Events

Join at the library for WhyArts Kids on the Block, an engaging educational puppet program designed for children in grades K–4. Through lively performances and interactive storytelling, this special event introduces children to what it’s like to live with a disability. Each puppet is operated by a puppeteer who shares the same disability, making the overall message authentic and relevant.

Every Thursday join in the Curiosity Lab, as we explore science with hands-on activities and experiments. *Participants should be prepared to get messy*

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

Omaha Conservatory of Music guests bring the magic of music alive with a musical storytime! The storytime includes a special musical story, songs with movement, and an instrument petting zoo.

Join American Midwest Ballet at the Performance Pavilion in Gene Leahy Mall for a free dance class. This class is open to all ages and led by a company dancer, and focuses on learning new steps and discovering the joy of dance.

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.

Calling all dino-designers; get ready for an adventure millions of years in the making! Unleash your inner sculptor and join us to make a clay dinosaur. After your prehistoric pal is built, you can give them a voice by writing a thrilling mini-adventure about their life in the wild! No experience needed—just bring your imagination! All materials are included, while supplies last. This is a free event for children ages 8-12. Registration is required.

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.

Calling all gamers! Have a blast learning how to code while building robotic games to test your code. You will learn about sequencing commands, value and sensor inputs, and loops. This month you will create a racecar. Registration is required

Come dance with Pear Tree! Learn beginning dance routines and fun fitness combos. Fun in the sun for all ages and skill levels. Meet at the 8th Street Pavilion next to the dog park! 

Compete against other teams to complete the same puzzle in the fastest amount of time. All teams will be provided with a puzzle and will have two hours to finish the challenge. The first team to complete the puzzle wins! Space is limited, and registration is required.

You will be "locked" in a room with puzzles, clues (and a few hints) to see if you have the smarts to figure out how to get out of our escape room! This escape room is based on the best-selling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.

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!

You will be "locked" in a room with puzzles, clues (and a few hints) to see if you have the smarts to figure out how to get out of our escape room! This escape room is based on the best-selling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.

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.