Exploring Des Moines: A Guide for Kids

Des Moines is a great city for kids to explore and discover, with its wonderful parks, museums, and activities. It’s a vibrant city with lots of opportunity for fun and adventure. This guide will help you and your family explore the best of what Des Moines has to offer. From outdoor adventures to educational experiences, we’ve got something for everyone!

Visit an Aquarium

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is home to the only aquarium in the city and is a great place to take the kids. You’ll find over a hundred different species of fish, turtles, and other aquatic creatures. The aquarium also offers interactive experiences such as touch tanks and behind-the-scenes tours. It’s the perfect way to learn about the amazing underwater world.

The Botanical Garden also hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, from live music performances to art shows. You can also explore the garden’s many trails and gardens, which provide a great opportunity for kids to learn about nature and exercise.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free for children under five and discounted for children aged 6-17.

Explore the Zoo

The Blank Park Zoo is a great place for kids to explore and discover. The zoo offers a variety of educational programs and activities, from guided tours to interactive animal encounters. You can also find a wide range of wildlife, from lions and tigers to giraffes and zebras.

The Blank Park Zoo also offers a variety of special events, such as trick-or-treating in October and Breakfast with Santa in December. The zoo is open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free for children under five and discounted for children aged 6-17.

The Blank Park Zoo also offers a variety of special events, such as trick-or-treating in October and Breakfast with Santa in December. The zoo is open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free for children under five and discounted for children aged 6-17.

Visit a Museum

The Des Moines Art Center is home to a variety of interactive and educational exhibits, perfect for kids of all ages. From hands-on activities to interactive displays, the art center offers something for everyone. You can also explore the art center’s outdoor sculptures and gardens.

The Des Moines Art Center also hosts a variety of special events, such as art classes and film screenings. The art center is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free for children under five and discounted for children aged 6-17.

Explore a Park

Gray’s Lake Park is the perfect place for the whole family to explore. You can take a walk around the lake, or try out the bike paths and playgrounds. There’s also a sand beach and boat rentals for those who want to explore the lake. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, perfect for an up-close-and-personal experience.

Gray’s Lake Park is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

Visit the Capitol

The Iowa State Capitol is a great place to learn about the history and government of Iowa. You can explore the historic building, take a guided tour, or visit the Capitol’s interactive exhibits. You can also visit the Capitol’s gift shop, which features souvenirs and educational materials.

The Iowa State Capitol is open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free.

Discover Nature

Water Works Park is a great place to explore nature and learn about the environment. You can take a walk in the park’s trails, try out the fishing spots, or explore the park’s interactive exhibits. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, perfect for an up-close-and-personal experience.

Water Works Park is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

Have Fun at an Amusement Park

Adventureland Park is the perfect place for kids to have fun. The park has plenty of rides and attractions, from roller coasters to carousels. The park also has a variety of other activities, such as mini-golf and a water park. You can also find a variety of food options, from classic carnival treats to sit-down restaurants.

Adventureland Park is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is discounted for children aged 3-17.

Learn About Animals

The Blank Park Zoo’s Children’s Zoo is perfect for kids who want to learn about animals up-close. You can explore the zoo’s interactive exhibits, such as the petting zoo and the animal nursery. You can also take part in special events and programs, such as the animal shows and educational talks.

The Blank Park Zoo’s Children’s Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free for children under five and discounted for children aged 6-17.

Go to the Beach

Gray’s Lake Beach is the perfect spot to relax and cool off in the summer heat. You can take a dip in the lake, build a sandcastle, or just sit back and relax. The beach also offers a variety of activities for kids, such as volleyball, paddle-boarding, and kayaking.

Gray’s Lake Beach is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

Visit a Farm

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s Children’s Farm is a great place for kids to learn about farming and where their food comes from. You can explore the interactive exhibits, such as the petting zoo and the animal nursery. You can also take part in special events and programs, such as the animal shows and educational talks.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s Children’s Farm is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free for children under five and discounted for children aged 6-17.

Go Camping

Water Works Park’s campground is the perfect spot for a family camping trip. You can take a hike in the park’s trails, fish in the lake, or explore the park’s interactive exhibits. You can also spend time around the campfire, telling stories and roasting marshmallows.

Water Works Park’s campground is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. Camping fees apply.

Experience a Festival

Des Moines hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, perfect for kids and families. You can experience the city’s vibrant culture and cuisine, take part in interactive activities, and enjoy live music and entertainment.

Festival lineups vary throughout the year, but some of the most popular include the Iowa State Fair, the Des Moines Arts Festival, and the Drake Relays. Admission fees vary depending on the festival.

Take a Trip to the Theater

The Des Moines Playhouse is a great place for kids to experience the magic of theater. You can take in a performance of a classic play or musical, or take part in one of the theater’s interactive programs, such as the summer camps and workshops. The theater also offers a variety of special events, such as family movie nights.

The Des Moines Playhouse is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. Ticket prices vary depending on the show.

Summary

Exploring Des Moines with kids is a great way to have fun and make memories. From aquariums and zoos to festivals and theaters, there’s something for everyone. So whether you’re looking for educational experiences or just a fun day out, Des Moines has it all!