Greenwood Park: A Des Moines Family Favorite

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Greenwood Park is one of our absolute favorite places to explore in Des Moines!

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature walk, a fun afternoon at the playground, or a place to cool off in the summer, this park has something for everyone.

From hiking trails to a scenic lagoon and even a spray ground for kids, Greenwood Park offers endless opportunities to make memories with family and friends.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your visit, including top attractions, insider tips, and must-see spots!

Two sculptures in a grassy field with trees surrounding it. — Cairn sculpture outside of Des Moines Art Center in Greenwood Park

Where is Greenwood Park?

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Greenwood Park is centrally located in Des Moines, just three miles from downtown.

It’s easy to access from Grand Avenue, with two main entrances:

45th Street Entrance: Leads to the lagoon, spray ground, playground, and Ashworth Pool.

Myron and Jacqueline Blank Parkway Entrance: Leads to the Claire and Miles Mills Rose Garden and provides another access point to trails and the park’s natural beauty.

I recommend choosing the entrance that best suits your plans:

➡️ If you want to visit the Rose Garden first and then hike down to the lagoon, use the Myron and Jacqueline Blank Parkway Entrance.

➡️ If your main focus is the playground and spray ground, the 45th Street Entrance is your best bet.

Two shelters across from each other with a stone walkway in between at the Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden in Greenwood Park in Des Moines. — Rose Garden in Greenwood Park

Things to do in Greenwood Park

There are so many awesome things to see and do for families in Greenwood Park.

Claire and Mills Mills Rose Garden

One of the most picturesque spots in the park, this rose garden is a dream for nature lovers and photographers.

We love wandering through the gorgeous blooms. It’s especially breathtaking in the spring and summer months!

Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden with two plots of roses plus the stone walkway. — Rose Garden in Greenwood Park

Greenwood Park Lagoon

Just down the hill from the rose garden, the Greenwood Park Lagoon is a peaceful retreat where you can walk along the boardwalk, watch for fish and frogs, or spot birds from the observation tower.

Kids will also love hiking the wooded trails around the lagoon.

You can reach the lagoon by following the scenic trails through the woods or taking the paved path down from the rose garden.

Pro Tip: If you’d rather drive, there are parking spots near the lagoon. Just turn down 45th Street for easy access.

Greenwood Park lagoon surrounded by trees. — Greenwood Park Lagoon

Greenwood Park Spray Ground

A summer favorite!

This unique spray ground has large boulders and cement blocks where water shoots up from unexpected places, making it a fun and refreshing experience for kids.

Plus, restrooms and picnic tables nearby make it convenient for families.

Pro Tip: To reach both the playground and spray ground, take 45th Street. As you near the lagoon, turn left and head up the hill.

Splash pad made with large cement pieces and rocks that randomly spray out in certain areas.

Greenwood Park spray ground with large cement blocks

Greenwood Park Playground

Located right next to the spray ground, the playground offers two play structures: one for older kids with bigger slides and another for younger children.

The added bonus? Plenty of shade, making it a comfortable place to play even on hot days.

The kids will love running back and forth between the playground and spray ground- mine always do!

Splash pad in foreground and playground in the background with lots of trees

Jay Spence Enclosed Shelter

This rentable shelter, located near the spray ground and playground, is perfect for birthday parties, graduation celebrations, or family gatherings.

Conveniently, restrooms are located just outside so visitors at the playground and spray ground can utilize it too!

Jay Spence Enclosed Shelter at Greenwood Park. — Jay Spence Enclosed Shelter

Hiking and Walking Trails

Greenwood Park offers a variety of hiking and walking trails for all skill levels.

Whether your family wants a leisurely stroll around the lagoon, an adventure through wooded trails, or an easy walk on the paved path between the rose garden and lagoon, there’s a scenic route everyone can enjoy.

Wet looking wooden boardwalk around the lagoon at Greenwood Park in Des Moines in the fall. — Boardwalk around the Greenwood Park Lagoon

Art Center

Did you know that Greenwood Park is also home to the Des Moines Art Center?

This free museum features contemporary art exhibits and even offers art classes for kids and adults.

(Note: The Art Center is closed on Mondays.)

Sign for the Des Moines Art Center near the front door

Ashworth Pool

Looking to cool off? Ashworth Pool is open in the summer and features a 50-meter pool, diving boards, and a separate baby pool.

It’s an affordable way to beat the heat!

Sylvan Amphitheater

Don’t miss the Sylvan Amphitheater, a stunning venue surrounded by mature trees—great for performances, weddings, or simply relaxing outdoors.

Our Favorite Things to do at Greenwood Park

Greenwood Park has so much to offer, but these are some of our family’s absolute favorite activities:

❤️ Playing at the Spray Ground – Perfect for cooling off in the summer while the kids run through the water features.

❤️ Hiking around the Lagoon – The wooded trails and boardwalk make for an exciting mini adventure. We love spotting frogs, fish, and even turtles.

❤️ Exploring the Rose Garden – A beautiful spot for taking family photos and enjoying a peaceful walk. The kids enjoy the Cairn and stone walls art in the green space between the Rose Garden and Art Center.