25 of the Best Things to do in Des Moines with Kids

This post may contain affiliate links to trusted partners.

Des Moines is packed with family-friendly activities, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, hands-on museums, or unique local attractions.

From exploring beautiful parks and splash pads to discovering interactive exhibits and historic sites, there’s something for every family to enjoy.

If you’re planning a trip or just looking for new ways to entertain the kids, this list has you covered!

Indoor Museums and Theaters

Looking for fun indoor activities in Des Moines?

Whether you’re escaping the cold or just need a break from outdoor adventures, the city has plenty of kid-friendly spots to explore.

From hands-on science exhibits to imaginative play spaces and fascinating history museums, there’s something for every age and interest.

Here are some of our favorite places to visit with kids in Des Moines!

1. Science Center of Iowa

💡 Best for all ages

With hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a maker’s studio, the Science Center of Iowa is a must-visit.

• Young kids love the pretend grocery store, bubble station, and toddler town.

• Elementary-aged kids enjoy the Slinky Waves exhibit and building paper rockets.

• Older kids can get wrapped up in the space science and the Makers Studio.

📍 Located downtown Des Moines

🕒 Time needed: 2-3 hours

🅿️ Parking: $2/hr in the covered parking garage across the street

🍽️ Dining: No on-site food, but Blaze Pizza and Jimmy John’s are nearby.

⭐ Pro Tip: Check the Science Center’s website for seasonal hours.

2. State Historical Museum of Iowa

💡 Best for all ages | FREE admission!

The State Historical Museum of Iowa brings Iowa’s rich history to life with engaging exhibits and a dedicated kids’ play area for ages 10 and under.

• Younger kids love the animal statues and bicycle exhibits.

• Older kids will enjoy the Civil War exhibit and Iowa’s history displays.

• Interactive play area includes a train set, Duplo blocks, a LEGO sculpture, and historic tractor.

📍 Located downtown Des Moines

🕒 Time needed: 1-2 hours

🅿️ Parking: Free garage parking behind the museum at the corner of East Grand and Pennsylvania Avenues or hourly metered street spots.

🍽️ Dining: Nearby options include a family favorite- Zombie Burger.

3. Des Moines Botanical Garden

💡 Best for nature lovers and anyone who likes to experience a tropical paradise 🌸

A peaceful, family-friendly escape featuring tropical plants, a waterfall, and a koi pond.

• Spring–Fall: Stroll the outdoor gardens with a downtown skyline backdrop plus enjoy watching the frogs jump on the lily pads in the outdoor Water Garden. 🐸
• Winter: Enjoy a warm, plant-filled paradise indoors with a small nature play area for young kids.

📍 Located downtown Des Moines

🕒 Time needed: 1-2 hours

🅿️ Parking: Free lot outside of the Des Moines Botanical Garden.

🍽️ Dining: On-site Trellis Café (kids’ menu available).

4. Iowa State Capitol

💡 Best for elementary aged kids and above but all ages will enjoy walking around the Capitol grounds.

Tour the stunning Iowa State Capitol, explore the grounds, and snap photos with historic statues. 📸

• Self-guided tours: Available anytime.

• Guided tours: Highly recommended for first-timers. Call ahead to schedule to ensure availability or visit the tour guide station on the ground floor to see if any same-day tours are available.

• Inside highlight: Don’t forget to look up at the beautiful dome!

📍 Located downtown Des Moines

🕒 Time needed: 1-2 hours

🅿️ Parking: Free visitor lots and metered spots nearby.

🍽️ Dining: Great East Village options like Zombie Burger & Iowa Taproom or get a sweet treat from Molly’s Cupcakes! 🧁

⭐ Pro Tip: You will have to go through security to enter the Capitol building. It is easy and on-duty officers are very helpful! Strollers are welcome.

5. Iowa Gold Star Military Museum

💡 Best for ages 5+ | FREE admission!

The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum takes kids through Iowa’s military history with interactive exhibits and even a paper scavenger hunt.

📍Located in Johnston, Iowa at Camp Dodge.

🕒 Time needed: 1 hour

🅿️ Parking: Free on-site.

⚠️ Must Know: Entry requires a photo ID at the Camp Dodge main gate.

➡️ DISCOVER MORE FAMILY-FRIENDLY FREE ATTRACTIONS: Free Things to do in Des Moines

➡️ FUN FAMILY DES MOINES DAY TRIPS: 5 Incredible Day Trips from Des Moines

6. Des Moines Children’s Museum

💡 Best for kids ages 1-9

A fantastic space for imaginative play—kids can run a pizza shop, perform on stage, or pretend to be firefighters!

📍 Located in the lower level of the Valley West Mall in West Des Moines

🕒 Time needed: About 2 hours

💰 Admission: $6 for kids 1-9 and ages 10+ is $4

🅿️ Parking: Free at Valley West Mall

🍽️ Dining: Chipotle & Blaze Pizza located in the Valley West Mall

7. Des Moines Community Playhouse

💡 Best for kids ages 4 and over

From family-friendly productions to interactive Friday Fundays for ages 4-6, this theater is a gem for young audiences.

🅿️ Parking: Free parking lots surrounding the Des Moines Playhouse as well as on the street.

🍽️ Dining: Snack-type concessions available during most performances besides Friday Fundays or plan for dinner out at Gusto Pizza just over 2 miles from the Playhouse!

🎭 Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance—shows sell out fast!

Active Indoor Attractions

The Des Moines area has a wide array of indoor active attractions for kids of all ages to enjoy too!

8. SkyZone

💡 Best for kids of all ages

SkyZone is an entertaining trampoline park in Grimes, Iowa.

Kids can jump on trampolines and foam pits, play dodgeball, try the ninja warrior course, and more.

There is even a Toddler Zone for the youngest kids.

📍 Located in Grimes, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 1-2 hours

💰 Admission: Varies by jump time:

• 60 minutes: $20
• 90 minutes: $22
• Ages 5 and under:
  • 60 minutes: $10
  • 90 minutes: $12

🅿️ Parking: Free in the lot outside

🍽️ Dining: Small concession stand inside; Jimmy John’s and fast-food options nearby

🔹 Expert Tip: If you have kids 7 or under, visit during Little Leapers time so they can explore safely. Check SkyZone’s calendar for details.

9. Get Air

💡 Best for kids of all ages

Get Air is a lively trampoline park in Urbandale, Iowa, featuring trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, and challenging obstacles.

They also have a Kiddie Court for children under 46 inches tall.

📍 Located in Urbandale, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 1-2 hours

💰 Admission: Varies by jump time:

• Big Air (over 46″)
  • 1 hour: $13.99
  • 2 hours: $21.99
  • 3 hours: $24.99
• Little Air (under 46″)
  • 1 hour: $8.99
  • 2 hours: $14.99
  • 3 hours: $17.99

🅿️ Parking: Free in the parking lot outside

🍽️ Dining: No on-site dining; Palmer’s Deli nearby

🔹 Expert Tip: Get Air offers Toddler Time on select days for kids under 46 inches. This is the best time for little ones to enjoy the facility without bigger kids around.

10. Urban Air Adventure Park

💡 Best for kids ages 6+

Urban Air in Ankeny is more than a trampoline park—it features a tumble track, ropes course, sky rider, climbing walls, and more. Attractions have height requirements, making it ideal for older kids.

📍 Located in Ankeny, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 2-3 hours

💰 Admission: Varies by ticket level (Deluxe: $22.99, Ultimate: $28.99, children 5&under: $11.99)

🅿️ Parking: Free in the lot outside

🍽️ Dining: Urban Cafe inside; Pizza Ranch nearby

🔹 Expert Tip: If your kids aren’t afraid of heights, go for the Ultimate Level ticket so they can experience everything!

11. Kids Empire

💡 Best for kids ages 0-10

Kids Empire is an indoor play facility in the Jordan Creek area, featuring climbing structures, slides, balance beams, and bridges. There’s a special area for ages 0-3 and a larger play area for kids 4+.

📍 Located in West Des Moines, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 2-3 hours

💰 Admission: $22.90 per child (all-day play); Two adults enter free per child

🅿️ Parking: Free in the lot outside

🍽️ Dining: Snack shop inside; Chick-fil-A, McAlister’s Deli, Panda Express nearby

➡️ READ MY GUIDE FOR MORE ON KIDS EMPIRE: Kids Empire at Jordan Creek

12. Climb Iowa

💡 Best for kids ages 5+

Climb Iowa has two locations: Grimes (rope climbing & bouldering) and East Village (bouldering only). Great for adventurous kids looking to try rock climbing! 🧗

📍 Locations in Grimes & East Village, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: A couple of hours

💰 Admission: Day pass with gear—$28; additional rental gear may be required for an extra cost

🅿️ Parking: Free at Grimes; metered street parking in East Village

🍽️ Dining: Nearby options include Iowa Taproom and Molly’s Cupcakes in East Village

🔹 Must-Know Info: If this is your first time visiting— fill out a visitor agreement online, schedule an orientation, and check rental rates before visiting.

13. Spare Time

💡 Best for kids ages 4+

Spare Time in West Des Moines offers bowling, an arcade, laser tag, escape rooms, and a full-service restaurant. Bowling ramps make it accessible for younger kids, while older ones love the arcade! 🕹

📍 Located in West Des Moines, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 2-3 hours

💰 Admission: Varies by activity

🅿️ Parking: Free in the lot outside

🍽️ Dining: Full-service restaurant inside; plenty of nearby dining in Jordan Creek area

14. Smash Park

💡 Best for kids ages 6+

Smash Park in West Des Moines is an entertainment venue with food, games, and activities for all ages. It offers indoor and outdoor fun, including pickleball, cornhole, ping pong, and arcade games.

📍 Located in West Des Moines, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: A couple of hours

💰 Admission: Free entry; pay per game/activity or you can simply eat and play board games, gigantic Jenga, Connect 4, cornhole, and more for FREE!

🅿️ Parking: Free in the lot outside

🍽️ Dining: Serves appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and more

CHECK OUT MY GUIDE TO SMASH PARK: Everything You Need to Know for Visiting Smash Park

Outdoor Attractions

Des Moines is a great place for families who love spending time outside!

Whether your kids enjoy playgrounds, the zoo, or unique outdoor experiences, there are plenty of ways to soak up the fresh air.

From exploring scenic parks and biking along the river to tubing down the Snowflex® hill at Sleepy Hollow, these outdoor attractions offer fun for all ages.

No matter the season, there’s always an adventure waiting!

15. Blank Park Zoo

💡 Best for kids of all ages

The Blank Park Zoo is a fantastic place to spend part of the day with family and friends.

It has great exhibits and fun activities, making it a must-visit for animal lovers.

Some of our favorite exhibits include watching the sea lions, feeding the goats, giggling at the gibbons, and seeing the lions and giraffes. 🦭 🐐 🐒 🦒

The zoo also features an indoor Discovery Center, an outdoor train ride, a caousel, and a playground. Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the zoo! 🚂 🎠

📍 Located in Des Moines, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 2-4 hours

💰 Admission:

• Free (Children 1 year and under)
• $15 (Children 2-12 years)
• $20 (Adults 13-64)
• $19 (Seniors Citizens 65+)

🅿️ Parking: Free in the lot outside

🍽️ Dining: Safari Grill and GoGo Plaza (seasonal availability); fast-food options nearby

🔹 Expert Tip: A zoo membership is a great investment for families! Visiting twice a year often covers the cost of membership, and it includes discounts at other zoos nationwide. We frequently use our zoo membership at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium for discounted admission— it is a huge money saver!

16. Living History Farms

💡 Best for kids of all ages

Living History Farms is an outdoor museum in Urbandale, Iowa, that showcases rural Iowa life in different time periods.

Visitors can take a tractor ride to the 1700s Ioway farm and walk through the 1850 Pioneer farm and the 1900s farm before returning to the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill.

The town features a schoolhouse, church, general store, blacksmith, Flynn Mansion, and a middle-class family home.

Kids will love the costumed historical interpreters and the farm animals. 🐑 🐄 🐖

📍 Located in Urbandale, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 2-3 hours

💰 Admission:

• FREE (Children 1 year and under)
• $15 (Children 2- 12 years)
• $20 (Adults 13-64 years)
• $19 (Seniors 65+)

🅿️ Parking: Free near the Visitor Center

🍽️ Dining: Small eatery near Flynn Mansion; The Machine Shed Restaurant nearby

17. Jester Park

💡 Best for kids of all ages

Jester Park, located in Granger, Iowa, offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Jester Park Nature Center is open year-round and features interactive animal exhibits with stunning views.

Other highlights include elk and bison herds, the Natural Playscape, bouldering, archery, miniature golf, hiking, and picnicking. 🦬 💦 🏹🥾

📍 Located in Granger, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 2+ hours; 1 hour if just visiting the Nature Center

💰 Admission: Free

🅿️ Parking: Free in multiple lots throughout the park

🍽️ Dining: No on-site dining; bring a picnic 🧺

🔹 Expert Tip: If visiting the Natural Playscape, bring sandals or water shoes, a change of clothes, and a towel—kids love playing in the small water area! 💦

18. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

💡 Best for kids of all ages

Located in downtown Des Moines, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a great outdoor destination on a beautiful day. ☀️

Visitors can enjoy walking among the sculptures, discussing their meaning, and taking fun photos. 📸

A visit here pairs well with a stop at the nearby Des Moines Central Library, just a quarter-mile away.

📍 Located in Des Moines, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 1 hour

💰 Admission: Free

🅿️ Parking: Metered street parking

🍽️ Dining: Nearby options include Jimmy John’s, Americana, and Gateway Market

🔹 Expert Tip: Bring a picnic lunch or grab takeout from a nearby restaurant to enjoy while admiring the sculptures.

19. Downtown Des Moines Bridges

💡 Best for kids of all ages

Walking, biking, or scootering across downtown Des Moines’ pedestrian bridges is a fun and scenic activity. 🚲 🛴

Start at Robert D Ray Drive near the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden, then cross the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, which overlooks the dam.

Visit Rotary Riverwalk Park, where kids can enjoy swings and a climbing structure.

Continue to Lauridsen Skate Park, the largest open skate park in the nation.

For a longer walk, continue along the river past the Court Avenue Bridge and cross the Principal Riverwalk pedestrian bridge before looping back. This walk is about 2 miles!

📍 Located in Des Moines, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 1-3 hours

💰 Admission: Free

🅿️ Parking: Metered street parking; if you park along Robert D. Ray Drive parking is free!

🍽️ Dining: Buzzard Billy’s, Zombie Burger, or Iowa Taproom

20. Iowa Cubs Game

💡 Best for kids 4+ ⚾️

Watching an Iowa Cubs game at Principal Park is a great summertime activity.

The stadium offers fun extras for kids, including Friday night fireworks, opportunities to run the bases, a jungle gym, and a splash pad. 🎇

Between innings, enjoy music and entertainment. 🎤

📍 Located in Des Moines, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 3+ hours

💰 Admission: Varies; check the Iowa Cubs website

🅿️ Parking: $13 in stadium lots; additional paid parking nearby

🍽️ Dining: Concessions inside; nearby options at 300 MLK including Blaze Pizza, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Jimmy Johns, and 300 Craft & Rooftop if you wanted to grab a bite to eat before or after the game. 

🔹 Expert Tip: Bring an extra change of clothes or a towel in case kids want to cool off at the splash pad.

⚠️ Must-Know: Principal Park allows only clear bags (12x12x6 inches), with exceptions for diaper bags and medical needs.

21. Adventureland

💡 Best for all ages

Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa, is a top amusement park in the Des Moines area, featuring thrill rides, family-friendly attractions and rides, and Adventure Bay Water Park! 🎢 🎡 💦

It’s the perfect amusement park for a family day out—big enough to keep everyone entertained all day but still manageable with young kids.

Older kids and thrill-seekers will love the roller coasters, while younger kids will have a blast in Bernie’s Barnyard, a play area designed just for them! 🚜

📍 Located in Altoona, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: Half-day to full-day

💰 Admission: Check Adventureland’s website for pricing

🅿️ Parking: Paid parking available (current rate is $21)

🍽️ Dining: Multiple restaurants and snack stands inside the park. We love the Chicken Shack and Main Street Creamery for ice cream. 🍗 🍦

🔹 Expert Tip: Arrive early to maximize ride time and beat the afternoon crowds. Also, weekdays are typically less busy. ⏰

DISCOVER MORE: Everything You Need to Know for Your Visit to Adventureland

22. Iowa State Fairgrounds

💡 Best for all ages

Every August, families from around the world flock to the Iowa State Fairgrounds for the annual Iowa State Fair, a must-see event packed with unique rides, food, exhibits, and more.

Highlights to experience with the kids:

• See the iconic butter cow
• Get freebies at the Varied Industries building
• Participate in Little Hands on the Farm (where kids pick a snack at the end)
• Meet adorable baby animals
• Ride on the Giant Slide, Ye Old Mill, and Sky Glider
• Indulge in fried foods and sweets

When the fair isn’t on, the fairgrounds still offer plenty of fun.

There’s a playground, a wooden train for kids to climb on, and a MidAmerican Energy stage where my kids love pretending to perform.

AND coming soon is the Variety Star Playground, a brand-new accessible playground for families to enjoy year-round!

📍 Located in Des Moines, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 1+ hour for off-season visits, most of the day during the fair

💰 Admission: The fairgrounds are free to visit during the off-season. For the Iowa State Fair, admission prices are as follows—

• Advance Admission
  • $11 for adults 12 and over
  • $7 for children 6-11

• At the gate admission
  • $16 for adults 12 and over
  • $10 for children 6-11
  • Free for children 5 and under

🅿️ Parking: $10 during the fair; free off-season

🍽️ Dining: Plenty of food options during the fair or visit the Dairy Zone on E University in Des Moines for a sweet treat after your visit to the fairgrounds! 🍦

🔹 Expert Tip: Bring an extra change of clothes or towel—your kids might want to cool off at the splash pad!

⚠️ Must-Know: During the fair, parking lots fill up quickly, so plan ahead!

23. Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market

💡 Best for all ages

Visiting the Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning between May and October in the Historic Court District is a must-do activity for families.

We love strolling through the market, browsing the diverse stands, and letting the kids pick out a treat for breakfast. 🍎 🌽 🥐 🍩

There’s often live music and a small train ride for the kids to enjoy. Plus, the area usually has many family-friendly activities to explore.

After the market, take a walk towards the riverfront for a relaxing break.

📍 Located in Des Moines, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 1-2 hours

💰 Admission: Free

🅿️ Parking: Free and paid parking available in nearby lots and garages

🍽️ Dining: Grab a bite from local vendors to support the community and small businesses

🔹 Expert Tip: The Farmers’ Market is very busy, especially with nice weather. Be patient with vendor lines, and enjoy the lively atmosphere!

⚠️ Must-Know: The Farmers’ Market operates from 8 AM to noon, so plan your visit early.

24. Lauridsen Skate Park

💡 Best for kids 6+

The Lauridsen Skate Park is perfect for older kids to practice their skateboarding or rollerblading skills and great fun for younger kids who enjoy watching the action. 🛹

Located along the riverfront in downtown Des Moines, this skate park sits just east of Wells Fargo Arena and the Iowa Events Center.

When we visit, we typically park across the river along Robert D. Ray Drive.

If you park near the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden, you can park for free along the road, then wander through the Asian Garden and cross the Women of Achievement Bridge to get to the skate park.

📍 Located in Des Moines, Iowa

🕒 Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour+

💰 Admission: Free

🅿️ Parking: Free parking along Robert D. Ray Drive; there is also a small lot near the Rotary Riverwalk Park

🍽️ Dining: After visiting the skate park, head across the river to the East Village for lunch at Zombie Burger or grab a snack at Molly’s Cupcakes on 3rd Street.

🔹 Expert Tip: If you’re walking over the Women of Achievement Bridge, make sure to stop and let the kids play at Rotary Riverwalk Park first.

⚠️ Must-Know: The park can get busy with experienced skaters, so be mindful of your space and safety.

25. Sleepy Hollow

💡 Best for ages 3+

Did you know that Des Moines currently has the world’s longest all-weather turf-surface tubing hill?

How cool is that?! 😎

Sleepy Hollow in Des Moines offers a thrilling outdoor experience for families with kids ages 3 and up.

The main attraction at Sleepy Hollow is its Snowflex® tubing hill, open during the summer months.

The Snowflex® is primarily used for tubing, but during spring (before Memorial Day) and fall (after Labor Day), the hill switches to skiing and snowboarding, with select times for tubing if the weather allows.

Currently, Sleepy Hollow is not open in winter until it expands its winter operations.

Tubing is available for individuals ages 3 and older, with children ages 3-6 requiring an adult to accompany them.

Each person must have their own tube, and beginners should start on the beginner slope.

During the warmer months, free mini-golf is available for anyone looking for a fun, low-key activity between tubing sessions or to pass the time before their scheduled ticket time.

We can’t wait to get out to Sleepy Hollow for some family snow tubing as soon as it opens!

📍 Location: Des Moines, Iowa

🕒 Time Needed: 2 hours or more (depending on activities)

💰 Admission: Varies by activity (check seasonal pricing)

🅿️ Parking: Free parking in the main lot along Dean Avenue

🍽️ Dining: Concessions with snacks and light fare available onsite

🔹 Expert Tip: Be sure to check the seasonal schedule and reserve your spot on the tubing hill early for the best experience.

Des Moines truly shines as a family friendly destination.

Des Moines is packed with fun, family-friendly activities for all ages, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, hands-on learning experiences, or unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else.

From exploring Des Moines’ great parks and family-friendly museums to tubing at Sleepy Hollow and catching a baseball game downtown, there’s something for every family to enjoy.

No matter what season you visit, Des Moines offers plenty of ways to make lasting memories with your kids.

I hope this list helps you plan an unforgettable trip—or even discover new favorites if you’re local!

May you LOVE your adventure! KW