Des Moines · Polk County, IA
Family things to do in Des Moines
Scout analyzed 110 Des Moines places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
110
Matches
24
Typical spend
$25
Typical visit
1.5 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.
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
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.
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.
Downtown Des Moines
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a casual British pub, good for a relaxed meal or drinks. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $20-45 per person on pub fare and beverages.
Food & Drink
Lachele's Fine Foods
Lachele's is a casual spot for burgers and hot dogs, suitable for a quick meal with friends or family. Expect to spend 45 minutes and $10-25 per person on food and a drink.
Outdoors
Yellow Banks Park
Yellow Banks Park is suitable for a 3-hour outing focused on hiking, views, and nature. It can be paired with a picnic and typically costs minimal entrance fees, with higher costs for camping.
Greater South Side
Gray's Lake Park
Gray's Lake Park offers a relaxing outdoor experience, perfect for a walk or boat rental. It makes a good standalone activity for 1-2 hours, with costs ranging from free to about $20 per person for rentals.
East Village
Scenic Route Bakery
Scenic Route Bakery is a good spot for a casual breakfast or lunch with coffee and pastries, or a quick stop to pick up baked goods. Expect to spend an hour and $10-25 per person.
Bloomfield/Allen
Ewing Park
Ewing Park is a free destination for a casual family outing or solo walk, offering playgrounds and disc golf. Plan for 1-2 hours of outdoor activity, best paired with good weather.
Downtown Des Moines
Buzzard Billy’s
Buzzard Billy's is a casual spot for Louisiana-style food, ideal for a family meal or watching a game. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $15-$35 per person for food and a drink.
Bloomfield/Allen
Easter Lake Park
Easter Lake Park is a good destination for a 2-3 hour outdoor activity, such as walking, fishing, or picnicking. Expect to spend little to no money unless renting equipment or purchasing snacks.
Outdoors
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, offering trails and scenic views for all ages. Expect to spend little to no money on entrance fees, though some activities like fishing or boating may incur costs.
Woodland Heights
Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure
This coffee shop is ideal for a solo work session, a casual meet-up, or a relaxed breakfast. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $5-$15 per person for coffee and a meal.
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 family.
- 38% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 60% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Scenic, Adventurous, Educational.
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