Playgrounds
50 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.
- EMC Downtown Park0.1 mi from downtown
- Temple Chess & Poetry Garden0.3 mi from downtown
- Lynne Cutler Park0.5 mi from downtown
Family
Things to do in Des Moines with kids
6 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Des Moines, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Indoor fun
Places to go when it’s too hot, cold or wet outside.
- Dot's Gallery & Frame Shopart gallery
- Hoyt Sherman Placeart gallery
- Liz Lidgett Gallery and Designart gallery
Libraries
Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.
- Des Moines Public Library1000 Grand Ave
- Forest Avenue Library1326 Forest Ave
- North Side Library3516 5Th Ave
Bookstores
3 local bookstores in Des Moines.
- Storyhouse BookpubDes Moines
- Beaverdale BooksDes Moines
- Divine Treasures IncDes Moines
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- Saylorville Lake9 mi north
- Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge18 mi east
- Roberts Creek East Campground32 mi east
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- Bob Shetler Picnic Area8 mi north
- Cottonwood Recreation Area8 mi north
- Saylorville Lake9 mi north
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
5 things to see and do in Des Moines, Iowa from bus life travels
A local activity Short shared by The Hive Drive.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
3 things to do in Des Moines (Iowa)
A local activity Short shared by Travel Tour.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What is there to do in Des Moines with kids?
Playgrounds (50), Indoor fun (8), Libraries (6), Bookstores (3), Picnic spots (16), Wildlife and nature (33). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Des Moines for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Des Moines when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.