Valentine Dances and Events in Des Moines

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Valentine Dances and Events in Des Moines 2024

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, there are many upcoming events to celebrate the season of love. 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! 

Bookmark some of these other fun posts and guides to help play Valentine’s Day!

Valentine's Day, Des Moines, Iowa, Valentine's Day Dances, Father-Daughter dances, Mommy & Me dance, February

The Republic on Grand – Date Night Idea

Now through February 19

Enjoy a fun decorated Valentine’s Pop-Up at The Republic on Grand. Special cocktails and mocktails are available. They are also hosting a few events during the season too! Take a look at our experience.

Father Daughter Dance 

January 13; 6 to 9 p.m. 

​Southeast Polk Jr. High 

Please come and dance the night away at their annual event, Father-Daughter Dance. Enjoy small snacks and raffle items. Admission can be purchased at the door for $20 and raffle tickets will be available for purchase as well. 

Sensory Friendly Valentine’s Dance

January 26; 5 to 6:30 p.m. 

Des Moines Children’s Museum 

Join the Des Moines Children’s Museum for special hours for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities and their families to connect and explore!
This month’s playdate will feature a quiet dance floor under a disco ball, low light calming space, sensory bins, and therapy pets. 

Daddy Daughter Dance

January 27; 6:30 to 9 p.m. 

Christ the King Catholic Church 

Learn more about this event and register here

Daddy Daughter Dance – Lutheran Church of Hope

  • Lutheran Church of Hope West Des Moines – February 2; 7 to 9 p.m. Register here.
  • Lutheran Church of Hope Waukee – February 24; 6 to 8 p.m. Register here

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

Father-Daughter Valentine Dance 

February 2 & 3; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

Pinnacle Club at Otter Creek Golf Course

An opportunity for father/father figures to bring their child out for an evening of fun and dancing. Dessert buffet included. A photographer will be there to take pictures for an additional cost. Please register here.  

Valen-SLIME Party! 

February 3; 10 to 11 a.m. 

Central Library 

Let’s get messy! Join the Des Moines Public Library to make some Valentine-themed slime and a card! Maybe you want to share it with a parent or friend … or maybe you want to keep it and show yourself some Valentine’s love! Either way, we’ll have a slimy, fun time! Register here

Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating 

February 3; 10 to 11 a.m. 

Giovannetti Shelter in Urbandale 


Decorate cookies for the holiday! Each child will take home the cookies that they decorate. Please bring a plastic storage container. Please register the child ONLY. (Parent /guardian will need to be present to assist child with decorating.) Min 5 / Max. 20. Registration Deadline: January 27

Sweetheart Dance 

February 2; 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 event fills quickly – please register early! 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.

Registration Deadline: January 26

The Snow Ball 

February 3; 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

Family Valentine’s Dance 

February 9; 6 to 8 p.m. 

Des Moines Children’s Museum 

All are welcome at our Valentine’s Dance: young and old, caregivers, parents, and siblings, come dance under the disco ball, go on a scavenger hunt, and get crafty to make a Valentine’s card. All regular exhibits will be open. $10 for ages 1-10. Free for members.

Daddy-Daughter Dance: A Night Under the Stars

February 9; 6 to 8 p.m. 

Indianola Parks and Recreation 

A Night Under the Stars with your favorite girl to a special evening of music, dancing, refreshments, and fun! A DJ, selfie station, cookies, popcorn, and punch will be provided.

Event Fee (includes drinks & snacks): $10 (resident) / $12 (non-resident). EACH PERSON WHO WILL ATTEND MUST PRE-REGISTER. You do not want to miss this fun event! 

Bouquet Bar 

February 10; Various time slots available. 

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 

In the spirit of love, create a personalized petite bouquet to give to someone important to you! This is a preregistered, self-guided activity that does not include admission. Price is per project. Add an admission ticket to your purchase to enjoy the beauty of the Botanical Garden before or after making your full-of-love bouquet. 

Galentine’s “Girl Dinner” & Bracelet Making

February 11 – 13

Either/Or

Starting Sunday, February 11th through Tuesday, February 13th, Either/Or is running our Galentine’s “Girl Dinner” special!

Get a snack plate, fries with a side of aioli, a glass of prosecco or cocktail/mocktail, and dessert for just $26! Plus, when you buy the girl’s dinner, you can make a friendship bracelet for free in their private event space!

Community Crafting – Pressed Flower Cards with Ted Lare 

February 11; 2 to 4 p.m. 

Franklin Avenue Library 

Ted Lare will be presenting a pressed flower card craft. Fifteen slots are available. Register here. A great Valentine’s Day gift idea! 

Valentine’s Day Dome After Dark 

February 14; 6 to 10 p.m. 

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Make this Valentine’s Day extra special at Dome After Dark! Enjoy the conservatory and Gardeners Show House illuminated with colorful lighting and filled with live music from Day! The perfect date night, Galentine’s event, or family activity! Learn more and purchase tickets here

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 skate 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. All ages are welcome. Enjoy ice skating as a family or as a date. 

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 Des Moines Parks and Recreation has you covered! Join us for Buy One Get One (BOGO) admission and skate rental on Feb. 15. Two skate for the price of one! Each skater will receive a cookie and a flower. All ages are welcome.

Sweetheart Party Family Dance

February 17; 2 to 4 p.m. 

The Dancer’s Theatre – 5860 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston

Join us for an afternoon of dancing and fun for the whole family! Refreshments will be provided. Professional photos will be available for an additional fee. Cost: $30/family

Ticket Link

Learn more at: www.thedancerstheatre.org/events

Swifty Bracelet Making

February 23; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Cirque Wonderland

We’re in our crafting Era! You’ll be Enchanted during this night filled with delightful crafts and laughter! Join us for an evening where we’ll be crafting Bejeweled friendship bracelets that are sure to dazzle. Don’t Blame Me when everyone falls in love with your Gorgeous style! There’ll be no Bad Blood at this event! There’s a Blank Space with your name on it, so don’t wait, sign up now! This is a youth event for ages 7+. Free for members, bring a friend for $10. Learn more and register.

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Erin Huiatt

Erin is a reliable resource and stepping stone for women and families to find support and make connections within our community. She wants families to feel confident to reach out and ask for help and advice to get pointed in the right direction. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her two children in tow!

2 thoughts on “Valentine Dances and Events in Des Moines

  1. Avatar Jacquelyn says:

    Do u have a mailing address

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