Welcome to a fresh midwinter week in Des Moines, WA. From waterfront walks to warm indoor meetups, here is what is happening now and what is coming up later in January so you can plan ahead and make the most of the season.
This week at a glance
- Sun Jan 11 - Winter Bird Walk at Saltwater State Park, 9:00-11:00 am. Join local naturalists to spot loons, grebes, and bald eagles. Dress for mud and bring binoculars if you have them.
- Mon Jan 12 - Cozy Crafts Night at the library, 5:00-7:00 pm. Yarn, paper, and coloring supplies provided. All ages welcome.
- Tue Jan 13 - Marina Fitness Walk, 6:00-7:00 pm. A brisk, lights-on loop starting by the fishing pier. Reflective gear encouraged.
- Wed Jan 14 - Winter Storm Preparedness Workshop at the Activity Center, 6:00-7:30 pm. Learn about home kits, power outage safety, and neighborhood check-ins.
- Thu Jan 15 - Teen Board Game Meetup at the library, 4:00-6:00 pm. Try strategy games and card favorites with snacks and new friends.
- Fri Jan 16 - Coffee with a Cop at the marina meeting room, 9:00-10:00 am. Casual conversation about neighborhood safety and winter traffic tips.
- Fri Jan 16 - Open Swim and Family Float at the community pool, 6:30-8:00 pm. Lifeguards on duty; lifejackets available.
- Sat Jan 17 - Beach Cleanup at Des Moines Beach Park, 9:00-11:00 am. Buckets and gloves provided. Great for service hours.
- Sat Jan 17 - Winter Warmer Concert at Beach Park Auditorium, 7:00 pm. Local folk and acoustic sets. Light concessions available.
Make the most of winter on the waterfront
Short daylight and cool air make the shoreline calm and beautiful. For a quick pick-me-up, try the Des Moines Creek Trail for a sheltered forest stroll, or a bundled-up bench break facing the marina. Tides are often dramatic this time of year, so check conditions before stepping onto cobble or driftwood. If you paddle, wear a drysuit, bring a buddy, and file a float plan. For night walks, choose well-lit routes and carry a small flashlight.
Family-friendly ideas
Storytime returns in a low-key format this week at the library with songs and simple crafts. At home, start a backyard bird tally to compare with sightings at Saltwater State Park. For a rainy day challenge, build a do-it-yourself weather station with a plastic rain gauge and notebook, then share your observations at school or Scouts.
Wellness and seniors
The Activity Center hosts gentle chair yoga on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with modifications for balance and joints. A walking group steps off from the marina plaza most weekdays after sunrise if sidewalks are clear. If you are checking on neighbors, say hello, ask about heat sources, and remind folks about smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries.
Arts and culture
Bundle up for an informal sketch outing by the boatyard on Saturday morning before the cleanup. If you prefer indoors, the Beach Park Auditorium lobby has a rotating display of student photography inspired by winter light. Musicians are invited to the Thursday evening community jam. Acoustic instruments only and beginners welcome.
Volunteer and civic notes
Weekly shoreline stewardship needs helpers to log marine debris hot spots and report king tide effects along the promenade. Block watch leads are meeting Wednesday after the preparedness workshop to share winter check-in ideas. If you can donate time, consider sorting coats and blankets at the community closet on Friday afternoon.
Later this month - save the dates
Mon Jan 19 - MLK Day of Service projects across Des Moines, morning and midday shifts. Sat Jan 23 - Indoor Winter Market pop-up at Beach Park, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, featuring cold-season produce, preserves, and crafts. Sun Jan 25 - Guided history walk on the Des Moines Creek Trail, 1:00-2:30 pm, focusing on early settlement and watershed changes. Thu Jan 29 - Neighborhood Art Night with hands-on printmaking demos at the Activity Center, 6:00-8:00 pm. Sat Jan 31 - Polar Plunge for charity at the marina beach, 10:00 am check-in, splash at 11:00 am; warm beverages and towels near the finish.
Send us your club meetings, rec leagues, school performances, and volunteer opportunities to help fill next week's bulletin. Stay warm, stay visible, and see you on the waterfront, Des Moines.
