The Best Things to do in West Des Moines with Kids

Planning a visit to West Des Moines and looking for some fun things to do while you are here? Or perhaps you live in the area and are seeking some fresh ideas for family outings?

As a stay-at-home mom with four boys, I’ve lived in West Des Moines for the past decade and have explored all there is to offer. I always look forward to trying new attractions that open up, too!

Whether you are visiting or a local, this guide to things to do in West Des Moines will keep you entertained and offer memorable experiences for you and your family.

And if you want even more family fun across the whole metro, don’t miss my 25 Things to Do in Des Moines with Kids guide.

Spare Time West Des Moines: Bowling, Arcade & Laser Tag

Spare Time is one of our go-to spots in West Des Moines when we want an easy win for family fun.

Honestly, don’t tell anyone—but I think I enjoy it more than my boys! I love sneaking in a few arcade games too!

We usually visit on Tuesdays or Wednesdays when arcade games and laser tag are half-price.

It makes the whole experience way more affordable for a big family like ours.

In the summer, we also take advantage of the Kids Bowl Free program, which lets us bowl without paying for games (just cover shoe rentals).

👉 Mom tip: Tuesdays/Wednesdays and summer mornings are the sweet spot—cheaper, less crowded, and easier to manage with younger kids in tow.

What You’ll Find at Spare Time:

• Large modern bowling alley with big-screen TVs
• Arcade packed with kid (and parent!) favorites
• Laser tag + escape rooms
• Full-service restaurant with pizza, burgers, and more

Best Ages: Ages 5+ get the most out of it, but we do bring our little ones (ages 2 & 4) and they still enjoy it—bowling ramps help a lot!

Time Needed: 1–2 hours is plenty, but you could stretch longer if you eat a meal here too.

📍 Location: 340 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA

Dave & Buster’s West Des Moines: Arcade Games & Dining

Dave & Buster’s is another big hit for families in West Des Moines—especially if your kids love arcade games.

Located right across the parking lot from Jordan Creek Mall, it’s an easy spot to combine with shopping or a meal.

We like to visit on Wednesdays when the games are half-price, which makes it much more affordable with four boys.

👉 Mom tip: Dave & Buster’s is best with kids who are a little older—it can get loud and busy, and younger kids need closer supervision. That said, we still bring our younger two, and they have fun tagging along.

What You’ll Find at Dave & Buster’s:

• Large arcade with a wide range of games
• Restaurant with family-friendly menu (easy to combine dinner + play)
• Plenty of space and seating for families
• Best value on Wednesdays with half-price games

Best Ages: Ages 5+ will get the most out of it, though younger kids can enjoy some of the smaller games with help.

Time Needed: Plan for 1–2 hours, or longer if you eat a meal here.

📍 Location: 170 S Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA

Between Spare Time and Dave & Buster’s, my family usually prefers Spare Time—it feels more kid-focused, the Kids Bowl Free program is a big win in the summer, and honestly the food and service are better too. That said, Dave & Buster’s is still a fun option, especially for older kids who enjoy the bigger arcade feel.

Smash Park West Des Moines: Pickleball, Games & Family Dining

Smash Park is one of our family’s absolute favorites in West Des Moines—it’s the perfect mix of restaurant, arcade, and entertainment venue.

My boys love bouncing between games, while I sneak in some time to enjoy the food (the pickleballs appetizer is my personal favorite!).

This is a spot we go back to again and again, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating.

On rainy days the indoor games keep the kids busy, and on nice evenings the outdoor yard with string lights and cornhole is such a fun vibe.

👉 From one mom to another: It can get a little chaotic if you bring younger kids along. We bring all four of ours (ages 2–10) and while it’s busy, it’s still doable—and always worth it.

What You’ll Find at Smash Park:

• Indoor & outdoor pickleball courts
• Games like bocce ball, shuffleboard, ping pong, Jenga, cornhole, and giant Connect 4
• Arcade area
• Restaurant with kid-friendly menu + fun appetizers (pickleballs are a must-try!)

Want more tips, food recommendations, and a full breakdown of all the games? Read my Ultimate Family Guide to Smash Park West Des Moines for everything you need to know.

Best Ages: Kids ages 5+ will get the most out of it, but younger ones can still join in (just expect to do a little more hands-on supervising).

Time Needed: 1–2 hours is plenty, but you could easily stretch it longer with a meal.

📍 Location: 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA

Jordan Creek Mall West Des Moines: Shopping, Dining & Family Fun

Jordan Creek Mall is the shopping destination in Iowa—and one of our family’s favorite spots since we live just a few miles away.

But it’s not just for shopping: the mall has kid-friendly activities, dining, and even a movie theater, which makes it an easy all-day outing.

My boys especially love browsing Scheels and Barnes & Noble, and the LEGO Store is a must-stop every single time we visit. Younger kids will also enjoy the indoor play area.

For meals, you can grab something quick at the food court (Chick-fil-A is usually our go-to) or sit down at places like the Cheesecake Factory.

On nice days, we love walking around the picturesque lake outside the Town Center.

👉 Mom tip: If we just need to get out of the house for a bit, Jordan Creek is perfect for a short outing. We can pop into the play area, build with Legos at the LEGO Store, or stop by the “candy shop” inside Scheels. These little traditions are some of my kids’ favorite parts of going to the mall!

What You’ll Find at Jordan Creek Mall:

• Huge selection of stores (Von Maur, Scheels, Barnes & Noble, Lego Store)
• Indoor play area for younger kids
• Great food court + sit-down restaurants like Cheesecake Factory
• Century 20 Jordan Creek & XD movie theater
• Lakefront walking path with restaurants and beautiful views
• Dave & Buster’s just across the parking lot

Best Ages: All ages—there’s truly something here for toddlers, older kids, and teens.

Time Needed: A couple of hours if you’re shopping and grabbing a quick meal, or half a day if you include a movie or outdoor walk.

📍 Location: 101 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA

Wanting to take a Day Trip? Check out 5 INCREDIBLE DAY TRIPS FROM DES MOINES

Blue Zoo West Des Moines: Interactive Aquarium & Play Area

Blue Zoo is one of West Des Moines’ newest attractions, and it’s been a big hit with my kids.

Part aquarium, part play zone, it’s packed with hands-on experiences that make it more than just looking at tanks.

Here, kids can see stingrays, sharks, turtles, snakes, lizards, parakeets, and so much more. The best part?

Many experiences that cost extra at other aquariums—like feeding fish, touching stingrays, and visiting the parakeet encounter—are all included in your admission.

Beyond the animals, there’s a pirate ship bounce house and water play area that my younger boys love. My older two enjoy the reptile feedings and shows, so there’s something for every age.

👉 Mom tip: Plan your visit around the daily shows—ask for the schedule at the front desk when you arrive. Since your admission allows you to come and go throughout the day, you can leave for lunch and return later for a show or more playtime.

What You’ll Find at Blue Zoo:

• Interactive animal encounters (touch stingrays, feed fish & reptiles, parakeet house)
• Aquatic life exhibits (sharks, turtles, tropical fish, stingrays)
• Reptiles, tortoises, and lizards
• Pirate ship bounce house & indoor water play area
• Daily shows with staff-led presentations

Best Ages: Best for kids under 10 (the bounce house and water play are geared toward younger kids), but animal lovers of any age will enjoy it.

Time Needed: 1-2 hours, or break it into multiple visits since re-entry is allowed.

📍 Location: Jordan Creek Town Center, next to Buffalo Wild Wings

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Des Moines Children’s Museum at Valley West Mall

The Des Moines Children’s Museum may not be the biggest museum around, but it’s a great spot for young kids who love pretend play and hands-on exploring.

My younger boys especially love the fire truck, the playhouse, and the farm area—it’s the kind of place where kids can let their imaginations run wild.

Located on the lower level of Valley West Mall, the museum is an affordable option too—just $6 admission for kids ages 1–9 and $4 for ages 10 and above.

It’s easy to pair with a quick meal at Blaze Pizza or Chipotle upstairs if you want to make it a longer outing.

👉 Mom tip: This is the perfect rainy-day activity if you just need to get the kids out of the house for an hour or two. Keep an eye out for their special events and activities, which change often.

What You’ll Find at the Des Moines Children’s Museum:

• Pretend play areas: fire truck, playhouse, farm, and more
• Rotating activities and special events
• Safe, indoor play geared toward imaginative kids
• Convenient mall location with dining nearby

Best Ages: Perfect for ages 1–7. Older kids (8–10) may still enjoy it if they’re into pretend play, but younger children get the most out of it.

Time Needed: 1–2 hours is usually plenty.

📍 Location: Valley West Mall, Lower Level

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Jordan House West Des Moines: History & the Underground Railroad

If you want to add a little history into your West Des Moines adventure, the Jordan House is an interesting stop.

This historic home is part of the Underground Railroad and offers a glimpse into the abolitionist movement in Iowa. It’s filled with unique artifacts and stories that bring history to life.

I’ve toured the Jordan House myself, and it’s best for older kids who can handle standing and listening for over an hour.

My boys were intrigued by the artifacts, but younger children might get restless—it’s definitely more of a “learning outing” than a play-based one.

👉 Mom tip: Pair your visit with lunch and some shopping in nearby Valley Junction. It makes for a well-rounded outing that balances history with something fun for the kids afterward.

What You’ll Find at the Jordan House:

• Historic home with ties to the Underground Railroad
• Guided tours offered Fridays and Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Reservations are required—tickets must be purchased in advance on the West Des Moines Historical Society website
• Artifacts and exhibits highlighting Iowa’s abolitionist history
• Knowledgeable guides who share powerful stories

Best Ages: Best for kids ages 10+ who can follow along with a guided tour.

Time Needed: About 1 hour and 15 minutes for the tour.

📍 Location: Near Valley Junction, West Des Moines

Historic Valley Junction: Shopping, Dining & Events

Historic Valley Junction is the original downtown of West Des Moines, and it still has so much charm today.

It’s one of my favorite spots to wander with the kids when we want something a little different from the usual mall or park outing.

The area is filled with unique shops—everything from candy stores and toy shops to antiques, art galleries, and boutiques. My boys love popping into the candy shops, while I enjoy browsing the home décor and gift stores.

Dining here is great too. Valley Junction has everything from casual cafés to The Hall, Iowa’s first food and beverage hall, which is such a fun and unique place to eat with kids.

G. Migs is another favorite, with delicious food and a surprisingly affordable kids menu.

And of course, no visit is complete without a stop at Black Cat Ice Cream. We always love a good ice cream spot!

Valley Junction is also known for its events, especially the Thursday evening Farmers Market that runs all summer through the end of September. Live music, food vendors, and a fun community atmosphere make it a perfect family night out.

👉 Mom tip: Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Jordan House—it’s just a couple of minutes away and adds a dose of history before you head into Valley Junction for food and shopping.

What You’ll Find at Valley Junction:

• Variety of unique shops: candy, antiques, art galleries, boutiques
• Restaurants and cafés, plus The Hall (Iowa’s first food hall)
• Events year-round, including the summer Farmers Market and live music nights
• Walkable, historic district with small-town charm

Best Ages: All ages can enjoy Valley Junction, though older kids will especially love the candy shops and Farmers Market atmosphere.

Time Needed: 1–2 hours, longer if you shop or stay for an event.

📍 Location: Downtown West Des Moines

Valley View Aquatic Center: Slides, Lazy River & Family Swim Nights

In the summer, Valley View Aquatic Center is one of the best places to cool off in West Des Moines.

With massive waterslides, a lazy river, and a zero-depth entry pool with a play structure, it has something for everyone—from toddlers to teens.

My boys love the thrill of the slides, while my younger ones are happy splashing in the shallow play area.

I like that it’s big enough to keep everyone entertained but still feels manageable compared to a full waterpark.

👉 Mom tip: Check out their Sunday and Wednesday family swim nights (6:30–8:30 p.m.), when your whole family can swim for just $15. It’s such an affordable way to enjoy an evening together.

What You’ll Find at Valley View Aquatic Center:

• Four large waterslides
• Lazy river (great for both kids and adults)
• Zero-depth entry pool with water play structure
• Diving board pool
• Family swim nights on Sundays & Wednesdays ($15 per family)
• Lap swim and lazy river walking available on select evenings

Best Ages: All ages—toddlers can enjoy the shallow play area, while older kids and teens will love the slides and diving board.

Time Needed: 2–4 hours, or make a day of it with lunch at the concession area.

📍 Location: 255 81st St, West Des Moines, IA

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Kids Empire West Des Moines: Ultimate Indoor Play Place

Kids Empire has become a go-to spot in West Des Moines for families looking to burn off energy indoors.

With giant slides, obstacle courses, bridges, and climbing structures, it’s basically a kid’s dream playground under one roof.

My boys love racing each other through the obstacles and zooming down the massive slides.

There’s also a designated toddler area, which is perfect if you have little ones still in diapers. It can get busy, but the space is big enough that everyone finds something fun to do.

👉 Mom tip: Admission isn’t cheap (around $20 per child), so plan to spend at least a couple of hours here. The good news is you can leave and re-enter with your receipt—so we like to play for a while, grab lunch nearby, and then come back for round two.

What You’ll Find at Kids Empire:

• Huge slides, obstacle courses, and climbing structures
• Designated toddler and baby play area
• Snack shop for quick breaks
• Re-entry allowed the same day with your receipt

Best Ages: Sweet spot is ages 3–10. Younger kids enjoy the toddler zone, while older kids love the big slides and climbing challenges.

Time Needed: 2–4 hours depending on how much energy your kids have (and how long you want them to nap afterward 😉).

📍 Location: 1551 Valley West Dr, West Des Moines, IA

Want all my tips before you go? 👉 Read my full Ultimate Guide to Kids Empire West Des Moines here!

Brown’s Woods: Family-Friendly Hiking in West Des Moines

If your family enjoys the outdoors, Brown’s Woods is one of the best spots in West Des Moines to get some fresh air.

It’s Iowa’s largest urban forest, with 4+ miles of trails winding through shady woods.

We love coming here in every season—whether it’s spring wildflowers, fall colors, or a simple winter walk to burn off energy.

My boys like picking up sticks, climbing over logs, and seeing what they can spot along the way—sometimes it’s birds, sometimes it’s just a cool bug.

It’s a super doable adventure that doesn’t require a big drive or much planning.

👉 Mom tip: The trails can be a little confusing, so I recommend taking a photo of the map at the trailhead (or printing one before you go). Also, the parking lot fills up quickly on nice days, so try to come earlier in the morning.

What You’ll Find at Brown’s Woods:

• 4.4 miles of hiking trails through Iowa’s largest urban forest
• A mix of easy and moderate trails for families
• Picnic area near the parking lot
• Restroom at the trailhead

Best Ages: All ages—it’s easy to adapt your hike for toddlers or older kids depending on how far you want to go.

Time Needed: 1–2 hours is perfect for a short family hike.

📍 Location: SE Brown’s Woods Drive, West Des Moines, IA

Raccoon River Park: Beach, Trails & Playground Fun

Raccoon River Park is hands-down one of the best spots in West Des Moines for families.

With a sandy beach, a gorgeous lake, and one of the city’s best playgrounds, it’s a place we come back to again and again throughout the entire year!

My boys love spending the day building sandcastles and splashing in Blue Heron Lake, while I appreciate that there’s so much variety here.

Some days we kayak, other days we just hang out at the playground and watch the sunset over the water.

👉 Mom tip: Pack a picnic dinner and stay into the evening—you’ll catch some beautiful views and the kids can burn off extra energy before bed.

What You’ll Find at Raccoon River Park:

• Blue Heron Lake with a swimming beach and fishing pier
• Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals at the Boathouse
• A 3.2-mile trail loop for walking, running, or biking
• A huge modern playground with climbing structures and slides
• Nature lodge, dog park, and sports complexes

Want a full breakdown of everything Raccoon River Park offers? Check out my complete Raccoon River Park guide here.

Best Ages: All ages! There’s truly something for toddlers, big kids, teens, and adults.

Time Needed: 1–2 hours for a quick playground or lake stop; half a day if you’re swimming, renting kayaks, or making it a full family outing.

📍 Location: 2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA

Quail Cove Park: Scenic Playgrounds & Picnic Spot

Quail Cove Park is one of our favorite playgrounds in West Des Moines.

Nestled in a hilly, wooded area, it feels tucked away even though it’s close to the interstate.

The trees and landscape give it such a peaceful, secluded feel that I often bring the kids here when we want a quieter park day.

My boys love the two different playgrounds—one designed for younger kids and one with bigger climbing challenges (including a huge rock to conquer) for the older ones.

I especially love the views of the sky and trees from the park—it’s a great spot to slow down and enjoy nature while the kids play.

👉 Mom tip: This is one of my favorite parks to pack a picnic. There are covered picnic tables with pretty views, and it’s an easy way to stretch a playground stop into a longer outing.

What You’ll Find at Quail Cove Park:

• Two playgrounds (one for younger kids, one for older kids)
• Large climbing rock + challenging play structures
• Covered picnic shelter and picnic tables
• ½-mile loop trail for a short family walk
• Basketball court

Best Ages: All ages—toddlers can enjoy the smaller playground, while older kids love the rock and climbing structures.

Time Needed: 1–2 hours, longer if you bring a picnic or explore the trail.

📍 Location: 1515 Maple St, West Des Moines, IA

Knolls Park: Towering Slides & Family Play in West Des Moines

Knolls Park is one of those playgrounds my boys beg to go back to.

The towering play structure with its huge slides is always a hit, and there’s a separate playground for younger kids so everyone finds something fun to do.

What makes Knolls Park stand out is its variety—my older kids head straight for the tall slides and climbing areas, while my younger ones are happy in the smaller play zone or digging in the sand pit.

It’s the kind of park that works well when you’ve got kids of different ages to entertain.

👉 Mom tip: Parking is street-only, and restrooms are limited to a portable toilet, so plan ahead. We like to stop by on summer mornings, sometimes with donuts, and then let the kids play while we sip coffee at the picnic tables.

What You’ll Find at Knolls Park:

• Tall play structure with giant slides for older kids
• Separate playground for younger kids
• Sand play area (bring toys if you want extra entertainment)
• Baby swings and regular swings
• Access to a nearby paved bike trail

Best Ages: All ages—the park is designed to work well for both toddlers and older kids.

Time Needed: 1–2 hours, depending on how long the kids want to keep climbing.

📍 Location: 2500 56th St, West Des Moines, IA

West Des Moines Parks & Playgrounds

West Des Moines has so many fantastic parks and playgrounds that they deserve their very own spotlight as an attraction.

From the climbing rock and picnic trails at Quail Cove Park to the towering slides at Knolls Park, each playground is unique and offers something different for kids of all ages.

Many of the city’s older parks are also being refreshed with brand-new equipment and safer play surfaces, so no matter where you go, you’re likely to find something new.

We love spending summer mornings park-hopping—packing snacks, coffee, or even donuts and making it a simple family adventure close to home. And in the fall, the parks feel even more magical as the air turns crisp and the leaves change colors.

👉 Mom tip: If you’re looking for even more outdoor fun, don’t miss Brown’s Woods for hiking or Raccoon River Park for the beach and lake trails. And if you really want the inside scoop, check out my full post on the Best Parks in West Des Moines

So many things to do in West Des Moines and beyond

West Des Moines really does have so many things to do for families!

For more to do in the West Des Moines area check out The Best Things to do in Des Moines with Kids plus Free Things to do in Des Moines.

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May you love your adventure in West Des Moines. KW