As a stay-at-home mom with four kids, we LOVE all the toddler activities in Des Moines! Something that keeps me sane as I’m with my kiddos all day is ROUTINE. So, we load up in the morning (get coffee) and head to an activity. I am constantly looking online for different things to do and my boys definitely have their favorite places. (Baby girl is just along for the ride!)
Toddler Activities in Des Moines
So many different local libraries offer toddler activities. Check local library websites to find different times/days
Toddler time at Get Air (Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-12) and Skyzone (Sunday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 am-11 am
Playground for Kids
2401 SE Tones Dr. Suite 7, Ankeny, Iowa
There’s a giant tree house to climb as well as multiple bounce houses. My kids love the little treasure hunts.
Imagination Street
1345 SW Park Square Drive, Suite 102, Ankeny, Iowa 50023
This adorable indoor play space has a main street vibe. You must register for a time slot in advance. Socks are required.
NEW! PLAYgrounds Café for Littles
293 SE Westown Pkwy, Waukee, IA 50263
This is genius! A coffee shop with cute play structures coming to Waukee this fall.
Rainbow of the Heartland
3300 SE Crossroads Dr, Grimes, IA 50111
Let your kids have fun on the indoor/outdoor swing sets and trampolines.
Science Center
401 W Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway Des Moines, IA 50309
We love the toddler room! The Small Discoveries room has trains, bubbles, a kitchen, and a market. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
DSM Children’s Museum
Valley West Mall (Lower level, near the play area)
1551 Valley West Dr. Suite 108 West Des Moines, IA 50266
Come for open play or Little Learners on Wednesdays from 10 am to 10:45 am
Kids Empire
3800 Merle Hay Rd Des Moines, IA
Sit back and relax while the kids climb for hours * hint * even adults need socks.
Metro Recycling Facility
4185 SE Beisser Dr, Grimes, Iowa 50111
Check out this fun education center on Mondays 9 am to 11 am or Tuesdays 1 pm to 3 pm.
Jester Park Nature Center
12130 NW 128th St, Granger, Iowa 50109
Learn about nature with hands-on activities including puppets. Check their calendar for toddler tales on select Thursdays. Admission is free.
State Historical Museum
600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50319
Who doesn’t love a giant mammoth? There’s also a cute train table, small kitchen, and Legos to play with. Admission is free.
Grimes Community Complex Kid Zone
101 NE Harvey St, Grimes, Iowa 50111
This program runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 am to 11 am (unless otherwise noted on our online schedule). You must register online before you go but an open gym for boys to run?! Perfect for my kiddos.
Valley Community Center
4444 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA
A very popular place for all ages! Check out Tot Town on Thursdays from 9:30 am to 11:30 am in the gym along with crafts in the common space.
Jou Jou
906 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312
A Montessori play space for kids under 5. Check out their calendar for fun including music and movement, mini-makers, and more!
Pioneer Columbus Community Center
2100 SE 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
This open gym has trikes and play equipment for kids to burn off energy.
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
Spend time seeing the animals and playing at the playground. Check out the early education classes for kiddos under 6.
These are just a few wonderful toddler activities that our area has to offer! My kids and I love to bounce around to all the fun places.
