Des Moines is packed with family-friendly attractions and activities for all ages. From a world-class art museum and an innovative science center to beautiful botanical gardens and an interactive children’s museum, there are countless fun things to do in Des Moines with kids.
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, a family day trip, or looking for indoor activities in Des Moines, these top attractions offer hands-on learning, creativity, and memorable experiences for the whole family.
Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines
This contemporary art museum features rotating exhibits and an impressive permanent collection. Admission is free. It is closed on Mondays. Be sure to walk around the grounds if the weather is nice. There are sculptures behind the building as well as rose gardens and walking paths.
Des Moines Children’s Museum
1551 Valley W Dr Suite 108, West Des Moines
Toddlers and preschoolers love options for imaginative play, hands-on activities, and make-believe. Closed on Sunday. The museum is currently located in the lower level of Valley West Mall, but is moving to a new, larger location, later in 2026.
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge
7105 Northwest 70th Ave Johnston
The museum honors the service and sacrifice of Iowans in uniform. Highlights include a full-scale replica P-40B Warhawk fighter plane and simulators like an F-16 cockpit. Admission is free, but you need a valid photo ID to enter Camp Dodge. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Science Center
401 W Martin Luther King Jr. ParkwayDes Moines
Kids get to experience science through hands-on stations focussed on engineering, earth science, space, and more. Be sure to check out the Star Theater Planetarium. LEGO lovers will enjoy the Brick by Brick exhibit that includes giant LEGO engineering models like the Golden Gate Bridge as well as fun building challenges. Plan to pay for parking in the ramp or on the street.
Iowa State Historical Building
600 E Locust St Des Moines
Learn about the state’s history, people, culture, and more. A full skeleton replica of a Hebior mammoth in the entry is a highlight. Free admission and parking. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand Ave Des Moines
Touring the famous gold dome is a must if you are in Des Moines! Free guided tours are offered Monday through Saturday and typically last 90 minutes. Plan to give yourself time to walk around the grounds as well for the full experience.
Jester Park Nature Center
12130 NW 128th St Granger
The indoor exhibits highlight three local ecosystems — wetlands, prairie, and woodlands. Outside, the Discovery Pond Trail, invites you to follow animal tracks through a natural habitat. When the weather is nice, kids can play in the natural playscape. Don’t miss the bison and elk herds that you can see throughout the park.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
1330 Grand Ave Des Moines
No visit to downtown Des Moines is complete without a stroll through the sculpture park! You’ll want to take a selfie in front of the iconic LOVE sculpture and the 27-foot tall Nomade is another favorite. The open-air gallery is open year-round.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens
909 Robert D Ray Dr Des Moines
This urban oasis is located near downtown Des Moines. Its iconic geodesic dome is seen from the interstate as you drive into town. Escape winter weather in the balmy tropical interior featuring lush tropical plants, a waterfall, and koi pond. When the weather is nice, enjoy outdoor gardens and pathways along the Des Moines River.
Living History Farms
11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale
This is an interactive outdoor museum showcasing more than 300 years of agricultural and rural life to life through immersive, hands-on experiences. Visitors can walk through a historic town from 1876, see working blacksmiths and broom makers, ride a tractor to see farms from different time periods.
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th St Des Moines
Take a walk on the wild side at the zoo! See giraffes, camels, zebras, rhinos, monkeys, lions, and more! The train ride is a favorite as well as the Kids Kingdom where you can feed animals. Plan to spend a couple hours exploring.
Jordan House Museum
2001 Fuller Rd West Des Moines
This historic museum site in West Des Moines has a focus on African-American history and heritage.
The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
100 Locust St Des Moines
The public museum, operated by the World Food Prize Foundation, honors achievements in agriculture and humanitarianism while celebrating the legacy of Norman E. Borlaug, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of the World Food Prize. It is located in the restored Beaux-Arts-style former Des Moines Public Library, in downtown Des Moines. Open for public tours Tuesdays and by appointment on Wednesday and Thursday.
Blue Zoo
6925 Mills Civic Pkwy #125 West Des Moines
Enjoy an interactive aquarium experience at the Blue Zoo. Visitors can touch and feed stingrays, enjoy a pirate and mermaid show, and see sharks and other sea creatures.
Spock Sanctuary
2102 Milton Ave, Des Moines
Experience up-close encounters with unique reptiles and exotic animals at this interactive rescue sanctuary. Visitors can look at, feed, pet, and hold many of the animals. Check the website for hours and tour information.
