reduced sound, and calmer lighting. Guests can stay past 9:00 AM. Learn more about the Jurassic Quest experience here.
Entirely Kids Day at the Des Moines Art Center
Address: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
When: Saturday, March 14, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Come explore the Des Moines Art Center at Entirely Kids Day. You can expect a story time, music from Pied Piper, guided tours, pastel portrait drawing, collaborative sculpture making, and free pie from Pie Bird Pies. This is always a fun day and a great way to introduce your little ones to the museum!
Prehistoric Playtime with Des Moines Children’s Museum at Big Grove Brewery
Address: Big Grove Brewery
When: Sunday, March 15, 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Spend a Sunday afternoon at Big Grove Brewery for a Prehistoric Playtime with Des Moines Children’s Museum. This Jurassic-themed adventure will have hands-on activities, prehistoric play, and plenty of dino-sized fun for curious little explorers. Recommended for children aged 3 – 10.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Address: Grand Ave, Downtown Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Tuesday, March 17, 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a Des Moines area tradition, hosted by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Central Iowa. With music, dancing, and shenanigans, everyone will find something fun at the parade. The parade route starts on Grand Ave near Brenton Skating Plaza and will head west towards downtown. Bring chairs and a blanket and see what festive floats come out this year!
Twice Blessed Consignment Sale
Address: Shepherd’s Flock Early Learning Center, 3900 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265
When:
- Friday, March 27, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
- Saturday, March 28, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Children go through A LOT of clothing. Luckily, we have a variety of consignment sales and shops around Des Moines. The Twice Blessed Consignment Sale is a great place to shop for clothing, toys, and more. You can also be a seller and clear out those closets. The sale is an annual fundraiser for Shepherd’s Early Flock Learning Center, so part of each purchase will go to the school.
