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things to do with kindergarten kids in DSM
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items Now that my kiddo is in kindergarten, we’ve been branching out into more ‘big kid’ adventures in Des Moines. These are our go-to spots that mix fun, movement, and learning — perfect for weekends, after school, or days off.
Map
Sections
4
🐒 Animals + Nature
🎨 Learning + Play Indoors
🚂 Quick Adventures
🍦 Sweet Stops
🐒 Animals + Nature
Inside has touch-and-learn exhibits, and outside there’s a natural playscape with climbing logs and sand. We always check out the bison and elk nearby too.
Jester Park Natural Playscape
Super interactive for kindergartners — they can see how people cooked, farmed, and lived long ago. Mine loves the farm animals and old-fashioned houses. 🐐
Living History Farms
This playground is wild in the best way — sensory stations, cool stuff to climb / touch, all right by nature. My kid asks to go here constantly.
Raccoon River Park
This is one of our favorite summer stops — the splash pad keeps kids busy for ages, and there’s a nice playground right next to it. It’s not huge, but that’s part of the charm because I can actually keep an eye on my kid without chasing in circles. W...
Ashby Park
I like bringing my kid here because it feels peaceful but there’s still stuff to see & touch. The flowers, the greenhouse … they make us both slow down. 🌺
Des Moines Botanical Garden
Still a favorite! We can make it through in a morning, see the giraffes, and hit the playground before heading home. It’s the perfect size for kids who can walk but still want lots to see. 🦒
Blank Park Zoo
🎨 Learning + Play Indoors
Hands down my son’s favorite place to be!! Great mix of hands-on experiments, water play, and a planetarium show if your kid can sit through it. The building blocks area is always a win 🥇
Science Center of Iowa
Pretend play heaven — grocery store, vet clinic, climbing space. It’s small enough to feel manageable, but big enough to keep them busy for a couple hours 🧠
Des Moines Children's Museum
Not everything’s kid-proof, but it’s free and surprisingly fun if you frame it as a ‘scavenger hunt for colors and shapes.’ They love feeling like big kids exploring a real museum. 🎨
Des Moines Art Center
One of our favorite easy outings — we go for storytime or just to pick out new books. My kid always ends up making a friend or two in the play area. Bonus: any Iowa resident can get a library card, so it’s such an easy (and free!) way to keep fresh b...
Des Moines Public Library
🚂 Quick Adventures
A couple of $1 rides and they’re thrilled. We usually pair it with playground time right next door. 🎠
Heritage Carousel (Union Park)
Perfect for grabbing snacks, people watching, and maybe a balloon animal. Mine loves the music and street performers.
Downtown Farmers' Market in Des Moines, Iowa
Great for scooters or little bikes — smooth paths, cool bridges, and sometimes fountains to splash around 🚲
Principal Riverwalk
🍦 Sweet Stops
Classic summer stop. My kid goes straight for the rainbow sprinkle cone 🍨
Snookie’s Malt Shop
Small shop, fun flavors. We split a scoop and it feels like a treat after downtown outings.
Black Cat Ice Cream Valley Junction
My son is obsessed with their hot chocolate — it’s always his treat when we go. He also loves the gumball machine by the door (we never leave without a quarter). For me, the Sputnik latte is a repeat fave — strong but so smooth. Easy stop when we nee...
Mars Cafe