Des Moines Moms Guide to May Events 2019

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May events Des Moines

May is a busy month! Spring sports are in full swing. There’s an air of excitement as we reach the end of the school year.

The weather is (mostly) beautiful and there are so many great events in and around Des Moines, it’s hard to know where to begin. To help you out, we’ve gathered some great ideas for family fun. Enjoy!

May 2019 Events and Activities in Des Moines

May 1 | Spraygrounds OpenDes Moines
The start of the summer aquatics season kicks off with the opening of Des Moines’ 9 spraygrounds. A sprayground is a splash pad that has spray features but no standing water. Spraygrounds offer unsupervised water play specifically aimed at children ages 10 and under. City of Des Moines staff is not provided at spraygrounds and parental supervision is required. They are open daily, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Des Moines Spraygrounds open all summer:

Columbus Park – 1921 SE 1st Street
Evelyn K. Davis Park – 1400 Forest Avenue
Fairmont Park – 2520 Hull Avenue
Good Park – 1103 17th Street
Grandview Park – 3230 Easton Boulevard
Greenwood Park – 4500 Grand Avenue
McHenry Park – 1012 Oak Park Avenue
Sargent Park – 3530 E Douglas Avenue
Woodlawn Park – 3126 Twana Drive

May 1 | Sing-A-Long with Bruce Day, Des Moines Children’s Museum
DSM Children’s Museum is in its new location on the lower level of Valley West Mall. On the first Wednesday of every month, stop by at 10 a.m. for singing and dancing with Bruce Day! The sing-a-long is included with regular admission.

May 2-4 | Tulip Time, Pella
Is there any better way to kick off spring than with a walk through the tulips? Take a quick road trip to Pella to see the flowers and the parade (we recommend the lighted parade at night!), and taste test all the Dutch delights.

May 2-12 | Ella Enchanted, Des Moines Community Playhouse
In this show, Ella was given the “gift” of obedience as a baby by her wacky fairy godmother, Lucinda. As she grows into a teenager, Ella realizes how dangerous her curse of obedience could be. This is a great opportunity for kids ages 5 and older to experience the theater.
Tickets are $19-$23.

May 4 | Johnston Kites on the GreenJohnston Commons, 6700 Merle Hay Road
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The celebration will feature giant show-kite displays, kite contests for people of all ages, celebrity bol races, and free kite building.

May 4 | Downtown Farmers Market, Court Ave.
Starting at 7 a.m.
It’s opening weekend at the Downtown Farmers Market, and we’re so excited to visit our favorite Saturday destination. Whether you make it a family outing, girls day, or day date, the Farmers Market is always a great choice.

May 4 | Food Truck Throw Down, Des Moines Social Club
Starting at 11 a.m.
Take the family out for a new dining experience. $5 gets you access to 12+ food trucks, live music, beverage tents, and art activities. If you start the morning at the Downtown Farmers Market, spend the afternoon here. 

May 5 | Healthy Kids DayWaukee Stadium
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Come join the fun with this free event designed for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Play alongside Waukee High School athletes and students as they demonstrate and teach kids of all ages different ways to stay active, including track, football, soccer, baseball, Tae-Kwon-Do, tennis, volleyball, cheer, and dance. Kids can also hula hoop, jump rope, and have fun with colorful parachutes.

May 5 | MyDMPL Con, Central Library
Free family fun is at its best at the library! Travel to Hogwarts to make remembralls. Take pictures with daring luchadores, and meet your favorite heroes, princesses, and Paw Patrol puppies! Teens can test an air bazooka and learn to do gory zombie cosplay while competing at old-school video-games. Littles can enjoy sensory activities and LEGO fun!  Check out local artwork or get your face painted. Let your cape fly at the Des Moines Public Library!

May 6 | Urbandale Mayor’s Bike Ride9000 Northpark Dr.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dust off the bikes and take the kids out for a fun-filled day. The Mayor’s ride offers three routes of different distances for the bike ride participants. Registration includes a t-shirt, lunch, refreshments, and pre and post-ride activities. The Bike Ride is open to children and adults. The pre-registration fee for the “Mayor’s Bike Ride is $30 per single rider and $15 for each additional family member. You don’t need to participate in the Mayor’s Bike Ride to enjoy the free kids’ activities at this event including face painting, sidewalk chalk, bike course for kids, helmet fitting, and give away.

May 9 | Summer Concert Series, Jasper Winery
Here’s another sign that summer is on its way. Jasper Winery kicks off its annual Summer Concert Series with Ade and the Soul Brothers. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for outside seating. Adult beverages, burgers, and brats will be available for purchase.  

May 11 | National Kids to Parks Day, Gray’s Lake Park
The City of Des Moines is celebrating National Kids to Parks Day with $1 bike and boat rentals, starting at 10 a.m. The environmental education team will also be helping to plant a new habitat that will attract native butterflies to the park. There is a $10 fee to make your own butterfly-friendly planter to take home. End the day with a free movie in the park: Lego Movie 2: The Second Part at 8:30 p.m. Be sure to bring chairs or blankets (and a few movie snacks).

May 11 | Dyslexia Super Power Fun Run, Hosted by Decoding Dyslexia Iowa
Grab your cape, mask, and superhero outfit and join the fun on either a 5K or 1-mile fun run/walk at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines. Bonus: Iowa Cubs Cubbie Bear and the Avengers of Knight superheroes will be there!

May 11 | Mum’s & Mimosas, Southridge Mall
11 a.m.
Take your mom, sister, or bestie to a flower arranging event. Learn to create a fresh flower arrangement in a stylish vase while you enjoy complimentary mimosas. WIN-WIN!

May 12 | Free Admission for Mother’s DayReiman Gardens, Ames
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In honor of Mother’s Day, all moms are admitted free of charge. Free for mothers, Reiman Gardens’ members, and ISU students. 

May 12 & 19 | Pedal to the Park, Iowa Cubs at Principal Park
1 p.m.
Everyone who bikes to a Sunday afternoon Iowa Cubs game can get a ticket (and a promo item) for $9. To get the deal, you must go to the Bike World Bike Gate at Principal Park on game day. The Bike World Bike Gate features secured bicycle parking and is located on the southwest side of the stadium, next to the box office.

May 14 | Ankeny Police Week Community Picnic, Ankeny Police Department
4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Introduce your kids to police officers at this free community event. They can also tour a squad car and SWAT van. BONUS: They will be doing free child safety seat inspections if you want to double check how your seats are installed.

May 17 | Member Night, Blank Park Zoo
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Members can explore Blank Park Zoo after hours on a Friday night with the whole family. There will be free train rides, crafts, and games. The face painting station will also be open. This event is free for members and there is no registration.

May 24-25 | CelebrAsian, Western Gateway Park
11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Experience authentic Asian food, educational activities, and live cultural entertainment at one of Des Moines best festivals. Bring the kids and learn about the many Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities in Iowa.

May 25 | Historic Baseball Game, Living History Farm
Watch the origins of “America’s Greatest Pastime” by catching a Walnut Hill Bluestockings 1875-rules baseball game. The team is made up of LHF volunteers. Kids in the crowd will have a chance to bat around at the end of the game! The game is included in regular admission to Living History Farms.

May 31-June 2 | Des Moines Greek Food Fair, Greek Orthodox Church of St. George Des Moines
Delight in traditional Greek foods, drinks, and dancing at the Des Moines Greek Food Fair. Be sure to try ALL the baklava. Delish!  

Send us an email if we missed anything, and we’ll add your event to the list!

We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.

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Megan Boettcher
Content Coordinator Megan doesn’t really fall into any one mom category. With three kids from ages 5 to 12, she’s been a working mom and a stay-at-home mom. She’s breastfed and bottle-fed. She’s kept kids on strict sleeping schedules in their own beds and also embraced the benefits of co-sleeping. She’s a big believer in finding what works for you and your kiddo (and it’s often different for each kid). Megan is an Iowa native and lives in Ankeny with her husband Darren. They love to travel and are often planning their next road trip (even it’s a year away). They also enjoy entertaining and are famous among their friends for throwing big bashes to celebrate the Olympic Games. But her everyday life is mostly comprised of playdates, trips to the park, and trying to stay ahead of the never-ending laundry pile.    

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