Attractions
in Des Moines, IA

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The city is full of hidden gems and treasures. If you’re tired of always hitting the same spots, take a look at all the options below. We showcase businesses near you where you could spend countless hours of endless fun with your entire family.

Say goodbye to the boring weekends and routine birthday parties. Think outside the box and dare to try something new. Take a look at what your city has to offer – all within driving distance of your location. You might be surprised!
Adventureland Park
Adventureland Park

(515) 266-2121

305 34th Ave NW
Altoona, IA 50009   Directions Website

There's a Raging River at Adventureland Park in Des Moines. Get wet and wild on the Splash Over, a human washing machine or the Gang Plank and Pirates Plummet, a high speed body slide that'll leave you gasping for air. Go ahead and venture out to land at over one hundred rides, shows and attractions.

Blank IMAX Dome Theater
Blank IMAX Dome Theater

(515) 274-6868

401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy
Des Moines, IA 50309   Directions Website

Get lost in the big picture at the Blank IMAX Dome Theater located in Des Moines. Sit in front of a six-story dome shaped screen surrounded by larger than life images. Listen to the smallest sound amplified in 12,000-watt digital surround sound. Watch Blockbuster sagas like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two where you'll believe you're right beside Harry!

Blank Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo

(515) 285-4722

7401 SW 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50315   Directions Website

Go on an Australian Adventure at the Blank Park Zoo located in Des Moines, and enjoy a Day Down Under with black swans and emu's. Journey the 22-acre naturalist animal Kingdom to see 104 different furry friends, and see wild exhibits and attractions like the prehistoric dinosaurs at the ZooPlex.

Brenton Skating Plaza
Brenton Skating Plaza

(515) 284-1000

520 Robert D Ray Dr
Des Moines, IA 50309   Directions Website

Enjoy family time together at the Brenton Skating Plaza, located on the Principal Riverwalk on the Des Moines River waterfront. Families spend hours on the outdoor ice rink during the winter, and attend concerts and other entertainment attractions during the summer when the rink becomes an event center.

Des Moines Art Center
Des Moines Art Center

(515) 277-4405

4700 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312   Directions Website

Art connoisseurs flock to the Des Moines Art Center to appreciate world-renowned artworks on permanent display from artists such as Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Andy Warhol and Georgia O'Keeffe. Enjoy an art museum dedicated to engaging local and international audiences through prominent paintings, sculptures, modern art and mixed media.

Des Moines Botanical Center
Des Moines Botanical Center

(515) 323-6290

909 Robert D Ray Dr
Des Moines, IA 50316   Directions Website

Calling all green thumbs to the Des Moines Botanical Center. Meander through the rows of colorful miniature rose bushes, orchids and delicate bonsai trees. Learn tips about how to make a garden grow, sprout your own fragrant herbs and start your very own terrarium.

Happy Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream
Happy Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream

(515) 270-0695

8056 Douglas Ave
Urbandale, IA 50322   Directions Website

All the toppings for fun family are at Happy Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream in West Des Moines. This pizza place is the family fun destination to order crazy pizzas like the Matador pizza or the BBQ Joe, and top it all off with funny frozen treats like the Circus Funny Face and Monkey's Favorite, made with lots of bananas and three kinds of ice cream!

National Balloon Museum
National Balloon Museum

(515) 961-3714

601 N Jefferson Way
Indianola, IA 50125   Directions Website

Set sail for the skies at The National Balloon Museum located minutes outside of Des Moines. Six thousand visitors come to the museum attraction annually to see high-flying exhibits like the Fantasia Balloon, Hot Air Airship, the Stone Family Balloons and learn about over 200 years of ballooning history.

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

(515) 994-3400

9981 Pacific St
Prairie City, IA 50228   Directions Website

See the buffalo roam at the Prairie Learning Center, gateway to the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Discover over 5,000 acres of scenic prairie tallgrass, home to herds of buffalo, pheasants as well as native wildflowers and plant life. Visit the world-class 13, 000-square-foot nature center and the Prairie Point Bookstore for memorable souvenirs of your outdoor adventure.

Salisbury House & Garden
Salisbury House & Garden

(515) 274-1777

4025 Tonawanda Dr
Des Moines, IA 50312   Directions Website

Step inside the Salisbury House & Garden in Des Moines to see grand Gothic architecture. The historic home attraction was built by a cosmetics magnate and spans twenty-two thousand square feet and has forty two rooms. Once inside you'll find over one thousand historical artifacts including exquisite furnishings, art, rare books and outside lush picturesque gardens.

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Des Moines Golf and Country Club
  • • 18 Holes
  • • Par Of 73
  • • Golf Pro Shop
(515) 440-7500
Directions Website
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