November 17th from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Des Moines Children’s Museum
Join the Des Moines Children’s Museum for special hours for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities and their families to connect and explore! They will have sensory bins, communication boards, and a low-light calming space.
* This month’s will take place on the third Friday of the month instead of the fourth, due to the Thanksgiving holiday *
October 31 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Historic Sherman Hill
The residents of Sherman Hill will be decorating their historic homes with spooky scenes and collecting non-perishable food items for the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry. Halloween on the Hill continues to grow as more residents decorate and crowds surge!
The event is FREE; however, visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or donation to benefit the DMARC pantry.
October 30 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Giovannetti Shelter
Come to the Giovannetti Community Shelter for a spooktacular night! Children should dress in their favorite costumes and bring a sack for trick-or-treat candy! We will make Halloween crafts, decorate Halloween cookies, and play Halloween games!! You must register.
October 28th from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Metro West Learning Center, LLC
They will provide a sensory-friendly experience for the community while also providing space and choice for children and families to enjoy themselves in a safe and understanding environment. Trained staff will be available for assistance and ready to engage the children in fun activities as they explore. Edible and non-edible trick-or-treat items for children will be available, as spooky-fun activities, and opportunities to get pictures taken as you enjoy yourselves.
October 27th from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Des Moines Children’s Museum
Celebrate Halloween with a calmer and quieter time for kids and their families who may be sensory-sensitive. Play games and explore Halloween-themed sensory bins during this FREE event. Their calming area will also be available.
October 26th from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Adventures in Social Development (ASD) in the Simpson Barn (Johnston)
All ages and abilities are welcome for sensory-friendly Halloween fun! Featuring: dance party with music by DJ Joe, face painting, games, food, silent auction, raffle, photo booth and more. RSVP on their website.
October 26th from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Midwest Autism Center
Waukee, IAJoin us for an evening of spooky, sensory-friendly fun at our 1st annual Halloween night! Stop by our Waukee campus for trick-or-treating, games, prizes, and more. This event is FREE and open to the whole community.
Check out this virtual program for parents and caregivers with children 3-6 years old to learn new ideas and activities to make reading fun for you and your child! After each session, families who participate will receive a free book. Join on Thursdays, February 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. There will be a 1pm and 7pm session. Registration is required by January 31st. Sessions are 45-60 minutes. For Fremont and Page counties.
Check out this virtual program for parents and caregivers with children 3-6 years old to learn new ideas and activities to make reading fun for you and your child! After each session, families who participate will receive a free book. Join on Thursdays, February 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. There will be a 1pm and 7pm session. Registration is required by January 31st. Sessions are 45-60 minutes. For Fremont and Page counties.
