10 New Places to Try in Des Moines This Winter
Warm up this winter at new shops, restaurants, and play places around Des Moines. And if we get lucky with a few warm days then check out the new parks too!
Ames Play Yard
Address: 2175 232nd Ln., Ames, Iowa 50036
Hours:
** Opening Mid February 2026
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Parents, rejoice! A new indoor play place is coming to Central Iowa! Ames Play Yard will open soon, and its space will include a 3-story playground and full-size basketball courts. Play options will include monthly memberships, day passes, or 10-pack passes. They will also host birthday parties.
Ashawa Park
Address: 4431 Waterford Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Ashawa Park has been updated with a brand new playground. There is a large climbing structure for big kids and a smaller playground for little kids. Climb anyway you want to or play the giant tic-tac-toe game. There are a variety of swing options, too. I find this to be one of the best new playgrounds with plenty to keep big and little kids occupied for hours.
Highland Underground
Address: 3614 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50313
Hours:
- Wednesday: 3–10 pm
- Thursday: 3–10 pm
- Friday: 3 pm–12 am
- Saturday: 12 pm–12 am
- Sunday: 12–10 pm
- Monday–Tuesday: closed
Plan a date night or a night out with friends at Highland Underground. Highland Underground is a new cocktail lounge bringing the 1970s vibes back. Located in Highland Park in the basement of the Old Klein’s Department Store.
Littleleaf Luncheonette
Address: 405 6th St, Waukee, IA 50263
Hours: Open Daily, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Located in the heart of Downtown Waukee, Littleleaf Luncheonette has a little bit of everything with coffee, breakfast, lunch, and wine. Their menu changes with the seasons, so be sure to come back often to try something new.
The Refill Market
Address: 2701 Ingersoll Avenue, Suite 104, Des Moines, IA 50312
Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday and Thursday: 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
The Refill Market is a sustainable grocery store located on Ingersoll Avenue. Find bulk pantry items such as legumes, lentils, rice, vinegar, oils, and much more. Bring your own empty jars and fill them up. Pick up a ready-made meal by New World Kitchen or browse their selection of kitchen items.
Small Discoveries at the Science Center of Des Moines
Address: 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
Cost:
- Children (2-12)$15
- Adults (13-64) $20
- Senior (65+) $15
Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday-Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Small Discoveries has recently reopened at the Science Center. Everything is brand new! They have hands-on street art, magnatile projections, an interactive water table with splash gear, a dedicated infant and toddler zone, and places to climb, slide, and so many more ways to play.
Tag It Again
Address: 321 SE Main St., Grimes, IA, 50111
Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Friday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tag It Again is a new children’s retail boutique in Grimes. They have clothing, shoes, accessories, and toys. Bring your own children’s items for consignment. You can bring in one tote at a time, and you’ll get a text within 24 hours with a cash offer. My children seem to stain everything they wear, so I am always excited to have a new thrifting option around Des Moines.
Two Rivers Park
Address: 212 Raccoon St, Des Moines, IA 50309
This two-acre green space has opened in Downtown Des Moines. We checked it out on a warm January day. I imagine we will come in the spring for a picnic in the large areas. There are restrooms, free parking in the parking lot, and picnic benches. We loved the overlook where you could see downtown, the Des Moines River, and Principal Park.
Venus Moon Studio
Address: 6563 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Hours: Open Daily, 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Venus Moon Studio, located in Windsor Heights, is a shop and studio. They work with local vendors, artists, and small brands to curate a boutique full of thoughtful items for you to discover. Their studio hosts workshops and has open studio times for you to find your creative side. The owner of the shop, Nicole, also does bridal makeup and cosmetic tattooing.
Wild Rose Park
Address: 6801 Cody Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Wild Rose Park has reopened with a brand new playground. There are two structures. The first is a giant climbing web with a fun turf spot at the top. The second structure is for 2-5-year-olds and has a slide and balance beams. There is a water pump with a channel that I imagine the kids will love come summer, but be careful because it is right between the two playgrounds and could be a hazard when running through it.
