5 Fun Things to Do in Des Moines With Kids Outdoors

When you think of Iowa, do you think of rolling farm ground and corn or do you think of a city rich in culture, arts, and family-friendly events? If you’re looking for things to do in Des Moines, Iowa then this list is for you.

Des Moines (pronounced De-Moine) is a great place to visit all year round. There is a ton to do including family-friendly events, festivals, unique restaurants, and art exhibitions. I originally compiled this list of tourist attractions in Des Moines when my kids were small, but it is great for all ages. Now that I have teenagers and young adults, I’ve updated this list with our top 15 places to make memories in Des Moines.

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Fun Things to Do in Des Moines With Kids

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Explore Jester Park

Jester Park is a great place to visit or even camp when visiting Des Moines. This 1,675-acre park sits on the western part of Saylorville Lake. It offers camping, golfing, picnic areas, hiking trails, fishing, canoeing, a natural playscape, bison to see, and much more. The equestrian center in Jester Park provides horse rides and other fun activities throughout the year.

There are more than 168 campsites and four modern rental cabins. Each cabin has a two-story walkout floor plan. These cabins book out more than a year in advance, so don’t wait to make your reservations.

It’s easy to spend a half day at the natural playscape alone. Kids love climbing the rocks. They also love watching the bison, and elk and playing in the water.

A few tips if you head to the natural playscape:

During warmer months, bring bathing suits and/or a change of clothes. The fountain and pond are the best parts for the kids so be prepared to get wet!
Bring tennis shoes or hiking shoes if you plan to explore the trails.
Pack a picnic lunch and/or healthy snacks and water.

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Splash and Ride at Adventureland

Does your family love rollercoasters? Adventureland Amusement Park is located in Altoona just east of Des Moines. Adventureland contains an amusement park and Adventure Bay Waterpark. There are over 100 rides for all ages, fun games, and shows.

Right next door is Adventureland Inn which is a great place to stay if you are in the area. Standard rooms and suites are available. There are two different courtyard areas with pools, including a zero-depth entry pool for your little ones. It’s a perfect option if it is raining or cold when you come to stay. Adventureland also offers a huge campground, if camping is more your style.

If you add Adventureland to your list of fun things to do in Des Moines with kids, make sure you check out our most important tips and how you can get discounted tickets.

Go Wild at the Blank Park Zoo

The Blank Park Zoo is a smaller zoo, but it offers tons of fun for all ages. Don’t miss the sea lion shows, lions, monkeys, feeding the giraffes, and more. The zoo offers an area where you can feed and pet the goats, and feed the fish and a large wooden playground where kids can play for hours.

Children love to take the train through the park, riding the camels and the carousel! Feel free to bring in a sack lunch and/or snacks. They offer several special activities and events throughout the day. Take a look at their event calendar before you go to make the most of your day.

Des Moines Botanical Garden

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden features breathtaking plant displays and gardens. Each garden is centered around a different theme or style of garden. There are also collections of orchids, bonsai, and coleus.

The outdoor gardens are beautiful and give everyone a chance to stretch their legs and learn about the natural world. If you have a WIC, SNAP, or EBT card, admission is free through the Museums for All program.

The outdoor botanical gardens change through the seasons. There are always events for the young and old happening there, including guided tours.

Christkindl Market

Historically, Germans were the second largest immigrant group in Iowa. The December Christkindl Market is a German-inspired holiday market. Vendors set up European food and craft stalls. There are story hours and other programming for kids. This event happens only once a year but is certainly unique and fun for all ages.

Salisbury House and Gardens

Like most towns in the Midwest, Des Moines has its share of “local famous people”. Carl Weeks was a pharmacist and cosmetics entrepreneur who lived in Des Moines. On a trip to England, he and his wife visited the Salisbury house and fell in love with the style and architecture.

When they returned to Des Moines, they built a replica of the king’s house. It even features 16th-century woodwork and rafters. Construction took 5 years. If you’re an architecture enthusiast looking for things to do in Des Moines, don’t miss this one.

Today, the Salisbury House is preserved as an important piece of Des Moines history. It’s a popular venue for special events, photography sessions, and concerts. Both self-directed and guided tours are available.

Jasper Winery

Now obviously the tasting room is not a fun thing to do for kids in Des Moines, but I’ve added the winery to this list because of their summer event series. On Thursdays, local bands give free concerts on the lawn of the winery. These are fun for the whole family and they are FREE!

Food trucks offer a variety of local street foods and, of course, you can purchase wine. However, it’s also fine to bring your own food and drinks and just enjoy the music outdoors.

Historical Valley Junction

The Historical Valley Junction is a great place to wander around outdoors. It offers fun, unique, local shops, and restaurants. If you are visiting during the Summer, make sure you visit on a Thursday evening. Every Thursday starting at 4 p.m. they offer a Farmers’ Market and Music in the Junction. It is a great way to enjoy music outdoors and grab some local produce or other fun items from local vendors.

Gray’s Lake Park

Right inside Des Moines, this city park has it all. Boat rentals, trails, playgrounds, and lots of open space. You could spend all day here or just take a quicker stroll for some fresh air and exercise.

Water Works Park

Located right next to Gray’s Lake, Water Works is one of the largest urban parks. There are several picnic areas with grills, open fields, hiking trails, and playgrounds.

The purpose of Water Works is to “integrate education, conservation, recreation, and health by engaging park users and informing them of the importance of water quality”. It’s a visually stunning area and I love the conservation and education mission behind it.

Downtown Farmers’ Market

Downtown Des Moines is a hot spot with loads of fun. One of the most popular farmers’ markets, the Downtown Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday from May through October. There are nearly 300 vendors including vendors with fresh produce, baked items, food, handmade products, plants, flowers and so much more. There is live music and fun children’s activities. The farmers’ market is located just off the Des Moines River. After wandering the market, take a riverside walk.

Center Grove Orchard

Fall in Iowa is full of apple orchards and pumpkin patches. If you don’t mind a 30-minute drive add Center Grove Orchard to your Des Moines itinerary. I love adventures that combine food, the outdoors, and education all at once.

Center Grove opens at the end of August with a butterfly release. This is truly a place to make family memories for all ages. They have a variety of apples as well as flowers like zinnias and sunflowers that you can pick yourself. There are also hayrides and mazes, local hayrides, and an old schoolhouse.

Science Center of Iowa

Hands-on, interactive exhibits teach kids and their adults about scientific principles. This is a fun place to go for the whole family when the weather is either too cold or too hot to be outdoors.
The Science Center is easily accessible in the middle of Des Moines.

The website is the best place to find information for admission, hours, and traveling exhibits.

Stroll the Des Moines Art Center

Des Moines, Iowa is the proud home of an amazing contemporary art center featuring prominent art from the 19th century to today. It is one of the best FREE family destinations in Des Moines.

The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Garden is an outdoor extension of the art center. This place is great for the whole family to interact with art up close. The sculptures are distributed along a 4.4-acre green space.

Des Moines Civic Center

Once you’ve seen all the outdoor experience in Des Moines, head to the Civic Center for world-class performances in music, theater, and speakers.

There’s also a broad repertoire of free programming for kids and families throughout the year.

Des Moines, Iowa is a great place to visit for a family getaway. There are always plenty of events and activities going on around the city. Before visiting, plan your trip and find more fun things to do with kids in Des Moines using the Des Moines Parent event calendar which is loaded with lots of fun.

If you are flying into the area, compare airlines, dates, and prices all in one place with our partner, Skyscanner. You can also check out car rentals here from our partner, Alamo Rent a Car.

Did you find other fun things to do in Des Moines? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to the list.

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15 Fun Things to Do in Des Moines