Find all the hidden clues around the children’s section and complete the activities to win a prize! While supplies last.
Adventure Pass Changes in 2025
Due to software issues affecting all libraries using the service, the Des Moines Public Library’s Iowa Adventure Pass program will no longer be available in 2025. Any reservation already made for 2025 will be honored, but we encourage anyone with a current reservation to print those passes immediately. Customers can make new reservations for passes that must be used by December 31, 2024. We hope to reintroduce the service at a later time, and we apologize for the inconvenience.
“Mother Goose on the Loose”, is a 30-minute nursery rhyme program for newborns to three-year-olds. The class helps to strengthen babies' and toddler's foundation for literacy with rhymes, rhythm, repetition, story, and movement.
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.
Toddlers and caregivers can enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, occasional crafts and a little playtime with Miss Janee. For toddlers ages 18 months - 3 years.
Do you need a calm place to play? Then come to the Forest Avenue Calming Room for a sensory interactive experience! This is an unsupervised, drop-in program for youth.
Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
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.
Event Details
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays and more, followed by a craft. Ages 18 months to 3 years. Meeting Room.
Enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, movement, and more!
Event Details
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays and more, followed by a craft. Ages 18 months to 3 years. Meeting Room.
It's time to break it and make it! Do you wonder how things are made? Join us for a monthly deconstruction lab where we take apart common objects, see what parts they contain, and create something new from the pieces.
Come to the library and try out some experiments with food.
Science Wednesdays is a chance for kids ages six to twelve to explore different aspects of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Disclaimer(s)
Food Allergies
We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.Imagine making a drawing using paper and a nail. Come to the Central Library to find out how. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Please register in order to assure adequate supplies.
Use clay, Legos, Minecraft figures, and more to create your own mini movie! Ages 8-12.
Families can enjoy stories, rhymes, and songs together on Wednesday nights. It's a great way for busy families to relax and listen to stories together.
Anna Slavina, a PhD in Human Computer Interaction from Iowa State University, will discuss things consumers should know about how their data are being collected and used.