This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Dec 30 2025 Tue Play, Grow, Learn! 10:00am–11:30am Birth-Preschool South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Dec 30 2025 Tue Play, Grow, Learn! 10:00am–11:30am South Side Meeting Room Library Branch: South Side Library Room: South Side Meeting Room Age Group: Birth-Preschool Program Type: Play & Learn Event Details: Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South. 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 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 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 "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 5 2026 Mon Little Explorers 10:00am–11:00am Birth-Preschool Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 5 2026 Mon Little Explorers 10:00am–11:00am Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Birth-Preschool Program Type: Play & Learn Event Details: Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required. Please wear play clothes as some activities may be messy. 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 Jan 7 2026 Wed Family Storytime 10:15am–10:45am Birth-Preschool Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 7 2026 Wed Family Storytime 10:15am–10:45am Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Birth-Preschool Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Storytimes Event Details: Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun. 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 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 "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 8 2026 Thu Wiggles and Giggles 10:15am–10:45am Birth-Preschool Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 8 2026 Thu Wiggles and Giggles 10:15am–10:45am Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Age Group: Birth-Preschool Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes Event Details: Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 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.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 9 2026 Fri Play and Learn Group 10:00am–12:00pm Birth-Preschool Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 9 2026 Fri Play and Learn Group 10:00am–12:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Birth-Preschool Program Type: Play & Learn Event Details: Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities. 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 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
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 14 2026 Wed Family Storytime 10:15am–10:45am Birth-Preschool Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 14 2026 Wed Family Storytime 10:15am–10:45am Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Birth-Preschool Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Storytimes Event Details: Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun. 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 15 2026 Thu Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm Children Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 15 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 "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 15 2026 Thu Wiggles and Giggles 10:15am–10:45am Birth-Preschool Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 15 2026 Thu Wiggles and Giggles 10:15am–10:45am Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Age Group: Birth-Preschool Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes Event Details: Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 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.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 17 2026 Sat Little Explorers 10:00am–11:00am Birth-Preschool Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 17 2026 Sat Little Explorers 10:00am–11:00am Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Age Group: Birth-Preschool Program Type: Play & Learn Event Details: Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play! Activities will help build early literacy skills through the five Simple Steps: Read, Write, Sing, Play, Talk. 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 20 - 31 2026 I Spy: Dog Man All Day 1/20–1/31 Children Central Library Children’s Area This event is in the "Children" group Jan 20 - 31 2026 I Spy: Dog Man All Day 1/20–1/31 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 Dog Man 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 This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 20 2026 Tue Drop-In STEM Challenge : Marshmallow Tower 2:00pm–5:00pm Children, Teens Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 20 2026 Tue Drop-In STEM Challenge : Marshmallow Tower 2:00pm–5:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Educational, Play & Learn Event Details: Join us at Forest for The Big Marshmallow Tower STEM Challenge! 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 20 2026 Tue Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets! 4:00pm–5:00pm Children Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 This event is in the "Children" group Jan 20 2026 Tue Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets! 4:00pm–5:00pm Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 Age Group: Children Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn Event Details: When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read. 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. 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.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 20 2026 Tue Sensory Play Hour 4:00pm–5:00pm Birth-Preschool, Children South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 20 2026 Tue Sensory Play Hour 4:00pm–5:00pm 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: Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration! 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 Jan 21 2026 Wed Family Storytime 10:15am–10:45am Birth-Preschool Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 21 2026 Wed Family Storytime 10:15am–10:45am Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Birth-Preschool Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Storytimes Event Details: Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun. 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 22 2026 Thu Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm Children Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 22 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 "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 22 2026 Thu Wiggles and Giggles 10:15am–10:45am Birth-Preschool Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 22 2026 Thu Wiggles and Giggles 10:15am–10:45am Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Age Group: Birth-Preschool Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes Event Details: Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 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.
This event is in the "Children" group Jan 22 2026 Thu DOG MAN BINGO! 6:00pm–7:00pm Children East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 22 2026 Thu DOG MAN BINGO! 6:00pm–7:00pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn Event Details: B-I-N-G-O it's DOG MAN! Join us for a fun night of bingo, crafts and celebrating our favorite hero: Dog Man! BINGO Prizes are tickets to Dog Man the Musical at Civic Center, donated by Des Moines Performing Arts. 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.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 23 2026 Fri Play and Learn Group 10:00am–12:00pm Birth-Preschool Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group Jan 23 2026 Fri Play and Learn Group 10:00am–12:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Birth-Preschool Program Type: Play & Learn Event Details: Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities. 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 29 2026 Thu Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm Children Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 29 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.
