Experience · Des Moines

Des Moines Science & Playground Fun

Start your day with a quick coffee before heading to the Science Center of Iowa for hours of interactive exploration. After working up an appetite, enjoy a casual and family-friendly lunch. Conclude your day with some outdoor play at a nearby park, ensuring a full day of fun and learning for the whole family.

A 6-hour Downtown Des Moines full_day plan for families — Horizon Line Coffee, Science Center of Iowa, Buzzard Billy’s.

Duration: 6 hrs
Cost: $50–$90
Stops: 3 stops
Area: Downtown Des Moines
Walking: Moderate walking · Total 1.3-mile driving route
Ideal for: Families · Kids · Friends

Start Plan

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The plan

1Horizon Line Coffee(30 min)→
2Science Center of Iowa(3 hrs)→
3Buzzard Billy’s(1 hr)

Why this plan works

Every stop sits in Downtown Des Moines, so the whole plan happens inside one neighborhood. Science Center of Iowa is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Buzzard Billy’s — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, and friends who want a planned Des Moines outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
30 min
Horizon Line Coffee
Food & Drink · Downtown Des Moines
Bright industrial-chic eatery serving premium coffee, tea & mocktails in reusable containers.
What to do — Order your favorite coffee or tea and a pastry to go, or enjoy a quick moment in their industrial-chic setting.
0.8 mi · 16 min walk or 5 min drive
Then The Science Center of Iowa is just a short walk away, making for an easy transition.
2
3 hrs
Science Center of Iowa
Arts & Culture · Downtown Des Moines
Science-focused interactive galleries & learning labs plus a planetarium & IMAX cinema.
What to do — Spend several hours exploring all the interactive exhibits, catching a planetarium show, or watching an educational film in the IMAX theater. This is a hands-on experience for all ages.
Scout Side Quest
Find an exhibit with buttons, dials, or levers. Everyone has to invent what the machine secretly does when nobody is looking.
0.5 mi · 10 min walk or 4 min drive
Then Walk a few blocks towards the river for a casual family lunch.
3
Optional 1 hr
Buzzard Billy’s
Food & Drink · Downtown Des Moines
Roomy, laid-back eatery featuring food with Louisiana roots, TVs to catch the game & a deck.
What to do — Find a table and enjoy a casual meal. Their roomy setting and diverse menu make it a great spot for families.
Scout Side Quest
Scan the walls and ceiling. First person to spot three completely unrelated objects wins.

Scout Stories

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The route

On the map

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Des Moines itinerary for families?: Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, and friends and runs about 6 hrs across 3 stops, starting at Horizon Line Coffee.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 6 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Des Moines itinerary cost?: Roughly $50–$90 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 1.3 miles of walking in total.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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