A to Z Winter Guide of Family Friendly Activities Around Des Moines, Iowa
At the Des Moines Children’s Museum, they are constantly asked what else Des Moines and surrounding communities have to offer. As much as they love to chat with every visitor and every community member to share the things they know and love, they partnered with us! (Des Moines Parent) to get the word out to families. Winter and the holiday break (and any time of year) are a great time to go exploring around the Des Moines Metro (and beyond). Take a look at this A to Z list we have compiled of the perfect family activities for the winter.
Bookmark these other fun, winter resources too:
- Winter Camps for Kids
- Ice Skating in Des Moines
- 8 Winter Activities in Downtown Des Moines for Kids
- 100 Indoor Activities for Winter
- 25 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids in Central Iowa
- 50 Things To Do in Iowa this Winter
A
Art Center (Des Moines Art Center): FREE admission and reminder it is closed on Mondays.
Antiquing: The Picker Knows recently won the Best of the West through the West Des Moines Chamber.
B
Blue Bean Coffee: Locations in Ankeny and Johnston. Fun and affordable toast, coffee, and tea flights.
Bass Pro Shop: Free (if you don’t buy anything); see the fish tank, walk around, and enjoy a game of bowling. Take a look at this full guide to experiencing the Bass Pro Shop for Kids. Located in Altoona, Iowa.
Backpocket Pin & Pixel: This spot is fun for the whole family! Enjoy a round of Duckpin Bowling, arcade games, and some food. Great family night activity. Located in Johnston, Iowa.
C
Coffee Cats: Enjoy coffee and petting cats available for adoption through the ARL. No reservation is needed for the coffee shop; must have a reservation to play with the cats.
Climbing: Climb Iowa and Jester Park Wellness Center’s climbing wall are both great options for littles.
D
Des Moines Children’s Museum: Enjoy new exhibits such as a playground, maze, dragon library, and a water table coming in December. Great for ages 0-9. Take a look at all the fun at the Des Moines Children’s Museum.
E
Escape Room: Breakout Games is perfect for teens (adults must stay on the premises while they complete their escape).
F
Flix Brewhouse: Catch a movie, eat delicious food, fun drinks for both kids and adults.
G
Game Day: Arcade games, drinks, and food mean everyone in the family is happy.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: A good way to stay warm in the winter. Botanical Blues begins on Sundays in January.
H
Historical Building (State Historical Museum of Iowa): Free, fun, and engaging for all ages. A stop for cupcakes at Molly’s Cupcakes afterward is always a fun treat
I
Iowa State Capitol Building Tour: If you’ve never walked to the top of the gold dome, it’s a must! Must be 4th grade or older to go in the dome. Take a look at all the details!
J
Jester Park Nature Center: It is free. Explore the learning center in the basement. The trails around the nature center and pond are easy, nice, and well-kept. There are many reasons to visit Jester Park all year round.
Jordan House: A great place for school-age kids to learn about the workings of the underground railroad, the Jordan family, and a dose of West Des Moines history. Learn more here.
K
Kick it at the RecPlex: The RecPlex offers a wide variety of activities: from toddler time to ice skating. Check out all the fun details!
L
Library: Whether you’re hitting story times, getting books, or just going for an afternoon hangout, our local libraries have so much to offer.
M
Murals: Take a tour around the metro of all the murals painted on buildings. Here is a great map and where to find them!
N
Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge: Unfortunately, the visitor center is closed due to damage sustained during the spring storms, however, the hiking trails (a favorite is the paved, two-mile loop by the visitor center) and the drive-thru bison enclosure are great options. While you’re out that way, be sure to stop at Goldie’s for a tenderloin and ice cream.
O
Outside: Yes, being outside in the winter in Iowa is always questionable, but there are also some great cheap or free winter activities. Snowshoeing at Jester Park, going on a winter hike, snow tubing at Sleepy Hollow, or even skiing at Seven Oaks Recreation, all of it is enjoyable. Just be sure to dress for the weather.
P
Playgrounds Cafe: This is a great place for littles. Plan a friend date and sip on some coffee while your kiddos use their imaginations! Located in Waukee, Iowa.
Playground for Kids: A great indoor playground for kids up to 12 years of age. Located in Ankeny, Iowa.
Q
Q-Trip Slushies: Sometimes we question if the slushy machines will even be working before we go and yes, it’s pretty much a cup of sugar, but kids have a great time mixing flavors and getting creative. Plus, it’s a pretty cheap and easy activity that makes numerous family members happy.
R
Reiman Gardens: Stay warm indoors or explore the gorgeous outdoor space at Reiman Gardens. Located in Ames, Iowa.
Raceway: Check out the all-electric indoor go-karts and race your friends and family. K1 Speed is located in Grimes, Iowa.
S
Science Center of Iowa: Tons of hands-on fun, snakes, and the planetarium always make for a fun, educational excursion. Take a look at this giant guide to visiting the Science Center of Iowa.
Swimming: Indoor swimming, of course! Check local hotels for rules and regulations; a favorite is Hotel Renovo. Here is a list of indoor swimming options in the Des Moines metro.
T
Tubing: Sleepy Hollow and Seven Oaks Recreation both offer great options for snow tubing for all ages.
U
Urban Air: Jump and burn some energy! Check out open jump times and toddler times here.
V
Valley Community Center: A small play space tucked away in the corner with a cafe to get coffee with friends, what could be better? The inclusive outdoor playground is a great space to explore while you’re there. Take a look at this complete guide to the Valley Community Center.
W
Windmill: Spend some time in the Dutch town of Pella (about 45 minutes from Des Moines). Stop in at Jaarsma Bakery for a Dutch letter, walk through the town square, stop in at the Pella Historical Museum, and don’t forget to snap a picture in those famous clogs.
X
X-golf: Get your golfing in an indoor golf simulator. Food and beverages are available as well.
Y
Yahtzee: Okay, it doesn’t have to be Yahtzee per se, but board games are always a fun time on a cold day. Stay in or head to The Hall in West Des Moines or your favorite cafe, grab drinks, and play a board game or two.
Z
Zoo: Whether it’s the Blank Park Zoo, which offers a less crowded and unique experience in the off-season, a trip to the zoo is always memorable. Take a look at our guide to experiencing the Blank Park Zoo during the Winter months.
