Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:

Friday, March 20th 2026 – Sunday, March 22nd 2026

Every weekend there are amazing Fun Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa! We have created a list of what we think are the most fun, most interesting family events in the Des Moines area this weekend – so you can have the best time together!

The page will be updated every week so be sure to come back and see what great kids’ events we have coming up for the weekend in Des Moines. Take a look at our full FREE, extensive event calendar to plan your weeks and days in Des Moines, Iowa.

Garden Quilt Show

Friday, March 20th – Sunday, March 22nd, 2026
Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Reiman Gardens – Ames, IA

It’s Quilt Show Week with the Iowa Quilters Guild at Reiman Gardens! This three-day event highlights some of the finest quilting in Iowa with stunning displays, judged competitions, and creative inspiration around every corner. Guests can also browse vendors showcasing and selling fabric art, and Saturday visitors can enjoy local food trucks while exploring the gardens. Admission is included with garden entry. Learn More or Register Today

Spring Break Open GLOW Play

Friday, March 20th, 2026
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Pump It Up – Urbandale, IA

Turn down the lights and turn up the fun with this glowing inflatable play experience! Kids can bounce and slide through Pump It Up’s playground under special lighting while rocking glow-in-the-dark accessories. Each child receives a glow necklace, making this energetic playtime even more exciting. Learn More or Register Today

Spring Break Glow Party

Friday, March 20th, 2026
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Triad Gymnastics – Ankeny, IA

This glow-themed open gym party invites kids ages 3 and up to jump, climb, and explore in a high-energy gym environment. Triad Kids Campus offers a fun and welcoming space designed to build confidence while encouraging movement and play. Learn More or Register Today

Dome After Dark

Friday, March 20th, 2026
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden – Des Moines, IA

Experience the Botanical Garden in a whole new light! During Dome After Dark, the tropical conservatory and Gardeners Show House are beautifully illuminated, creating a cozy and magical atmosphere on a winter evening. It’s a perfect outing for families or a relaxed date night surrounded by lush greenery. Learn More or Register Today

Little Explorers with Park-N-Play

Saturday, March 21st, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Central Library – Des Moines, IA

Little Explorers gets a playful twist this weekend with help from the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation. Families can drop in to enjoy toys, crafts, games, and hands-on activities designed for curious young minds. Best of all, this community event is completely free and open to all ages. Learn More or Register Today

Caturday with Whiskers TNR

Saturday, March 21st, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Waukee Public Library – Waukee, IA

Stop by the Waukee Library for a cozy morning with adorable, adoptable cats and kittens! Hosted by Whiskers TNR, this special Caturday event offers plenty of cuddles while giving visitors a chance to learn about adoption and meet their potential new furry friend. Learn More or Register Today

Principal Park Open House

Saturday, March 21st, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Principal Park – Des Moines, IA

Baseball fans can get an inside look at Principal Park during this free open house. Visitors can explore the Iowa Cubs locker room, clubhouse, broadcast booth, and brand-new bullpens on a self-guided tour. Guests will also receive a free hot dog and soda while supplies last – plus a ticket to Opening Night on March 27! Learn More or Register Today

Iowa Wild Pride Night 2026

Saturday, March 21st, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Casey’s Center – Des Moines, IA

Cheer on the Iowa Wild while celebrating community and inclusion at Pride Night! The puck drops at 5:00 PM for an evening of exciting hockey and special Pride-themed festivities. Guests can also enjoy a Pride meet-up between periods featuring craft cocktails, local beer, and giveaways. Learn More or Register Today

Brekky with Bluey

Sunday, March 22nd, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (timeslots)
Wilson’s Orchard & Farm – Cumming, IA

Bluey is back at the farm for a morning full of fun! Families can enjoy a waffle bar, build-your-own yogurt parfait station, arts and crafts, and time to meet everyone’s favorite blue heeler. After breakfast, kids can explore the Farmyard during its special reopening for event guests. Tickets are required for ages 2 and up. Learn More or Register Today

Botanical Blues

Sunday, March 22nd, 2026
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden – Des Moines, IA

Celebrate 20 years of live blues music at the Botanical Garden! Botanical Blues offers a relaxed Sunday afternoon of local music in the warmth of the tropical conservatory. This week’s performance features Bob Dorr and Jeff Petersen – The Blue Two. Learn More or Register Today

Read, Move & Groove: Where the Wild Things Are

Sunday, March 22nd, 2026
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Little Gym of Johnston – Johnston, IA

Join a wildly fun storytime inspired by Where the Wild Things Are! Kids will stomp, roar, and imagine their way through a playful adventure that includes storytime, crafts, and open gym play. It’s a great way for little ones to explore creativity while staying active. Learn More or Register Today

Purchase your copy today!