Things to do in Des Moines in January 2025

0

It’s a new year with new events plus annual fun. There are plenty of January events to start 2025 off right

Let’s start the year with some fun!

More Winter Fun in Des Moines

Where to Go Sledding
Ice Skating in Des Moines
Winter Bucket List
Outdoor Winter Activities

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 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 at the Valley Community Center. This event is free.

2nd Monday of the Month | Storytime with Ruby the Reading Red Panda, Blank Park Zoo
11 a.m.
Each month they read a story and you get to 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 is required.

Things to do in Des Moines in January 2025

Jan. 1-31 | Ice Skating, Brenton Skating Plaza
Get outside and go ice skating downtown. Cost is $9.50 for adults and $5.75 for kids 12 and under. You can rent skates for $4.50 or bring your own. Online registration is recommended. Walk-up admission is available if under capacity.

Jan. 2 | Shrinky Dinky, Cocoa Drinky, Movie Jamboree!, Johnston Public Library
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
eens are invited to sip on delicious hot cocoa, get creative with Shrinky Dink crafts, and watch the movie Inside Out 2. Wear pajamas and bring a comfy blanket if you want! This event is for kids in 6th grade and up. Registration is appreciated.

Jan. 2-5 | I Spy: Winter, Central Library
Find all of the winter-themed pictures in the youth area to get a prize.
 
Jan. 4 – 5 | Iowa Diecast Toy Show, Iowa State Fairgrounds
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dealers from around the Midwest set up and sell a wide variety of die-cast toys and related memorabilia. This is a family-friendly event, and there are toys to appeal to all ages.
 

Jan 5, 12, 19, 26 | Botanical Blues, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Take a break from the winter cold and warm up in the Botanical Garden’s conservatory while enjoying some of the best blues music in the Midwest! 

Jan. 6-18 | Outer Space Scavenger Hunt, South Side Public Library
Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize! Best for ages 6+

Jan. 10 | Homeschool Nature Lessons, Jester Park Nature Center
This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is specially designed for homeschooled students. Cost is free, but registration is required.

Jan. 10 – 11 | Cinch’s World’s Toughest Rodeo, Wells Fargo Arena
Bring your little wranglers downtown for a night of rodeo fun. The Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo will spotlight fan-favorite events: Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, and Bareback Riding.

Jan 10 | Family Fun Night, Jester Park Nature Center
6 p.m.
Try bouldering (age 4+) and archery (10+), play a variety of family games and puzzles, and enjoy time outdoors, or in, by the fire making s’mores. Light snacks will be provided. Pay cash (preferred) or card at the door for this open-house-style event. No registration required. $5 per person.

Jan 12 | The Big Vintage Market, Big Grove Brewery
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Join for an afternoon packed with retro treasures as 15+ vendors bring you styles from the ’50s through Y2K! Whether you’re after that perfect vintage piece, ready to relive some fashion history, or just want to vibe with friends, this market has it all. Grab a drink, dig into some epic finds, and make it a Sunday of serious style and fun!

Jan 12 | Harlem Globetrotters, Wells Fargo Arena
3 p.m.
See America’s favorite exhibition basketball team. They combine athleticism, theater, entertainment, and comedy in their style of play.

Jan 12 | Bluey Skate Event, Skateland
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Skate, play, and take pictures with Bluey at Skateland!

Jan 16 | Kindermusik, Hoyt Sherman Place
5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Kindermusik is a German phrase that translates to “children’s music”. The program aims to help children learn and grow through music-making during the years when their brains are most critical for development. Children will explore music through instruments, movemen (opens in a new tab)t, singing, and play.

Jan 16 – 18 | Chow’s Winter Classic, Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center
Don’t miss top gymnasts converge in one of the biggest gymnastic meets in the Midwest. With over 1,000 gymnasts competing, including two collegiate meets, this is a must-attend event for any gymnastics fan.

Jan 17 – Feb 2 | Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Des Moines Playhouse
Middle school, ugh. It’s the worst. Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. Jeff Kinney’s popular character takes center stage as Greg’s cartoon diary becomes a hilarious and heartfelt musical. Will Greg’s plans to become popular lead him to sacrifice his one true friend?

Jan 17 | Mixology: Mystery Night at the Museum, Science Center of Iowa
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Enjoy cocktails, mingle with other amateur sleuths, and dive into the excitement of a live-action mystery experience. Whether you’re a seasoned detective or a curious newcomer, this event offers a unique blend of fun, challenge, and social interaction in a lively, adults-only (21+) environment.

Jan 17 | Bricks and Beads, Waukee Public Library
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Calling all crafty engineers! Get creative with the Library’s LEGO collection or make a Perler bead design. Drop in any time during the hour-long program. For kids in grades K-12. Elementary-aged kids should be accompanied by an adult during the program.

Jan 18 | FamilyFest, Lutheran Church of Hope – Waukee 
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Let the kids burn off some energy at this FREE, family-friendly event by Waukee Parks & Rec. Check out Waukee area businesses, play games, and jump on inflatables.

Jan 24 | Cocoa & Crafts, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Nothing warms your body and soul like the lush conservatory, hot chocolate, and crafting! While enjoying Dome After Dark, indulge in a full hot chocolate bar to create a delicious treat to sip on while you create two botanical-themed crafts perfect for this winter.

Kids Day of Science,555 17th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
STEAM STARZ and the Science Center of Iowa will transform the Big Grove Brewery taproom into a laboratory with hands-on activities for kids. 

Jan 25 | Indulge – A Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Affair, The River Center
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Join for one night only in their new location. Indulge in unlimited tastes of the ultimate spread, featuring wines from around the world, artisan cheeses and charcuterie, and delectable chocolates and desserts.

Jan 25 | Cabin Fever Reliever, Greenbelt Landing in Clive
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Activities planned include professional ice sculpting, chainsaw art/woodcarving, ice fishing demonstrations, star gazing telescopes, indoor crafts, campfire rings for smores, food trucks, and more.

Jan 25 | Kid’s Day in Science, Big Grove Brewery
1 pm to 3 pm 
The taproom is turning into a science lab for a day of fun and discovery! 

Jan 28 – Feb 2 | Shucked, Des Moines Civic Center
SHUCKED is the Tony Award®–winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat out hilarious!” And nobody knows funny like economists. This corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to entertain.
 

 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.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here