Des Moines · Polk County, IA
Outdoors in Des Moines
Scout analyzed 110 Des Moines places and surfaced the ones that actually fit outdoors.
Places analyzed
110
Matches
25
Typical spend
$5
Typical visit
1.5 hr
Complete outings
Botanical Garden & East Village Sweets
Spend a delightful afternoon immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. After exploring the diverse plant collections, take a short trip to the East Village for a coffee and pastry pick-me-up. This outing offers a lovely blend of nature and local charm.
Afternoon Blooms & Southern Comfort in Des Moines
Spend a delightful afternoon immersing yourself in the beauty of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Afterward, savor creative Southern dishes at a highly-rated local spot, then unwind with a stroll along the water's edge at Robert D. Ray Asian Garden.
Botanical Garden Evening & Jazz in Downtown
Spend a magical evening exploring the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, especially enchanting as daylight fades. Afterwards, treat yourself to a dinner showcasing local flavors in Downtown Des Moines. Cap off your night with sophisticated cocktails and live jazz for a memorable local experience.
Best neighborhoods for outdoors
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Outdoors
Jester Park
Jester Park is an ideal spot for an active outdoor day, whether it's hiking, golfing, or visiting the equestrian center. Plan for a half-day to full-day visit, costing little to nothing unless renting equipment or playing golf.
Outdoors
Fort Des Moines Park
This park is suitable for a free family outing or solo stroll, offering trails, a playground, and fishing. Plan for a 1-2 hour visit, best during good weather.
Oak Park
McHenry Park
McHenry Park is a free outdoor spot for a relaxing walk or a quick family outing, ideal for an hour or two. It's a good place to visit before or after a local meal, with minimal cost.
Greater South Side
MacRae Park
MacRae Park is ideal for a free family outing, offering playground fun, tennis courts, and downtown views. Plan for an hour or two of outdoor activity, easily paired with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.
Outdoors
Des Moines Water Works Park
Des Moines Water Works Park is suitable for a free outdoor excursion, offering trails for walking or cycling, fishing, and picnic spots. Expect to spend 2-3 hours here, especially on a nice day.
Union Park
Union Park
Union Park is suitable for a 1-2 hour family outing or solo walk, especially on a nice day. Expect to spend little to nothing unless purchasing carousel rides or concessions, and parking should be easy.
Westwood
Greenwood - Ashworth Park
This park is suitable for a 2-hour family outing or a relaxed solo walk. Expect to spend nothing on entry, though a picnic might add to costs. It pairs well with other outdoor activities in the area.
Capitol Park
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
A visit to the Botanical Garden typically lasts 2-3 hours and costs around $10-15 per person for admission. It pairs well with a picnic or a nearby coffee shop visit, offering a relaxed environment for all ages.
Beaverdale
Ashby Park
Ashby Park is suitable for a 2-hour family outing, particularly on weekends, offering a playground, splash pool, and trails. It's a free outdoor activity that pairs well with packing a picnic.
Oak Park
Riverview Park
Riverview Park is good for a free, relaxed outdoor activity like walking or biking, potentially paired with a picnic. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the paths and scenery.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 22 of the 110 analyzed Des Moines places fit outdoors.
- 100% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 95% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Adventurous, Playful, Social, Quiet.
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