Arts & Entertainment
Play In A Day
Dec 21, 9:00 am
Location
Valley Community Center, 4444 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Event For
Elementary and Middle School Students
Cost
$75
Organization
All Good Things Theatre
Contact
Cindy Stanbro
Phone
(515) 556-4297
In this six-hour class, Grades 1st through 7th dig into character development, collaborate on design, and grow leadership skills all while having tons of fun and making new friends. Family and friends are invited back at 3pm for a once-in-a-lifetime production!
Shrinky Dinky, Cocoa Drinky, Movie Jamboree!
Dec 23, 1:00 pm
RSVP By
December 23, 2024 @ 1:00 PM
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Teens are invited to sip on delicious hot cocoa, get creative with Shrinky Dink crafts, and watch the holiday movie, Elf! Wear pajamas and bring a comfy blanket if you want! This event is for kids in 6th grade and up. Registration at johnstonlibrary.com/events is appreciated.
Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament: Random Mayhem Edition
Dec 23, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
In this unique twist on the classic brawl, all characters and stages are chosen entirely at random! Whether you’re a seasoned Smash veteran or new to the game, everyone has an equal chance toto claim victory in this wild and unpredictable competition. Prizes and bragging rights for the winners.
Shrinky Dinky, Cocoa Drinky, Movie Jamboree!
Dec 30, 1:00 pm
RSVP By
December 30, 2024 @ 9:00 AM
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Teens are invited to sip on delicious hot cocoa, get creative with Shrinky Dink crafts, and enjoy watching the movie Moana. Wear pajamas and bring a comfy blanket if you want! This event is for kids in 6th grade and up. Registration at johnstonlibrary.com/events is appreciated.
Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament: Random Mayhem Edition
Dec 30, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
In this unique twist on the classic brawl, all characters and stages are chosen entirely at random! Whether you’re a seasoned Smash veteran or new to the game, everyone has an equal chance to claim victory in this wild and unpredictable competition. Prizes and bragging rights for the winners.
QR Code Quest: New Year’s Eve Edition
Dec 31 (all day)
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
elementary school students, middle school students
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
Come in anytime the library is open for a fun scavenger hunt the whole family can enjoy. Follow the clues hidden throughout the library. Complete the puzzle and win a fun prize. Bring your own device or use one of ours. For all ages.
Teen Pokemon Club: Legendary New Year’s Eve Party
Dec 31, 1:00 pm
RSVP By
December 31, 2024 @ 1:00 PM
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Get ready to celebrate the end of the year with Pokémon fans. Whether you’re into video games, trading card battles, or the show, there’s something for everyone! Bring your Pokémon cards or devices for epic year-end battles and trades, or just come to hang out. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events
Shrinky Dinky, Cocoa Drinky, Movie Jamboree!
Jan 2, 1:00 pm
RSVP By
January 2, 2025 @ 1:00 PM
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Teens are invited to sip on delicious hot cocoa, get creative with Shrinky Dink crafts, and watch the movie Inside Out 2. Wear pajamas and bring a comfy blanket if you want! This event is for kids in 6th grade and up. Registration at johnstonlibrary.com/events is appreciated.
Doodlerz Art Studio
Jan 2, 4:30 pm
RSVP By
January 2, 2025 @5:30 PM
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
3rd Grade to 5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
Love to doodle, scribble, and sketch? Learn new drawing techniques, practice your art skills, and chill with your friends. Registration is required for kids in grades 3-5.
Can You Find It?
Jan 5, 1:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
K through 5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
Join us for a fun Scavenger Hunt throughout the Youth Services Area. Win a prize after finding all 10 themed items. For all ages.
Arts & Snacks
Jan 6, 4:15 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
Elementary Students
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
We will have hands-on art projects that will spark learning and discovery for kids in K-5 as well as a snack! This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Teen Tuesday: Glue Gun Art Challenge
Jan 7, 5:00 pm
RSVP By
January 7, 2025 @ 5:00 PM
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
The challenge: use a glue gun and the mystery art supplies provided to create an unforgettable work of art. There will be some unexpected twists throughout the competition. We'll vote on our favorite creation, and the winner will receive a gift card from Hobby Lobby. Register at johnstonlibrary.com
Teen Mario Kart Tournament
Jan 8, 3:30 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Let's go! Drive, dodge, and maneuver your way to a first-place finish in our Mario Kart Tournament! Prizes for the winners. 6th grade and up.
Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament
Jan 8, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments held every Wednesday. 6th grade and up.
Kids Kitchen: Brownie in a Mug
Jan 9, 4:30 pm
RSVP By
January 9, 2025 @ 4:30 PM
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
Kindergarten to 5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
Ready for an afterschool treat? Kids can join our monthly cooking class to learn basic cooking skills and practice following a recipe. Registration at johnstonlibrary.com/events is required for this class and is open to kids in elementary school. Children under 8yo must be accompanied by an adult
Dragon Ball FighterZ Tournament
Jan 9, 5:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Choose a team of three fighters from the game’s 44 characters and battle it out to become the champion! The tournament will be a one-round, single-elimination tournament using the Nintendo Switch version of the game. Prizes for the winners!
Quick Craft: Bejeweled Mini Frame Magnets
Jan 11, 10:00 am
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
Kindergarten to 5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
Stop by the youth services area between 10am-Noon for a quick craft! This is a drop-in program for kids, so no registration is necessary. Available while supplies last. This month's craft is a mini bejeweled frame magnet full of glitz and glitter and perfect for your favorite photo from last yea
LEGO® Club
Jan 13, 4:15 pm
RSVP By
January 13, 2025 @ 4:15 PM
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
Kindergarten to 5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
LEGO Club provides a fun atmosphere where children can learn, build and play with the library’s set of LEGOs. Each meeting will have a new theme or challenge. Great for kids in grades K-5. Registration at johnstonlibrary.com/events is required.
Teen Board Game Club
Jan 14, 6:00 pm
RSVP By
May 13, 2025 @ 6:00 PM
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Do you love board games? Are you looking to meet some fellow board game enthusiasts? Join us at JPL’s Teen Board Game Club, where each month, we’ll introduce you to a new game and teach you how to play it. Registration at johnstonlibrary.com/events is required.
Teen Mario Kart Tournament
Jan 15, 3:30 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Let's go! Drive, dodge, and maneuver your way to a first-place finish in our Mario Kart Tournament! Prizes for the winners. 6th grade and up.
Anime Club
Jan 15, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Join JPL's Anime Club each week for Japanese snacks, anime trivia, and art projects! All fans welcome! Registration is not required, but you will receive reminder emails about meetings if you register at johnstonlibrary.com/events
Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament
Jan 15, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments held every Wednesday. 6th grade and up.
Anime Club
Jan 16, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Join JPL's Anime Club each week for Japanese snacks, anime trivia, and art projects! All fans welcome! Registration is not required, but you will receive reminder emails about meetings if you register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.
Movie Makers: Filmmaking for Kids Series
Jan 16, 4:30 pm
RSVP By
January 16, 2025 @ 4:30 PM
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
3rd Grade to 5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
Part 1: Screenwriting. Learn the basics of filmmaking in this 3 part class for kids in grades 3-5. By the end, the kids will have written, filmed, and edited their own video. Registration is required at johnstonlibrary.com/events. Registering for this class will register you for all 3 parts.
Dragon Ball FighterZ Tournament
Jan 16, 5:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Choose a team of three fighters from the game’s 44 characters and battle it out to become the champion! The tournament will be a one-round, single-elimination tournament using the Nintendo Switch version of the game. Prizes for the winners!
School’s Out Safari
Jan 20, 9:00 am
Location
Blank Park Zoo - 7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
Event For
Grades 1-3
Cost
$75 per day, Blank Park Zoo members save 20%
Organization
Blank Park Zoo
Contact
Education Department
Email
camps@blankparkzoo.net
Phone
(515) 974-2550
School’s Out Safari Camps are one-day camps for students in grades 1-3. These camps are scheduled on certain days when metro area schools are out for holidays or teacher professional development.
Dungeons & Dragons
Jan 21, 5:00 pm
RSVP By
May 20, 2025 @ 5:00 PM
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Beginners and experienced adventurers welcome! Bring a character or use one of our premade characters. We will meet monthly. Registration required at johnstonlibrary.com/events. If you register for this event, you will be automatically registered for all of the following events.
Pizza + Sledding- Wesley Woods
Feb 22, 1:00 pm
RSVP By
02/12/2025
Location
Wesley Woods Camp + Retreat Center, 10896 Nixon Street, Indianola, Iowa
Event For
everyone
Cost
$5 per person, max $25 per family
Organization
Wesley Woods Camp + Retreat Center
Email
info@wesleywoodsiowa.org
Phone
(515) 961-4523
Join us for an afternoon of Pizza and Sledding at the beautiful Wesley Woods Camp + Retreat Center. Bring your sleds (or borrow ours) and friends and enjoy pizza, sledding, crafts and hot chocolate. $5 per person, max $25 per family.