Fun Activities to Do with Your Kids in Des Moines

It can sometimes be tricky finding activities that are appropriate for kids but still entertaining for adults. Fortunately, Des Moines has several places that offer fun for the whole family. Make a date with your kids and head out to one of these nearby venues.

Science Center of Iowa
401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway

Any activity that makes education fun for kids is a plus. If you're not careful, you might learn something yourself at the Science Center. SCI uses live programs, demonstrations and interactive exhibits to make science accessible for all ages. The Star Theater features planetarium shows exploring our universe while fascinating documentaries and the occasional sci-fi movie are screened in the IMAX Dome. Your family can enjoy a unique treat with one of the Overnight Adventures, open to everyone age 6 and over.

Glow Golf
6925 Mills Civic Parkway

What's more fun than a lively game of miniature golf? How about miniature golf with balls, putters and obstacles that glow in the dark? Play a game to see who gets bragging rights in the family. Glow Golf also features a laser maze where you try to maneuver through a web of beams before the clock runs out.

Iowa Cubs @ Principal Park
One Line Drive

See the major league stars of tomorrow when you catch an Iowa Cubs game at Principal Park in downtown Des Moines. The Cubs are a Triple-A affiliate of their namesake team in Chicago. Principal Park is located at the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers and features views of the State Capital and the downtown area. Many games include kid-friendly promotions and events such as after-game fireworks and running the bases.

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
4051 Dean Avenue

Sleepy Hollow is a year-round treasure trove of sports. During the summer you can enjoy activities including go-karts, a climbing wall, sand volleyball, batting cages and bumper boats. Hit the slopes in winter for skiing, snowboarding, tubing and sledding. Activities are available a la carte or in a variety of combo packages.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray Drive

More than 1,000 varieties of plants are on view in the domed Botanical Garden. See a desert garden featuring cacti, agave and yucca, and a tropical garden with star fruit trees and traveler's palm. Paintings and sculptures add to the visual experience throughout the Garden. Relax on the Bonsai Terrace over food and beverages from Trellis, the Garden's in-house café.

What activities do you and your family enjoy together? Tell us in the comments!