GiGi's Playhouse Des Moines

GiGi's Playhouse Des Moines Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from GiGi's Playhouse Des Moines, 6507 University Avenue, Windsor Heights, IA.

With the weather on it's way, we've decided to cancel all programming scheduled for this evening.Be safe, everyone!P.S. ...
02/19/2026

With the weather on it's way, we've decided to cancel all programming scheduled for this evening.

Be safe, everyone!

P.S. If you want, check out what's available from the Virtual Playhouse: https://ow.ly/mnTt50YioQ4

The 2026 GiGi's Gala is less than three weeks away, and it's time to acknowledge a few of the sponsors that have investe...
02/19/2026

The 2026 GiGi's Gala is less than three weeks away, and it's time to acknowledge a few of the sponsors that have invested mightily in our biggest fundraiser of the year.

We start off thanking our Title Sponsors Mike and Gail Scherr. Mike and Gail have been supporting GiGi's since 2013 and have been a major sponsor of our Gala since 2018. They have seen our event grow and we can't wait to show them all the "Boots and Bling" that what we have in store for them on March 7th.

If you want to join them, there's still time to get a ticket for $125 each here: https://ow.ly/UVIH50YhPfE

GiGiMOVE: Drumline returns tomorrow at 6 p.m. following GiGi's Kitchen for Kids, Teens and Adults that starts at 5 p.m. ...
02/19/2026

GiGiMOVE: Drumline returns tomorrow at 6 p.m. following GiGi's Kitchen for Kids, Teens and Adults that starts at 5 p.m. We are "lovin' the percussion" at Drumline, but need your help to determine: "Who Wore It Best?" -- Joel, Max, Mason or Meilin????

Both programs are open to participants of all ages, and we encourage you to sign up here: https://ow.ly/Hfm050YhUxv

"A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others." ---Salvador DaliHe wasn't talking about our Je...
02/17/2026

"A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others." ---Salvador Dali

He wasn't talking about our Jess Lane, but he could have been. Read about why in this week's blog: https://ow.ly/sOSY50Yhnl7

When we say that GiGi's Playhouse has programming for participants of all ages, that means from birth through adulthood....
02/16/2026

When we say that GiGi's Playhouse has programming for participants of all ages, that means from birth through adulthood. And we are so thankful to Variety - the Children's Charity - for helping us provide programming for the youngest of the young with Language Music N' Our Peeps (LMNOP), an interactive program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication.

When we asked our program leader how Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa might enhance LNMOP, we were told that participants have been sitting on carpet squares on the floor during the program. We knew that we could do much better and Variety - the Children's Charity agreed. They awarded us a grant to improve so many of our youth programs, including the purchase of this beautiful literacy-building library. Now our young families learn in real style! The Variety - the Children's Charity grant also paid for a new karaoke machine and helped us with the purchase of new tables and chairs.

The Variety Club Telethon (airing on KCCI is coming up next Tuesday, February 24th, and GiGi’s is looking forward to lending a hand as volunteers.

We hope everyone had a good Valentine’s Day on Saturday. We always enjoy adding holiday themes to our programs, and a d...
02/15/2026

We hope everyone had a good Valentine’s Day on Saturday. We always enjoy adding holiday themes to our programs, and a day dedicated to that “Day of Love and Friendship” was no exception. But building a theme around Presidents Day isn't quite as compelling, so, we’ll take a pass on that for this coming week. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be a great one at GiGi’s!

In addition to our regular line-up, there are a few programs coming up that are worth noting, such as:
• Monday brings another Art Explosion -- we're making Sun Catchers (pictured) for all ages at 5:30 p.m.
• uesday, our friends at Aptitude Fitness will return for GiGiMOVE for teens and adults at 2:30, after we wrap up a full day of programming for adults with Music Makers. •

• Although we’re a few weeks into our Thursday one-two punch of programming, there’s still that “new car smell” to GiGi’s Kitchen Deli at 5 p.m. followed by GiGiMOVE Drumline -- both for all ages.
• Then, on Saturday, our popular Family Speaker Series ASL for parents returns at 10 a.m., followed by Teen Tastic at 11.

We’d love to see you at GiGi’s! To register for any of these programs, go here:
https://ow.ly/ieXx50Yez2e

Any day now, there will be long lines of last minute shoppers at the Hallmark store, Floral shops and the neighborhood c...
02/11/2026

Any day now, there will be long lines of last minute shoppers at the Hallmark store, Floral shops and the neighborhood chocolatier buying you-know-what for you-know-who.

If you wake up Saturday and find yourself in the same boat, GiGi's Playhouse Des Moines can offer you a lifeline, because participants of all ages will be making these adorable Love Bugs for your Valentine. This Art Explosion activity is scheduled for 11 and follows a morning of New Parent Coordination (at 9:30) and LNMOP and Open Play at 10.

But don't procrastinate in signing up; do that here: https://ow.ly/KPcn50YbKKO

Last week, GiGi’s met a new friend in Max Crawford, founder of Max Mix Gourmet Spice Blends. But another Max – our pal M...
02/10/2026

Last week, GiGi’s met a new friend in Max Crawford, founder of Max Mix Gourmet Spice Blends. But another Max – our pal Max Evans (and his sister, Mia) – met him first. Read all about it in this week’s blog: https://ow.ly/W3jO50YckjF

GiGi’s Playhouse could never provide 600 hours of progressive programming to individuals with Down syndrome without the ...
02/09/2026

GiGi’s Playhouse could never provide 600 hours of progressive programming to individuals with Down syndrome without the help of our fantastic volunteers. 99% of our programs in tutoring, wellness, cooking, art, music, socialization (and so much more!) and delivered by volunteers. And we are always in need of more! Currently, we are in search of program hosts, leaders and assistants, and a Literacy Coordinator for our tutoring program.

Whether you can commit to an hour each week, an hour a month, or provide occasional volunteer support, we’d love to talk to you! Or you can email us at volunteerdesmoines@gigisplayhouse.org.

To see the array of programs we offer each month, check out our GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines calendar here: https://ow.ly/eYKb50Yaq0K (Be sure to note that the programs in blue boxes are held in our Playhouse. The orange boxes are for virtual programs!)

💙 Calling Local Businesses & Community Supporters!We’re getting ready for our upcoming GiGi's Playhouse Des Moines Boots...
02/09/2026

💙 Calling Local Businesses & Community Supporters!

We’re getting ready for our upcoming GiGi's Playhouse Des Moines Boots & Bling Gala and we’re looking for silent auction item donations to help make this night incredible! 💃👢🎵🤠

If you’re a local business, donating a product, service, or experience is a great way to support individuals with Down syndrome, give back to the community, and get your brand in front of an amazing group of supporters.

✨ Not a business owner?
Grab a table, invite your friends, and come celebrate with us for a night full of purpose, joy, and impact.

Interested in donating an item or securing a table?
📩 Send me a message or comment below—I can send you more information!!

Thank you for helping us make this gala successful so we can keep supporting our Down Syndrome community! 💙💛

IDEAS:
Car detailing package
Weekend getaway or hotel stay
Golf foursome
Massage / med spa / facial package
Restaurant gift card bundles
Wine or bourbon basket
Coffee for a month
Nothing Bundt Cake tower or dessert package
Family fun pack (zoo, kids museum, trampoline park)
Date night bundle (dinner + babysitting)
Photography session
Home cleaning or handyman hours
Sports or concert tickets

For more information about the Gala, call us at (515) 252-7529 or you can go here: https://ow.ly/aqPs50YbJFy

It's already the second week of February. How did that happen?If the weeks are just flying by for you, too, it may help...
02/08/2026

It's already the second week of February. How did that happen?

If the weeks are just flying by for you, too, it may help to take a breather and look ahead at what GiGi's has in store for you, program-wise. So, here goes:

Tuesday brings the “tried and true” programs for adults that always bring in a nice crowd. Although we’ve capped attendance for our GiGi’s Kitchen program, there’s always room in the morning GiGiFIT class at 9:45 and Music Makers at 12:30, as well as Fantastic Friends from 10:30 to 12:30. We’ll have two new APEX volunteers from Waukee to help out and introduce a new wellness component to that program, and we’re excited about that.

Thursday at 5 p.m. brings GiGi’s Kitchen Deli for Kids, Teens and Adults. Bring your participant (and their brothers, sisters and cousins, too!) and let’s fill the kitchen to prepare (and eat) a nutritious and easy-to-follow recipe.

Then, after dinner, stick around for our newest program -- GiGiMOVE: Drumline -- that follows at 6. This program will teach basic drumming skills and rhythm.

Friday evening brings the popular Fantastic Friends (Karaoke Edition) from 7 to 9. Registration often closes in advance, but we want to remind you that we always have room for any participant with Down syndrome – just call our office or drop in.

Then we end the week with a full Saturday morning of New Family Coordination, LNMOP, Open Play, and a rare Saturday edition of Art Explosion.

To sign up for any (or all!) of these programs, go here: https://ow.ly/p0SN50Y9EcO

02/08/2026

GiGi’s wants to thank the Iowa Wolves for inviting so many of our families to the Casey’s Center for their Basketball for All game last night. It was a great game that we pulled out in the end!!

Wolves win! Wooooooooo!!

Address

6507 University Avenue
Windsor Heights, IA
50324

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+15152527529

Website

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