25 of the Best Things to do in Des Moines with Kids
Des Moines, Iowa has so many amazing things to do with kids ranging from museums and parks to the State Capitol and more.
Discover the ultimate family adventure in Des Moines with our top 25 kid-friendly activities that promise fun-filled days and lasting memories.
Top 3 Things to do with Kids in Des Moines
If you are looking for just a short list of the best things to do with kids in Des Moines,
here are my top 3 suggestions!
1. Iowa State Capitol Building
2. Downtown Des Moines Bridges with lunch at Zombie Burger
3. Blank Park Zoo
Looking for more ideas? Keep reading!
Indoor Museums and Theaters
Des Moines boasts numerous interactive and educational indoor museums catering to kids of all ages.
These museums stand out not only for their engaging exhibits but also for their diverse offerings for various interests and age groups.
I have taken my kids to all of these museums at various ages which proves that these museums cater to a wide range of age groups.
1. Science Center of Iowa
General Information
The Science Center of Iowa is one of the most entertaining museums for kids in Des Moines.
It has so much for kids to do and see!
The Science Center of Iowa is perfect for kids of all ages.
The youngest kids will love the pretend grocery store, bubble station, and toddler town.
Elementary aged kids will have a fun time making lego cars and racing them down the ramp as well as building and launching paper rockets.
Older kids will love the Makers Studio and Space Science area.
As you can see, there is definitely something for everyone at the Science Center of Iowa.
Parking
Parking is $3 for first hour and $1 for each additional hour in a covered parking garage across the street.
Dining
The Science Center of Iowa does not have any food available on its premises.
Luckily, there are a few dining options across the street from the Science Center including Blaze Pizza and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop.
Time Needed to Visit
You will likely spend a couple of hours here up to a half day.
Top Tip
Make sure to check the Science Center’s website for its current hours. The Science Center’s hours do change throughout the year.
2. State Historical Museum of Iowa
General Information
Another terrific place to take the kids in Des Moines is the State Historical Museum of Iowa.
One thing I LOVE about this museum is that it is FREE!
It is also a fantastic place to meander around and look at all the interesting artifacts with your kids.
The State Historical Museum of Iowa is also great for kids of all ages.
My younger kids love looking at the statues of animals that live in Iowa as well as all the bicycles that are in Iowa’s Bicycling History exhibit.
Older kids will love the Civil War exhibit and learning about Iowa’s history.
MORE DES MOINES MUSEUMS: Best Museums in Des Moines
This museum is a great way to learn about Iowa’s history and many of the things that make Iowa so special.
The State Historical Museum of Iowa also has a dedicated children’s area where kids can play with trains, pretend play in the kitchen, build with Duplo blocks, read books, and more.
There is also a part of a tractor to view and a giant sculpture building made of legos.
Parking
You can park right outside the main entrance along the street at a parking meter or there is also a parking garage behind the building on Grand Avenue where you can park for free.
Dining
There are plenty of restaurants in the East Village near the State Historical Museum including Zombie Burger, .
Time Needed to Visit
Visiting the State Historical Museum will take about 1-2 hours.
3. Des Moines Botanical Garden
General Information
The Des Moines Botanical Garden is a gorgeous place to take the family.
If you go during late spring, summer or early fall, you can enjoy beautiful plants both inside and out.
During the winter months or even on a rainy day, the inside of the Botanical Garden feels like a warm plant paradise. It is definitely a place that will lift your spirits on a dreary day.
You can walk around the Botanical Garden with your kids and learn about plants from all around the world.
The Botanical Garden also has a lovely waterfall and pond with fish in it.
Outside of the Botanical Garden, you can enjoy the gorgeous plants with downtown Des Moines as the backdrop.
Parking
There is free parking in a parking lot right outside of the Botanical Garden.
Dining
Visitors to the Botanical Garden can dine at the Trellis Cafe. They even have a kids menu.
Time Needed to Visit
Visiting the Des Moines Botanical Garden will take you about one hour.
4. Iowa State Capitol
General Information
One unique thing to do with kids in Des Moines is to explore the Iowa State Capitol grounds and complex.
The Iowa State Capitol grounds and building itself are absolutely stunning.
If you simply want to explore the grounds, you can do that any time.
It is fun to walk around and see all of the statues.
There are also some great photo opportunities.
If you want to go inside of the Capitol building you will need to do that either Monday through Friday between 8:00am-5:00pm or Saturday between 8:00am- 4:00pm.
The building offers group tours, or you can do a self-guided tour.
Top Tip
If it is your first time visiting the Iowa State Capitol, I highly recommend scheduling a group tour. The group tours leave at certain intervals throughout the day. Call 515.281.5591 to schedule your tour before your visit.
The tours last about 75-90 minutes.
Walk-in tours are possible, but availability may be limited so scheduling ahead of time is highly recommended.
My kids really enjoy seeing the inside of the Capitol. Don’t forget to look up at the dome!
Must Know Information
You will have to go through security to enter the Capitol building. It is easy to go through and the officers on duty are very helpful.
Parking
You can park for free at the Capitol Complex Parking Garage at the corner of Pennsylvania and Grand Avenues.
Additionally, there are metered parking spots surrounding the Iowa State Capitol grounds.
There are also numerous free visitor lots surrounding the Capitol as well and the signage is good to help you find them.
You can refer to this map for visitor parking.
Dining
I suggest visiting one of the many restaurants in the East Village near where the Iowa State Capitol is located for lunch or dinner.
A couple of recommended restaurants include Zombie Burger and Iowa Taproom.
Time Needed to Visit
You can definitely spend a 1-2 hours at the Iowa State Capitol Building and grounds especially if you do the guided tour.
5. Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
General Information
Visiting the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum is another exceptional thing to do in Des Moines with kids.
We took our boys here recently, and our boys ages 3-9 years old loved it!
The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum museum takes you through all of the main wars in Iowa’s military history.
The museum’s exhibits are divided by each of these wars.
One fantastic aspect of this museum is its many interactive exhibits designed to engage and educate the kids.
They even have a paper scavenger hunt kids can do while they are walking through the museum.
Admission is free to this museum as well!
DISCOVER MORE FREE ATTRACTIONS: Free Things to do in Des Moines
Parking
Parking is free in the parking lot right outside of the museum.
Must Know Information
You will need to enter through the main gate at the Camp Dodge training center and will be required to show photo identification.
Dining
There are no dining options at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum.
Time Needed to Visit
Visiting the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum will likely take about an hour.
6. Des Moines Children’s Museum
General Information
The Des Moines Children’s Museum is a fun place to visit with younger kids.
It has many entertaining exhibits for kids ages 1-10 that foster imaginative play.
Children can pretend to run a pizza restaurant, put on a play, fight a fire, tend to a garden, and so much more!
This museum is located in the lower level of Valley West Mall in West Des Moines.
Admission is $6 for children ages 1-10.
Parking
Parking is free in the parking lot at Valley West Mall.
Dining
There are a couple of dining options available in the Valley West Mall including Chipotle and Blaze Pizza.
Time Needed to Visit
The amount of time you will spend at the Des Moines Children’s Museum depends on how much your children are enjoying playing and exploring.
More than likely you will spend about 2 hours here.
7. Des Moines Community Playhouse
General Information
The Des Moines Community Playhouse is a community theater that has so many fantastic family events and shows.
We recently took our kids to Dragons Love Tacos at the Des Moines Playhouse, and they loved it! This is just one example of the many family friendly shows that are performed at this theater.
Additionally, on certain Fridays, the Des Moines Playhouse has Friday Fundays. This is an interactive show for children ages 4-6. Each Friday Funday, actors perform a favorite kids story using props, costumes, and their imagination. This is a great opportunity for this age group to be introduced to theater in a way that is interactive and fun!
Make sure to purchase your tickets well ahead of time if you want to plan to see a show at the Des Moines Playhouse. Most shows and Friday Fundays sell out in advance.
Parking
The Des Moines Playhouse has a free small parking lot in the front of it and a bit larger lot in the back. Visitors can also park for free on the surrounding streets.
Dining
If you are looking for something to eat before or after a show, Gusto Pizza is just a little over 2 miles away.
The Playhouse also has concessions available during most shows except Friday Funday. Concessions include Coke products, water, candy, and nuts.
Time Needed to Visit
Most family shows at the Des Moines Community Playhouse are about an hour long.
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
General Information
SkyZone is an entertaining trampoline park in Grimes, Iowa.
Kids of all ages can jump on the trampolines and foam pits, play dodgeball, do the ninja warrior course, and so much more.
There is even a Toddler Zone for the youngest kids.
Expert Tip
If you have kids 7 or under, I recommend visiting SkyZone during the designated Little Leapers time. During this time kids 7 and under plus their parents can safely explore and play everywhere in SkyZone. Make sure to check SkyZone’s calendar for these designated times.
Parking
Parking is free in a parking lot right outside of the building.
Dining
There is a small concession stand inside SkyZone.
The city of Grimes where SkyZone is located does have a number of dining options just a short drive away.
Some options include a Jimmy John’s on Highway 141.
Also, there are a number of fast food restaurants about a mile away including McDonald’s, Bbops, and more.
Time Needed to Visit
You can spend 1-2 hours at SkyZone.
If you are participating in Little Leapers, it is one hour long.
9. Get Air
General Information
Get Air is another lively trampoline park in the Des Moines area.
It is located in Urbandale, Iowa.
Get Air also has trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, and some additional challenging obstacles for the kids to try.
They also have an area for smaller children. It is called Kiddie Court and is for kids under 46 inches tall.
Expert Tip
Get Air has a Toddler Time on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays for kids under 46 inches tall. If you have kids this height, I recommend going during this time. This will allow your kids to experience the Get Air facility without all of the big kids. During regular hours, children under 46 inches may jump only in the Kiddie Court section.
Parking
Parking is free in the parking lot right outside of the building.
Dining
There is no dining inside of Get Air, but McDonalds and Palmer’s Deli and Market are nearby.
Time Needed to Visit
1-2 hours can be spent at Get Air.
10. Urban Air Adventure Park
General Information
Urban Air Adventure Park is yet another trampoline park in the Des Moines area but also has more adventure elements to it as well!
This adventure park is in Ankeny, Iowa and has SO much for the kids to do!
It has trampolines, a tumble track, ropes course, sky rider, climbing walls, a tube playground and more.
Many of the attractions at this adventure park have height requirements. Because of this, I would recommend Urban Air Adventure Park for kids ages 6 and over.
Additionally, it is important to note that at this adventure park you purchase the tickets based on the level of play you desire. There are three levels of play including basic, deluxe, and ultimate.
You can only do certain attractions based on the level you paid for.
Expert Tip
Unless your kids are afraid of heights, I recommend purchasing the Ultimate level. I know that my kids always end up wanting to do everything they see inside Urban Air so this is the safest option for us!
Parking
Parking is free in the parking lot right outside of the building.
Dining
Urban Air Adventure Park has the Urban Cafe which serves pizza, pretzels, and much more.
Nearby, there is also a Pizza Ranch.
Time Needed to Visit
With all of the adventure activities, you could spend 2-3 hours here.
11. Kids Empire
General Information
Kids Empire is one of the newest things to do in Des Moines with kids.
It is an adventurous play facility with climbing apparatuses, slides, balance beams, bridges, and other obstacles.
It is located in the Jordan Creek area in West Des Moines.
This play facility is great for kids ages 4 and up.
It has two main play zones. One is designated for kids in diapers, but I think it is perfect for kids 0-3.
The other play zone is much larger and more involved and so is best for ages 4 and up.
Kids Empire opens at 10am every day of the year. On Monday through Thursday it closes at 8pm while on Friday through Sunday it closes at 10pm.
Admission is $22.90 per child for all day play. Two adults are free with each paid child.
DISCOVER MORE ON KIDS EMPIRE: Kids Empire at Jordan Creek
Parking
Parking is free in the parking lot right outside of the building.
Dining
Kids Empire has a snack shop inside with a huge variety of snacks and beverages that kids will love.
Additionally, there are numerous restaurants nearby including Chick-fil-A, McAlisters Deli, Panda Express, and Noodles and Company.
Time Needed to Visit
I think most people can spend 2-3 hours here.
If you want to make an entire day of it, I suggest going in the morning for a few hours, and then take a break for lunch.
You can then return after lunch for some more fun at Kids Empire!
12. Climb Iowa
General Information
Climb Iowa is one of the most adventurous things to do in Des Moines with kids.
It has two locations in the Des Moines area.
One is located in Grimes, Iowa, and the other is in downtown Des Moines in the East Village.
If you have never been to Climb Iowa before there are a few things you should know and do ahead of time.
Must Know Information
If this is your first time at Climb Iowa, here are the things you should do ahead of time:
1. Go to the Climb Iowa website to fill out a visitor agreement even if you are not climbing.
2. Schedule an orientation (This is best to book ahead of time online.)
3. Check out the climbing and rental equipment rates ahead of time as well.
The East Village only has bouldering available while the Grimes location is much larger.
The Grimes location does both climbing with ropes and bouldering.
Youth 13 years old and older can attend the orientation on his or her own.
While youth 12 and under can do the orientation with an adult.
You will definitely want to take a look at Climb Iowa’s website before heading there.
Parking
In the East Village there is metered parking along the street.
At the Grimes location, parking is available in a parking lot right outside of the building.
Dining
The East Village location has numerous restaurant options nearby including the Iowa Taproom and Molly’s Cupcakes for a sweet treat.
If you go to the Grimes location, there are a few restaurants just a short drive away.
Time Needed to Visit
You will want to spend a couple of hours at Climb Iowa.
13. Spare Time
General Information
If you are looking for a great place to bowl, you should check out Spare Time Entertainment.
Spare Time is located in West Des Moines, Iowa off of Jordan Creek Parkway.
Besides bowling, Spare Time also has an arcade, laser tag, escape rooms, and a restaurant.
There really is something for everyone!
My recommended ages for Spare Time would probably be ages 4 and above.
They do have bowling ramps for smaller kids who cannot lift the bowling ball on their own.
Older kids will love the arcade and the laser tag as well! This is a super fun place to go and spend some time.
Parking
Parking is free and located in a parking lot right outside of the building.
Dining
There is a restaurant inside of Spare Time that serves a variety of food including pizza, burgers, sandwiches, wings, appetizers, and more.
The Jordan Creek area also has so many other restaurants and quick eats as well!
Time Needed to Visit
Families can easily spend 2-3 hours here.
14. Smash Park
General Information
Smash Park is an unique entertainment venue with various games, entertainment, and food options all in one place.
Located in West Des Moines, it is a perfect spot to take the family for lunch, dinner or even just an afternoon of fun!
We love Smash Park because it is a place where we can go out to eat, and also where the kids can be entertained and active at the same time.
The outdoor area at Smash Park has pickleball courts, shuffleboard, corn hole, bocce ball, and more.
Inside at Smash Park there is an arcade plus more pickleball courts, giant Jenga and Connect 4, ping pong, board games, and so much more!
You can order food, play lots of games, and everyone is entertained at the same time. It is so much fun for all!
MORE ON SMASH PARK: Smash Park West Des Moines
Parking
Parking is free in the parking lots right outside of Smash Park.
Dining
Smash Park has so many great food options including appetizers, sandwiches, flatbreads, burgers, and more.
Check out Smash Park’s menu here.
Time Needed to Visit
Between eating and playing some pickleball or other games, you could spend a couple of hours here.
Outdoor Attractions
15. Blank Park Zoo
General Information
The Blank Park Zoo is such an amazing place to spend part of the day with your family and friends.
It has so many great exhibits to see as well as fun activities to do!
We love watching the sea lions, feeding the goats, giggling at the gibbons, and seeing the lions and giraffes.
These are just some of our favorite animal exhibits, but we really do enjoy them all!
The Blank Park Zoo also has an indoor Discovery Center as well as an outdoor train ride, carousel, and playground.
I think that kids of all ages would really enjoy spending time at the Blank Park Zoo.
Parking
Parking is free in the parking lot right outside of the building.
Dining
There are a couple of eating options at the Blank Park Zoo including the Safari Grill and GoGo Plaza.
Both of these dining spots are open in the summer. During the off season, they may not be available.
If this is the case, there is a McDonalds and Burger King just a half of a mile from the zoo.
Time Needed to Visit
You could spend anywhere from a couple of hours to a half of a day at the Blank Park Zoo.
Expert Tip
I highly recommend getting a zoo membership for your family. For a family of five, visiting the zoo just two times in a year more than covers the cost of membership. Plus, if you travel to other zoos in the United States, you can get discounted admission with your digital membership card.
16. Living History Farms
General Information
Living History Farms is an outdoor museum that educates and shows visitors what life was like in rural Iowa.
It is located in Urbandale, Iowa just off of Interstate 80.
The two main areas of Living History Farms are the farms and the town of Walnut Hill.
Visitors can take a tractor ride out to the 1700s Ioway farm and then walk their way through the 1850 Pioneer farm and the 1900s farm.
After visiting the 1900s farms, visitors will take the tractor back to the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill.
The Town of Walnut Hills is really fun to walk through and experience.
There is a school house, church, general store, blacksmith, and so much more.
The Town of Walnut Hills also has the Flynn Mansion and a middle class family home.
The kids will love experiencing both the farms and the town as well as seeing all of the costumed historical interpreters.
Additionally, they will enjoy the various farm animals.
There is really so much to see and do at Living History Farms.
Parking
Parking is free in the lot right outside of the Visitor Center.
Dining
There is a small place to eat near the Flynn Mansion but its hours may be limited depending on the time of year.
Additionally, the Machine Shed Restaurant, located right next to Living History Farms, is another great option.
Time Needed to Visit
You will definitely need a few hours to spend at Living History Farms.
It may even take a half of a day to see everything you want to see.
17. Jester Park
General Information
Jester Park, located in Granger, Iowa, is another amazing place to visit in the Des Moines area.
There is so much to see and do at Jester Park.
First, you can spend some time at the Jester Park Nature Center.
The Nature Center is a great place to visit year round and has gorgeous views.
It has many animal exhibits the kids will enjoy interacting with and learning about.
After spending time at the Nature Center, you could take a walk to see the Elk and Bison herds as well as play at the Natural Playscape.
Expert Tip
If you are planning on going to the Natural Playscape consider bringing sandals or water shoes, a change of clothes, and a towel. There is a small water area that is very enticing to the kids.
Some other things you can do at Jester Park include bouldering, archery, miniature golf, hiking, and picnicking.
Jester Park is a fantastic place for kids of all ages.
Parking
Parking is free in the parking lots located around Jester Park.
Dining
There are not any dining options at Jester Park.
If you are planning to spend most of the day there, I would recommend packing a picnic lunch.
There are so many great spots to have a picnic.
Time Needed to Visit
You can spend anywhere from 2 hours to a half of a day or more here.
18. Pappajohn Sculpture Park
General Information
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is located in downtown Des Moines.
It is a great place to spend some time outdoors on a beautiful day.
Expert Recommendation
Bring a picnic lunch to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park or pick up lunch at one of the surrounding restaurants to bring there.
It is enjoyable to walk around the Sculpture Park and discuss the various sculptures as well as take fun pictures with them.
You can also pair the Sculpture Park with a visit to Des Moines’ Central Library which is about a quarter mile away.
There is also a fun place for dessert called Dough Crazy just a couple of blocks away that you could go after your visit to the Sculpture Park.
Parking
There is metered parking along the streets surrounding the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Dining
There are many great restaurants nearby including Jimmy Johns, Americana, and Dough Crazy.
Time Needed to Visit
You could spend about an hour at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
19. Downtown Des Moines Bridges
General Information
Another entertaining thing to do in Des Moines with kids is to walk, bike or scooter along the pedestrian bridges downtown.
We usually park along Robert D Ray Drive near the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden.
Then we begin our walk through the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden and proceed across the Iowa Women of Achievement pedestrian bridge.
This is a really cool bridge that overlooks the dam.
After crossing the bridge we usually spend a few minutes at Rotary Riverwalk Park.
There are a couple of swings plus a fishing bobber to try to climb up.
Down a bit from the Rotary Riverwalk Park is the Lauridsen Skate Park.
Fun Fact
The Lauridsen Skate Park is the largest open skate park in the nation.
We will walk to the skate park and watch the skateboarders for a bit too.
Next, you could retrace your steps and head back across the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge and proceed to your car. This walk is about 1 mile round trip.
Alternatively, if you wanted to continue walking, you could walk past the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge and continue going on the trail along the river and then up towards the Court Avenue Bridge.
Just past Court Avenue is another pedestrian bridge also known as the Principal Riverwalk.
You can walk across that bridge to the other side of the river and then continue your walk back towards your parking spot near the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden.
This walk is about 2 miles in length.
We love walking along the riverfront and across the pedestrian bridges. The sights are so beautiful!
Parking
You can park in metered parking along the street.
Dining
If you are just planning on doing the Iowa Women of Achievement Pedestrian Bridge and looking for a place to eat, you could eat at Buzzard Billy’s or back across the river in the East Village is Zombie Burger.
If you are planning on doing the entire walk, you could eat at one of the restaurants on Court Avenue.
Time Needed to Visit
Depending on how far you are planning on walking and sightseeing, you may spend anywhere from 1-3 hours here.
20. Iowa Cubs Game
General Information
Another super fun thing to do in Des Moines with kids is go to an Iowa Cubs Game.
Spending an afternoon or evening watching the Iowa Cubs play is a fantastic summertime activity.
The Iowa Cubs often have exciting activities and events for the kids such as fireworks after the game on Friday nights and a chance for the kids to run the bases after some games.
Additionally, at Principal Park, where the Iowa Cubs games are played, there is a jungle gym/climbing structure to entertain the kids.
Besides that, they also have a splash pad.
Expert Tip
You may want to bring an extra change of clothes, towel, or even a swimsuit in case the kids want to cool off in the splash pad.
Of course, the kids can also be entertained by all of the music and fun entertainment between innings.
A visit to Principal Park and the Iowa Cubs baseball game is definitely a great thing to put on your bucket list.
Must Know Information
At the Iowa Cubs stadium only clear bags 12X12X6 are allowed. A couple exceptions include a diaper bag when young children are present as well as bags for medical purposes.
Parking
Parking is $12 in the lots near the stadium.
There are additional paid parking options in some of the business’s lots surrounding the stadium as well.
Dining
Principal Park has many concession options available for fans.
Additionally, there are a number of great restaurants located a couple of blocks around Principal Park if you wanted to grab a bite to eat before or after the game.
Time Needed to Visit
The gates open 60 minutes before the start of the game. Typically baseball games take about 3 hours.
21. Adventureland
General Information
Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa is a great place to visit in the Des Moines area.
It is an amusement and water park combined.
Adventureland offers rides, games, and entertainment for all age groups.
They have kiddie rides and Bernie’s Barnyard for the younger kids plus thrilling coasters for the older kids.
Additionally, there are numerous family friendly rides like the ferris wheel, train, carousel, and more.
Adventureland also has a variety of shows to see.
DISCOVER MORE: Everything You Need to Know for Your Visit to Adventureland
Adventure Bay, which is the waterpark, also has so many fun things for everyone in the family.
It has many water slides, a lazy river, splash pad, kids play area, wave pool, two swim up bars, and so much more!
Expert Tip
If you can make it to Adventureland during the week, it is usually less crowded. Also, June typically has less visitors than July or August.
Another way to beat the crowds is to walk all the way towards the back of Adventureland and do those rides before spending the rest of the morning at Adventure Bay. Then you can do the rest of the rides at Adventureland in the afternoon.
Most people do the amusement park first and then the water park so if you are able to do the opposite you will avoid the big crowds.
Parking
Parking rates are $26 for preferred parking and $21 for standard parking.
You can purchase parking ahead of time or at the gate.
Dining
Adventureland has so many great dining options all throughout the park.
We usually eat at the Chicken Shack.
Additionally, we love the cookies at Cookies and Cream and the ice cream at Main Street Creamery which is near the Carousel.
Time Needed to Visit
You will want to spend at least half the day if not most of the day at Adventureland.
22. Iowa State Fairgrounds
General Information
Every August for 11 days, families and visitors from around the world descend upon the Iowa State Fairgrounds for the annual Iowa State Fair.
The Iowa State Fair has so many unique rides, events, shows, exhibits, food, and more for families to experience.
Some of the highlights of the Iowa State Fair that you need to experience with the kids include seeing the butter cow, getting freebies at all the exhibits in the Varied Industries building, participating in Little Hands on the Farm, seeing all of the baby animals, riding on the Giant Slide, Ye Old Mill, and Sky Glider, and eating lots of fried food and sweets.
When the fair is not going on, we like to visit the Iowa State Fairgrounds to play at its park and walk around the grounds. The fairgrounds has a cute wooden train for the kids to play on as well as a playground and a climbing apparatus.
My kids like pretending to perform on the permanent MidAmerican Energy stage that is right next to the playground.
Parking
During the Iowa State Fair, visitors can park in the fairgrounds parking lot for $10. Alternatively, visitors can park at the Iowa State Capitol and ride the DART bus to the fairgrounds for $2 for adults and $1 for children.
Doing the DART bus ride from the Capitol is an experience in itself. My kids love it! They get to see the Capitol and then ride on a bus!
When the fair is not going on, parking anywhere on the fairgrounds is free.
Dining
During the Iowa State Fair, there are so many amazing and unique options for dining. I do recommend some Barksdale cookies too!
If you are visiting the fairgrounds when the fair is not going on, I recommend stopping by the Dairy Zone for a bite to eat plus some delicious ice cream!
Time Needed to Visit
During the Iowa State Fair, families will for sure want to spend most of the day at the fairgrounds.
If you are going to the fairgrounds during the off season, you will likely spend about an hour there.
Animal Learning Center
23. Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market
General Information
Visiting the Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning between May through October in the Historic Court District is a must-do activity.
We like to walk around at the farmers’ market and browse all of the different stands. It is also fun for all of the kids to pick out a treat for breakfast.
The Farmers’ Market usually has musicians and a small train for the kids to pay to ride on. Plus there are usually many family friendly activities throughout the area.
While at the Farmers’ Market, it is also enjoyable to walk towards the riverfront and spend some time there as well!
The Des Moines downtown farmers’ market is the place to be on a Saturday morning when the weather is nice and is usually very busy! Keep that in mind and be patient as there may be a wait at many of the vendors.
Parking
You can park in any of the parking garages, lots, and meters surrounding the Court Avenue area in downtown Des Moines. There are options for both free and paid parking.
Dining
I would plan on getting something to eat from one of the vendors at the Farmers’ market. This is the perfect opportunity to support the local community and small businesses.
Time Needed to Visit
The Farmers’ Market is open from 8am-noon. We usually spend a good hour at the Farmers’ Market.
24. Lauridsen Skate Park
General Information
The Lauridsen Skate Park is the perfect place for older kids to test out their skateboarding or roller blading skills and fun for the younger kids to watch all of the experienced skaters.
This skate park is located right along the riverfront in downtown Des Moines and slightly east of Wells Fargo Arena and the Iowa Events enter.
The Lauridsen Skate Park is free to the public.
When we visit the Lauridsen Skate Park, typically we will park across the river along Robert D. Ray Drive. If you park near the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden, you can park along the side of the road for free.
We then wander through the Asian Garden and across the Women of Achievement Bridge. First, we have to play for a little bit at the Rotary Riverwalk Park after crossing the bridge. Then we continue on to the Lauridsen Skate Park to watch all of the amazing skaters!
Parking
Most visitors to the Lauridsen Skate Park park along West River Drive. There is also a small parking lot near the Rotary Riverwalk Park and Women of Achievement Bridge.
Or, as I mentioned above, you could park across the river along Robert D. Ray Drive and then walk across the Women of Achievement Bridge.
Dining
After visiting the Lauridsen Skate Park, you could drive across the river to the East Village and have lunch at Zombie Burger. If you are just looking for a snack, check out Molly’s Cupcakes on 3rd Street.
Time Needed to Visit
If you are planning on simply sitting and watching the skaters, you will likely spend about 30 minutes or so. Alternatively, if you take a longer walk over the Women of Achievement Bridge and stop to play at Rotary Park before visiting the Lauridsen Skate Park, it may take you an hour or more.
25. Center Grove Orchard
General Information
Center Grove Orchard is one of our favorite places to visit in the Des Moines area especially in the fall.
Located about 25 minutes north of downtown Des Moines in Cambridge, Iowa, Center Grove Orchard is the perfect place to spend some time outdoors.
During the fall, Center Grove Orchard is the place to be for family fall fun. Families can spend the day at the farmyard enjoying farm animals, the combine slide, corn maze, jumping pillows, pedal carts, corn pool, hayride, and so much more!
During the Christmas season, visitors can experience the Winter Wonderland at Center Grove Orchard. It is an indoor walk through light experience with a story to follow as well as interactive elements and so many photo opportunities. At the end of the walk through, visitors can enjoy winter games such as Who’s Your Snowman, Connect 4, tic tac toe, a giant slide, and more.
Guests can also purchase tickets to do Brunch with Santa.
This year Center Grove Orchard is holding a new event, Baby Animal Days. For $9.95, guests will have the opportunity to see and interact with baby farm animals in addition to enjoying some of the farmyard activities including the corn pool, hayride, and zipline.
Parking
Center Grove Orchard has a gravel parking lot.
Dining
Center Grove Orchard usually has a number of food stands available during its different events. Plus, you can always depend on finding something delicious at its bakery. I personally love the apple cider donuts.
Time Needed to Visit
It is easy to spend 2 hours or more at Center Grove Orchard. There is so much to do that time flies by when you are there.
Des Moines truly shines as a family friendly destination.
With an array of kid-friendly adventures, everyone will find something that they love in Des Moines.
I hope this post helps you create your bucket list of the best things to do in Des Moines with kids.
SAVE and PIN this post to refer to it when you are ready for your Des Moines adventure.
May you LOVE your adventure! KW
