Des Moines has plenty of great parks, but sometimes you want to get off the beaten path and find a new playground to explore. You’re in luck because there are some awesome parks that are driving distance from Des Moines. So load up the kids, pack some snacks or a picnic and get ready to discover a new park!
Parks Worth the Drive from Des Moines
Billy O’Phillips Park
2500 Lexington Dr, Norwalk
Head to Norwalk and let the kids run and climb at this fun park. Stop for ice cream at Wendy’s Ice Cream Shoppe. Bonus, it’s less than 20 minutes south of Des Moines.
Treehouse Village at Iowa Arboretum & Gardens
Treehouse Village in Madrid is a multilevel structure features plenty of chances for kids to climb and explore and use their imagination and is only 40 minutes from Des Moines. Open until 4 pm daily. Tickets start at $7 for children.
Mayor Tom Becker Park
300 N. Brier Lane, Cumming
Let your kids explore and play at this farm-themed park in in the Great Western Crossing development. Grab coffee or a snack from Middlebrook Mercantile for a snack while you’re there! Located 20 minutes south of Des Moines.
Wonder Spelen Park
1335 Orchard, Pella
This all-inclusive park features charming nods to Dutch culture like a windmill, tulip paintings, and quaint little playhouses. Make sure you stop for a Dutch Letter while you’re there! Located 1 hour east of Des Moines.
Big Creek State Park
Kids will love the giant wooden playground. If the weather’s nice, pack swim stuff to play at the beach! Located near in Polk City near Saylorville Lake, about 35 minutes north of Des Moines.
Miracle Inclusive Playground
Next time you’re in Ames, plan to check out this awesome park. There are multiple play structures and benches throughout the playground. Located 45 minutes north of Des Moines.
// RELATED CONTENT: Unique Parks in Des Moines //
Play For All
300 South 9th St Winterset, IA
This all-inclusive park in Winterset features equipment for all ages, a zipline, turf, sensory panels, and more. Check out Clark Tower while you’re there to see the stone tower that inspired the park’s design. 35 minutes southwest of Des Moines..
Honorable Mention:
Heartland of America Park in Omaha. This park is 2 hours west of Des Moines, but it’s worth the drive! We’ve packed a lunch and driven over in the morning and spent several hours playing before hopping in the car to drive home. It features a zipline, slides, sand play area, water features (in summer months) and more!
