Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Fun in the Des Moines Metro
There are many fun activities around the Des Moines Metro to do together as a family. However, for families who have children with disabilities, it can be hard to know which places will be accessible. We have collected a list of inclusive places from sensory sensitive options, visual and performing arts, swimming, horseback riding, sports, accessible activities and orchards that the whole family can enjoy.
1. Adventureland Park
305 34th Avenue NW, Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 266-2121
This theme park offers rides, shows, and attractions for Adventureland and the waterpark Adventureland Bay. They have an accessibility guide on their website that explains their Ride Admission Program, helping guests understand which rides they can safely enjoy. This guide also describes individual rides, including the types of movements they involve and any physical restrictions each has.
Their Adventureland and Adventure Bay Alternative Access Programs allow individuals who qualify to use the accessible (ADA) entrances for the rides with minimal wait time. Each pass can be used with three additional guests.
2. Athene North Shore Recreation Area
2816 Shoreline Road, Des Moines, IA 50320
(515) 875-5630
Athene North Shore Recreation Area is the most universally designed waterfront in Iowa, creating an inclusive space for all to come together and engage in outdoor recreation activities. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether by playing on the accessible playscape, engaging in water activities, exploring the trails, enjoying a picnic, or utilizing the facilities. They offer a variety of adaptive recreational rentals, including adapted bikes, water chairs, canoes, and more.
3. Get Air Trampoline Park
3799 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 528-7549
This trampoline park offers activities like a Kiddie Court for younger children, dodgeball, a foam pit, and ninja activities. They have a dedicated “Toddler Time” and “A Special Time For You” for jumpers with disabilities. These events take place on the first Saturday of each month from 8 AM to 10 AM. During this time, there are fewer crowds, and music is played at a lower volume. Caregivers can speak with a team member before playing to ensure proper accommodations are in place. One parent or guardian can attend for free, and siblings can come at the same price (Big Air $13.99 and Little Air $8.99). Be sure to check their website before visiting for any updates.
4. Gigi’s Playhouse
6507 University Avenue, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
(515) 252-7529
Gigi’s Playhouse provides free programming for those with Down Syndrome from infants through adults and their families. Programs include classes like play groups, dance classes, cooking classes, art classes, fitness classes, parents’ night out, speakers, tutoring, and family nights. Community members can register to volunteer and support the mission through donations and fundraising.
5. Look Cook and Eat
2717 Ingersoll Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
Look Cook and Eat was started to help those with intellectual disabilities learn to cook by online video modeling and pictures demonstrating the step-by-step process to make simple recipes and showing the tools and ingredients needed.
This method helps improve people’s success and independence with cooking to help them lead more independent lives. Utilize the free trial and subscribe for $30 per year. Teachers, agencies and organizations can subscribe for those they serve for $49.95 per year. Special diets such as gluten free and vegetarian are also included.
1. Menagerie Stables
3237 NE 108th Street, Mitchellville, IA 50169
Menagerie Stables provides adaptive riding lessons, saddle seat riding lessons and volunteer opportunities. During the adaptive riding lessons, children learn how to ride, care for horses, practice social skills, and receive sensory input.
2. Rhythms of Grace
23625 River Heights Drive, Dallas Center, IA 50063
(515) 305-7361
This non-profit serves children through adults with Equine Assisted Services for those with physical, cognitive, sensory, learning, emotional/social needs. Instructors are certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. Their three programs include:
- Horsemanship (Adaptive Riding): This program is designed to build strength, confidence and social/learning skills.
- Mental Health Therapy and Learning: Equine-assisted psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, and learning are offered by licensed therapists and credentialed equine professionals. I
- Hippotherapy: Licensed therapists use equines to support counseling, occupational and physical therapy, speech-language pathology and psychotherapy.
1. B&B Theaters
1580 SW Market Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
No box office phone line
B&B Theaters hosts Sensory-Friendly viewings of select films for those who may find it difficult to attend regular showtimes. The audio is lowered, the auditorium lighting is brighter, and Sensory Backpacks are available for checkout. Check their website for upcoming Sensory-Friendly screenings.
2. Flix Brewhouse
3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 612-9200
Our Flix Junior Program is ALL AGES WELCOME! This program offers young families and those with sensitivities the opportunity to escape to the movies, whether it’s for the latest first-run blockbuster or a classic throwback. Flix Junior shows include:
- No age policy. Infants are welcome!
- Dim-lighting and lower sound levels
- Quiet chatter as needed
- Adaptive technology and interactive tools permitted
1. Center Grove Orchard
32835 610th Avenue, Cambridge, IA 50046
(515) 383-4354
Center Grove Orchard is open seasonally and features U-pick options, farmyard animals and fun attractions and games like a corn pool, hay rides, train and slides. While the paths across the Farmyard are not paved, many attractions are accessible by wheelchair—including the CGO Express, feeding the farm animals, riding on the hayride (has a wheelchair lift), duck races, the sandbox, barn shows, and picking apples, pumpkins, and sunflowers! Unfortunately, the Corn Pool, Super Slides, and Jumping Pillow are not wheelchair accessible.
2. Howells Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch
3145 Howell Ct, Cumming, IA 50061
(515) 981-0863
Howells has a greenhouse, farmyard play, events, seasonal pumpkin patch and seasonal baby goat cuddling. The grounds are mostly rugged terrain of gravel and sod. They have wheelchair electric lifts on the wagons, as well as a wheelchair accessible restroom.
1. Slime Kitchen
3800 Merle Hay Rd, Suite 216
Des Moines, IA 50310
Create your own customized slime in their interactive slime kitchen. The DIY sessions involve a 10-step process to build your own personalized slime. Walk-ins are welcome; reservations are highly recommended. This is an excellent activity for children who love to get their hands messy and touch different textures.
2. Posey & Jett’s
545 Bass Pro Drive, Unit 602| Altoona, IA 50009
515-745-2510
This fun gift store features a wide selection of great toys, including a variety of sensory items. Sensory-seeking kids will love their Slime Sundae Bar, where they can create their own ice cream slime sundaes.
1. Blank Park Zoo
Address: 7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
Phone: (515) 285-4722
Blank Park Zoo strives to be inclusive for all families and has a number of accommodations in place.
General accessibility: Pathways through the Zoo are ADA accessible with multiple family restrooms. Their GoGo Plaza Restroom has a Mother’s Room and a family restroom with an adult-size changing table. The carousel and train are both ADA-accessible.
Braille maps are available for check out as well as tactile bags which correlate with different areas of the zoo. A list of tactile and audio experiences that can be found through the zoo is available here.
Sensory Inclusive: Blank Park Zoo is a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue meaning sensory supports are in place and staff continue to obtain training in this area. They have designated Quiet Zones which often have less activity to prevent overstimulation as well as designated Headphone Zones where headphones may be needed due to an increase in noise and activity.
Read this Social Narrative before your visit to help your child prepare for the experience. Upon arriving check out a sensory bag and/or weighted lap pad. Occupational Therapy Tip: Weighted lap pads provide proprioceptive input (deep pressure to the muscles and joints) which can be calming.
2. Des Moines Children’s Museum
Address: 1551 Valley W Drive Suite 108, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: (515) 218-8344
Des Moines Children’s Museum provides a safe, fun place for children and their families to play. The museum can be rented for birthday parties and they also host special events. The fourth Friday of each month they provide Sensory Sensitive Playdates from 5-6:30 PM for children on the autism spectrum or those with sensory sensitivities and their families. This time will include sensory bins, communication boards, and a low-light calming space. Check their Facebook page to confirm the date/time before attending.
3. Des Moines Performing Arts
Address: 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 246-2300
Des Moines Performing Arts provides entertainment, education, and cultural activities within four venues downtown including the Des Moines Civic Center, Stoner Theater, Temple Theater, and Cowles Commons.
General accessibility: American Sign Language interpreters are available for select performances, audio description is available for select performances and they have a Community Ticket Program for those that otherwise may not be able to attend due to finances. Learn more here.
Sensory Inclusive: Some events will offer sensory-friendly performance times where the lights and sounds are decreased, movement breaks are encouraged, and American Sign Language interpretation is available. All families are welcome to attend these events.
4. Iowa Events Center
Multiple Locations
The Iowa Events Center includes Casey’s Center, Hy-Vee Hall, and the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Des Moines. They host year-round public events such as concerts, sporting events, and fundraisers. The Iowa Events Center venues are all certified by KultureCity as Sensory Inclusive. Staff are trained in strategies to support those with sensory overload and have sensory supports available. Before attending an event, read their social story to prepare for the visit. Upon arrival, pick up a sensory bag with supports to use, and visit one of their quiet areas if needed to decompress.
5. Science Center of Iowa
401 W Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 274-6868
The Science Center of Iowa offers Sensory Friendly Hours with fewer crowds and less noise. This takes place on the second Tuesday of each month from 4-7 PM, but check their website first for any updates. Advanced registration is needed, and admission is free. A Sensory Guide indicates where the audio, visual, and tactile stimuli are located.
Prepare for the visit using their online Social Story, and once there, check out a Sensory Backpack with tools like noise-reducing headphones, fidgets and weighted stuffed animals for calming.
6. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 323-6290
The facility is ADA compliant, featuring wide paths, sidewalks, accessible doors, and an elevator to the conservatory’s balcony. There are non-motorized wheelchairs and strollers available for checkout. Sensory backpacks are also available for checkout at the front desk.
1. Adaptive Sports Iowa
Multiple Locations
888-777-8881
Adaptive Sports Iowa provides sport and recreational programs for those with physical disabilities. Classes are held in Ames as well as all over the Des Moines Metro with a wide range of programs such as beep baseball (can be played by those who are visually impaired as the ball beeps), youth and adult wheelchair basketball, adaptive cycling teams, adaptive fitness, wheelchair tennis, adaptive fitness and more.
In collaboration with Adaptive Sports Iowa, Crossfit 8035 provides adaptive fitness with personal fitness and weight training for $25/month. It’s led by a trainer certified in Adaptive and Inclusion.
4. Can Play
Multiple Locations
(515) 421-4021
Can Play is a non-profit organization serving children and adults through their Courage and Opportunity programs. Their Courage program provides adaptive sports and activities for those with disabilities. The Opportunity program provides no cost recreational sports, activities and meals for those that may have financial barriers. They have a broad range of classes and camps such as tennis, baseball, track and field, tumbling, group games, music and more.
4. Spirit Taekwondo
1975 N Ankeny Blvd, Ste 111, Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 202-5287
Traditional and adaptive martial arts classes are offered for kids through adults. Master Amy Ratekin has an International Para-Taekwondo Instructor Certification and is a member of the Adaptive Martial Arts Association. Their Therapeutic/Adaptive Martial Arts program has a smaller class size and includes classes on Mondays and Thursdays, 4:00 PM for Intellectual Disability and 4:30 and 5:00 PM for Autism Spectrum.
5. The Greater Iowa Credit Union Miracle League
Triumph Park
700 NW Douglas Parkway, Waukee, IA 50263
This baseball league is for youth with disabilities ages 5-19. It’s non-competitive and co-ed. Sign up is through Waukee Parks and Recreation.
6. The Kiwanis Miracle League
Principal Park
529 SW 5th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 280-5017
This baseball league is for youth and adults with disabilities, where kids can have fun. They have Fall and Spring seasons and are managed by volunteers under the Kiwanis name.
7. The Miracle League of Ankeny
Ankeny Miracle Park
300 NW School Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 963-3570
This non-competitive baseball league is for kids and adults with disabilities. The Youth League is for ages 5-18 years old and the Adult League is for ages 19 and up. Games consist of two innings, players are safe on the bases and community volunteers assist the players.
8. The Miracle League of Urbandale
Northview Park Little League Complex
4871 78th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322
This free noncompetitive baseball/softball league is for children with disabilities ages 5-18 and adults 19 and up. Each team has at least two parent coaches and each player is paired with a volunteer buddy.
9. Tribe Athletics
1400 SE Gateway Drive, Suite 108, Grimes, IA 50111
(515) 369-3700
Tribe Athletics offers cheer and tumbling classes starting at age 4. They have a Cheerabilities Team called ARROWS for kids with disabilities, ages 5 and up, to learn All-Star Cheerleading. The season takes place October through April with weekly practice. Each athlete is paired with a buddy athlete from one of their other Tribe teams.
1. Aqua Tots Swim Schools- Des Moines
7125 Mills Civic Parkway #105, West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 612-9400
Aqua Tots provides lessons for children from 4 months old through 12 years old in their 90-degree heated pool. Their Special Needs Aquatic Program (S.N.A.P) is tailored to each child with goals that may include improving comfort in the water and social environment, increasing motor function (such as strength) and improving confidence.
2. Natavi
275 SW Brookside Drive, Grimes, IA 50111
(515) 300-3282
Natavi offers a wide range of swim classes for everyone, from toddlers to adults, along with water aerobics and yoga. Their Swim and Water Instruction Modifications (S.W.I.M) class is designed for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with instructors trained through the University of Missouri Occupational Therapy Department (shout out to my alma mater occupational therapy program). Lessons are one-on-one, focusing on improving swim and water safety while building confidence. An ASD program scholarship is also available.
3. Safe Splash Waukee
1175 SE University Avenue, Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 200-3477
Safe Splash Waukee provides swimming lessons for infants through adults, along with competitive swim training, camps, and open swim. Their Adaptive Aquatics program helps teach swimmers to feel comfortable in the water, water safety and swimming basics according to the child’s individual needs and consists of three levels. The Therapeutic Aquatic Program (T.A.P) is used in collaboration with a caregiver for those with weakness or difficulty with head control. Instructors through the program are trained on working with all children, including those with different sensory, developmental, and physical needs.
6. Indianola Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center
714 W Detroit Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125
(515) 961-9422
Every Summer, the aquatic center typically hosts several Special Needs Swim Nights for individuals of all ages with special needs plus their families, chaperones, respite providers or SCL workers. Admission is free thanks to their sponsor, Indianola Hy-Vee. Check their Facebook page in the Summer for dates.
1. Adventures in Social Development
Address: 9121 Northwest Windsor Drive, Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: (515) 306-0030
This non-profit organization provides enrichment in performance-based arts and social skills for all ages and abilities. Currently, classes include Drama Classes to learn acting, improvisation, and role play to help learn social skills and interactions as well as Social Drumming Classes to connect individuals through music.
Adventures in Social Development also provides behavior consultation as well as training for educators and other organizations to learn how to use interactive theatre to address social skills and conflict.
2. Momentum Artist Collective
900 Keosauqua Way, Studios 103 and 109, Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 669-4921
The Momentum Artist Collective, located inside Mainframe Studios, provides a safe and inclusive studio space for artists with disabilities and mental health conditions. Make a studio appointment here.
3. Dance Without Limits, Inc
Classes held at: The School of Classical Ballet and Dance (SCBD)
1509 42nd Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 554-8511
Dance Without Limits is a non-profit organization that provides dance classes for children starting at age 4 and young adults with disabilities who may be unable to participate in other classes. They offer Lite-Gait equipment for children who need extra support with standing. Sessions are held in the Fall and Spring and are divided into Movement classes and Technique classes. They have an instructor who’s fluent in American Sign Language, and volunteers can use some basic signs.
4. Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 277-4405
The Des Moines Art Center is a museum of Modern and Contemporary Art as well as a school for art education. Schedule an Accessible Guided Tour or ASL Interpretation, with two weeks advance notice. Read their Social Story for a school field trip.
Some of the classes/events offered include:
- Art Spectrums: A free program for children and teens on the autism spectrum.
- Connecting Through Art: In partnership with the American Parkinson Disease Association, monthly classes are provided specifically for adults impacted by Parkinson’s Disease.
- Deaf Community Art Gatherings: Presented by the Art Center’s Community Access Program, we invite members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community to join us for gatherings to embrace art and art-making together.
3. Iowa Miss Amazing
This annual pageant is for girls (starting at age 5) and women with disabilities to help build confidence, self-esteem and friendship. Register to participate or volunteer on their website.