Winter Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Events in Des Moines 2026
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
Sensory Spaces
Waukee Public Library
Saturday, February 7th, 2026; 3:00-4:00 PM
Free; Reservation Requested
During this hour, enjoy designated quiet browsing and inclusive programming for individuals with special sensory needs and their families or caregivers. There will be a dimmed, calm room, natural lighting, computer availability, and access to library materials.
This month, supplies will be available for making marbled hearts with shaving cream.
Sensory-Friendly Sunday
Jester Park Nature Center
Sunday, February 8th, 2026; 1:00-2:30 PM
Free ; Reservation required
Join us for a sensory-friendly afternoon at the Jester Park Nature Center. Sounds and lighting throughout the nature center will be lowered. Tactile- and sensory-friendly activities will be available, along with designated quiet spaces. A naturalist will lead a hike and offer activities geared towards nature lovers who need a more sensory-friendly environment.
This is an adult–child program open to participants of all ages, but activities will be primarily geared towards kids. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
FUSE Valentine’s Dance
Prairie Ridge Church
Tuesday, February 10, 2026; 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Cost: $3/person
FUSE is a ministry for individuals with special needs ages 14 and older. This is a chance to build and foster relationships in a safe and positive environment. No RSVP needed. Staff/caregiver must be present at the event with the client/family member at all times.
Family Read-Aloud with Des Moines Therapy Neighborhood
The Little Book
Saturday, February 14th, 2026; 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
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!
Adapted Skate
Brenton Skating Plaza
Saturday, February 21st, 2026; 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 Spaces: ARL TheraPets
West Des Moines Public Library
Sunday, February 22nd, 2026; 2:00-3:00 PM
Free
Sensory Spaces are Metro area libraries offering special activities and spaces for members of the public who appreciate a sensory-friendly environment. While individuals and families with special needs are welcome at our libraries during regular hours, these sensory times will offer quieter browsing, special programming, and other adaptive services that will vary by location.
For this Sensory Spaces at WDM Public Library, the Animal Rescue League will be bringing in their TheraPets to visit with patrons. Each patron will need to sign up for a time slot on the day of.
Sensory Skate
Brenton Skating Plaza
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Cost: $5 admission, including skate rental
Des Moines Parks and Recreation invites individuals with sensory processing challenges 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. Learn more here.
MARCH
Billy Goats Gruff & Other Tales
Des Moines Civic Center
Friday, March 6th, 2026
5:00 Free Discovery Party; 6:00-7:00 PM Show
Cost: $10-20 per ticket
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s newest production, Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales, presents a fresh and engaging reimagining of three cherished children’s stories—Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and The Three Billy Goats Gruff. This imaginative retelling seamlessly interweaves three classic tales into a heartwarming adventure that celebrates friendship and courage.
This is a sensory-friendly performance inclusive to all children. This will include alterations to light and sound, a variety of seating options, an environment that will encourage movement and breaks when needed, ASL interpretation and staff that will welcome guests from the moment they arrive.
Gigi’s Playhouse Gala
Downtown Des Moines Hilton for Gigi’s Playhouse Des Moines
Saturday, March 7th, 2026; 6:00-11:00 PM
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, silent auction, live auction, dessert auction, live entertainment, and more!
Check out their regular schedule to register for a variety of classes and activities throughout the year.
FUSE March Madness Fun Night
Priaire Ridge Church
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026; 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Cost: $3/person
FUSE is a ministry for individuals with special needs ages 14 and older. This is an opportunity to build and foster relationships in a safe, positive environment. No RSVP needed. A staff member or caregiver must be present with the client/family member at all times during the event.
MULTIPLE DATES
Sensory Play Hour
South Side Library
February 17th and March 17th
4:00-5:00 PM
Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration! From cool textures to fun activities, kids can have a great time learning while doing what they do best: playing! The program space is set up in stations, so families can move between different activities at their own pace or just enjoy gathering around the story rug, where we have scarves and interactive story tools.
It is a casual drop-in program, so no registration is required.
Sensory-friendly tools are available, such as wobble cushions, noise-reduction headphones for babies and kids, some weighted blankets, and fidgets.
Ask an Expert
Ask Resource Center – Webinar Series
February 9th, 16th, 23rd‘; March 9th
12:00-1:00 PM
Cost: Free
This webinar series features a different topic each month, led by a professional, including navigating disability services, job coaching, navigating blindness in school, and understanding services for students with visual impairments. Register on their website for each webinar you would like to attend.
Ask Each Other: Virtual Support Group
Ask Resource Center
February 2nd, 12th, 17th, 18th, 23rd & March 2nd
12:00-1:00 PM
Join parent mentors and other parents and family members to share your lived experiences and collaborate. 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 a family member 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.
Joujou
See Calendar for recurring dates
Cost: Free for members, see website for drop-in play cost
Joujou hosts several classes each month that are great for younger children to experience music, movement and sensory exploration. Check out their website to learn more about their classes, including:
- Mondays with Muddy Boots
- Mini Makers
- Jamming with Jou Jou
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 is 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
First Saturday of the month; 8:00-10:00 AM
Cost: Big Air: $13.99, Little Air: $8.99
We offer 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.
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.
Des Moines Children’s Museum: The Des Moines Children’s Museum’s mission is to build the foundation of lifelong learning by promoting the power of play. Our vision is a playful museum, always striving to be better, helping families connect with each other, community resources, and the world.
