Entirely Kids Day – A Day When Kids Rule the Museum!

_{Header image photo credit to Des Moines Art Center.}

For over 75 years, the Art Center has been a pillar of the creative community. Our walls and spaces are filled with awe-inspiring art and endless opportunities for discovery, perfect for sparking kids’ imaginations. While the idea of a museum full of valuable and fragile objects might seem intimidating or stressful for a typical six-year-old’s energy, I’m excited to tell you more, put you at ease and personally invite you to experience Entirely Kids Day with the young people in your life!

Art for All, Always

The Des Moines Art Center has a long history of making our museum, studios, and sculpture park welcoming and accessible for families. The name "Art Center" (rather than "Art Museum") was intentional, tying together exceptional studio courses, workshops and programming, and since 2010 the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park has literally brought art into our shared environment. These spaces have always been alive with young visitors. Every week, I meet adults who fondly recall their own childhood experiences at the Art Center, from school field trips to studio classes (mine was a sculptural circus workshop inspired by Alexander Calder when I was eight).

Photo Credit: Erik Brockmeyer

For decades, dedicated museum educators have launched child-focused programs, from Junior Art Exhibitions to smART Family Sundays, Art Samplers, Holiday Open House, Books and Blankets, Entirely Kids Day (founded in 2017) and more.

What is Entirely Kids Day?

Held twice a year, Entirely Kids Day is a vibrant celebration with child-centered activities and hands-on experiences. Designed to welcome families who may feel the Art Center isn’t "for them," the event creates a fun and accessible way to engage with art — free of charge. With activities spread across the galleries, studios and outdoor spaces, Entirely Kids Day helps families create lasting memories right in their own backyard.

"We always feel the community’s energy at Entirely Kids Day as we navigate different activities throughout the building. It makes us feel more comfortable returning throughout the year, knowing we’re always welcome." – Inbal Mazar, Des Moines Parent

Photo Credit: Erik Brockmeyer

Past Program Highlights and Themes

When designing these programs, we consider: “What can we offer families that they wouldn’t easily access on their own?” Entirely Kids Day features art-filled studios, scavenger hunts among inspiring artworks and playful, engaging activities designed by local artists — all tied to kid-friendly themes inspired by current exhibitions, which spark rich conversations between kids and grown-ups alike.

For example, when Justin Favela’s 20-foot papier-mâché piñata taco pizza graced our galleries during his exhibition “Central American,” we explored themes of scale, hosted a screening of “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” held a size-focused scavenger hunt and unveiled our Little Free Art Gallery. When “Transform Any Room” captivated visitors with its exploration of domestic décor, we invited Iowa celebrity artist Leslie Hall to share her YouTube series Yarn House Live and had DSM Parent creator and author Erin Hewitt lead us in a Des Moines BINGO session, with Flag of Des Moines while creating artwork about the idea of “home.” Over the years, we’ve enjoyed yoga, meditation, performance art, sculpting and more, led by artists like Elshafi Defalla, Rachel Buse and Eric Wickes.

Memories have been made, fun has been had, and children and families have left more confident in their creativity, more connected to their communities and more at home within the Des Moines Art Center.

Photo Credit: Erik Brockmeyer

Why It Matters

In a world full of options and obligations, why choose art? Art museum visits ignite creativity, build critical thinking skills and foster cultural awareness. They offer families the chance to bond while exploring new ideas and perspectives together. Our galleries, exhibitions and many of our programs are free, and we believe in creating inclusive spaces that encourage lifelong learning and emotional growth. We understand the profound impact of children finding a sense of belonging in museums, and we love welcoming you often (though anytime is great, too!).

Just today, I led a tour for a group of fourth graders from Johnston. Ten of the 13 had never visited the Art Center, while two said they’d been here “too much.” Sure enough, those two regulars were leading conversations with critical thinking and wonder — and by the end of our hour, their classmates had caught up and fallen in love with the museum as well.

What’s the Next Theme?

We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Entirely Kids Day: Stories Told on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Inspired by the vibrant exhibition Samantha Box: Caribbean Dreams, we’ve teamed up with CultureALL, the Des Moines Playhouse, the Des Moines Public Library and local bookstores to bring you a day filled with storytelling magic. Come create your own comic book, listen to local storytellers, and enjoy an Adventure Clubhouse performance of Goldie Rocks.

How to Attend?

No registration is required — just grab some kiddos (of any age) and come join us!

Still Worried About the "Valuable Art" Part?

We get it! To ease your concerns, we’ve created helpful tools: this video offers tips for adults visiting a museum with children, and this one explains to kids why it’s important not to touch the art. In fact, you can check out our entire Educational Resource Library, filled with videos, activity guides and resources to further connect your family with the Art Center treasures.

More Information

The Des Moines Art Center, located at 4700 Grand Avenue, is open to the public Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn more about exhibitions, collections, classes and programs at desmoinesartcenter.org.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.