Things to do with kids in Des Moines

9 family-friendly places in Des Moines: zoos, aquariums, playgrounds and more.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Eat
B and B Grocery, Meat and Deli
Family-owned and -operated since 1922. In 2008, the readers of The Des Moines Register voted their Dad's Killer as the "Best Deli Sandwich" in the city and many subsequent "best of" awards by locals. The Food Network's "Outrageous Food" featured the Killossal Sandwich, a combo of four sandwiches, in May 2011.
See
Blank Park Zoo
Permanent exhibits and activities, such as "Behind the Scenes" tours and "Feed the Giraffes", all throughout the year. Also hosts several special events throughout the year, including Zoo Brew (geared towards those 21+).
every day 9AM-5PMAdults $20, aged 2-12 $15, 65+ $19
See
Des Moines Botanical Garden
Particularly popular during cold Iowa winters. Special events and learning modules all throughout the year. Connected to the parking lot is the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens with a featured Asian pavilion, built in honor of the Asian Americans who immigrated to Iowa in the late 1970s and of former Gov. Ray.
adults $14, children $10, seniors 65+ and active/retired military $13
Do
Iowa State Fair
Each year, the Fair draws around 1 million visitors through its gates. Has a variety of things to see and do, much of it based around agriculture, the arts and food. At night, the beer tents and Grandstand come alive (past performances by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Jackson Five, and Reba McEntire). Park (cheaper) near the capitol building and take an MTA bus over to the fairgrounds, or park closer in front yards of residents (more expensive).
10 days in Aug, Aug 13-23 in 2026$10, $6 for kids 60+, 5 and under free
See
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Western Gateway Park
Opened in 2009, the sculpture garden was a centerpiece of an urban revitalization project and it occupies most of Western Gateway Park downtown. It showcases more than $40 million in publicly displayed modern art. The sculpture garden is curated by the Des Moines Art Center. Family friendly area with open spaces for picnics, walking trails, and receptacles for dog waste (pick up after your pooch!) A public restroom is available. Parking is in metered spaces on adjacent streets.
See
Science Center of Iowa
The Center hosts six different experience platforms including Science is Where You Find it (including exhibits Kitchen Chemistry and Physics in the Field), When Things Get Moving (including Design a Propeller and Robot Run), Who are We? (including Color my World and In Your Genes), Why the Sky? (including Cosmic Video Jukebox and Viewing the Night Sky, in addition to planetarium shows in the 50-foot dome), Small Discoveries (including Bubble Bay and World of Wonder, all geared toward children 7 and under), What on Earth? (including Iowa Habitats, Ant Farm, and the WHO-TV Weather Studio) and limited exhibits in Principal Hall.
Tue-Sun 9AM-4PM, Mon closed, Closed Easter Sun, 4th Thu in Nov, 25 Dec$20, aged 2-12 and 65+ $15
See
Terrace Hill
Governor's Mansion
Since 1971, has served as home for the Governor and First Family of Iowa during his or her term. The site was the home of Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen, with construction beginning in 1866 after being designed by William Boyington (designer of the Water Tower of Chicago which survived the Great Fire). Aptly named as it sits atop the Raccoon River.
guided tours Mar-Dec: Tue-Sat 10:30AM, noon, in Dec also 1:30PM$5, aged 6-12 $2, aged 5 and under free
Do Not mapped
Salisbury Automobile Classic
Antique and classic automobiles of a by-gone era are on display in one of the most unique car show settings in the U.S. It has been called the "Pebble Beach of the Midwest" by Old Cars Weekly (in reference to the famous Pebble Beach Auto Councour). All proceeds going to benefit the historic Salisbury House.
$10, children free
Do Not mapped
Taste of Des Moines
The 1½-day event is still in its infancy but is improving each year. The event typically takes place at Drake University but has been at the zoo or downtown in the past. More than 40 vendors--most of which are local--provide food for hungry patrons. It's a good way to try new creations from area restaurants and for not a whole lot of cash. Alcoholic drinks are also available.
October$5, free before 5PM

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Des Moines (CC BY-SA 4.0).