Grab Your Partner: Morning Dates in Des Moines, Iowa
My husband had the day off work and as we were getting our boys ready for school, we realized we could enjoy a morning date! This was something new and meant we could consider different possibilities.
Morning dates can bring a more relaxing vibe whether you’re looking to eat a leisurely breakfast and enjoy your coffee while it’s still warm (I can’t tell you how many times I reheat mine), browse books, or look at artwork, take a class, or enjoy a stroll. Another benefit of a morning date is the potential lower cost (breakfast versus dinner) and if you can get away on a weekday, everything is less crowded. Check out these morning date ideas and learn about the date my husband and I tried!
Check out these other fun date ideas in Des Moines, Iowa:
- Date Night at Zoo Brew in Des Moines
- 25 Date Night Ideas in Des Moines
- Best Spring and Summer Date Ideas in Des Moines
- Winter Date Night Ideas in Des Moines
Dates don’t have to be dinner and a movie. They can include breakfast and a fun activity too! There are many great breakfast places around the metro (read more here) and here are some ways to pair them with nearby morning activities for a seamless date experience.
1. Homegrown and Smash Park
I wanted to try Homegrown after their West Des Moines location opened. After a short wait, we enjoyed eggs benedict and thick French toast. And this time I got to drink my coffee while it was hot! I’ll bring our boys next time as they would love the French toast too.
I love to try new things and be competitive, so we decided to go to Smash Park. On Mondays, they have select activities, bites, and drinks for $5. Dart throwing is available in the mornings, so we paid $5 for the hour. Despite being horribly inaccurate, I won the miniature golf dart game much to my husband’s amusement. We then played a competitive game of ping pong.
If you enjoy being active, rent a morning pickleball court but reserve early as they fill up quickly.
2. La Mie Bakery and Restaurant and Des Moines Botanical Garden
La Mie makes some of my favorite pastries including caramel rolls, chocolate croissants, ham and cheese croissants, quiche, and more.
After breakfast, drive a few minutes away to the Des Moines Botanical Garden to enjoy a nature walk surrounded by beautiful plants. The Botanical Garden is perfect for winter dates as it’s nice and warm inside and in summer you can explore their outdoor gardens.
3. Mullets and Grays Lake
Grab some Bloody Marys and breakfast burritos at Mullets in Des Moines.
Then drive 7 minutes to Gray’s Lake to stroll the 1.9-mile loop or rent a watercraft like a canoe or double kayak in the summer.
4. Waveland Café and Des Moines Art Center
Enjoy classic breakfast fare and the “best hashbrowns in the galaxy” with sauteed onions, peppers ham, tomatoes, mushrooms, and topped with melted American cheese.
Next, drive 5 minutes to the Des Moines Art Center to enjoy their art collection and tours. Admission is free. In the spring when flowers are starting to bloom, explore the 4.5 acre Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden at Greenwood Park located behind the center.
Try a coffee date paired with a bookstore or art activity for a relaxing and creative morning.
1. Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure and Pappajohn Sculpture Park or Mainframe Studios
Enjoy coffee that is small-batched and roasted on-site with varieties from around the world. They are also known for their fluffy, steamed eggs.
Next, explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park downtown with more than 30 works.
If you prefer something inside, head to Mainframe Studios to view their current exhibits and talk to artists. Check out their website for workshops.
Bonus: On Saturdays in May through October, stroll through the Downtown Farmer’s Market supporting local farmers, growers, and entrepreneurs from all over the state.
2. Coffee Cats Café and shopping in Valley Junction
Cat lovers rejoice with a cup of coffee and visit the cat lounge to meet feline friends up for adoption from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Reserve a session as spots are limited. On Saturday mornings they host Yoga with Cats (check their website for current schedule).
Afterward, grab a pastry at Nans Nummies and browse the shops in Valley Junction including antique shops, clothing stores, and other local offerings. Visit the Candle Bar DSM (opens at 11 a.m.) to create your perfect candle, diffuser, or room spray.
3. Daisy Chain Coffee and Storyhouse Bookpub
Visit this specialty coffee and local honey shop for a Miel (a latte with Daniel Bee’s honey and cinnamon) or Cortado (equal parts espresso and steamed milk).
Then browse Raygun for a new local shirt and walk to Storyhouse Bookpub to pick out books for each other. Check their website for author events.
Bonus: Order a cinnamon roll at Cinnaholic and continue shopping in East Village.
