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Des Moines, IA · Guide

Rainy-day activities for kids in Des Moines

Last updated July 11, 2026 · 12 places

Rainy-day activities for kids in Des Moines — a working list of 12 places worth trying with kids, pulled from current ratings and community reviews in Des Moines. Each spot is chosen for the kind of things parents actually notice: room for strollers, staff who welcome families, and a shape of day that fits little ones.

Good to know this fall

The first truly wet weekends of fall catch everyone off guard — indoor play spaces and museums hit capacity by late morning. Arrive at opening, or save the trip for a weekday afternoon when school is in session.

Want picks tuned to your kids' ages, dietary needs, and interests — not just a static list?

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  1. 01

    Outlets of Des Moines

    4.3 (4,149)801 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona, IA 50009, USA

    A well-rated shopping mall in Des Moines.

  2. 02

    Merle Hay Mall

    4.0 (5,962)3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA

    A well-rated shopping mall in Des Moines.

  3. 03

    Science Center of Iowa

    4.4 (687)401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    A well-rated museum in Des Moines.

  4. 04

    Pappajohn Sculpture Park

    4.6 (5,488)1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    A well-rated art museum in Des Moines.

  5. 05

    Des Moines Art Center

    4.6 (573)4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA

    A well-rated spot in Des Moines.

  6. 06

    Cinemark Century Jordan Creek 20 and XD

    4.5 (2,478)101 Jordan Creek Pkwy Bldg. 2000, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

    A well-rated movie theater in Des Moines.

  7. 07

    Valley West Mall

    4.0 (4,076)1551 Valley W Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

    A well-rated shopping mall in Des Moines.

  8. 08

    Hoyt Sherman Place

    4.8 (1,974)1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

    A well-rated performing arts theater in Des Moines.

  9. 09

    Cinemark Altoona and XD

    4.5 (3,263)2227 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, USA

    A well-rated movie theater in Des Moines.

  10. 10

    Flix Brewhouse

    4.2 (1,348)3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA

    A well-rated movie theater in Des Moines.

  11. 11

    West Des Moines Public Library

    4.8 (234)4000 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA

    A well-rated library in Des Moines.

  12. 12

    Living History Farms

    4.5 (1,115)11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA

    A well-rated history museum in Des Moines.

Common questions

How were these rainy-day activities in Des Moines chosen?

Each place starts from current local listing data for Des Moines, then is screened for family fit — things like kids' menus and high chairs, how loud it gets, the ages it suits best, and practical details like stroller room and wait times.

How current is this guide?

This guide was last updated in July 2026. FamSpots refreshes its city guides on a rolling schedule, and each page shows its own update date at the bottom.

Is FamSpots free?

Yes. Every city guide is free to read with no account. Creating a free account adds recommendations tuned to your kids' ages, interests, and dietary needs. No credit card is required.

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