Fall Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Events in Des Moines 2025

Fall events and activities are in full swing in Des Moines, Iowa. We have gathered events that are sensory-friendly and inclusive in hopes of helping all families plan their fall season. If you have an event to add please let us know!

Ask Each Other: In-Person Parent Support Group

Lutheran Church of Hope Waukee

305 NE Dartmoor Drive, Room 104, Waukee, IA 50263

Thursday, September 4^th

6:30-7:30 PM

No registration required

Join one of ASK’s in-person parent support groups for a welcoming space to connect with other parents, share ideas, resources, and experiences, collaborate on challenges and problem-solve together, and feel supported by others who’ve been there.

Facilitated by ASK’s Family Support Specialists, these sessions are relaxed, family-friendly, and grounded in respect for your journey and voice.

Sensory Spaces in the Metro

West Des Moines Public Library

4000 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50265

(515) 222-3400

Sunday, September 7^th

2:00-3:00 PM

Sensory Spaces are Metro area libraries offering special hours 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 quiet browsing, special programming, and other adaptive services that will vary by location.

Ask Each Other: Virtual Support Group

Monday, September 8^th

12:00-1:00 PM

Registration required

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 your lived experiences and collaborate. You are an expert on your child! Bring your resources, questions, and possible solutions to share with the group.

Respite Night

Hand in Hand Ministry with Valley Church

4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

(515) 226-9973

Friday, September 12^th

5:30-7:30 PM

Cost: Free

Registration required

Hand in Hand Ministry is excited to offer a free respite event for families of children with special needs and their siblings. We’ll provide dinner and fun activities for your children. Please be sure to include any food allergies or important notes in your registration.

Art Spectrums

Des Moines Art Center

4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312

(515) 277-4405

Sunday, September 14th

Registration required

Art Spectrums is a free program for children and teens on the autism spectrum. Students are introduced to the unique environments of the museum and art studio. Participants examine artwork and discuss their observations, after which the museum artwork serves as inspiration for a related activity in the studio. These sensory experiences can aid in the development of cognition, communication, and motor skills.

The purpose of Art Spectrums is to enable children with autism and their families to engage with artwork and have fun at a museum. Classes are held on the second Sunday of each month, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM for ages 5–12 and from 3:00 to 4:30 PM for ages 13–18. Required registration opens one month at a time. Check their schedule for details.

Hand in Hand Mom’s Support Group

Valley Church

4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Monday, September 15^th

6:30-8:00 PM

Join other moms of children with special needs as we come together to share, connect, and support one another in a welcoming and understanding space. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. No registration is needed—just come as you are!

For details about our next meeting, feel free to email us at hih@valley.church.

Dad’s Support Group

Valley Church

4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Tuesday, September 16^th

7:30-9:00 PM

Dads of special needs children gather to find community and support one another. This group meets the 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. No registration required. For details of next meeting, please email lindseym@valley.church.

Des Moines Children’s Museum

1551 Valley West Drive #108, West Des Moines, IA

(515) 218-8344

Friday, September 26^th

5:00-6:30 PM

Cost: Free

The fourth Friday of each month is our Sensory Friendly playtime for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities and their families to connect and explore in a calm, quieter space. All regular exhibits will be open. We will have sensory bins, communication boards, and a low-light calming space.

Sensory Friendly Movie Showings: Flix Junior Program

Flix Brewhouse

3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310

(515) 612-9200

Saturday, October 4th at 11:00 AM

Check website to purchase tickets

Enjoy a sensory-friendly screening of Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie through the Flix Junior Program. This program offers young families and individuals with sensory sensitivities the opportunity to escape to the movies, whether it’s for the latest first-run blockbuster or a classic throwback. Flix Junior shows include:

No age policy. Infants are welcome!
Dim-lighting and lower sound levels
Quiet chatter as needed
Adaptive technology and interactive tools permitted

Sensory Spaces in the Metro

Grimes Public Library

200 NE Beaverbrooke Blvd, Grimes, IA 50111

(515) 986-3551

Sunday, October 5^th

12:00-1:00 PM

For those wishing to visit the library in a more controlled sensory environment, Grimes Public Library is one of many Metro Area Libraries offering Sensory Spaces in the Metro. Sensory Spaces offers a quieter browsing experience outside of regular library hours. No registration required.

Hand in Hand Mom’s Support Group

Valley Church

4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Monday, October 6th

6:30-8:00 PM

For details about our next meeting, feel free to email us at hih@valley.church.

Ask Each Other: Virtual Support Group

Monday, October 6th

12:00-1:00 PM

Registration required

15^th Annual Golf Outing: GiGi’s Playhouse

Jester Park Practice Facility and Mini Golf

12059 NW 118^th Avenue, Granger, IA 50109

Monday, October 6^th

8:00 AM

Cost: See website to purchase tickets

We’re golfing FORE a great cause, and you can too! GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines provides free programs that are educational and therapeutic in nature to individuals with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood, their families and the community. Play as an individual or bring your own team, and together we will turn belief into achievement one swing at a time. Not a golfer? No sweat- get social with us, and register for lunch and games instead.

Fall Festival

Saturday, October 11th

8:30 AM (End time not yet provided)

Easterseals Iowa

401 NE 66^th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313

Cost: Free

Gather your family & friends and join us for Family-friendly Fall activities. Costumes encouraged.
Enjoy superhero and princess meet-‘n’-greets, fall snacks, horseback riding, face painting, kids crafts, balloon artists, photo booth, prize drawings, bobbing for pumpkins, and more.

Sensory Spaces

Waukee Public Library

950 S Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA 50263

Saturday, October 11^th

3:00-3:45 PM

Registration requested for each person attending

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 for making fingerprint art magnets will be available. For all ages.

Art Spectrums

Des Moines Art Center

4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312

(515) 277-4405

Sunday, October 12th

Registration required

Sensory-Friendly Hours

Science Center of Iowa

401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309

Tuesday, October 14^th

4:00-7:00 PM

Registration Required

Cost: Free

The Science Center of Iowa is an exciting place, bustling with sights and sounds… but we provide a quieter, less crowded experience.

Families with children on the autism spectrum or children with sensory processing disorders will enjoy exploring the Science Center of Iowa with the help of Sensory Guide signage, which indicates audio, visual and activity stimuli. View their sensory guide and check out a sensory backpack at the SCI Box Office.

Harvest Hoedown

Friday, October 17th

5:30-7:30 PM

Valley Community Center

4444 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Cost: Free

Registration coming soon

Our Harvest Hoedown is a FREE community event for anyone ages 14+ with special needs. Come dressed for a hoedown to enjoy a festive dinner followed by karaoke, wagon rides, and games! This event is free, but please sign up to let us know you’re coming!

Sensory Friendly Movie Showings: Flix Junior Program

Flix Brewhouse

3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310

(515) 612-9200

Saturday, October 18th at 11:00 AM and 1:45 PM

Check website to purchase tickets

Enjoy a sensory-friendly screening of Hotel Transylvania through the Flix Junior Program. This program offers young families and individuals with sensory sensitivities the opportunity to escape to the movies, whether it’s for the latest first-run blockbuster or a classic throwback. Flix Junior shows include:

No age policy. Infants are welcome!
Dim-lighting and lower sound levels
Quiet chatter as needed
Adaptive technology and interactive tools permitted

IowAbility Fair

Easterseals Iowa

401 NE 66^th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313

Saturday, October 18th

10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Cost: Free

IowAbility Fair offers a unique experience for individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury, spina bifida, mobility impairments, and all wheelchair users. Participants can enjoy indoor and outdoor adaptive sports and recreation activities, explore product and service vendors, network and build relationships, and join the Walk-N-Roll fundraiser.

Sibshops

Childserve- Johnston

5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131

(515) 727-8750

Saturday, October 18^th

10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Cost: $25

Registration required

Sibshops is a fun and engaging support group for children ages 6-12 who have a sibling with special needs. At ChildServe‘s Sibshops event, your child will enjoy games, crafts, snacks and community with others who understand the unique relationships they have with their sibs! Each event is delivered in a 3-hour format on a weekend and led by ChildServe‘s team members who have received Sibshops facilitator training to provide this uplifting, fun event. This event will have a spooky fall theme. Register on their website.

Fall Drive-Thru Event

Valley Church Parking Lot

4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Sunday, October 19^th

4:00-5:00 PM

Join us on in the Valley Church Parking Lot in West Des Moines. Designed for those with Autism and other special needs to enjoy from the safety of their vehicles! FREE entry to drive thru!

The Great Pumpkin Party- A Night for Families with Special Needs

Valley Church

4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265201778349

Sunday, October 19th

6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Cost: Free

Join us on Sunday, October 19, for Families With Special Needs Night. The same Great Pumpkin Party, but with extra accommodations. Put on your friendly costumes and join us for inflatables, carnival games, free popcorn, and more!

Hand in Hand Mom’s Support Group

Valley Church

4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Monday, October 20th

6:30-8:00 PM

For details about our next meeting, feel free to email us at hih@valley.church.

Dad’s Support Group

Valley Church

4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Tuesday, October 21st

7:30-9:00 PM

2025 Autism Society of Iowa Fall Education Conference

Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel

1800 50^th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Friday, October 24^th

8:30 AM-3:15 PM

See website for pricing

Registration required

Des Moines Children’s Museum

1551 Valley West Drive #108, West Des Moines, IA

(515) 218-8344

Friday, October 24th

5:00-6:30 PM

Cost: Free

The fourth Friday of each month is our Sensory Friendly playtime for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities and their families to connect and explore in a calm, quieter space. This month, we’ll be celebrating Halloween with classic and fun party games in a quieter and calmer environment. Lights will be dimmed throughout the event.

Costumes optional.

Ask Each Other: Virtual Support Group

Monday, November 3rd

12:00-1:00 PM

Registration required

Hand in Hand Mom’s Support Group

Valley Church

4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Monday, November 3rd

6:30-8:00 PM

For details about our next meeting, feel free to email us at hih@valley.church.

Annual Celebration: Easterseals

Downtown Des Moines Marriott

700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines IA, 50313

Thursday, November 6^th

5:30 PM

The Easterseals Iowa Annual Celebration recognizes our mission to support individuals with disabilities to live, learn, work and play in our community. Check their website for more details as the event approaches.

Art Spectrums

Des Moines Art Center

4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312

(515) 277-4405

Sunday, November 9th

Registration required

Sensory-Friendly Hours

Science Center of Iowa

401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309

Tuesday, November 11th

4:00-7:00 PM

Registration Required

Cost: Free

The Science Center of Iowa is an exciting place, bustling with sights and sounds… but we provide a quieter, less crowded experience.

Hand in Hand Mom’s Support Group

Valley Church

4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Monday, November 17th

6:30-8:00 PM

For details about our next meeting, feel free to email us at hih@valley.church.

Dad’s Support Group

Valley Church

4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Tuesday, November 18th

7:30-9:00 PM

Des Moines Children’s Museum

1551 Valley West Drive #108, West Des Moines, IA

(515) 218-8344

Friday, November 21st

5:00-6:30 PM

Cost: Free

Enjoy sensory-friendly playtime for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities, and their families, to connect and explore in a calm, quieter space. Please note that November’s Sensory Play Time will be on the third Friday of the month due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Sensory Spaces

Urbandale Public Library

3520 86^th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322

Sunday, November 23^rd

12:00-1:00 PM

The library will have ear plugs, ear coverings, and more available for those who experience sensory defensiveness. The lighting will be reduced throughout the library and there will be areas for noise and quiet.

In Meeting Room B we will have an ongoing sensory-friendly storytime. Drop in at your leisure! A therapy animal will be available for attendees to take a moment to socialize with in the Magazine/ Reading Room.

In Meeting Room A, organizations serving as critical supports in our community have been invited to attend the event to share information regarding their services.

As always our friendly staff will be on hand to answer questions and help you utilize any of the regular resources that we offer including using a computer and checking out material.

Watch their social story for visiting the library.

Fall Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Events in Des Moines 2025