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Des Moines, IA · Guide

Things to do with kids in Des Moines

Last updated July 11, 2026 · 15 places

Things to do with kids in Des Moines — a working list of 15 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

Fall break and early-season rain shift families toward the indoor picks on this list fast. The first wet weekend of the month is the busiest — go right at opening, and check school-holiday weeks before you drive across town.

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

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  1. 01

    Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, & Hotel

    4.0 (10,673)1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, USA

    A well-rated casino in Des Moines.

  2. 02

    Adventureland Park

    4.3 (8,928)305 34th Ave NW, Altoona, IA 50009, USA

    A well-rated amusement park in Des Moines.

  3. 03

    Blank Park Zoo

    4.5 (6,741)7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA

    A well-rated zoo in Des Moines.

  4. 04

    Iowa State Capitol

    4.8 (1,614)Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319, USA

    A well-rated historical landmark in Des Moines.

  5. 05

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

    4.7 (3,803)909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    A well-rated botanical garden in Des Moines.

  6. 06

    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.

  7. 07

    Pappajohn Sculpture Park

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

    A well-rated art museum in Des Moines.

  8. 08

    Raccoon River Park

    4.7 (2,647)2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA

    A well-rated park in Des Moines.

  9. 09

    Des Moines Art Center

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

    A well-rated spot in Des Moines.

  10. 10

    Hoyt Sherman Place

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

    A well-rated performing arts theater in Des Moines.

  11. 11

    ARL Animal Rescue League of Iowa

    4.3 (1,800)5452 NE 22nd St, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA

    A well-rated pet care in Des Moines.

  12. 12

    Fort Des Moines Park

    4.6 (581)7200 SE 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA

    A well-rated park in Des Moines.

  13. 13

    Des Moines Water Works Park

    4.6 (1,593)2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321, USA

    A well-rated park in Des Moines.

  14. 14

    Gray's Lake Park

    4.7 (2,401)2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA

    A well-rated park in Des Moines.

  15. 15

    Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market

    4.8 (3,422)300 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    A well-rated farmers market in Des Moines.

Common questions

How were these things to do with kids 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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