Winter Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Events in Des Moines 2025
There are lots of fun winter events and activities scheduled in Des Moines. We have gathered events both around the metro as well as some around the state that are sensory-friendly and inclusive for all families. We have also included advocacy events, fundraisers, and educational classes that benefit families with children with special needs.
Bookmark these other sensory-friendly guides:
- Blank Park Zoo – Sensory Friendly Place in Des Moines
- Riverview Park Inclusive Playground in Des Moines
- Accessible and Inclusive Parks in the Des Moines Metro
- Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Fun in Des Moines
FEBRUARY
Barbie with Audio Description & Captions in Partnership with IRIS
Varsity Cinema in Des Moines
Wednesday, February 5th at 7:00 PM
Cost: $5 includes small popcorn and drink
Accessibility Night is a demonstration and celebration of Audio Description for the performing arts in Iowa. This screening of Barbie will have audio description and closed captioning provided to the entire audience. The celebration is the work that The Iowa Radio Reading Information Service (IRIS) has been doing to provide Audio Descriptions at live theater and community events throughout the state since 2012.
Audio Description provides a play-by-play of the visual elements of a performance. AD ensures that a patron who has blindness, a visual impairment, or a learning barrier never misses a thing. Though the IRIS Audio Description team has been serving theaters for over a decade, many of our theater partners have never actually experienced the description.
Sensory Friendly Family Valentine’s Dance
Des Moines Children’s Museum
Friday, February 7th from 5 to 6 p.m.
The Des Moines Children’s Museum Sensory Friendly Family Valentine’s Dance is designed for kids on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities and their families to enjoy the party in a calm and quiet environment. Dance under the disco ball with quiet music, go on a scavenger hunt, and get crafty to make a Valentine’s card. All regular exhibits will be open.
Sibshops
Childserve- Johnston
February 15th and occurs every 3 months from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $25
Sibshops is a fun and engaging support group for children ages 6-12 who have a sibling with special needs.
At ChildServe‘s Sibshops event, your child will enjoy games, crafts, snacks, and community with others who understand the unique relationships they have with their sibs! Each event is delivered in a 3-hour format on a weekend and led by ChildServe‘s team members who have received Sibshops facilitator training to provide this uplifting, fun event. This event will have a Valentine’s Day theme. To register for a Sibshops class, please visit our Eventbrite page.
Des Moines Parent Summer Camp Fair
Valley Community Center
February 15 from Noon to 1 p.m.
Des Moines Parent Summer Camp Fair will be hosting a sensory-friendly time from Noon to 1 p.m. We are thrilled to have Midwest Autism & Therapy Centers sponsoring this year’s special hour.
Some details you can expect when attending Sensory-Friendly Time:
- Lights will be dimmed and special music will be playing.
- A map will be created and released before the event for families to better plan before they arrive.
- Calming space
- All vendors will have an activity at their booths that is sensory-friendly.
Fiesta Con Sonia De Los Santos
Des Moines Civic Center
Saturday, February 22nd at 11 a.m.
Tickets start at $10
Sensory Friendly items available at all Civic Center Performances thanks to Easterseals Iowa
¡Hola! It’s fiesta time and everyone’s invited! Sunny songstress Sonia De Los Santos is hosting a party at the Des Moines Civic Center, and her musical friends are arriving from all over Iowa to join in the fun. Everyone’s brought an instrument from their homeland and is ready to sing, dance, and celebrate each other’s heritage and culture. Sonia will be joined by her eclectic New York City-based band and by Los Llaneros, an exciting local ensemble specializing in Colombian/Venezuelan folk music.
Join us one hour before each performance at the Civic Center for a FREE DISCOVERY PARTY! These pre-show events are filled with art-making activities, demonstrations, music, and other fun experiences related to the performance!
This is a sensory-friendly performance. Click here to learn more.
Sensory Friendly Valentine’s Dance
Prairie Ridge Church in Ankeny by Autism Society of Iowa
Saturday, February 22nd from 3 to 5 p.m.
Cost: $10 per participant or $40 per family for a family of 4 or more
Join Saturday, February 22 for a sensory-friendly Valentine’s Dance with a live DJ, refreshments, and photo ops! Lights will be turned up, sounds turned down, and sensory spaces available. Learn more here.
Sensory Friendly Play Time
Des Moines Children’s Museum
Friday, February 28th from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The fourth Friday of each month is Sensory Friendly play time for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities and their families to connect and explore in a calm and quieter space. All regular exhibits will be open. They will have sensory bins, communication boards, and a low-light calming space.
MARCH
Giggle Gala Casino Night
Jasper Winery with Event by Des Moines Children’s Museum
Thursday, March 6th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Join the Des Moines Children’s Museum for an unforgettable evening at the Des Moines Children’s Museum Giggle Gala Casino Night! Get ready to roll the dice and try your luck for a great cause. This fun-filled night will feature an array of exciting casino games, including blackjack, poker, roulette, and more.
Enjoy heavy appetizers, and drinks from Jasper Winery, and the chance to win prizes while supporting the museum’s mission to build the foundation of lifelong learning through the power of play.
Tickets:
$65 individual tickets = 200 in-play chips, 1 drink, heavy appetizers, desserts
$130 = 400 in play chips, 3 drinks, heavy appetizers, desserts
Autism Advocacy Day at the Iowa Wild
Wells Fargo Arena by Autism Society of Iowa
Sunday, March 23rd at 3 p.m.
Cost: Check their website for tickets
Join Sunday, March 23, at 3:00 PM for an Autism Advocacy Day at the Iowa Wild! For each $20 ticket sold, $5 will go directly to the Autism Society of Iowa and TravelingWiki Foundation to continue our work for the Autism Community!
Sensory Spaces will be available: Click Here for More Info
Check out this social narrative about attending a Wild game: I Am Going to an Iowa Wild Game
Sensory Friendly Play Time
Des Moines Children’s Museum
Friday, March 28th from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The fourth Friday of each month is our Sensory Friendly play time for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities and their families to connect and explore in a calm and quieter space. All regular exhibits will be open. They will have sensory bins, communication boards, and a low-light calming space.
Gigi’s Playhouse Gala
Downtown Des Moines Hilton for Gigi’s Playhouse Des Moines
Saturday, March 8th from 6 to 11 p.m.
Cost: $125/individual or $250 per couple
Gigi’s Playhouse Des Moines provides free programs to those with Down Syndrome from birth through adulthood, their families, and the community. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, socializing, and fundraising! This year’s event will feature festive entertainment with an inspirational keynote speaker, music by DJ DAS, a sit-down dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, a dessert auction, live entertainment, and more!
Check out their regular schedule to register for a variety of classes and activities throughout the year. Children will also enjoy a magician as well as free play/activities and snacks. Register on their website to attend.
MULTIPLE DATES
Adapted Skate
Brenton Skating Plaza in Des Moines
February 1st, February 22nd, March 8th and March 22nd
9:30-11:30 AM
Cost: $5 admission including skate rental
Adaptive Skating invites individuals with a range of physical or developmental abilities to ice skate during this open skate time. For just $5 (admission + skate rental) individuals can engage in the sport for recreation activity and enjoyment without a large crowd.
Sensory Skate
Brendon Skating Plaza in Des Moines
February 8th, March 1st and March 15th
Cost: $5 admission including skate rental
Des Moines Parks and Recreation invites those individuals with sensory processing challenges a time to ice skate. For just $5 (admission and skate rental/sled rental) this skate session is designed to engage these individuals in the sport for recreation activity and enjoyment.
Family Read-Aloud with Des Moines Therapy Neighborhood
The Little Book in Des Moines
February 8th, March 8th, April 12th, May 10th, June 14th
10:30-11:15 AM
Cost: Free
Join a trio of local speech-language pathologists for an interactive & educational storytime with an emphasis on language expansion & family coaching!
Des Moines Therapy Neighborhood aims to “cultivate an inclusive and safe environment where kids lead, connection is the most important, and neurodiversity is affirmed.
You can bring your little one along to simply have a fun storytime experience, or you can use this as an opportunity to connect with qualified professionals who can help you take the first steps to tackle speech-language, social communication, or cognitive-communication challenges!
Mini Makers
JouJou Des Moines
Thursday February 20th and March 20th recurring once per month
10:30-11:00 AM
Cost: Free for Members and starting at $13 for the first child. Check their website for pricing per child.
Every month, JouJou hosts a Mini Makers class, designed for children between 2-5. This class is an art exploration class, every month children will explore different art supplies and mediums for them to create, inspired by a book that is read at the beginning of class.
For children under 2, Nixon & Norman will supply sensory bins for the little ones to explore while the older kids are creating!
This is a great opportunity to work alongside your child in their exploration, and all the creativity is planned for you by our fantastic teacher, Miss Erika.
Sensory-Friendly Time at Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines
Each Tuesday
First open hour of the day (check their schedule for times)
Sensory-Friendly time occurs every Tuesday at all Build-A-Bear Workshop locations, for the first open hour of the day. To ensure the BEARY best experience, please talk to an associate to check store hours and plan your visit. This includes:
- Dimmer lighting
- Little to no music playing in the store
- A step-by-step informational guide that allows parents/guardians to plan their Workshop experience in advance (click here to download)
- All ages and siblings welcome
Special Time Just For You
Get Air in Urbandale
First Saturday of the month
8:00-10:00 AM
Big Air: $13.99
Little Air: $8.99
Get Air offers 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.
We have designed our trampoline parks with special needs as a primary focus, creating inclusive playgrounds where kids of all ages and abilities can come together in an environment that facilitates shared play and fun. Our goal is for Get Air Sports to be a place where kids can just be kids. We hope you’ll join us! When you arrive, or call beforehand, talk to one of our team members and we’ll ensure proper accommodations are made to create a fun and enjoyable experience for all.
Connect Group
Easterseals in Des Moines
Various Dates and Times
Connect with other parents and guardians to share knowledge, encourage each other, and foster a sense of community. RSVP to Katie Peck at [email protected] or call 515-309-2618. If you would like to attend remotely via Zoom, please indicate when RSVPing.
- Friday, February 14th from 8:30-9:30 AM: Understanding SSI and SSDI
- Thursday, March 6th from 3:00-4:00 PM: Understanding Guardianship
- Friday, April 18th from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM: IEP Dispute Resolution
Ask an Expert
Ask Resource Center
Webinar Series
Multiple dates and topics
12:00-1:00 PM
Cost: Free
This webinar series features different topics led by a professional each month. Register for free for each webinar you would like to attend on their website.
- February 10th Components of a Functional Behavior Assessment: This webinar will help you become a more informed and involved member of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team when discussing behavior. We will explain key ideas and terms related to the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). By joining us, you will learn more about how to understand behaviors and recognize what causes them in order to create an effective plan. This knowledge will make it easier for you to contribute to the IEP process and advocate for your child with behavioral challenges. Join us to gain the skills and insights you need to participate meaningfully in IEP discussions and decisions.
- February 17th Components of a Behavior Intervention Plan: This webinar will help you become a more informed and involved member of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team when discussing behavior. We will explain key ideas and terms related to the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). By joining us, you will learn how to use the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to create an effective BIP. This knowledge will make it easier for you to contribute to the IEP process and advocate for your child with behavioral challenges. Join us to gain the skills and insights you need to participate meaningfully in the discussions and decisions.
- February 24th Manifestation Determination: A manifestation determination meeting is held for students with disabilities who have been suspended or expelled for more than 10 school days. This webinar will help you understand when these meetings are necessary, what occurs during the meeting, and the possible outcomes for the student. By joining us, you’ll learn how to actively participate in the manifestation determination meeting.
- March 10th Removal from School and School Discipline: Parents of children with disabilities may receive calls from their child’s school requesting that they pick up their child due to behavioral issues. This webinar aims to help families understand the two reasons a child might be sent home by the school. We will outline the rights of your child in the educational setting, and discuss potential next steps that the school team can take to address these situations effectively. Join us to gain valuable insights and support as we navigate these challenges together.
Ask Each Other: Virtual Support Group
Ask Resource Center
February 3rd, March 3rd and April 7th
12:00-1:00 PM
Register on their website
Join parent mentors along with other parents and family members to share your lived experiences and collaborate with each other. You are an expert on your child! Bring your resources, questions, and possible solutions to share with the group.
Facilitated by mentors from the ASK Each Other Mentor Network, the ASK Each Other Support group is a place for parents to come alongside each other to share their lived experiences and collaborate. You are an expert on your child! Bring your resources, questions, and possible solutions to share with the group.
Any professionals who are not family members of a person with a disability are encouraged to join with an attitude of respectful listening and learning as the parent experts share their opinions and solutions.
For more fun classes and activities, follow these organizations:
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.
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. Register for a variety of classes on their website.
