DES MOINES PARENTMAGAZINE www.DesMoinesParent.com MARCH 2018 EASTER FUN! 19 central egg- and candy-hunting events

Can’t-miss events 9 questions to ask Celebrate Earth Day and shows about childcare in Des Moines PAGE 12 PAGE 18 PAGE 22 2 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE MARCH 2018 WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM Enjoy Easter fun and plan for summer camps

By Erin Huiatt Spring is the air and Easter is around the corner. This month’s issue is filled Erin Huiatt, editor with Easter egg hunts and places to see the Easter Bunny. We are just a few [email protected] Twitter - @desmoinesparent short months away from school letting out. Make sure you check out our Facebook - @desmoinesparent extensive list of Summer Camps being offered all over Des Moines. Instagram - @desmoinesparent

Happy Birthday to Des Moines Parent Magazine! Des Moines Parent Magazine has been published and distributed all President & Publisher Shane Goodman over Des Moines for one year. I have been so happy with the amount of Editor Erin Huiatt feedback I have received and cannot thank you enough for supporting and Vice President Jolene Goodman Advertising Sales Director Dan Juffer picking up this great resource. Please continue to share this wonderful Advertising Executive Dawn Morgan magazine with families and friends. If you have an event or activity you Design Manager Celeste Tilton Graphic Designers Karen Ericson would like included in our magazine, email me! n Jordan Aust Advertising Assistant Kathy Summy Digital Brent Antisdel Distribution Manager Patrick Clemmons Phone: 515-953-4822 Fax: 515-953-1394 Website: www.desmoinesparent.com Address: 5619 N.W. 86th St., Suite 600 Johnston, Iowa 50131

Des Moines Parent magazine is a monthly publication of Big Green Umbrella Media Inc., an Iowa corporation. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without Before heading to any event or activity, permission of the publisher. To request please double check times and locations. delivery of Des Moines Parent magazine to your business, or We try hard to keep everything accurate, to inquire about our distribution services, call 515-953-4822. but things do change without notice. Subscribe for $24 per year at www.desmoinesparent.com.

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It is that time of year to begin planning for • Lions Camp (10 to 13 years): Monday - summer. Crazy. Des Moines Summer Camp Thursday, 9-11 a.m. registrations are open now and fill up fast. Take • Panthers Camp (14+ years): Monday – a look at all the choices in central Iowa for Thursday, 9-11 a.m. summer 2018. Farrell’s Martial Arts COMMUNITY CAMPS Daily schedules will include games, crafts, • Ankeny Parks & Recreation outside activities, martial arts classes tailored • Clive Parks & Recreation to the skill level of the student, field trips on • Des Moines Parks & Recreation Thursdays and lots of FUN! • Grimes Parks & Recreation June 4 - Aug. 10: Monday-Friday, 7:30 • Indianola Parks & Recreation a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Select the weeks you want to • Urbandale Parks & Recreation attend. You do not need to be a current Farrell’s • Waukee Parks & Recreation student to participate. To see pricing and to • West Des Moines Parks & Recreation register visit http://farrellsmartialarts.com/ summercamp. FITNESS AND FUN Skate North Climb Iowa Lifetime Fitness Sign your children up for beginner skate lessons Send your kids on a rock-climbing adventure! You do not have to be a member of Lifetime this summer at Skate North. Open to children Check out Climb Iowa’s unique camps. They to sign up for their amazing summer camps. ages 5-12. $45 for each five days of class. To will engage your child’s mind and body while Themes include Pirate’s Life, Great Outdoors, reserve a spot, call 515-238-1690. keeping them active and teaching them new Time Warp, Superhero Sizzle and more. Camps Week 1: June 18-22, 11 a.m. to noon skills. Climb Iowa camps will introduce young are available for ages 4-12 years. Learn more at Week 2: June 25-29, 11 a.m. to noon adventurers to rock climbing. Children will www.lifetime.life/kids-family-fun/kids-camps. learn about trust, teamwork and problem html. Triad Gymnastics solving while developing their rock climbing There are a lot of great options for children Prairie Life Fitness skills through interactive games and activities. 5-12 years of age. Each week includes three field To register and learn more visit www. School ages camps are educational and fun for trips including swimming every Wednesday, climbiowa.com. children ages 3-12 years. They offer full day gym time, age-appropriate themed activities, • Kid’s Camp (ages 8 to 13 years): 3 days, camps with fun themed weeks including Pirates and fun on a huge inflatable slip ’n slide. They 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., $155 for 3 days Week, Spy Week, Everything Disney Week offer full and half day care. Register at www. • Kinder Camp (ages 4 to 7 years): 2 days, and more. If you are not a member, guests can triadgymnastics.com. 9 a.m. to noon, $70 for 2 days purchase daily passes at the front desk at $6 per Full Day: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., $45 per day or day for children under 13, in addition to the $195 per week Courage League Sports camp charge. $175 per full week. Register at Half Day: 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30-6 Over the course of the summer, Courage www.prairielife.com. p.m., $23 per day League Sports will offer a wide variety of **Other fees may apply. 10 percent sibling Sapphire Gymnastics summer camps for kids of all ages. Registration discount offered. deadline is June 1. Camps are broken down by Discovery Kids Club camps are filled with Cubs/Tigers ($25 per day) and Lions/Panthers reading, field trips, swimming, outdoor games YMCA ($59 per day). Themes include gymnastics and educational time. Camps are available Your local Greater Des Moines YMCA offers and field games, basketball, music, soccer, Monday through Friday and can drop-off as several summer camps. Each YMCA provides fantasy games, music and movement and early as 7 a.m. and pick-up as late as 5:30 p.m. different types, dates, times and themes of more. To register and learn more visit www. Perfect for working parents. Camps are for camp. Check all locations at www.dmymca.org. courageleaguesports.com. children 5 or older and cost $170 per week. Traditional Day Camp: An entire week of Toddler Camp • (2-5 years): Monday - Themes include Icky Sticky, Water Wonders, camp for children in kindergarten through sixth Thursday, 9-10 a.m. Upcycle, Mad Scientist and more. Register at grade. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday • Tigers Camp (6-9 years): Monday - www.sapphiregymnasticsacademy.com/summer- through Friday, with core programming Thursday, 9-10 a.m. camp. offered 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $150 week for YMCA

4 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE MARCH 2018 WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM members, $195 week for nonmembers. opportunities. Half-day camps are $90 per week Preschool Camps: These camps are suited for members, $130 per week for nonmembers. for children ages 3-5. They are offered 9 a.m. to Full-day camps are $180 per week for members, noon. The Waukee location offers an afternoon $260 per week for nonmembers. option, 1-4 p.m. for children ages 4-6 years. $60 per week for YMCA members, $100 week Camp Fire Heart of Iowa for nonmembers. Camp Fire Heart of Iowa offers many different Specialty Camps: These camps provide day and overnight camp options in the Des opportunities for campers to explore specific Moines, Ames and Boone areas, as well as topics and areas of interest including Camp surrounding communities. Offering programs Chef, Planet Animal and more. Available for for children in grades 1-12, Camp Fire offers children in kindergarten through sixth grade. a variety of themed options to get your child 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. to truly experience summer. Prices starting $190 per week for YMCA members, $235 per at $190. Learn more and register at www. week for nonmembers. campfireiowa.org/programs/day-camp.

OUTDOORSY CAMPS Living History Farms Blank Park Zoo Full- and half-day options available all summer Sign your child up for a Summer Safari Camp long. Full-day camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 Easter Seals of Iowa at the Blank Park Zoo. There are weekly p.m. and half-day hours are 9 a.m. to noon Camp Sunnyside is where children and themed camps available June through August. or 1-4 p.m. Options available for children in adults with and without disabilities can enjoy Camps are available for children ages 3-12 and kindergarten through eighth grade. Prices are canoeing, an animal farm, horseback riding, run Monday through Friday. Register at www. based on age and what session you register for. archery, nature trails and much more. Learn blankparkzoo.com/education/safari-camps. See descriptions and register at www.lhf.org. more at www.easterseals.com/ia/l. They offer half-day and full-day CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE...

Waggoner Pediatrics of Central Iowa SAME LOCATION AS THE LAST 15 YEARS Schedule your child’sappointment today! 515-987-0051

HOURS MON-FRI: 8am-5pm SAT: 9am-noon

CITYVIEW Putting families first for more than 25 years. 2555 Berkshire Pkwy, Suite A, Clive • waggonerpediatrics.org 2018 Brian L. Waggoner, M.D. • Andrea Dettmann-Spurgeon, ARNP, CPNP Julie A. Waggoner, ARNP, CPNP • Samantha K. Schwenneker, ARNP, CPNP

WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM MARCH 2018 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE 5 Summer camps continued...

RELIGIOUS CAMPS Posters, Wild Hair Portraits and CYC - Catholic Youth Camp more. Camps are available for Catholic Youth Camp is a children as young as 5 years. coed, sleep away summer camp. Learn more and register at www. Each day campers will be able desmoinesartcenter.org/education/ to participate in three to four register-for-classes/all. outdoor activities, along with CYC programming and weekly staples Des Moines Performing Arts like a talent show, adoration and Spend your time this summer in reconciliation, campfire, carnival Des Moines at a weeklong day night, water fun day, dances, camp. Des Moines Performing concerts and more! For children Arts invites young artists to in grades 3-12. Learn more and explore their talents and skills register at http://stmcenter.com/ as musical theater actors within why-cyc. an original musical production. Each participant is guaranteed Wesley Woods Summer a role, with roles being assigned Camp on the first day via an audition Wesley Woods is located in process. Young artists are invited Indianola and has lots to offer. to spend their week rehearsing Your child can enjoy horseback and participating in theater riding, wagon tours, swimming, workshops, as well as making broken arrow pond, slip-n-slide, new friends along the way. By 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, 9 Pied Piper Studios canoeing, wall climbing, fishing, Friday afternoon, the students will a.m. to 7 p.m. Register at https:// Pied Piper Studios will have a ton Bible study, worship and much be ready to take the stage with desmoinesperformingarts.org/ to offer this summer such as Forest more. Learn more and register at confidence. When they perform in education. School, Piano Camp, Wee & Me www.wesleywoodsiowa.org/camp/ the original musical — complete Yoga in the Garden and more. Greater Des Moines activities.html. with professional lighting and Register and learn more at www. costumes — they’ll transport the Botanical Garden piedpiperstudios.org. ART, MUSIC AND SCIENCE audience into the world of heroes, Spend your summer in Des villains and sidekicks! No previous Moines at the Greater Des There are tons of classes available experience is necessary; all levels Moines Botanical Garden. A lot Science Center of Iowa is another for all ages. Fun themes include are welcome. of great options are available June great option for a Des Moines Patterns Gone Wild, Wild Animal Monday through Thursday, through August. Themes include summer camp in 2018. They Outdoor Explorers, Theater offer a lot of options for all ages Sprouts, Budding Chefs and starting at pre-K through eighth more. Camps are designed for grade. Morning camps run 9 a.m. children ages 6-10. Camps run to noon and afternoon camps run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. 1-4 p.m. $105 per week members, to 3 p.m. Price is $210 per week $125 per week nonmembers. for members, $250 per week for For older children, no half-day nonmembers. Register at www. option is available. $210 per week dmbotanicalgarden.com. for members, $250 per week nonmembers. Register at www.

NOW OPEN! Link to original post: WEEKDAYS: 3-10 pm • WEEKENDS: Noon-10pm https://desmoinesparent.com/ des-moines-summer-camp-2018/ 602 N. Jefferson Way • (515) 444-7864 www.outside-scoop.com

6 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE MARCH 2018 WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM Soccer programs Free Screening Clinic It’s spring! Time for some soccer. for Children with Bone, Muscle, or There are soccer programs offered Joint Problems year-round for your little ones. I have pulled together an ultimate guide of soccer programs for your toddlers and older kids. Saturday, April 28, 2018 Happy Feet Des Moines. Happy Feet offers spring and fall 8 AM – 1 PM leagues. Their programs are held ChildServe - (Entrance A) in different locations around Des Moines. They offer programs for 5406 Merle Hay Rd. | Johnston, IA 50131 local parks and recreation program children ages 18 months to 5 years Appointments: 612-596-6105 old. They also offer the Legends may be a great place to check out. program for older children. Happy A lot of cities offer short-term Feet offers a laid-back atmosphere programs at low cost. This may and focuses on getting your be the perfect way for you to see child up and being active. They if your child is truly interested in also offer birthday parties and soccer. indoor leagues, too. Visit www. Soccer South Soccer Club. happyfeetdesmoines.com. to Soccer South Soccer Club offers a program for children starting at register your child. Toeing In Bowlegs i-9 Sports: Soccer. i-9 Sports age 5. This is another great, local offers soccer to children ages 3-14 program to introduce the basic years. They believe that soccer is a soccer skills and join a community a great starting point to introduce that has been around for over team sports to your child. They 40 years. Learn more at www. pride themselves in concentrating soccersouthdsm.org. on player safety. Register and learn Urbandale Soccer Club. Urbandale Soccer Club offers more at www.i9sports.com/Soccer. Knock-Knees Flat Feet C.H.A.M.P. C.H.A.M.P. programs for all ages. They stands for Children’s Healthy offer a program for children 4 Active Mobile Program. They years and younger called the Kix Will your child benefit from seeing a pediatric offer different sports and physical Program. This is a great way to orthopaedic specialist? Look for these signs: introduce soccer and social skills activities. Starting at the age of 18 • In-toeing, toe-walking, • Hand, finger, foot, or to your child. Register at www. months to 5 years, they use songs flat feet toe deformity and imaginations to improve your urbandalesoccer.org. • Bowed legs or knocked • Curved spine indicating child’s coordination, balance and Vision Soccer Academy - knees possible scoliosis core strengths. They also offer Waukee. Vision Soccer Academy birthday parties. Learn more at offers programs for children ages • Sore, painful, or stiff joints • Club Feet www.champ4u.com. 3-19. Their program is perfect for • Limb deficiency or • Tight muscles or low tone Junior Menace. The Des learning skills and having fun. length difference (possible cerebral palsy) Moines Menace is popular in Learn more and register at www. Also offering second opinions for children previously central Iowa. They offer programs visionsocceracademy.com. diagnosed with an orthopaedic condition. for all ages starting at 3 years old. YMCA. The YMCA is always Not only do they offer soccer a great place to check and see programs, but they also offer if they have a program for your For more information about Shriner’s Hospitals summer camps. Get your child child. Their programs are great to for Children — Twin Cities: started now. Maybe they will play introduce your child to a new sport Main: 612-596-6100 | Referrals: 612-596-6105 for the Des Moines Menace some or activity. You do not need to be a twincitiesshrinershospital.org day. Visit http://juniormenace.com member of the YMCA to sign up. facebook.com/ShrinersTWI to learn more. Browse and register for a program Local communities. Your at www.dmymca.org. n Link to original post: https://desmoinesparent.com/ soccer-programs-toddlers-beyond/

WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM MARCH 2018 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE 7 Des Moines Easter Egg Hunts 2018

Eggs, bunnies and eggs everywhere. There are SECOND ANNUAL ADULT a ton of opportunities to hunt for eggs in Des EASTER EGG HUNT Moines this spring. Check out our list of Des Tuesday, March 27 Moines Easter Egg Hunts for 2018. If you have 5:30-7:30 p.m. an event you would like to add, let me know. Hotel Renovo, Urbandale Time to put all of your eggs in one basket and FAMILY FLASHLIGHT enjoy the Second Annual Adult Easter Egg EASTER EGG HUNT Hunt at Renovo. Enjoy a glass of wine and Friday, March 23 hunt around Renovo for some EGG-cellent 8-9:30 p.m. prizes and other treats. The hunt will officially Pickard Recreation Area, Indianola begin at 5:45 p.m. and will be around the Hotel Bring your own flashlight and hunt for eggs. Renovo grounds, with a special golden egg Prizes will be awarded and then enjoy s’mores prize announcement at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy samples and hot chocolate around a campfire. Register from local Barn Town Brewing with live music at www.indianolaiowa.gov. by Mike Aceto from 6-8 p.m. on the veranda. Learn more at https://hotelrenovo.com. COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT EGG HUNT Saturday, March 24 ANNUAL EASTER TREASURE HUNT Saturday, March 31 9-9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31 9-11 a.m. Woodlawn Park, Des Moines 9-10 a.m. OR 10:30-11:30 a.m. Reiman Gardens, Ames Debra Heights Wesleyan Church’s annual The Bridge Campus of Meredith Drive Co-hosted by the Ames Jaycees, festivities Community Easter Egg Hunt features more Reformed Church, Des Moines will include an egg hunt for all children sixth than 10,000 eggs. Come early to enjoy the Looking for an age-appropriate Easter egg hunt grade and younger. The egg hunt will run festivities. where your child can fully participate in a calm continuously from 9-11 a.m. Children will and inviting atmosphere? This Easter Treasure have the opportunity to search for colorful EASTER EGG HUNT AND FESTIVITIES Hunt has a session for preschoolers through eggs to trade in for a goody bag. Goody bags Saturday, March 24 kindergartners and another session geared will be provided. In case of inclement weather, 2-4 p.m. for elementary kids in grades 1-4. Each age- activities will be moved indoors. No registration Prairie Vista Village, Altoona appropriate session includes activities, crafts, required. Admission is free for everyone. Learn They will have face painting, balloon art, storytelling, and, of course, hunting for special more at www.reimangardens.com. snacks, Easter egg hunt and an appearance by eggs and treat bags. They welcome children 4 the Easter Bunny. years old (by 9/15/18) through fourth grade to EASTER EGG HUNT come and hunt for the real meaning of Easter. Saturday, March 31 SPRING EGG HUNT Adult should attend with their child. If you 10 a.m. Sunday, March 25 have children in both age groups, they will Centennial Park, Waukee 10:30 a.m. to noon be happy to supervise your older child in the Hop on over and fill your basket full of candy Annett Nature Center, Indianola elementary Easter egg hunt. No need to bring at Waukee’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. Enjoy Join Warren County Conservation for this your own basket as they have special treat bags thousands of eggs and pieces of candy at this family fun event! Older kids (5-10 years old) for everyone. Please arrive 15 minutes early so popular event. Be on the look-out for some search for eggs while enjoying a scenic nature guests can get settled in their age-appropriate special golden eggs. Rain or shine. Three age hike with their parent/guardian. There will groups. Learn more at www.meredithdrive.org. groups include: 4 and younger, 5-7 and 8-10. be eggs hidden on the Annett Nature Center More details at www.waukee.org. property, and each child will receive clues as to KIDS EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA where to find them. There will also be a little Saturday, March 31 THE GREAT EGG HUNT! tykes (4 and younger) hunt in the butterfly Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 31 garden. The egg hunts will begin at 10:30 a.m.; Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines 10 a.m. please arrive by 10:15 a.m. to get checked in Join Lutheran Church of Hope for games, Giovannetti Community Shelter, Urbandale and sign in for the raffle. crafts, Easter egg hunts (age 6 and younger), Kids (ages 10 and younger) fill up your baskets Children must be accompanied by an adult. inflatables, snacks and photo opportunities, all with all the candy and eggs they see. Some eggs There will be crafts in the Annett Nature one hour prior to each of our Saturday Easter even have a few special prizes in them. You will Center and a basket for egg recycling. Egg services. All kids are welcome. Learn more at want to make sure you arrive early; the hunt hunters will also be able to register for a raffle www.lutheranchurchofhope.org. starts right at 10 a.m. Free. to win a prize. Register each child at www. warrenccb.org.

8 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE MARCH 2018 WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, March 31 9-10 a.m. Linnan Park, Clive The Clive Firefighter’s Association sponsors the annual Easter Egg Hunt in Linnan Park.

EGGSTRAVAGANZA Saturday, March 31 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Blank Park Zoo Join Blank Park Zoo for an Egg-stravangant day. Bring the whole family to hop around the zoo and celebrate Easter with the animals. Come meet the Easter bunny, hunt for eggs, and enjoy other fun activities. Learn more at www.blankparkzoo.com.

EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, March 31 10-10:15 a.m. Ted Lare Design Build & Garden Center, Cumming The Easter Egg Hunt is for ages 11 and under. The Easter Bunny will hide more than 7,000 eggs for the kids to find, and he will be around for photos with your children. His helpers will also hand out an additional 500 eggs after the hunt to make sure all children go home with eggs. Learn more at www.tedsgardens.com.

EASTER EGG HUNT: EGGS, EGGS EVERYWHERE! EASTER EGG HUNT ANKENY FIRST UNITED CHURCH Presented by The Gateway Church Saturday, March 31 Saturday, March 31 Saturday, March 31 9-10 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 9 a.m. to noon Colby Park, Windsor Heights Ankeny Band Shell , Des Moines The Windsor Heights Fire Department will The Ankeny First United Church Easter Egg This is a one-of-a-kind urban family experience host an Easter Egg Hunt at Colby Park. The Hunt is free to all ages (up to fourth grade). with more than 17,000 candy- and prize-filled event will take place rain or shine, so dress Tinkerbell, Cinderella and Rapunzel will be eggs, music, games and laughter. The event is accordingly. making a visit. brought to you by The Gateway Church and is New this year! There will be a Special completely free. ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT Needs Easter Egg Hunt at the Ankeny Aquatics After the massive egg hunt, stick around for Sunday, April 1 Center Wading Area. Special beeping and more family fun at the Kids’ Art Station, Giant 2-5 p.m. magnetic eggs will be provided with prizes. Inflatables Area and the Face Painting Station. Summerset Winery, Indianola The Ankeny Aquatics Center Wading Area is Parents can keep up with the hunting mayhem Live music by James Biehn will be from 2-5 wheelchair and handicap accessible. Learn more with free coffee all morning long. Learn more p.m., and the hunt will take place at some point at http://ankenyfirst.org/easter-egg-hunt.htm. at http://thegatewaychurch.com/egghunt. during that time. The hunt is for ADULTS ONLY and will have an adult theme and adult FAMILY EASTER 8TH ANNUAL EGG DIVE prizes. The kids are more than welcome to Saturday, March 31 Saturday, March 31 attend Sunday Tunes which is a family-friendly 9 a.m. to noon 1:30 p.m. environment, but we ask that you do not let Living History Farms Urbandale Swimming Pool them participate in the Adult Easter Egg Hunt. This is fun for the entire family. The morning Make sure you arrive early. Children will be Learn more at www.summersetwine.com. n includes egg hunts (divided by age), egg rolling, divided into age groups to dive for colored eggs pancake rolling, live animals, horse and wagon in the pool. Each egg will be turned in for a rides and games. Free pop and popcorn for prize. Diving will begin with the youngest age everyone and breakfast wraps for the first 1,000 group and continue until all age groups have Link to original post: visitors. Join IPTV’s Dan Wardell for story participated. $6 admission. Learn more at https://desmoinesparent.com/ time in the Walnut Hill Schoolhouse. Purchase www.urbandaleparksandrec.org. des-moines-easter- tickets at www.lhf.org/event/family-easter. egg-hunts-2018/

WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM MARCH 2018 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE 9 Grimes Public Library

The Grimes Public Library is located at 200 N. James St. in Waterworks Park. It offers a comfortable and family-friendly environment to learn both through reading and exploration. In addition to its great reading selection, Grimes Public Library prides itself on its offerings that extend beyond the pages of a book.

AVAILABLE FOR CHECKOUT Early Literacy Kits: Board books, toys, and parent resources for educational play geared toward baby through preschool Creative Mind Kits: STEM toy or technology paired with related books and required. snacks and crafts. Episodes rated TV13. Check activities geared toward K-fifth grade Evening Story Time: Thursdays at 6:30 the calendar for dates. American Girl Dolls p.m. Families are invited to listen to stories, Adult Book Club: First Tuesday of each Grimes Giving Garden: Community participate in songs and rhymes, and make a month 6:30 p.m. garden plots for family use craft. No registration required. Ask-A-Lawyer: Third Monday of each Adventure Passes: Free passes to local Friday Story Time: Fridays at 10 a.m. month 5:45-7:45 p.m. Register for a 15-minute attractions such as Blank Park Zoo, Living Kids of all ages are invited to join as they share time slot with Cynthia Letsch from Letsch Law History Farms and more stories, rhymes, songs, games and crafts. No Firm. Get advice on whether you have a legal Playaway Launchpads: Education tablets registration required. issue that is worth pursuing and assistance geared specifically for children Baby Lapsit: Fridays at 11 a.m. A time for finding a lawyer who can help you. Portable WiFi Hotspots: Free WiFi babies 0-18 months and their caregivers to play Adult Bingo: Third Thursday of each hotspots available for home or travel and grow through songs, short stories, nursery month at 2 p.m. Win prizes playing free rhymes and other developmental activities. No BINGO the third Thursday of each month. WEEKLY STORY TIME SCHEDULE registration required. Special Access Browsing: Second Friday of Move and Groove: Mondays at 6:30 p.m. each month 6 p.m. They stay open until 7 p.m. Ages 2+ can join Kelly for some fun with MONTHLY PROGRAMS to offer an hour of quiet(er) browsing. Anyone stretching, dancing, singing and, of course, a Tail Waggin Readers: First Saturday of with a special need, as well as parents and/or lesson or story. No registration required. each month 9-11 a.m. Improve your reading caregivers, is welcome to attend. Toddler Time: Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. skills and make a new friend by reading aloud Grimes Public Library offers new and and 10 a.m. Toddlers 18 months to 3 years to a therapy dog. Students in first through fifth exciting programs each month. Stay up to date old and a caregiver are invited to join as they grade may register for a 20-minute time slot to on the latest events at www.grimes.lib.ia.us/ introduce literacy and a love of books through read to a therapy dog partner. calendar. n storytelling, rhymes, songs and crafts. No Early Out Adventures: 1:30 p.m. during registration required. early dismissals. Early Out Adventures are for Preschool Story Time: Wednesdays at 9:30 school-aged kids during early dismissals. Check Link to original post: a.m. and 10 a.m. Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years the calendar for the week’s adventure. https://desmoinesparent. are invited to join as they share stories, rhymes, Anime Club. Join for Anime episodes, songs, games and crafts. No registration com/grimes-public-library/

10 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE MARCH 2018 WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM Six Des Moines Locations dmpl.org | 515.283.4152

Get a Library Card!

Save the Date! MYDMPL CON Sunday, May 6 | 1:00-5:00 PM Central Library | FREE EVENT

Part Time & Dual Enrollment and Pre-School Available!

3 year olds - 8th grade 805 N. 1st Street, Indianola (515) 962-1632 [email protected] WWW.VCAIOWA.COM "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Homeschoolers can take 1 Corinthians 15:57 their ITBS tests with us.

Grow and Learn With Us CAMP IS ONLY $20! FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY* Host your party with a reserve your spot PRINCESS or SUPER HERO! at camp today 1380 NE 66TH AVE, DES MOINES www.storybookadventures.net WWW.GRACEBALLET.COM (480) 305-4168 | [email protected] *20 discounted camp fee applies to all registered for fall classes by July 1st. $ Those not registered for fall classes will owe the original $40 amount. 10 OFF PARTIES BOOKED FOR APRIL

One month trial HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE SERIES plus at the Science Center of Iowa uniform $39 March 21 - Characteristics of Conductivity April 4 - Mechanical Motion April 18 - Fabrication Foundations May 2 - Robo Code

Enhance your curriculum through STEM programming! www.sciowa.org/homeschool farrellsmartialarts.com

WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM MARCH 2018 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE 11 Can’t-miss events around Des Moines

Mondays Pre-K Art Visit the Valley Community Center and attend Pre-K Art every Monday, 9:30-10 a.m. This class follows a seasonal theme and will ignite an excitement for art and its varieties through what children love to do most at this age — play. Friday, March 23 - Sunday, $3 per class with punch card or $5 drop-in. For ages 3 to 5 March 25 years old. Learn more at www. Just Between Friends valleycommunitycenterdm.com. Attend one of the largest kids consignment events, Just Between Friends, at Elwell Family Food Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Shop Just Between Friends to save 50 to 90 percent off retail! JBF offers new and gently used children and maternity items. All items are inspected to ensure they comply with current CPSC standards, so you can feel safe shopping with us. For hours and more details visit www.desmoines.jbfsale.com.

Saturday, March 24 Des Moines Vegan Fest Attend the Des Moines Vegan Fest at the Valley Community Center. Enjoy six fun-filled hours of food, learning and inspiration. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food and nonfood vendors will be present including the Des Moines Children’s Museum. For more details visit www.veglifedesmoines.org.

Saturday, March 24 Wellmark Family Series Attend a Wellmark Family Series show at the Temple Theater. “Shh! We Have a Plan” is based on the Chris Haughton book. This show follows the journey of some madcap characters, each of whom has a plan — they all want to capture a beautiful bird perched high Sunday, March 25 in a tree. Two showings, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Purchase Botanical Blues tickets at www.desmoinesperformingarts.org. Attend the last Botanical Blues at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 2-4 p.m. Take a break from the winter cold and warm up in the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s tropical conservatory while enjoying some of the best blues music in the Midwest. Learn more at www.dmbotanicalgarden.com.

12 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE MARCH 2018 WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM Saturday, April 7 Escape the Grimes Public Library! You are challenged to Escape the Grimes Public Library! 5-7 p.m. You and your team will have a limited amount of time to solve a series of riddles, decipher the clues and find the key to escape! Saturday, April 14 Do you have the brainpower and teamwork skills needed to Teen Improv win? Solve all the clues to find Second Saturday: Teen Improv at the Des Moines Community your prize! Pizza and drinks will Playhouse. 7:30-10 p.m. For teens in grades 6-12. Registration be provided. Ages 10+. Must is requested. Join area teens, grades 6-12, for sketch comedy, register. Learn more and register at www.grimes.lib.ia.us. fast-paced games, and think-on-your-feet in spur-of-the- moment situations. While this isn’t a class, it is planned and supervised by Playhouse education staff. You’ll work in groups of kids your own age and meet theatre kids from all over the metro and beyond. Bring your friends. Everyone is welcome! Cost is $9 per month, payable with cash or check at the door. For more details and to register visit www.dmplayhouse.com.

Sunday, April 15 Sensory Sensitive Skate Sensory Sensitive Skate at Skate North Incrediroll. 5:30-7:30 p.m. April is Autism Awareness Month and Skate North is inviting friends with sensory sensitivity to join them for a special skating event. There will be no disco lights turned on and music will be very low (or off if requested). Admission to skate $6; rentals $3. Non-skaters can walk out on the floor to help skaters. To learn more visit www.skatenorthdsm.com.

Sunday, April 29 Kids in Biz Fair Has your child wanted to sell their inventions, crafts, food, art, wares? Create a product and join the DSM Kids in Biz Fair. Kids ages 6-16 have the chance to sell their items to the community while learning entrepreneurship skills. Register for a booth and/or attend Thursday, April 19 this fun event! Learn more and register at www.dsmkidsinbiz.com. STEM in the Kitchen Family STEM Institute STEM in the Kitchen. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Turn your kitchen into a little laboratory! Use inquiry and investigation techniques to engage your child’s curiosity — from exploring the way appliances For more events around work to experimenting with recipes. To learn Des Moines, go to more and register visit www.sciowa.org. www.desmoinesparent.com/ event-calendar

WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM MARCH 2018 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE 13 Goldie’s Kids Programs 2018

Our family enjoys visiting the State Historical Balance” exhibition. Museum of Iowa. It is a great place to explore June 20 — Topic: Pioneers and learn when it is cold outside or too hot or Book: “Prairie Day” by Laura Ingalls Wilder rainy. The museum is adding a fun program Activity: Explore the Conestoga wagon in the for younger kids called Goldie’s Kids Program “You Gotta Know the Territory” exhibition. which includes story times, history makers July 18 — Topic: Museums and history mystery. To learn more about what Book: “A Funny Thing Happened at the the State Historical Museum of Iowa has to Museum” by Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud offer and to register for classes visit https:// Activity: Enjoy a guided tour of the museum’s iowaculture.gov/history/museum. newest exhibition “Visible Vault.” Aug. 15 — Topic: Flight STORYTIME Book: “Planes Fly!” by George Ella Lyon Recommended for ages 3-7 years Activity: Learn about the three historic 9:30-10:15 a.m. airplanes in the museum atrium. museum and see what you discover. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sept. 19 — Topic: Home Nov. 21 — Topic: World War I April 18 — Topic: Beekeeping Book: “Home” by Carson Ellis Book: “Bee-wigged” by Cece Bell Activity: Investigate the Native American Book: “Rags: Hero Dog of WWI: A True Activity: Discover historic beekeeping objects in wikiup and household objects used by Native Story” by Margot Theis Raven the “You Gotta Know the Territory” exhibition. Americans and early pioneers in the “You Gotta Activity: Learn about Iowa’s role in World War May 16 — Topic: Bison Know the Territory” exhibition. I in the “Iowa and the Great War” exhibition. Book: “The Buffalo are Back” by Jean Oct. 17 — Topic: Autumn Dec. 19 — Topic: Iowa’s Birthday Craighead George Book: “Colors of Fall” by Laura Purdie Salas Book: “H is for Hawkeye” by Patricia Pierce Activity: View the bison in the “Delicate Activity: Go on a scavenger hunt through the Activity: Make a birthday card for Iowa. SPACE LAUNCH PARTY! Saturday, March 31, 1-4 PM Join us as we celebrate the opening of our new space in Schedule your West Glen Town Center! FREE, NO-PRESSURE Drop by anytime 1-4 pm for fun, interactive activities for all ages, FIND YOUR VOICE! consultation now! snacks and a chance to win prizes! The Iowa Youth Chorus is a nonprofit organization that develops fresh voices, fosters a life-long love SCIENCE | TECHNOLOGY | ENGINEERING | MATH of music, encourages children to follow their Empowering young women through STEM tutoring, passions and motivates them to set high goals classes, mentoring & leadership development and work hard to achieve them! CHOIRS OFFERED FOR ALL AGES Kindergarten through High School Multiple sites and multiple nights make it convenient for your family to participate! JOIN 5525 Mills Civic Pkwy, #105 West Des Moines US! tigerlilystem.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @IowaYouthChorus

14 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE MARCH 2018 WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM IOWA HISTORY MAKERS Activity: Ever wonder how we create new to learn about Iowa’s role in the “war to end Recommended for ages 8-12 years exhibitions at the museum? Get a behind-the- all wars.” Following the tour, examine World 2-3 p.m. scenes look at how a museum exhibition is War I propaganda posters and create your own Children must be accompanied by an adult created from start to finish. version. April 4 — Topic: John Atanasoff and the Aug. 1 — Topic: USS Iowa Dec. 5 — Topic: Electric Cars First Computer Activity: Ahoy! Learn about the adventurous Activity: Did you know the first electric car Activity: John Atanasoff created the first history of the USS Iowa and view the ship’s was built in Des Moines? Learn about the electronic digital computer during his tenure at silver dining service. Experiment with buoyancy electrifying history of the electric car and view a Iowa State University. Learn about Atanasoff by creating paper boats and see if they sink or 1917 Milburn electric car in the “Iowa History and the history of early computers with fun ride the waves. 101” exhibition. Draw and design your own activities involving mazes and Legos to help Sept. 5 — Topic: Iowa Pioneers electric car out of model magic. understand coding. Activity: Could you imagine packing all your May 2 — Topic: American Civil War belongings into a covered wagon and traveling HISTORY MYSTERY Activity: Learn about the important role of hundreds of miles to get to Iowa? Get an up Recommended for ages 8-12 years. Online pre-registration is required for this program. battle flags and duties of soldiers during the close look at a Conestoga wagon and try your Children must be accompanied by an adult. American Civil War in the “Iowa and the Civil best to pack your own wagon with a fun math 10-11 a.m. War” exhibition. View examples of battle flags activity. April 14: Historic Household Objects in the museum’s collection and design your own Oct. 3 — Topic: Prohibition Aug. 11: Early 20th Century Technology flag. Activity: Learn about the “Roaring ’20s” and Nov. 10: Historic Toys and Games n June 6 — Topic: Early Iowa Films Prohibition period in United States history. Activity: Learn about Iowa’s role on the silver Learn about Iowa jazz singer Bix Beiderbecke screen with a tour through the “Hollywood in and learn how to dance the Charleston. the Heartland” exhibition. Following the tour, Nov. 7 — Topic: World War I Link to original article: try your hand at creating your own storyboards. Activity: In honor of the centennial anniversary https://desmoinesparent. July 11 — Topic: Building a Museum of the end of World War I, join us for a guided com/goldies-kids- Exhibit tour of the “Iowa and the Great War” exhibition program-2018/ SPRING FORWARD TO SAVINGS! 99¢ PER WEEK FOR 6 MONTHS* Includes Sunday only delivery and unlimited digital access GET STARTED TODAY! Call 1-877-424-0225 and ask for promo code 4-MP or visit DesMoinesRegister.com/MP

Offer expires 4/30/18. Valid for new subscribers only! Price per week based on Sunday Only home delivery and unlimited digital access. Call or visit aboutyoursubscription.desmoinesregister.com for details.

WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM MARCH 2018 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE 15 The Iowa Children’s Museum: Day Trip to Coralville!

About a year ago, the kids and I took a trip to Coralville to visit The Iowa Children’s Museum. It had been on our bucket list for awhile, and I was happy we finally had the chance to check it off. If you are looking for a short trip to get out of town, this is a great place to visit. The Iowa Children’s Museum is loaded with all kinds of fun. First off, it is located in . I had no idea. I knew it was around the area, but not actually in the mall. This makes life so much easier, because it is right by the food court, HUGE carousel, ice skating rink, movie theater and, of course, shopping. A great way to take a break at the museum for lunch or plan an entire weekend getaway. Also, if you make it into town on the last ADMISSION Friday of the month, Coral Ridge Mall has Ages 1-59: $9 Family Free Friday from 5-8 p.m. It includes Seniors (60+): $8 free skating, free carousel rides for all, free admission to the Iowa Children’s Museum for Infants: Free all, and more. Everything is hands-on and very interactive. HOURS The first area we checked out was the airplane Monday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.* room (that is what the kids called it). There Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. were wooden airplanes the kids could sit in, Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. play with, learn about air, flight and much Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. more. Friday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monte really enjoyed the airplane simulator. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. One of my favorite rooms was the art room. messy. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This room seriously blew my mind with all the The music room was a blast. I loved all the *Summer Hours creativity you could do in there. There were different instruments that were available for the paints, colors, crayons, toilet paper tubes, glue, children to play with and experience. they provide for parents. Not that we do not and so many other random items. This room If your child loves to make believe, you can know what to say or do with our children, allows children and parents to get creative and basically live in your own small town at the but it is a great way to make the most of your museum. experience while you are there. You can visit the post office and have an We only spent about four hours at the Iowa adorable little boy handle your mail. You can Children’s Museum, but you could easily spend visit the town pizzeria for some homemade an entire day there. I highly recommend taking “pi.” Amelia spent a good portion of the time the short two-ish hours trip from Des Moines creating and serving me pizza. Are you sick? to check it out. Take a look at special exhibits, Need an ambulance ride? No worries! There is events and programs by visiting https://theicm. one available. org. n The theater was my favorite. The theater is loaded with costumes and the set is filled with Link to original article: houses and full of color. Monte could have https://desmoinesparent. easily spent a couple of hours in there playing. com/the-iowa-childrens- Another great feature, as you are walking museum-day-trip- through the museum, are the signs and notes coralville/

16 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE MARCH 2018 WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM MARCH 2018 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE 17 9 key questions to ask when searching for childcare

Choosing the perfect childcare center is a big 3. Will my baby be safe — even when deal, and it can be stressful. You want to pick they sleep? a place where your child will be happy, loved, Any childcare center you visit should be very nurtured and safe. Ask these nine key questions knowledgeable about safe sleep standards at every center you visit to figure out the best of care and rigorous about practicing them fit for your family. (especially in the infant room). When you’re on a tour, ask teachers and center directors about 1. Do the teachers love working with their safe sleep practices: Are babies always children? put to sleep on their backs? Are cribs free of During the first few years of life, caring stuffed animals and other hazards? And most interactions with adults are essential to building importantly — is a mindful teacher keeping a child’s brain. When you visit a center, take watch over the children as they sleep? note of how the teachers interact with children: Are they kind and responsive? Do they ask big 4. Will my baby feel happy here? questions and encourage learning? Look for When kids are in a warm and inviting 6. Is my child’s teacher terrific? teachers who smile and babble with babies, atmosphere, they feel happy and eager to learn When you visit a classroom, ask the teacher share laughs with kids, and physically get down — and when you visit a center, you should how she makes reading and math fun. From to kid level when speaking with children (this feel it too. Ask yourself: Does this center silly alphabet sing-alongs to counting ladybug shows kids that their point of view matters). feel welcoming? Are the children happy and spots, a trained teacher will have a million thriving? Are the rooms clean, organized and great ideas. Notice if she asks kids open-ended 2. What will my child’s learning look well-maintained? Is there a fun, safe place to questions like, “How did that happen?” or like — at every stage and age? play outside? “What do you see?” These kinds of questions More than 70 percent of brain development foster critical and creative thinking. You might happens by the age of 3, so an educational 5. Are there lots of great books within even ask how she fosters social and emotional approach in these early years in a must. Great easy reach of little hands? development — these crucial skills make it learning centers offer activities tailored to the It seems like a small question, but when you’re easier for children to succeed in school and are learning goals of each age group and have a only two feet tall, it’s a big one — and the best taught during early years. staff that understands your child’s learning answer can give you important info about the goals and how to reach them. Ask for concrete center. Why? When children are given the 7. If there’s an emergency, how are examples of activities and how they help your freedom to choose their own books (or toys or children kept safe? child learn and grow, like is there tummy time activities), they develop curiosity, independence Emergencies — like floods, fires, or tornadoes to help build your baby’s confidence? and confidence all on their own. — can happen at any time, and your childcare

FOR INFANTS REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! FREE VISION SCREENING UNDER 1 YOUR FAMILY’S EYES ARE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT PROGRAM RUNS APRIL 15 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 FOR LEARNING AND SAFETY We offer comprehensive vision care including Kids Bowl 2 FREE GAMES • Exams EVERY DAY ALL SUMMER LONG! • Vision therapy 1. Go to the website below to register it’s easy... • Eyewear and 2. Receive the FREE bowling passes every week by email sunglasses 3. Come and enjoy bowling all summer long • Contact lens SIGN UP TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN IT BEGINS exams MOST INSURANCE 1 FREE SHOE RENTAL ACCEPTED Erik M. Romsdahl, O.D. DURING KIDS BOWL FREE! Residency trained in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy/Rehabilitation EXP 9/30/18. MUST PRESENT COUPON. 2525 N. ANKENY BLVD., #109 IN ANKENY www.childandfamilyvisioncenter.com 964-7541 18 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE MARCH 2018 WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM preschooler’s reading ability, your baby’s nap schedule, or special dietary restrictions. Good communication between families and center staff can help solve all sorts of daily child care challenges (from potty-training hurdles to a misplaced beloved teddy bear), so make sure that open dialogue starts with your first visit. n

This post was sponsored by KinderCare Learning Centers. KinderCare, the largest provider of child care and early learning experiences in the United States, is opening their newest center in Clive on March 19. Schedule your tour by visiting www.kindercare.com/our-centers/clive/ia.

About KinderCare® Learning Centers. For nearly 50 years, KinderCare Learning Centers have been a place where every child can learn, explore, and discover in a safe and nurturing environment in more than center should always be ready to keep children the budding individuals in their classrooms, 1,350 community-based centers. We lead the nation in safe during a crisis. When you visit, talk to the they help children uncover new passions and accredited centers and are passionate about providing center director about emergency preparedness. interests, encourage independence, and teach children a sense of discovery while building confidence that they’ll carry with them for life. To learn more visit the whole class to respect and care for others. us online at www.KinderCare.com, on Facebook or 8. Will my child be celebrated for who on Instagram. For resources, information, and activity they are? 9. Did I feel listened to? ideas for parents and teachers of young children please visit www.KinderCare.com/content-hub. On a tour, watch to see if the teachers and Did the center staff ask you questions about center director make a genuine effort to connect your family? Good teachers and center directors Link to original article: with your child. Did they ask her name? Did will actively try to learn about your family’s https://desmoinesparent. they include her in classroom activities and ask needs and will understand and respect them com/kindercare- about her interests? When teachers celebrate — whether you’re concerned about your learning-centers/

4 days of fun, friendship, and everything babywearing! JULY 19-22, 2018 DES MOINES, IOWA Visit www.internationalbabywearingconference.com for more information and to register! Use the code IBCIOWA and receive a free tote bag with registration!

WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM MARCH 2018 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE 19 Volunteer with Children in Des Moines

Recently, I began researching different options Moines is in need of a children’s museum! Help for my children and me to volunteer in Des the Des Moines Children’s Museum grow by Moines. I was amazed by the number of volunteering your time during their open hours opportunities to get involved in supporting our at Valley West Mall. Bonus, you can bring community. Take a look at this giant list. your kids with. This is a great way to get your Some organizations do not have options children involved. They can help with cleaning for younger kids to volunteer. If you are really up toys. https://dsmchildrensmuseum.com. interested in helping and do not see an age, Easterseals. Easterseals offers help, hope always reach out and ask. Organizations are and answers to more than a million children always open to volunteers and may be able to and adults living with disabilities or special work with you. needs each year. There are several opportunities AHeinz57. AHeinz57 commits to saving to volunteer including spending your time homeless companion animals, assisting other during an event or camp. www.easterseals.com. shelters/rescues through rescue transports, Furry Friends. There are many ways that offering in-home training to keep dogs in their volunteers can immediately help the animals current homes and educating the public on the at Furry Friends Refuge. You can assist with eligible families and community members in issues of pet over-population, responsible pet animal care such as making sure cats and small Johnston and the Johnston School District. ownership and puppy mills. critters have enough food and clean water, They are always looking for donations and Become a Pit Stop Volunteer. Pit Stop clean cages, sweep and wipe down surfaces and volunteers to help. www.johnstonpartnership. volunteers clean them, feed them, care for more. You can help to make sure the facility is org. them, and prepare them for their temporary clean and kept up or help plan events. https:// Joppa. Joppa helps homeless people foster home. Our foster volunteers take them furryfriendsrefuge.org. survive, find housing and rebuild their lives. into their homes, love them, teach them GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines. Each week, Joppa volunteers visit 200-225 manners, crate train them, and love them some Gigi’s Playhouse is the only network of Down people living on the streets. There are several more. www.aheinz57.com. Syndrome Achievement Centers. Every day ways you can volunteer at Joppa. www.joppa. Animal Lifeline. Volunteering at Animal they provide free, life-changing therapeutic, org. Lifeline may consist of direct animal care, educational and career training programs. Meals from the Heartland. Meals doing shelter laundry and dishes, socializing Opportunities to volunteer include during from the Heartland delivers packaged meals to with animals, helping with the phones, helping events, literacy tutors, group volunteering and malnourished people in Iowa, across the United with fundraising events, or baking goodies. more. https://gigisplayhouse.org. States and around the world. There are lots of www.animal-lifeline.com. Habitat For Humanity. Habitat For ways you can volunteer. A popular way is to Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Humanity offers several different ways you attend an Open Packaging event at the West There are several ways you can volunteer at can donate your time, including construction, Des Moines packaging center. During this the ARL. Everyone is required to attend a prepare donations at the RESTORE locations time you will package 2,000 meals in one hour. Volunteer Orientation. During that time, you and more. www.gdmhabitat.org. https://mealsfromtheheartland.org. will learn about the different programs that are Hope Ministries. Hope Ministries offers Mosaic in Central Iowa. Mosaic is offered and how you can help such as feeding, opportunities to volunteer individually or as a a faith-based organization that serves more walking, etc. www.arl-iowa.org. group. You can participate in the Adopt-a-Meal than 3,700 people with intellectual disabilities Children and Family Urban program, Help with Kids Nite at the Hope within 10 different states. www.mosaicinfo.org. Movement. The mission of CFUM is Center, sort through donations, stock shelves, Pet Project Midwest. Pet Project to create a community that supports the or help with other projects. www.hopeiowa.org. Midwest is 100 percent volunteer managed and potential of children, youth and families Iowa Gardening for Good. Iowa operated, so we are always in need of people through educational success, healthy living and Gardening for Good is a project (soon to be willing to lend a hand. Please consider sharing community engagement. There are many ways a nonprofit entity) created by the Blackmer your knowledge, skills, talents, interests and you can volunteer. http://cfum.org. family that focuses on involving people in time with us. Together we can help keep Iowa Community Youth Concepts. growing things of value for a good cause. pets with the families who love them and out of Community Youth Concepts provides volunteer There are many projects that you can volunteer shelters. Some ways you can help is by assisting service opportunities and career-based for including Apple Cider Gang, Pumpkin with Saturday Pantry, being an office helper, or mentoring to Iowa youth. There are many ways Fundraiser, Community Garden and more. more. www.thepetprojectmidwest.org/volunteer. you can get involved and volunteer. http:// www.iowagardeningforgood.com Ronald McDonald House: Des cyconcepts.org. The Johnston Partnership — Food Moines. The Ronald McDonald house makes Des Moines Children’s Museum. Des Pantry. A DMARC Food Pantry is open to it possible for families to stay together when

20 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE MARCH 2018 WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM Bicycle Food Ministry meets every week to and medical assistance to those struggling serve those in need in the Des Moines metro. to make ends meet. WACS includes a food They serve food, hand out personal care items, pantry, free medical clinic, and community and build relationships. Help prep food and garden. WACS offers family and youth deliver. They prep food every Thursday starting friendly volunteering opportunities. https:// at 5:15 p.m. then ride afterwards. You can waukeechristianservices.org choose not to ride. https://ubfmdsm.com Waukee Community Closet. Waukee Urbandale Community Action Community Closet aims to benefit students Network (UCAN). Urbandale Community and families in need within the Waukee Action Network is a group that provides Community School District — and now all leadership and ongoing support in Urbandale. of Dallas County — by taking in clothing You can donate or get involved. If you are and bedding donations as well as monetary looking for information on adopt a family, donations and providing high quality clothing children are sick and healing. They provide mentoring, Whiz Kids, holiday stores, Toys (pre-worn as well as new) and bedding at no stability and resources for families. There for Tots, or other ways to volunteer with kids, charge. You can donate or volunteer. www. are tons of ways you can help, whether it be email [email protected]. waukeecloset.com donating, providing a meal or volunteering in Urbandale Food Pantry. The Wildhood Hills Ranch of Iowa. the many areas needed. Learn more at https:// Urbandale Food Pantry is a community effort Wildhood Hills Ranch transforms lives and rmhdesmoines.org. to reach out to neighbors to provide food strengthens communities by providing healing Salvation Army: Des Moines. You can assistance. Beginning in 2016, they began and hope to children and youth at risk. There help the Salvation Army by serving breakfast serving residents throughout Polk County. are many ways you can volunteer. www. to the homeless, ringing bells at a Red Kettle You can volunteer to help behind the scenes wildwoodhillsranch.org n during the holiday season, working in the food or when the food pantry is open. www. pantries or preparing breakfast casserole for urbandalefoodpantry.org/volunteer. the breakfast program. www.salvationarmy- Link to original article: Waukee Area Christian Services. desmoines.org/desmoines. https://desmoinesparent. Waukee Area Christian Services, practical care com/volunteering-with- Urban Bicycle Food Ministry. Urban to greater Des Moines’ west side, offering food children-in-des-moines/

Located on 500 acres of rolling prairie filled with bubbling streams and nature paths begging to be explored, Living History Farms’ outdoor day camp setting lets kids connect to history, science, and nature. Campers fill their days with fun and engaging outdoor experiences, hands-on activities, games, crafts and visits to Living History Farms’ historic sites. The fun and learning never stops at LHF Summer Day Camp! Sign up now at www.LHF.org

11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322 | (515)278-5286 | www.LHF.org

WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM MARCH 2018 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE 21 Earth Day in Des Moines 2018

There are some opportunities for kids and families day learning about environmentally friendly to get involved in Earth Day in Des Moines this practices. Drop-in activities and demonstrations year. Check out the list below for some fun ideas. focusing on sustainability and environmental awareness from various community organizations EARTH DAY TRASH BASH will be offered at each location. Free admission Des Moines Parks and Recreation all day at the Botanical Garden is sponsored by Friday, April 20 (rain date April 23), Noon-5 p.m. Principal. The Botanical Garden is open 10 a.m. This small event has quickly grown over the to 5 p.m.; activities run 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. years. It began with a few individuals and has quickly grown into a collaborative project EARTH DAY FAMILY FUN between several cities and individuals. The Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. to noon event will kick off at noon with food, music and Near the West Des Moines Library/pond area educational booths. Afterwards, team captains Earth Day is a perfect day for you and your family will lead the volunteers to the different project to come enjoy some family friendly outdoor locations across Des Moines to pick up trash. activities. You can go kayaking, canoeing, fishing Due to the size of this volunteer project, you or you may choose to create a small paddle boat must register with a team. Deadline for captains or relax in our outdoor lounge and enjoy a cup of geocaches hidden near the trail. Free. No to register is March 30. Register and learn more coffee or cocoa. Free tree saplings will be handed registration required. Download the free app at https://earthday.dmgov.org. out to celebrate this Earth Day Event. For more “c:geo” or “Geocaching” on your smartphone details visit www.wdm.iowa.gov. before you arrive. We will also have GPS units DOWNTOWN EARTH DAY TOUR available. Meet at the Trailhead on N.E. 88th Saturday, April 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EARTH DAY BIKE & CACHE St., south of Highway 65. n Celebrate the sixth annual Downtown Earth Day Sunday, April 22, 1-2:30 p.m. Tour with the Greater Des Moines Botanical Chichaqua Valley Trailhead Link to original article: Garden, Iowa Rivers Revival and the Science Join us on a biking and geocaching adventure. https://desmoinesparent. Center of Iowa. Enjoy a short walk or bike ride Meet at the Chichaqua Valley Trail, and be com/earth-day-in-des- between these three locations and spend the ready to bike a few miles as we search for moines-2018/

22 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE MARCH 2018 WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM MARCH 2018 DES MOINES PARENT MAGAZINE 23 Des Moines Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic

Trusted Child Health Care since 1958

Doctor Rob Fornoff Our patients and parents praise his ability to connect with children and make the visit to the doctor a fun experience. Dr. Fornoff attended one of the Top Ten medical schools in the country, and has been a pediatrician for 15 years. He has privileges at all area hospitals, and has a particular interest in newborns, asthma, depression, and sports medicine for children. He lives in Ankeny with his wife Mary.

Doctor Amy Peterson Dr. Petersen is one of the 2016 Top Three Favorite pediatricians in the entire Des Moines area from Pipsqueaks magazine. Area families voted on this award! She earns this reputation every day by treating your children like her own.

CITYVIEW CITYVIEW CITYVIEW DES MOINES

PARENTMAGAZINE Readers Choice

2017 2017 2018 AWARDS

BEST LOCAL BEST LOCAL BEST LOCAL BEST LOCAL DOCTOR PEDIATRICIAN PEDIATRICIAN PEDIATRICIAN

Excellent care, for every patient, every time.

24 DES MOINES2785 PARENT N. Ankeny MAGAZINE Blvd. • Ankeny MARCH • 515-964-21592018 WWW.DESMOINESPARENT.COM • dsmpeds.com