This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Dec 30 2025 Tue Tween Book Club 4:00pm–5:00pm Children, Teens North Side Meeting Room Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Dec 30 2025 Tue Tween Book Club 4:00pm–5:00pm North Side Meeting Room Library Branch: North Side Library Room: North Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Book Clubs Registration Required Event Details: Tweens and teens ages 10-14 can join us for a book club on the last Tuesday of the month. Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Children" group Dec 31 2025 Wed New Year's Eve Goodie Bags 9:00am–5:00pm Children Central Library Children’s Area This event is in the "Children" group Dec 31 2025 Wed New Year's Eve Goodie Bags 9:00am–5:00pm Central Library Children’s Area Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Children’s Area Age Group: Children Program Type: Health & Wellness, Play & Learn Event Details: Celebrate the upcoming year by grabbing a New Year's goodie bag at the Central youth desk! One per child, while supplies last. Disclaimer(s) Central Parking Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Children" group Dec 31 2025 Wed Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm Children East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Dec 31 2025 Wed Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 2 - 10 2026 Mario Scavenger Hunt! All Day 1/2–1/10 Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 2 - 10 2026 Mario Scavenger Hunt! All Day 1/2–1/10 Library Branch: South Side Library Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens Program Type: Gaming Event Details: Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!
This event is in the "Children" group Jan 2 2026 Fri LEGO Open Play 12:00pm–5:00pm Children Forest Avenue Meeting Room Cancelled This event is in the "Children" group Jan 2 2026 Fri Cancelled LEGO Open Play 12:00pm–5:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Play & Learn Event Details: Join us in the Forest Meeting Room where building blocks will be available for open play! Use your imagination to build your ideas or use the STEM-challenge prompts and building guides to bring ideas to life. Drop-in anytime between 12-5pm. Disclaimer(s) Accompanying Adults This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted. Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 3 2026 Sat Cancelled: Tween & Teen Ukulele Jam 11:00am–12:00pm Children, Teens North Side Meeting Room Cancelled Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 3 2026 Sat Cancelled Cancelled: Tween & Teen Ukulele Jam 11:00am–12:00pm North Side Meeting Room Library Branch: North Side Library Room: North Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness Registration Required Event Details: This program has been moved to December 30 at 2:30 PM! Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Children" group Jan 5 - 18 2026 I Spy: Bad Guys 2 All Day 1/5–1/18 Children Central Library Children’s Area This event is in the "Children" group Jan 5 - 18 2026 I Spy: Bad Guys 2 All Day 1/5–1/18 Central Library Children’s Area Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Children’s Area Age Group: Children Program Type: Play & Learn Event Details: Come find pictures of your favorite Bad Guys 2 characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize! Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Children" group Jan 5 2026 Mon Park-N-Play 3:30pm–4:30pm Children East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 5 2026 Mon Park-N-Play 3:30pm–4:30pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.
This event is in the "Children" group Jan 5 2026 Mon ASAP Mondays : Now We're Cooking! 4:00pm–5:00pm Children Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 5 2026 Mon ASAP Mondays : Now We're Cooking! 4:00pm–5:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Aprons on, culinary kids! Kids will team up with an ASAP teaching artist to make a new delicious recipe each week. All supplies and snacks are provided, making this a fun and flavorful hands-on experience for young chefs. Disclaimer(s) Accompanying Adults This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted. Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 5 2026 Mon Family Storytime 6:30pm–7:00pm Birth-Preschool, Children South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 5 2026 Mon Family Storytime 6:30pm–7:00pm South Side Meeting Room Library Branch: South Side Library Room: South Side Meeting Room Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children Program Type: Storytimes Event Details: Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and acivities. You can even wear your jammies! Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome! Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 6 2026 Tue Park N Play 10:00am–11:30am Birth-Preschool, Children South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 6 2026 Tue Park N Play 10:00am–11:30am South Side Meeting Room Library Branch: South Side Library Room: South Side Meeting Room Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children Program Type: Play & Learn Event Details: Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Tuesday mornings in the South Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys and fun activities for families at no cost. Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Children" group Jan 6 2026 Tue Movie Watch Party : Paddington in Peru 3:00pm–5:00pm Children Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 6 2026 Tue Movie Watch Party : Paddington in Peru 3:00pm–5:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Movies Event Details: Join us for a movie watch party! This month we are watching Paddington in Peru. Disclaimer(s) Accompanying Adults This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted. Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Children" group Jan 6 2026 Tue ASAP Tuesdays: Fantastical Art 3:30pm–4:30pm Children East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 6 2026 Tue ASAP Tuesdays: Fantastical Art 3:30pm–4:30pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Use your fantastic imagination to create castles, fairy houses, dragon eggs and more with a professional ASAP artist. A snack will be provided for all participants. Disclaimer(s) Accessibility The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library. Accompanying Adults This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
This event is in the "Children" group Jan 6 2026 Tue Creative Readers Special-Dog Man The Musical Ticket Giveaway 4:00pm–4:45pm Children Franklin Avenue Children’s Area This event is in the "Children" group Jan 6 2026 Tue Creative Readers Special-Dog Man The Musical Ticket Giveaway 4:00pm–4:45pm Franklin Avenue Children’s Area Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Dog Man, the musical, is coming to Des Moines! We will celebrate Dog Man author Dav Pilkey with a reading of his book Dog Breath, followed by a craft and activities in the children's area. Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 6 2026 Tue Game On! 4:00pm–5:00pm Children, Teens North Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 6 2026 Tue Game On! 4:00pm–5:00pm North Side Meeting Room Library Branch: North Side Library Room: North Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Gaming Event Details: It's game on after school at North Side! Hang out in the meeting room with snacks and a wide variety of games. Play Nintendo Switch on the big screen, or enjoy checkers, Connect 4, Exploding Kittens, and more! Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Children" group Jan 7 2026 Wed Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm Children East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 7 2026 Wed Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 7 2026 Wed ASAP Wednesdays: Air-Dry Clay Creations 3:30pm–4:30pm Children, Teens North Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 7 2026 Wed ASAP Wednesdays: Air-Dry Clay Creations 3:30pm–4:30pm North Side Meeting Room Library Branch: North Side Library Room: North Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational Event Details: Get hands-on with air-dry clay and create a miniature masterpiece to take home each week. A professional ASAP teaching artist leads this fun, creative class, and a snack is provided for every participant. Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Children" group Jan 7 2026 Wed Science Wednesdays: LEGO Race Cars 4:00pm–4:45pm Children Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group Jan 7 2026 Wed Science Wednesdays: LEGO Race Cars 4:00pm–4:45pm Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Educational Registration Required Event Details: Use your engineering skills to design and build a car out of LEGOs and test it on our racetrack. Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 7 2026 Wed Art Cart 4:00pm–7:30pm Birth-Preschool, Children North Side Children’s Area This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 7 2026 Wed Art Cart 4:00pm–7:30pm North Side Children’s Area Library Branch: North Side Library Room: North Side Children’s Area Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Get creative at North Side! Drop-in on Wednesdays to enjoy our large cart of art supplies. Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Children" group Jan 8 2026 Thu Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm Children Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 8 2026 Thu Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Play & Learn Event Details: Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Thursday mornings in the Franklin Avenue Library meeting room.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 8 2026 Thu ASAP Thursdays: Art Adventures 4:00pm–5:00pm Children, Teens South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 8 2026 Thu ASAP Thursdays: Art Adventures 4:00pm–5:00pm South Side Meeting Room Library Branch: South Side Library Room: South Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: This class celebrates the process of artmaking as much as the final piece. Each week offers new techniques and mediums that create true art adventures. An ASAP teaching artist leads the class and supports every young creator. Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 8 2026 Thu Book Club Pizza Party : The Mystery of Locked Rooms 6:15pm–7:00pm Children, Teens Forest Avenue Meeting Room Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 8 2026 Thu Book Club Pizza Party : The Mystery of Locked Rooms 6:15pm–7:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Book Clubs Registration Required Event Details: Join us at Forest for a book club and pizza party just for tweens! Each month features a new book exploring different genres, formats, and topics. Disclaimer(s) Accompanying Adults This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted. Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old. Food Allergies We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "All Ages" group Jan 10 2026 Sat Red Riding Hood Sneak Preview 10:30am–11:00am Children, All Ages Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "All Ages" group Jan 10 2026 Sat Red Riding Hood Sneak Preview 10:30am–11:00am Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children, All Ages Program Type: Performances Event Details: Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Red Riding Hood: Both Sides of the Story based on the classic fairy tale. Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 12 2026 Mon Winter Whimsy Take-and-Makes! All Day Birth-Preschool, Children This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 12 2026 Mon Winter Whimsy Take-and-Makes! All Day Library Branch: South Side Library Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make Event Details: Stop by South Side Library and pick up a Take-and-Make bag full of fun activities and crafts!While Supplies Last
