What to Do in Des Moines for an Unforgettable Experience

Tired of vacationing in tourist-packed cities teeming with annoying crowds and plagued by traffic? It’s time to discover Des Moines! Often overlooked in lieu of other Midwest destinations like Minneapolis and St. Louis, Iowa’s capital city is just a five-hour drive from Chicago and offers a serene escape for those seeking a stress-free holiday away from the usual tourist gimmicks.

But what can you do in Des Moines? Why is it such a great option for your weekend getaway? The answer is simple: this charming city offers an array of engaging activities for you and your family. 

Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you that Des Moines has something in store for everyone. Stunning views? Absolutely. Delicious restaurants? Check. Mesmerising cultural attractions? Sure. Outdoor adventure spots? Of course!

Let’s explore the vibrant entertainment scene of Iowa’s capital city together and uncover all the fun attractions awaiting you!

Popular Family-Friendly Attractions in Des Moines

Adventureland Resort

Few destinations are as thrilling as Adventureland Resort, also known as “The Home of Iowa’s Best Thrills.” Every day, thousands of people from across the state and beyond flock to Altoona to explore Adventureland Resort, spend a fun vacation, and create unforgettable memories.

This premier amusement park boasts a wide variety of family-friendly rides and attractions, two top-tier accommodation facilities, and an impressive selection of dining venues. If you decide to visit our tranquil city, you can’t miss the chance to have the time of your life at Adventureland!

What to do

For generations, Adventureland Resort has been a must-visit destination in Des Moines. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to a delightful array of tamer rides, this amusement park offers something to suit every taste. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or prefer a more relaxed experience, Adventureland has it all.

Attractions for the families

Planning a trip to Adventureland Resort with your children? You’ll find dozens of rides available for young kids—they can enjoy almost everything the park has to offer. Here’s a fantastic combination of two fan-favorite attractions that will give the little ones a taste of the thrilling adventures this premier amusement park provides!

Flying Viking

Are your kids ready to enjoy their very first roller coaster experience? Hop on the Flying Viking, a 50-foot tall ride designed for all ages that travels over 1,300 feet at 26 mph. Boasting a spectacular custom layout brimming with twists, turns, and drops, this ride intertwines and interacts with the adjacent log flume ride, the Draken Falls.

Draken Falls

Once you’ve conquered the “land” part of the Viking journey, it’s time to embark on a “sea” adventure. The Draken Falls is a log flume ride that takes the whole family on a daring journey through cascading waterfalls and promises plenty of laughter and splashes along the way with its unexpected twists and turns.

Adventure Bay

Worried that the weather might be too hot for your visit to the park? Don’t stress out! Your admission ticket to Adventureland Park grants you access to the gigantic water park within the grounds of the amusement park: Adventure Bay.

Relax in the Breaker Beach Wave Pool, the largest wave pool in Iowa; explore Kokomo Kove, a multilevel play structure with several slides and sprayers. And there’s so much more waiting for you at the best place in Des Moines to cool off from the summer heat!

Des Moines Art Center

Since its grand opening in 1984, the Des Moines Art Center has collected over 5,000 artworks from the 19th century to the present. Throughout the year, the museum features several special exhibitions in its spacious main gallery while showcasing its permanent collection through print and photography shows, video galleries, and installations organized both chronologically and thematically.

Since the Art Center prioritizes quality over quantity, you’ll find a signature example of each artist’s work. Highlights include Claude Monet’s Rocher du Lion, Rochers à Belle-Île (1886), Georgia O’Keeffe’s From the Lake No. 1 (1924), Edward Hopper’s Automat (1927), Andy Warhol’s Electric Chair (1971), and Wangechi Mutu’s Water Woman (2017), among other famous art pieces.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Gray’s Lake Park

Located just southwest of downtown, Gray’s Lake Park is an extensive 166.6-acre park home to the famous Gray’s Lake, which was formed as an oxbow lake of the Racoon River. Attracting over 1 million visitors each year, it’s considered the most popular and frequented recreation area in Des Moines.

Park Features

Gray’s Lake spans 96 acres and covers most of Gray’s Lake Park’s extension. However, this destination offers more than just a bunch of water: it also features a 1.9-mile-long hiking trail that encompasses the lake and a 1,400-foot-long pedestrian bridge that connects two sections of that path.

Family-Friendly Activities

In addition to its ample open space for picnicking and exploration, Gray’s Lake Park boasts a lovely sandy beach on the west side of the lake, perfect for cooling off during the summer. The park also features an accessible playground with swings for the little ones and a boat rental for fishing enthusiasts. With so many activities, no one can get bored!

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Open to visitors since September 2009, John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park boasts one of the most significant collections of sculptures in the United States. Set in a 4.4-acre park, this exhibition is open daily from dawn to dusk, inviting anyone art-lover to explore it. Let’s see what it has to offer!

Sculpture Highlights

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park features over 30 sculptures created by 25 of the world’s most celebrated artists. Among its signature pieces is the iconic Nomade (2007) by Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa, a 27-foot-tall human form made of a latticework of steel letters, and Yoshitomo Nara’s whimsical White Ghost (2010), a fusion of a child and a dog.

Accessibility and Events

If you visit Des Moines during summer, don’t miss the Des Moines Art Festival! This esteemed festival celebrates art and culture by hosting 190 of the nation’s top artists in a beautiful urban street setting surrounding the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Anyone can enjoy this festival, with almost the entire park being wheelchair-friendly and guided tours available for non- or low-sighted individuals.

Cultural and Historical Destinations

Iowa State Capitol

Looking for a taste of history? The Iowa State Capitol is the place to go! Also known as the Iowa Statehouse, this century-old building is the seat of the Iowa General Assembly and the only five-domed capitol in the country. And if its majestic domes don’t leave you in awe, the breathtaking mural painting Westward and the massive model of the battleship USS Iowa certainly will!

Salisbury House and Gardens

Are you in for a cultural experience? Visit Salisbury House and Garden. This historic manor with over 40 rooms was built a century ago and is now open to the public. Explore the property on your own or take a guided tour to uncover its rich history and admire its impressive art, furniture, and musical instrument collections.

Des Moines Civic Center

Since June 1979, Des Moines Civic Center has grown to be the cornerstone of the city’s arts and culture scene. Thanks to its excellent acoustics and sight lines, this venue is the perfect place to experience a touring Broadway performance, a spectacular concert, or a fun family show. Purchase your tickets now to secure your seat at one of the nation’s leading theaters!

Local Dining Experiences

Did you know that Des Moines is home to some of the most delicious and unique cuisines in the state? From classic barbecue specialties like brisket and pulled pork served at Jethro’s BBQ, to more exotic dishes like Vietnamese-style bahn mi sandwiches from A Dong Restaurant and Italian Salmone alla Riviera and Spaghettini Scarpara from The Latin King, there’s something to delight every foodie in this vibrant city!

Outdoor Adventures and Sports

Raccoon River Park

Often referred to as “the crown jewel” of the West Des Moines parks system, the Racoon River Park spans 631.61 acres and offers a variety of recreational experiences, including a soccer complex, a fishing pier, and an archery facility. Not in the mood for sports? Take a leisurely walk along the 3.2-mile nature trail around Blue Heron Lake or enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.

Principal Park

Ready to meet the home field of the International League’s Iowa Cubs? Say hello to Principal Park, a baseball stadium nestled at the confluence of the Des Moines River and the Raccoon River. If you’re a passionate sports enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to grab a snack from the Cub Club restaurant and watch a local baseball match from one of the stadium’s 11,500 comfortable seats!

Create Lasting Memories in Des Moines!

Now that you’ve seen all that Des Moines has to offer, it’s time to plan your trip! Secure your stay at the charming Adventureland Inn and explore the thrilling array of family-friendly rides and attractions at Adventureland and Adventure Bay.

Then, savor the most delicious food downtown and visit some of the city’s hidden gems: admire art at the captivating Des Moines Art Center, play soccer at the picturesque Raccoon River Park, and immerse yourself in local culture at the enchanting Salisbury House and Gardens. Experience endless fun in Des Moines and make your vacation truly unforgettable!