Events

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 6-11 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! May Theme: Bees and Other Pollinators! Stop by to learn about the important role pollinators play in our environment! Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. Fishing Instructors are also available to provide helpful tips and answer questions. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished for years to learn.

Join OPL at different parks and places for storytime, featuring stories, creative movement, music and more. Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Rain or shine, we'll be there!

Soccer Shots is bringing the fun to The RiverFront with a free, 30 minute soccer experience for children ages 2 to 5. Kids will run, play, and explore through exciting games while building confidence and learning basic soccer skills in a fun, positive, and energetic environment. Sign up on their site!

Join OPL for a fun storytelling event for adults! Experience compelling narratives and diverse perspectives in a vibrant atmosphere. Doors open at 6:45 PM for refreshments and mingling. Not ready for the stage? We need audience members to cheer on our storytellers.

Step into a prehistoric adventure at Lauritzen Gardens with Dinosaurs Around the World: Passport to Pangea, on view May 30 through September 7, 2026. Produced by Imagine, this immersive traveling exhibition transforms the garden into a journey across ancient Earth, where life-sized animatronic dinosaurs roar, move, and captivate visitors of all ages.

Make your mark! At the end of each month, bring a project you're working on, or one you've completed, and share it with fellow community members and staff! Celebrate the creativity of our community, spark new ideas, and check out what others are making. This month we are focusing on items made on 3D printers.

Sushi with a twist! Come hang out and make your own sushi using Rice Krispie treats and candy. Learn about different types of sushi, test your skills with some chopstick games, and enjoy a fun (and tasty) challenge. All craft supplies are free and will be provided while supplies last.

Join for a magical puppet performance with Cheeky Rabbit Marionette Puppets! Enjoy an enchanting show full of music, storytelling, and beautifully handcrafted puppets brought to life. This fun and engaging performance is perfect for kids and families who love creativity, laughter, and a little bit of magic. This program does not require registration.

Two full moons in one month? Come experience this "once in a blue moon" phenomenon at the Forest! Enjoy an evening hike and experience the Forest under the light of the moon.

Celebrate reading with a party all about bookmarks! Kids can decorate a variety of bookmarks using fun supplies and their own creativity. From colorful designs to imaginative patterns, everyone will leave with a collection of unique bookmarks to enjoy with their favorite books. All supplies are included while supplies last. This is a free event for kids ages 6-10, and registration is required.

Bring a blanket and join us for a half hour of musical fun with Lori Lynn @ Bayliss Park. Most appropriate for kids 5 years old and younger and an adult companion. In the event of inclement weather this program will be moved to the Library.

Unearth A Story: Animals from the Past: Journey back in time this summer as we look at how modern-day animal adaptations can help us uncover the truth about our past!

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-5 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity!  June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Join at 10:30AM on Tuesdays for Out & About Storytime in Ralston Park. 📗🌳 Ralston Park is located at 7700 Park Dr. In the event of inclement weather, Storytime will be held at the library.

Join for a magical puppet performance with Cheeky Rabbit Marionette Puppets! Enjoy an enchanting show full of music, storytelling, and beautifully handcrafted puppets brought to life. This fun and engaging performance is perfect for kids and families who love creativity, laughter, and a little bit of magic. This program does not require registration.

Bring a blanket or chair and get swept away by the energy, rhythm, and sounds of these talented musicians! In the event of inclement weather, this program will move to Library Meeting Room B. Most appropriate for families with kids 6th grade and under.

Curiosity Crew is a dedicated STEM educational and experimentation time for kids of all ages (2-11). Each month we’ll have a Curiosity Crew theme that guides our learning and activities! Families are welcome to drop in, learn something new, and complete an experiment or activity as a group! June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made.  Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-5 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity!  June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

This summer, join Ballet Des Moines and Friends for an afternoon and evening of joy, creativity, and community. Working together with statewide and local partners, Ballet Des Moines’ Transformations Tour includes an afternoon of dancing, art-making, music-making, and more. Family activities open at 5pm, with a free, professional ballet performance starting at 6:30

This event is held in conjunction with Iowa's FREE fishing weekend, which means a license is not required for Iowa residents. All other IDNR fishing regulations apply. Children must bring their own fishing pole and bait to join in the fishing derby fun. Some bait will be provided. A $3 per vehicle entry fee or Pottawattamie Conservation membership is required to participate.

Join OPL at The Joslyn for storytime, featuring stories, creative movement, music and exploration of a piece of art. Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. This Storytime is part of The Joslyn's monthly Art-tastic Saturdays.

Bring your competitive spirit for Game Night Challenge. Couples, families, and friend groups can face off in crowd-favorite activities like Music Bingo, Trivia, and Karaoke—with prizes up for grabs. With lawn games, food trucks, drinks, and plenty of friendly rivalry, it’s a lively evening designed for laughter, bragging rights, and unforgettable summer memories.

Get to know the new OPL Do Space in our Skills Class! Each session will focus on learning a new skill, machine, or software. This session will focus on sewing machine basics, including the parts of the machine, getting set up, and basic stitches. After learning the basics, participants will work on creating a pillowcase! Register now for this 2-hour, hands-on program!

Join OPL at different parks and places for storytime, featuring stories, creative movement, music and more. Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome.  In June, learn about turtles.

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 6-11 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity! June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Unearth A Story: Animals from the Past: Journey back in time this summer as we look at how modern-day animal adaptations can help us uncover the truth about our past!

Get to know the new OPL Do Space in our Skills Class! Each session will focus on learning a new skill, machine, or software. This session will focus on sewing machine basics, including the parts of the machine, getting set up, and basic stitches. After learning the basics, participants will work on creating a pillowcase! Register now for this 2-hour, hands-on program!

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 6-11 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity! June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Get ready to be a scientist AND an artist! In this workshop, you’ll meet a special soil bacteria called Streptomyces that makes a super cool color-changing pigment. Your mission? Use water and a set of tools to figure out how to pull the color out of the bacteria’s jelly-like home. Once you’ve cracked the code, the real fun begins! You’ll mix and experiment in test tubes to see the color shift and change right before your eyes. Then you’ll use your very own “bacteria ink” to paint a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to take home.

Bring your competitive spirit for Game Night Challenge. Couples, families, and friend groups can face off in crowd-favorite activities like Music Bingo, Trivia, and Karaoke—with prizes up for grabs. With lawn games, food trucks, drinks, and plenty of friendly rivalry, it’s a lively evening designed for laughter, bragging rights, and unforgettable summer memories.

Unearth A Story: Animals from the Past: Journey back in time this summer as we look at how modern-day animal adaptations can help us uncover the truth about our past!

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-5 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity!  June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Curiosity Crew is a dedicated STEM educational and experimentation time for kids of all ages (2-11). Each month we’ll have a Curiosity Crew theme that guides our learning and activities! Families are welcome to drop in, learn something new, and complete an experiment or activity as a group! June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made.  Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Join OPL at “Once Upon a Time at the Castle,” a storytime and wildlife adventure in the enchanted gardens. Storytime will feature stories, creative movement, music and more. After storytime, learn about the real creatures we read about through live wildlife interactions and activities. This month we will learn about snakes.

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-5 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! Stop by to learn about a topic and complete an activity!  June Theme: Dinos! Celebrate our summer reading theme and learn about types of dinosaurs and how their fossils were made. Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

In order for curious minds to bloom, it is essential to plant a love of reading at a young age. Join OPL at Lauritzen Gardens for stories that celebrate gardens, plants, insects and more, and discover the joys of nature, movement, music, and literature. Storytime is geared for preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Lauritzen Gardens will offer free admission to families who attend this storytime.