Top Family Vacation Spots in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Blank Park Zoo
A diverse zoo with over 140 species including polar bears, elephants and gorillas. A great place for family interaction through various events and programs.
- Variety of Animals: Offers a wide range of exotic and native animals
- Interactive Programs: Provides educational programs that engage families in animal conservation efforts
- Special Events: Hosts special events throughout the year, like Boo at the Zoo and Zoominescape
2. Des Moines Art Center
Houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Offers interactive exhibits for kids.
- Art Education: Provides educational programs for children to learn about various art forms
- Interactive Exhibits: Features hands-on exhibits that encourage creativity and exploration
- Community Engagement: Collaborates with the community for events like Art Night and Family Day
3. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
A tranquil oasis featuring various gardens, including a children's garden with interactive exhibits.
- Variety of Gardens: Offers multiple themed gardens showcasing diverse plant life
- Children's Garden: Provides a safe and educational space for children to learn about plants
- Seasonal Events: Hosts seasonal events like the Fall Festival and Winter Lights
4. Science Center of Iowa
A science museum with interactive exhibits exploring various scientific principles.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on activities that make learning fun and engaging
- Planetarium Shows: Provides planetarium shows about space exploration and the universe
- Special Events: Hosts special events like Science After Hours and SCI on Ice
5. Des Moines Children's Museum
An interactive museum designed for children with exhibits focused on creativity, learning, and fun.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on activities that encourage creativity and exploration
- Artistic Activities: Features art studios for kids to create their own masterpieces
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs focusing on various topics like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
6. Adventureland Park
A classic amusement park with thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and a waterpark.
- Thrill Rides: Features heart-pounding roller coasters for adrenaline junkies
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Offers rides suitable for the whole family to enjoy together
- Waterpark: Includes a waterpark with slides, pools, and wave pool for summer fun
7. Jesse Walling White Capitol Building
A beautiful, historic building that offers free guided tours and educational programs.
- Historical Significance: Showcases the history of Iowa through exhibits and guided tours
- Architectural Beauty: Features stunning architecture, including ornate ceilings and marble walls
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs focusing on government and Iowa history
8. Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
A unique combination of live horse racing, a casino, and dining options.
- Live Horse Racing: Hosts live horse races for a thrilling experience
- Casino Gaming: Offers casino games like slots, poker, and blackjack
- Dining Options: Provides a variety of dining choices, including fine dining and casual options
9. Iowa State Fairgrounds
A large event venue that hosts the Iowa State Fair and other events throughout the year.
- Annual Events: Hosts the Iowa State Fair, one of the largest fairs in the country
- Variety of Attractions: Offers attractions like concerts, exhibits, food vendors, and rides
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational programs and demonstrations during events
10. Dallas County Fairgrounds
A smaller event venue that hosts fairs, concerts, and other family-friendly events.
- Local Events: Hosts events that showcase local talent and culture
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Offers attractions suitable for families, like rides, games, and food vendors
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational programs and demonstrations during events
11. Des Moines Farmers Market
A large, vibrant market featuring fresh produce, local goods, and entertainment.
- Fresh Produce: Offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers
- Local Goods: Features products from local artisans, including crafts, food, and clothing
- Entertainment: Offers live music and performances during the market
12. Grey's Lake Park
A picturesque park with a lake, walking trails, and picnic areas for family outings.
- Scenic Lake: Offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscape
- Walking Trails: Provides walking trails for exercise and exploring nature
- Picnic Areas: Features picnic areas for family gatherings and outdoor meals
13. Raccoon River Park
A large park along the Raccoon River with walking trails, picnic areas, and a splash pad.
- Scenic River Views: Offers stunning views of the Raccoon River
- Walking Trails: Provides walking trails for exercise and exploring nature
- Splash Pad: Features a splash pad for kids to cool off during the summer
14. Aquatic Center at James C. Geddes Park
An outdoor water park with pools, slides, and a lazy river for summer fun.
- Water Slides: Offers thrilling water slides for all ages
- Pools and Lazy River: Features pools, a lazy river, and a diving board for various swimming activities
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Provides a safe and fun environment for families to enjoy together
15. Salisbury House and Gardens
A historic mansion with stunning gardens and art exhibits.
- Historical Mansion: Offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy family during the early 20th century
- Stunning Gardens: Features beautiful gardens with a variety of plants and flowers
- Art Exhibits: Displays art exhibitions from various artists throughout the year