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Dinosaur Exhibit at the Science Center of Iowa

We had Family Night, Friday night and it was a blast!

We began our evening at Zombie Burger. If you have not been, you definitely need to check it out! They have awesome, crazy burgers and even crazier, spiked milkshakes. I enjoyed a Cinnamon Toast Crunch shake spiked with Rum Chata … delish!

Travis ordered the Undead Elvis … which includes peanut butter, fried bananas, bacon, american cheese, egg, mayo, and somewhere on there … a hamburger patty!

(Image Source)

After dinner, we made our way to the Science Center of Iowa! They opened the Dinosaur Exhibit during Family Night. Family Night is the second Friday of every month 5 pm – 8 pm and it’s only $5. It’s a great thing, when you cannot make it to the Science Center during the day and it’s an awesome family night activity. As a Science Center member you can enter in at 4 pm to see the exhibit early, before the crowd hits. Also, as a member, the $5 entrance fee is waived. You also get free registration on monthly member family workshops. You can view upcoming workshops here.

We started out exploring in the Small Discoveries area. Monte loves this area and it’s perfect for toddlers. He loves the fruit and vegetable activity AND the bubble activity.

The dinosaur exhibit was pretty awesome. There is something for everyone, it does not matter your age! Monte was pretty much only interested in the large dinosaurs and hands on things.

The exhibit does a great job explaining everything with videos, pictures, and large dinosaurs! If there are questions there is someone available to ask.  There are a lot of hands on things for the kiddos.

Monte’s favorite were the stamps. At the beginning of the tour there are sheets of paper with six squares to fill. Each square is a different type of dinosaur. When you walk through the exhibit you look for that type of dinosaur and somewhere near by is a stamp to stamp your sheet. Each stamp is white and looks more like a fossil then a stamp.  It helps keep the kids involved and interested.

There were also smaller, toy dinosaurs you could play with!

After we toured the exhibit, we made our way upstairs to check out the When Things Get Moving area. You could spend hours in this area. You can build cars with legos and have races, build rockets and launch them, wrap an “egg” and drop it to see if it will break, dominoes, and much more!

If you have young kiddos and are not a member of the Science Center of Iowa, I definitely recommend becoming a member! I love taking Monte when it is cold and dreary out. We can spend a good 3 hours or more keeping busy with all the activities. It definitely pays for itself quickly! You get a discount on IMAX films, discount in the store, discount at the Food Chain Cafe, and more!

There are also events that happen which are included with your membership. One event that is coming up on October 25th is Spooky Science. A perfect event for your kiddos to get dressed up in their costumes and check out the Science Center of Iowa.

For more information about becoming a member, check it out here!

What is your favorite thing to do at the Science Center of Iowa?

DSM Activities & Events 12/12 – 12/18

 

 

1. Nutcracker at Hoyt Sherman

When: Thursday, December 12th – Sunday, December 15th

What: Make sure to purchase soon if you are wanting to see this Holiday classic! Go to Hoyt Sherman Place for information on show times and ticket prices.

2. Winter Market 

When: Friday 11 am – 2 pm & Saturday 9 am – 1 pm

Where and What: Miss the weekly downtown farmers market? You do not want to miss this then! This market will be located at Capital Square and there will be more then 120 vendors to shop from. Wine, jams, honey, turkeys, crafts and much more will be available for purchase. Check out the Downtown Farmers Market for more information and scheduled entertainment!

3. Cloth Diaper Garage Sale 

When: Saturday 10 am – 12 pm

Where and What: Whether you want to sell or buy cloth diapers, this event is for you! Check out the Little Padded Seats page for information on how to sell or buy!

4. Reiman Gardens Breakfast at the North Pole

When: Saturday 9 am or 11 am

What: There are two sittings available one at 9 am and 11 am. This event is for the whole family where you will enjoy a healthy breakfast in the Winter Wonderland, activity station, and carolers. You must register! For more information, prices, and to register check out Reiman Gardens website!

5. Santa at the Blank Park Zoo

When: Saturday 10 am –  2 pm

What: This event is for the whole family! Take a picture with Santa and his reindeer, write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and explore the zoo! For scheduled events going on through out the day, check out the Blank Park Zoo website!

6. Brunch with Santa

When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

Where and What: Located at the Urbandale Senior Center … bring your kiddos, camera, and wish list! Join Santa for donuts, juice, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and so much more! $10 per child. For more information and to register check out the Urbandale website!

7. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove

When: Saturday 9 am – 12 pm & Sunday 11 am – 2 pm

What: Eat breakfast, do crafts, and visit with Santa & Rudolph! There will also be a coloring contest! Cost $7.95 per adult and $5.95 per child Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

8. Holiday Tea at Terrace Hill

When: Monday and Tuesday times vary!

What: This is an adult event! So make it a date day/night with your significant other! Enjoy the Terrace Hill decked out in holiday lights and decor, enjoy tea, desserts, sandwiches, and entertainment! For more information, times, and to purchase tickets check out the Holiday Tea at Terrace Hill event!

9. Rainforest Romp at the Science Center of Iowa

When: Tuesday 1 pm – 2 pm

What: For ages 3-5 and their families! General admission to the Science Center is included. Discover one of the world’s biggest and most incredible mysteries as we uncover life in the rainforest! Where are rainforests located? What animals live there? Find out all about this amazing ecosystem, the animals that live there and the amazing explorers who help us to understand it better.

10. Cloth Diaper 101 

When: Tuesday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where and What: Are you wanting to learn more about cloth diapers? Not sure what to purchase or how to care for them? This class is PERFECT for you! Located at the local Little Padded Seats, you will learn everything you need to know. Check out Little Padded Seats website for more information.

11. Children’s Craft Days at Center Grove Orchard

When: Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm

What: Bring the children out and create a kids holiday craft, eat some sweet treats, do a scavenger hunt, and story time! There will also be some lunch items available for purchase. $4.95 per child. Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

12. Ladies Night at Center Grove

When: Wednesday 6 pm – 8 pm

What: Make it a fun night out with friends at Center Grove Orchard! Enjoy appetizers, soup, bread, dessert and create a special holiday Pinterest craft. There will also be a drawing for a gift basket giveaway! $9.95 per person and reservations are required! Check out the Center Grove flyer for more information!

 

DSM Activities & Events 11/28 – 12/4

 

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgivings! Now, the fun begins 🙂 Lots of holiday events are going on through out the Des Moines area. Here are some events and activities, but do not forget to check out my event calendar on the right hand of the page!

1. Frosty Returns with the Grinch 

When: Friday 6pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Meet Frosty, The Grinch, Flip the Penguin and Santa! Get your picture taken with one, and there will be special skating exhibitions! $5 to skate and FREE skate rentals! For more information check out the Southridge Mall event page.

2. Disney on Ice: Passport to Adventure 

When: Wednesday, November 27th – Sunday, December 1st

Where and What: Is your kiddo a fan of the Disney gang? Or are you even a fan of the Disney gang? You have to see everyone at Disney on Ice at the Wells Fargo Arena. This is a fun event for the whole family! To purchase tickets and to see show times check out the Iowa Events Center website.

 3. Festival of Trees and Lights

When: Wednesday, November 27th – Sunday, December 1st

Where and What: This is an event that has been going on in the Des Moines area since 1984! You do not want to miss the decorated trees, children’s area, food, shopping and entertainment. The revenue from this festival helps support the Blank Children’s Hospital. For more information about this events, times, and ticket prices check out the Iowa Events Center website.

4. Jolly Holiday Lights

When: Tuesday, November 26th – Wednesday, January 1st: 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Where and What: A classic Des Moines event, that goes on everyday until the New Year. Grab your family, jump in a car and drive through to check out all the holiday light displays! All proceeds go to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation! $10 per car load,$20 per limo load, $45 per bus load.

5. Little Padded Seats 1-Year Anniversary

When: Saturday 10 am – 12 pm

Where and What: Come out to Little Padded Seats, located in Valley West Mall to celebrate their 1-year anniversary being located at Valley West Mall! There will be cake, prizes, specials, and much more! Get a little Christmas shopping done and stop by!

6. Spirit of the Season at the Science Center of Iowa

When: Saturday 5 pm – 8 pm

What: Join others at the Science Center of Iowa to kick off their holiday events, every weekend up to the New Year! FREE general admission 5 – 8 pm. Tree lighting. FREE cocoa and cookie decorating. Holiday crafts. Discounted admission to see The Polar Express at the IMAX for $5. Fireworks to end the evening! Check out the Science Center of Iowa event page for more details!

7. Cloth Diaper 101 at Little Padded Seats 

When: Sunday 2 pm – 4 pm

What: Are you wanting to learn more about cloth diapers? Not sure what to purchase or how to care for them? This class is PERFECT for you! Located at the local Little Padded Seats, you will learn everything you need to know. Check out Little Padded Seats website for more information.

8. Pet Photos with Santa at Jordan Creek Town Center 

When: Monday 6 pm – 8 pm

What: This is the perfect opportunity for your furry, four-legged friend to see Santa. Cats AND dogs! Bring your pet out to Jordan Creek Towncenter in the photo area. There will be several packages of pictures to choose from.

9. Southridge Mall Tree Lighting and Santa

When: Tuesday 5 pm – 8 pm

What: Bring the whole family to check out the beautiful lit tree and handmade ornaments. There will be entertainment, shopping and hot cocoa & cookies available! You can also receive a FREE picture with Santa! For more details check out the Southridge Mall event page.

10. Rainforest Romp and the Science Center of Iowa

When: Wednesday 10 am – 11 am

What: For ages 3-5 and their families! Genercal admission to the Sciece Center is included. Discover one of the world’s biggest and most incredible mysteries as we uncover life in the rainforest! Where are rainforests located? What animals live there? Find out all about this amazing ecosystem, the animals that live there and the amazing explorers who help us to understand it better.

11. Children’s Craft Days and Center Grove Orchard

When: Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm 

What: Bring the children out and create a kids holiday craft, eat some sweet treats, do a scavenger hunt, and story time! There will also be some lunch items available for purchase. $4.95 per child. Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

 

DSM Activities & Events 11/7 – 11/13

 

As always make sure to check out the calendar on the right hand side of the page for more events going on in the area! Have a great weekend!

1. Science Center of Iowa

When: Friday 5 pm – 8 pm

What: TWO great events are going on at the same time!

  • Family Night: You can build a rocket, travel through outer space, eat some snacks from the cafe, and more! $5
  • LEGO Build: The Iowa LEGO Users group will discuss the process and engineering behind the SCI LEGO Build. There will also be plenty of LEGO bricks to play with! $5

 

2. Wells Fargo Arena 

When: Friday & Saturday

What: Are you wanting to get out and go to a concert this weekend? You have two opportunities! Pink will be performing Friday night at 8 pm and Keith Urban will be performing Saturday night at 7 pm. Check out Iowa Events Center to get your tickets!

3. Iowa’s Premier Beer, Wine and Food Expo 

When: Friday 4 – 10 pm & Saturday 10 am – 8 pm

Where and What: Find a sitter and make it a date night! This event is a great way to try wonderful food from various chefs in the Midwest, and to try beer and wine! Please check out the Iowa’s Premier Beer, Wine and Food Expo’s website for a list of scheduled events, vendors, and to purchase tickets!

4. Holiday Open House

When: Saturday 10 am – 1 pm

Where and What: It’s that time of year! West Glen Town Center is hosting a holiday open house. There is a chance to win a $500.00 gift card and Santa will be available for a FREE family photo! Everyone is encouraged to bring a personal hygiene product that will be donated to Children & Families of Iowa.

5. Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. 

When: November 8th – December 1st

Where and What: Today is the opening night for this wonderful show at the Des Moines Playhouse! The show is for ages 5 years and older, so if you think your kiddo can sit, listen and watch a classic, this would be a great family event! Tickets are $17 for adults and seniors, and $13 for students and children. To purchase tickets and for show times check out the Des Moines Playhouse.

6. Infant & Children’s Clothing Swap 

When: Saturday 10 am – Noon

Where and What: Little Padded Seats, located in Valley West Mall is hosting a great event! Are you looking for winter clothes, for your little one or looking to get rid of some clothes? This is also a great way to make some extra cash for the holiday season too! Please check out all of the rules and guidelines whether you are looking to sell or buy here.

7. On the Wagon Ride 

When: Saturday 6 pm – 10 pm

Where and What: Do one last Fall celebration before all the Holiday activities start! Summerset Winery, in Indianola is hosting “On the Wagon”. Join them for a bon-fire, hay rack rides, hot dogs, chili, and of course wine! The cost is $25 per person and RSVP is requested. For more information check out Summerset Winery.

8. Central Iowa Wind Ensemble Children’s Concert 

When: Sunday at 2 pm

Where and What: The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble will be conducting a special children’s concert at the Temple of Performing Arts. This is a FREE event, so bring the whole family! There will be themes from the Hobbits, Peter and the Wolf, Barnum & Bailey’s Favorite, and more. It is a great educational event for everyone! For more information regarding the concert and directions please check out Central Iowa Wind Ensemble.