Valentine Dances and Events in Des Moines

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Valentine Dances and Events in Des Moines 2023

It is that time of year to grab your little one and celebrate Valentine’s Day in Des Moines. From Valentine’s dances to fun events and activities to celebrate the season of love, you are sure to find something! We will update this page as we see more Valentine’s dances and events released. Have something to add? Please email us with the details and we will get it added!

Hedgehogs & Hearts

January 16; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kids Create

No School, No Problem! Join Miss Elizabeth for this fun Valentine’s Day camp! Participants will create a hedgehog canvas painting, play games, enjoy snacks, watch a funny show, play at the park, and meet & learn about hedgehogs! Expect your child to create, learn, and play throughout the day! They’ll have a great time and go home with a cute painting! Register: https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/kidscreate.

Daddy Daughter Ball

January 28; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Christ the King Parish

Pizza, Princesses, Raffle, and a Photo Booth are all included! Learn more here.

Daddy Daughter Dance – Lutheran Church of Hope

• Lutheran Church of Hope WDM – February 3; 7 to 9 p.m. Register here.
• Lutheran Church of Hope Ankeny – February 3; 7 to 9 p.m. Register here.
• Lutheran Church of Hope Grimes – February 11; 6 to 8 p.m. Register here.
• Lutheran Church of Hope Waukee – February 18; 6 to 8 p.m. Register here.

An evening of dancing and fun for dads and daughters aged 3 – grade 6! Tickets ($7.50 in advance; $10 at the door) include crafts, games, dessert, and beverages. Professional photographers will be on hand for an additional cost.

Daddy Daughter Date Night

February 4; 4 to 8 p.m.

Hy-Vee on Mills Civic in West Des Moines

Enjoy a Daddy-Daughter Date Night on February 4th from 4 pm to 8 pm at your Mill Civic Hy-Vee. There will be face painting, dancing & a special menu. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Father-Daughter Valentine Dance

February 3 & 4; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Pinnacle Club at Otter Creek Golf Course

Opportunity for fathers, grandfathers, or father figures to take their daughters or granddaughters out for an evening of fun and dancing. Dessert buffet included. For children in grade Kindergarten through 5th grade. Please register.

Pressed Flower Valentines Day Cards Workshop 

February 4; 10 a.m. to Noon

Ted Lare Garden Center

Join in creating the perfect Valentine for the special people in your life with REAL dried flowers. These cards are sure to be a unique hit! In this workshop, they will provide you with all the materials and instructions necessary to make 3 cards! These cards are blank on the inside for you to create your own special message. Bring a friend for twice the fun!

The Snow Ball

February 4; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Science Center of Iowa

Join Des Moines Parks and Recreation for the best party of the year, Snow Ball! Parents, relatives, guardians, and/or role models are invited to bring their kids to the Dance. This event provides an evening of dancing, refreshments, photo opportunities, art projects, and exhibits. A carnation flower will be given to all children and a chocolate fondue station with dipping options will be available for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this memorable opportunity! You must register for this event.

Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance

February 5; 2 to 5 p.m.

Snus Hill Winery

Enjoy the annual Daddy-Daughter dance. This event is open to EVERYONE! The cost is $20 per “family” at the door, cash or check only. Proceeds are donated to our local MBDA ( thank you for all you do for our community!)

Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating

February 8; 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Kids Create

Join Autum Schmitz from Frosted by Autum for this fun adult and child class at Kids Create Studio! Participants will learn royal icing techniques, decorate 10 vanilla bean/almond sugar cookies, and make special memories. Divide your cookies as you wish-adults and children are invited to get creative! – Valentine’s Day-themed cookies. Register: https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/kidscreate

Anti-Valentine’s Day Nerf Attack

February 10; 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Indianola Public Library

Enjoy the annual anti-celebratory NERF! All supplies provided. Personal Nerf guns/darts will not be allowed.

Valentine’s Day Family Party

February 10; 5 to 8 p.m.

Fox Creek Pavillion, Waukee

Grab the family and join us for some Sweet Treats and Sensory-Friendly Fun! This family party is open to anyone and everyone who loves and supports someone on the autism spectrum! The ticket price is per family and includes siblings! Register here.

Member Sweetheart Dance

February 10; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Blank Park Zoo

Fun for the whole family at the Blank Park Zoo! Families will enjoy a night of dancing, sweet treats, crafts, and maybe some animal visitors! This is a members-only event. Learn more and register on their website.

Dome After Dark

February 10 & February 17; 6 to 9 p.m.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Experience the Garden in a new light at Dome After Dark sponsored by Principal! Stroll through the lush conservatory and Gardeners Show House illuminated with unique lighting and luminarias. This family-friendly event will include food and drink available for purchase from Trellis Café. Pre-purchasing tickets are encouraged but walk-ups will be available until capacity is reached

Bouquet Bar

February 11 & 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, create a petite bouquet to present to your loved one! Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ups will be accepted while supplies last.

Galentine’s Day Succulent Bar

February 11; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Knotty Nail

NO APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY! Walk in and make an awesome succulent in your choice of the container! They will have wine cups and coffee mugs with a variety of fun, cute, sassy, or naughty sayings and plant sticks for you to choose from.
Cups are $25-$30 each which includes your succulent! Perfect for kids and adults – please note they have cups with some sayings that aren’t appropriate for children, so keep that in mind. 

Owl You Need is Love

February 11; 1 to 2 p.m.

Jester Park Nature Center

Join us to celebrate Iowa’s true winter romantics…the owls! By Valentine’s Day, owls are often sitting on a nest of eggs. Learn why owls court in winter, and which owls call Iowa home.

REGISTRATION: https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Polk/Park/Jester-Park/Events/21656/Owl-You-Need-is-Love.aspx

DEADLINE: February 11

COST: Free

AGES: 5+

Sweet Heart Snowshoe Hike

February 12; 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center

Looking for something a little different to do with your sweetheart? Come learn how to snowshoe while exploring the great outdoors. A fire and refreshments will make this hike extra special.

REGISTRATION: https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Polk/Park/Jester-Park/Events/21659/Sweet-Heart-Snowshoe-Hike.aspx

DEADLINE: February 10

COST: $20/couple

AGES: 12+

Valentine’s Day Affirmation Party!

February 14; 4 to 5 p.m.

Des Moines Public Library

Come to Central Library and celebrate the best valentines day love: Self-love!! We will play music, eat snacks, and create Valentine’s day Mirror! 

Valentine’s Day Skate

February 14; 5 to 9 p.m.

Brenton Skating Plaza

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Brenton Skating Plaza! Buy One Get One (BOGO) admission and skate rental. Two skates for the price of one! This is the perfect family or date activity for a special holiday. Join us and each skater will receive a cookie and flower. Walk-ups only, no pre-registration required. 

Day After Valentine’s Skate

February 15; 5 to 9 p.m.

Brenton Skating Plaza

Did you forget it was Valentine’s Day? Don’t fret because DSM parks and recreation has you covered! Join them for BOGO admission and skate rental. Two skates for the price of one! Each skater will receive a cookie and a flower. 

Valentine’s Family Dance

February 17; 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Des Moines Children’s Museum

Join the Des Moines Children’s Museum for an all-inclusive family dance at the Museum! Dance under our disco ball on the dance floor, enjoy refreshments, get a bag of cotton candy from our new cotton candy machine, make Valentine’s card for someone special, and enjoy all of our regular exhibits.

Regular admission fees apply, free for members.

Parent’s Night Out

February 17; 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Westchester Church; 4919 NW Aurora Ave in Des Moines

Drop off event for parents to go on a date or have a relaxing night in to celebrate Valentine’s. Kids will have so much fun with games, crafts, gym time, movies, and a light supper. Don’t want to miss it!

Sweetheart Dance

February 17; 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Urbandale Senior Recreation Center

This dance offers an opportunity for all parents/grandparents and children to make a special memory together! While a D.J. entertains the crowd with great music and fun, a variety of finger foods and desserts will be served during the festivities. Photos will be available at the dance for a small fee. The fee is PER PERSON. Please REGISTER ALL PARTICIPANTS. You will be mailed tickets one week before the event and must present them for admission into the dance.

Father/Daughter Dance

February 18; 6 to 8 p.m.

1600 Valley West Dr, West Des Mo ines

Dads bring your daughters in for a date night they won’t forget! This event is going to be a glamorous daddy/daughter dance. They are expecting a great turnout. There will be photo ops, crafts, games, goodies to munch on, and of course great music. Even contemplating a small amount of time for karaoke. $10 entry. Drinks and options for more food will be available for purchase

Daddy-Daughter Glow Dance

February 24; 6 to 8 p.m.

Indianola Parks and Recreation

Light up the night with your favorite child with a special evening of music, dancing, refreshments, and fun! A DJ, selfie station, cookies, popcorn, and punch will be provided. Dress code: business casual (white or fluorescent colors will pop under the black lights). For youth ages 5-12 plus adults. Event Fee (includes drinks & snacks): $10 (resident) / $12 (non-resident). EACH PERSON WHO WILL ATTEND MUST PRE-REGISTER. Only 100 tickets are available – register by calling 515 961-9420 or online.

Sweetheart Skate

February 29 at 5:30 p.m.

West Des Moines RecPlex

Join the RecPlex for a unique opportunity for “sweethearts” to spend an evening together. This event, held at the state-of-the-art RecPlex, provides an opportunity for loved ones to enjoy a family-friendly skate date. Your ticketed admission includes a voucher to the RP Grill where you will be able to choose your own food and beverages. Unique photo opportunities will be available to capture the moment. Please bring your own skates, or rent a pair. This COOL experience is sure to please all ages. $20.