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Best and fun activities in Des Moines and west Des Moines Iowa
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items Fun activities to enjoy when you visit Des Moines Iowa! Or if you live in Des Moines and have no idea what fun activities to do, this list gives you a glimpse ideas of what Des Moines Iowa can offer you!! Welcome to Des Moines Iowa!
Fun 2026 Winter...
Map
A historic shopping and entertainment district featuring over 150 unique boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
What to know
. Year-Round Events: The district hosts popular recurring events like a Thursday night farmers' market (May-Septembe...
Valley Junction Events, Shopping, Restaurants & Farmers Market in West Des Moines - Historic Valley Junction Foundation
The state's premier shopping and dining destination, featuring a large indoor mall and an outdoor lakefront area.
What to know
. Entertainment Options: Beyond shopping and dining, enjoy a 20-screen movie theater, an interactive aquarium, arcade ga...
Jordan Creek Town Center
A large social entertainment venue with pickleball courts, lawn games, arcade games, and a full restaurant/bar.
What to know
. Additional Games: Beyond pickleball and arcade games, enjoy axe throwing, interactive party darts, shuffleboard, ping po...
Smash Park West Des Moines - Smash Park Entertainment Group
Offers extensive outdoor recreation including a swimming beach, kayak rentals, and nature trails.
Archery Facility: The park features Iowa's first public archery facility, which has 12 lanes, targets up to 40 yards away, and overhead arrow curtains...
Raccoon River Park | West Des Moines, IA - Wdm.Iowa.Gov
What to know
. Tour Details: Guided tours lasting about 75 minutes are available Fridays and Sundays at 11am and 1:30pm; tickets must be purchased in advance.
. Accessibility: Tours involve stairs to the basement and second floor, but a picture bo...
West Des Moines Historical Society : Preserving the Local History and the Heritage
Known for its striking 23-karat gold dome, it offers free guided tours of its historic architecture and law library.
Tour Options: Choose a self-guided tour anytime the building is open, or book a 90-minute guided tour which runs Monday through Satu...
Iowa State Capitol
A free, world-renowned 4.4-acre outdoor art park in downtown Des Moines featuring 28 celebrated sculptures.
Audio Tour: Use your phone to access a free audio tour with information and music from the Des Moines Symphony.
. Picnics Allowed: Picnick...
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Features a tropical conservatory dome and extensive outdoor gardens. In January 2026, it is hosting the Botanical Blues live music series every Sunday.
Year-Round Oasis: The conservatory maintains a balmy temperature, providing a warm, tropical esca...
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
An interactive museum ideal for families, offering hands-on exhibits and a planetarium.
Science Center of Iowa
A year-round zoo that features indoor exhibits like the Discovery Center, which is particularly popular during winter visits.
Indoor Activities: Explore the Play + Do area open through March. Engage in hands-on STEM camps when schools are out.
Behi...
Blank Park Zoo
Known for its striking 23-karat gold dome, it offers free guided tours of its historic architecture and law library
Tour Options: Choose a self-guided tour anytime the building is open, or book a 90-minute guided tour which runs Monday through Satur...
Iowa State Capitol
Ranked nationally, this seasonal market runs on Saturdays from May through October in the Historic Court District.
Downtown Farmers' Market in Des Moines, Iowa