Don’t let the winter chill stop you from feeling the love in February! Get together with friends at Galentine’s events or take the family to a dance, there are events for the whole family all month long.
February is also Black History Month. Many metro libraries have events like Explore Visual Black History at the Forest Avenue Library. If you’re looking for other ideas for discussing the importance of Black history with your kids, check out this post for ways to celebrate Black History Month.
Don’t forget about seasonal activities like ice skating or annual events like Iowa’s RV Show and the Des Moines Home and Garden Show.
Ongoing Events in Des Moines
Tuesday & Thursdays | Toddler Time, Get Air
10 a.m.
Little jumpers get special access to the trampolines on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Admission is $8.99 (free for a parent). It’s a great way to burn some winter energy!
Thursdays | Caterpillar Club, Reiman Gardens in Ames
Get outside and have some fun with a weekly storytime at Reiman Gardens. This program is designed for kids ages 2-5 with an adult. Program is included with general admission to Reiman Gardens.
Thursdays | Tot Town, Valley Community Center
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Bring the little ones out to play for a morning at the Valley Community Center. This event is free.
Thursdays | Imagination Station, Valley Community Center
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Get crafty with your kids (without any mess in your house). Each week you’ll make a different winter craft. It’s a great activity to keep little ones and preschoolers busy this winter.
2nd Monday of the Month | Storytime with Ruby the Reading Red Panda, Blank Park Zoo
11 a.m.
Once a month, go to Ruby’s Story Time at the Zoo. Each month they read a story and you’ll meet a special live ambassador animal from the Zoo’s education department.
1st Thursday of the Month | Toddler Tales, Jester Park Nature Center
Let your imagination run wild with this nature-themed story time. Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets, or a craft. This event is designed for ages 3 and up.
Once a Month on Wednesdays | Knee-High Naturalists, Jester Park Nature Center
Are you ready to get outside and explore? Come and hear a story followed by some outdoor fun! As naturalists, you will hike, investigate, and navigate the trails and grounds of Jester Park as you learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place. Dress to be outside. Cost is Free, registration required.
Things to do in Des Moines in February 2024
Feb 1-29 | Des Moines Art Center
Strolling through the Des Moines Art Center is a great way to take a break from the cold and take in some beautiful pieces of artwork. Admission is free (museum is closed on Mondays).
Feb 1-29 | Greater Des Moines Botanical Center
Warm up and beat the winter doldrums with a visit the Botanical Center, open Tuesday-Sunday. Cost is $10 for adults and $7 for kids 4-17. Free admission is available through the Museums for All program with your EBT card and ID for up to four people.
Feb 1-29 | Ice Skating, Brenton Skating Plaza
Channel your inner figure skater and go ice skating downtown. Cost is $9.50 for adults and $5.75 for kids 12 – 6, and 5 and under are free. You can rent skates for $4.50 or bring your own. Online registration is recommended. Walk-up admission is available if under capacity.
Feb 1 | George Washington Carver Day, World Food Prize Foundation
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the life and legacy of George Washington Carver at this free event. There is storytime at 9:30 a.m. and Paxton Williams is performing his one-man play, George Washington Carver, at 11 a.m.
Feb 2 | Winter Jam, Iowa Events Center
6 p.m.
Don’t miss the chance to see some of the hottest Christian artists like Lecrae, Crowder, and more for $15.
Feb 1-4 | Iowa’s RV Show, Iowa State Fairgrounds
Interested in learning more about camping? Check out what’s new in RVs and camping gear at Iowa’s RV Show. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children.
Feb 2, 9, 19 | Homeschool Days on the Slopes, Seven Oaks Recreation near Boone
Get your homeschool group together for a fun outing on the slopes. See their site for details on group rates.
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.
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Parents, relatives, guardians and/or role models are invited to bring their kids to the Ball. This event provides an evening of dancing, refreshments, photo opportunities, art projects, and exhibits. A carnation flower will be given to all children and there will be a chocolate fondue station with dipping options.
8 a.m.
Take time to look through photo books, graphic novels, and other visual records of Black history.
Come play tricks on your vision and learn about optical (and magical) illusions! These camps run during normal school hours. ( 8 am-3 pm) Doors will open at 7:45 am. Day Camps at The Schoolhouse provide your K-5th grader with a fun, safe, and educational environment during those days away from the classroom
Learn about some of the amazing Black scientists, engineers, inventors, and discoverers who have done so much to advance our understanding of the world. Can you break new ground by finding them all to win a sweet prize? Best for ages 6+
Join Sisters in Cheese for a Galentine’s Party. Enjoy complimentary snacks and adult beverages (must be 21), plus awesome shopping and a perfect opportunity for a friends’ night out.
Feb 9 | The Mitten, Des Moines Community Playhouse
10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
In this interactive theatre show for children ages 4-6, a young child drops his mitten in the snow and does not realize it is missing. As woodland creatures seek warmth inside the mitten, it magically grows and grows. Tickets are $6.
Feb 9 | Member Sweetheart Dance, Blank Park Zoo
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Join your friends at Blank Park Zoo for their Member Sweetheart Dance. Enjoy a night of dancing, sweet treats, crafts, and, perhaps, some animal visitors. This is a members-only event.
Feb 9 | Nature Center After Dark – Starry Night, Jester Park Nature Center
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Experience the Jester Park Nature Center after dark. The hour will include storytelling, crafts, open Nature Center exhibits, and a short program on the theme of the night.
2 p.m. – 3 p.m
Each class spot includes a beverage, a chef’s hat to decorate, a “Molly’s Cupcakes” patch, and a tutorial on filling, frosting, and decorating four cupcakes. The general age requirement is 6-14-years-old. Adult supervision is required for individuals younger than 6 years old.
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
During the first intermission of the Buccaneers’ game, the Bucs and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa are bringing “wiener dog” racing to Des Moines once again! Dachshund owners can enter their dogs into the race for a chance at prizes and to help raise funds for the animals at the ARL!
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Head to the Harbach Center to blow off some steam during the cold, winter months! They’ll have FREE bounce houses set up in the Recreation Bay.
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Each participant will receive a small metal planter adorned with a hilarious saying to bring a smile to your face. Your creative journey will also include soil, vibrant moss, and a charming 2″ houseplant or succulent to add a touch of nature to your pun-tastic creation.
Feb 11 | Squishmallow Ceramic Class, Kids Create
12:30 p.m.
Pajama Party meets Art Class! Participants will design and create a ceramic container with the Squishmallow they wish. Enjoy music, snacks, and possibly a quick Squishville episode.
Feb 13 | Baby Shark’s Big Broadway Tour, Des Moines Civic Center
6 pm
Join Baby Shark and his fincredible fishy friends on an undersea adventure filled with oceans of fun and finship.
Feb 13 | Galentine’s Flower Arranging, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Arrange a beautiful bouquet with your besties. In this class, learn the basics of flower arrangement and enjoy a relaxing evening with all your best buds. Chocolate and refreshments will be provided and wine will be served to participants 21+.
Feb 14-16 | Valentine’s Day Beer Dinner, Exile Brewing
An unforgettable evening of craft beers and exquisite dining at Exile Brewing. Celebrate love and friendship in a cozy, romantic setting, perfectly designed for couples and friends alike. Each course is accompanied by a hand-selected beer, chosen to complement and enhance each of the dish’s flavors.
Feb 17, 18 | Brick Fest Live, Iowa Events Center
More than 1 million bricks on display and ready to play with!
Feb 17 | The Peking Acrobats, Des Moines Civic Center
11 a.m.
From the young children to the great-grandparents, all will be impressed by The Peking Acrobats. Watch them as they push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control.
// RELATED CONTENT: Winter Activities in Des Moines //
Feb 18 | Pho King Cook-Off, The River Center
Pho stations, eggroll stations, cash bars, merch station, eating contests, games, music, and more! Must be 21 & over to purchase tickets and attend.
Feb 19 | President’s Day Family Swim, Goldfish Swim School
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Reserve your tickets through Eventbrite. Don’t miss the chance to splash, explore Goldfish, and create unforgettable memories. Bring your own towels. Children not potty trained must wear reusable swim diapers.
Feb 22 – 25 | Des Moines Home and Garden Show, Iowa Events Center
Meet the pros at the Des Moines Home and Garden Show and get inspired to make home updates. Get ideas for your space and get your project started. Tickets are $12 for adults and $4 for kids 7 – 12.
5:30 p.m.
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
This free event for kids and families will have hands-on science activities led by STEAMStarz and the Science Center of Iowa for the kiddos to participate in, as well as some coloring. This is a great way to get out of the house in the cold of winter for some educational fun while grown-ups can enjoy some food and a delicious brew.
Send us an email if we missed anything, and we’ll add your event to the list.
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
Great post! As someone who is planning to visit Des Moines in February, I’m excited to check out the Iowa State Fairgrounds and see the beautiful gardens and flower exhibits. The chef-led cooking class at the Des Moines Social Club also sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for the recommendations!