Upcoming Match Activities
Match Activities are low-cost to free events organized by the Match Activities Committee. These events provide Bigs and Littles the opportunity to meet and interact with other Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa (BBBSIA) matches.

Chase's Back-to-School event on Saturday, August 3 from 2:00-5:00 pm
For families: Get a backpack filled with school supplies and help build your child's money confidence to start the new school year. This event is hosted by Chase Bank and takes place at the Boys and Girls Club located at 2500 Forest Ave in Des Moines.

Female Self-Defense Class on Sunday, August 4th, 12:00 pm-2:00 pm (Wait List Only)  
Ten Matches with Little Sisters over age 10 are invited to attend this activity hosted by Two Rivers Martial Arts (University Park Shopping Center, 8801 University Ave, Suite 23, Clive). The event will focus on awareness, prevention, and the basics of hands-on self-defense to help the girls attending feel more confident and prepared. Please sign-up here for the wait list: Female Self Defense Class.

Iowa State Fair Tickets
Thanks to a new partnership between BBBSIA and the Iowa State Fair, we have Fair tickets available to Matches and families. This year’s Iowa State Fair runs from August 8th through the 18th. Nathan Brooks will forward electronic tickets to you by email prior to the 8th. Bigs and Parents can order e-tickets here: The Iowa State Fair. Limit of 5 tickets per request and an adult (Big or parent) must be present. See the sign-up sheet for links to the daily guide and food options (specifically the value items), as well as some kid friendly specific activities. Please contact Nathan Brooks if you have any questions at (515) 218-7266 or [email protected].

Big/Little Fishing Day on Saturday, August 18 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Join us for a morning of fishing on Saturday, August 18th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Waterworks Park. Poles and bait will be provided. Adults are encouraged to have a fishing license. Sign-up here: BIG/Little Fishing Day. Please contact Nathan Brooks if you have any questions at (515) 218-7266 or [email protected].

Iowa Cubs Tickets
We have a limited number of free general admission tickets that can be used for any home games this season. Review the I-Cubs home schedule and pick the home game that works for you. Sign up for your match to receive tickets to two games here: General Cubs Games. Please contact Nathan Brooks if you have any questions at (515) 218-7266 or [email protected]. 

Free tickets to Des Moines Symphony and Civic Music Association performances
Experience the magic of live music alongside your Little by attending any performance by the Des Moines Symphony and Civic Music Association. To claim your tickets, please email Ajia at [email protected] or Calla at [email protected].

Game Day Play Cards
We still have cards that can be used for 1 hour of video game play at Game Day in Merle Hay Mall. Please note, this is limited to ONE card per Match and cards must be picked up in the BBBSIA office. Please contact your Match Support Specialist if you would like one.

Looking for Virtual Activities?
Learn about the Little Big Virtual Academy!

Ongoing Opportunities

BBBSCI Library is Open!
Matches, stop by the BBBSIA library at our office (9051 Swanson Blvd in Clive) and browse our collection of books. Matches are able to check out books- we ask that you return them when finished reading so others can use them. The library is open during our office hours, Monday-Thursday from 8am to 6pm and Friday from 8am to 5pm. 

YMCA
Free admission (with your Little) to any location in Greater Des Moines except the Healthy Living Center. Just show your Big ID card! 

Attend the Science Center of Iowa for Free!
To attend the Science Center of Iowa for free, please contact your Match Support Specialist, and they will help get you signed up.

Attend the Blank Park Zoo for Free!
BBBSIA is now a member of the Blank Park Zoo. This is a great opportunity for you and your Little as you will be able to attend the Zoo for FREE. If you would like to go to the Zoo, contact your Match Support Specialist or stop by the BBBSIA office to check out one of our 4 membership cards. Please arrange to return the card to our office within 2 business days of when you attend the Zoo so that other matches will be able to use it. Also, if a match would happen to lose a membership card, the Big would be responsible for paying to replace it. Please contact your Match Support Specialist with any additional questions.

Attend the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for Free!
BBBSIA is now a member of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. This is a great opportunity for you and your Little as you will be able to attend the Botanical Garden for FREE. If you would like to go, contact your Match Support Specialist or stop by the BBBSIA office to check out one of our 4 membership cards. Please arrange to return the card to our office within 2 business days of when you attend the Botanical Garden so that other matches will be able to use it. Also, if a match would happen to lose a membership card, the Big would be responsible for paying to replace it. Please contact your Match Support Specialist with any additional questions.

Attend Living History Farms for Free!
BBBSIA is now a member of Living History Farms. This is a great opportunity for you and your Little as you will be able to attend Living History Farms for FREE. If you would like to go, contact your Match Support Specialist to check out a digital pass. Please contact your Match Support Specialist with any additional questions.