Des Moines · Polk County, IA
Cheap things to do in Des Moines
Scout analyzed 110 Des Moines places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.
Places analyzed
110
Matches
24
Typical spend
$25
Typical visit
1.3 hr
Scout-verified spots
Downtown Des Moines
the LiFT
This is a good spot for evening drinks, particularly specialty martinis and craft beer, in a dimly lit setting with local art. Expect to spend 1.5-3 hours and $15-35 per person.
Sherman Hill
Hoyt Sherman Place
Hoyt Sherman Place is ideal for an evening out to see a performance or visit the art gallery. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets typically range from $30-$100 per person.
Downtown Des Moines
Tipsy Crow Tavern
Tipsy Crow Tavern is a casual bar & grill serving American fare and drinks, often bustling, particularly on its patio. Expect to spend 1-2 hours for food and drinks, costing around $20-$50 per person.
Food & Drink
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Cooper's Hawk is ideal for a dinner date or a special occasion, pairing well with a relaxed evening out. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and roughly $35-$75 per person, not including wine tastings.
Westwood
Either/Or
Either/Or is a casual restaurant, suitable for a meal as part of a solo outing or a relaxed date. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-35 per person for food.
Outdoors
Brown's Woods
Brown's Woods is a free park best for a 1-2 hour hike or nature walk, ideal for a casual family outing or solo exploration. It pairs well with a picnic or a drive to a nearby cafe afterward.
Outdoors
Big Creek State Park
Big Creek State Park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor escape, offering hiking, fishing, and boating. It's a low-cost option for families or solo adventurers looking to connect with nature.
Outdoors
Walnut Woods State Park
Walnut Woods State Park is good for an outdoor escape, offering trails and river access. Expect to spend a few hours exploring the natural landscape, with costs varying from free entry to a few dollars for activities like fishing or renting equipment.
East Village
Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
This garden is ideal for a peaceful outdoor stroll, taking about an hour. It costs nothing to enter and can be paired with a picnic or other downtown Des Moines activities.
Union Park
Birdland Park
Birdland Park is a good spot for a few hours outdoors, offering trails and lake views. It's suitable for a cheap family outing or a solo walk, and you might spend up to $5 for small snacks or drinks if available. Consider reserving shelters for group gatherings.
Arts & Culture
Living History Farms
This is a good half-day outing for families interested in Iowa's agricultural history, with a mix of outdoor walking and indoor exhibits. Expect to spend $10-20 per person for admission.
Downtown Des Moines
Cowles Commons
Cowles Commons is a good spot for a free, relaxed outdoor break, potentially featuring public art. It works as a quick stop to pair with downtown activities, typically lasting an hour with no cost.
Merle Hay
The Slime Kitchen Des Moines
The Slime Kitchen is a hands-on activity for kids, suitable for a 1-hour visit. It's a low-cost, playful outing, ideal for pairing with a meal or shopping nearby.
Downtown Des Moines
Hello, Marjorie
Hello, Marjorie is a '70s-themed cocktail bar, ideal for an evening drink after dinner or as a standalone social outing. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $30-70 per person on drinks and maybe a snack.
Wellness
Lympha Spa & Massage
Lympha Spa & Massage is suitable for a solo wellness break or a special occasion. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $80-$150 for a typical service.
Wellness
Maple Spa & Massage
Maple Spa & Massage is suitable for a relaxing solo treatment or a shared wellness experience. Expect a visit of about an hour, costing roughly $70-$150 per person.
Downtown Des Moines
Bubba
Bubba is suitable for a dinner outing, particularly for southern food and whiskey enthusiasts. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-75 per person for food and drinks, with potential for patio seating in good weather.
Food & Drink
The Coffeesmith
The Coffeesmith is a good spot for a casual solo or small group visit, ideal for a quick coffee break or light snack. Expect to spend 45 minutes and $5-15 per person.
East Village
Daisy Chain Coffee
This coffee shop is suitable for a quick solo stop or a casual meet-up, typically lasting about 30 minutes. Expect to spend $5-$10 per person for a drink and a light snack.
Oak Park
Chicago Speakeasy
This steakhouse and supper club offers a Prohibition-era ambiance with live music, suitable for a 2-hour evening outing. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for food and drinks, making it a good choice for special evenings.
Downtown Des Moines
801 Chophouse
This fine dining chophouse is ideal for a celebratory dinner or a formal date night, typically lasting 1.5-2 hours. Expect to spend $100-$250 per person for a full meal and drinks.
Food & Drink
Harbinger
Harbinger is an upscale American restaurant best suited for an evening meal or special occasion. Expect a focused menu, craft cocktails, and a meal lasting about 1.5-2 hours, with a per-person spend of $75-$150.
Beaverdale
Christopher's
Christopher's is a solid dinner spot for Italian and American fare, suitable for a relaxed evening meal with family or friends. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $30-60 per person for an entree and drinks.
Outdoors
Raccoon River Park
Raccoon River Park is suitable for a few hours of outdoor recreation, offering sports fields, a swimming beach, fishing, and nature trails. It's a low-cost option for a family outing or solo adventure, especially on weekends.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 110 analyzed Des Moines places fit cheap day out.
- 27% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 53% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Scenic, Playful, Quiet, Upscale.
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in Des Moines
Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Des Moines.
See what's bookable in Des Moines(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
Make it a night out
Staying over in Des Moines?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Des Moines — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
Find places to stay in Des Moines(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.