I'm constantly complaining that there is nothing to do in Des Moines. In the winter, this gets even worse for me! I don't know why I feel like the cold is an excuse for boredom! I searched multiple blogs, tourism sites, and facebook pages to put together this massive list of activities. Some of them you have probably heard of, but I had no idea what was out there! Prices vary, so please look into each before getting your heart set on something. Some of them are pricier/special occasion experiences but some are free or under $5! I really tried to stay in the Des Moines metro area. Full Disclaimer - I have only been to a small handful of these so please don't consider them recommendations, but just a list to get the creative juices flowing :)
For Kiddos & Families
Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines Play House
Iowa Wolves & Iowa Wild Games
Jester Park Nature Center - they also have outdoor equipment you can rent if you want to brave the cold!
ICU Paintball - indoors
Escape Room - they also have laser tag!
Pole Position Raceway in Grimes - go-karts!
Bass Pro Shops - Fish Feeding
The Operating Room – Pinball Bar Arcade, kids are welcome select hours!
Backyard Adventures of Iowa - Open play in the show room daily (FREE)
Pioneer Columbus Community Center - Imagination Playschool - for kiddos under 7 - climbing tower, imagination playground, big wheels, play houses, tumbling mats, and gymnastics. ($1.50!!!)
Des Moines Children's Museum
Molly's cupcakes - cupcake decorating class (they have one just for adults too!)
Botanical Center - all sorts of fun classes
Smash Park - indoor pickle ball, shuffle board, ping pong, etc.
Grown-Up Fun :)
Sleepy Hollow - night sledding and drinks?! Uh yes please.
Gun Range - Range Masters, Crossroads
Golf Range - The Range, Broheim's
Civic center - Ballet, plays, comedy, musicals, etc.
Des Moines Social Club - So many fun and unique classes, exhibits, etc.
Des Moines Art Center - FREE, then take a walk in the frozen Rose Garden out back!
Glass Blowing Class - JJ Gaffers
Confluence - Game nights, trivia, etc.
The Hall - trivia, all kinds of fun activities
Gateway Dance - Take a dance class!
Bottle and Botega - Painting or Crafts + wine/drinks :)
Jasper Winery - Winery tasting, sometimes they hold events too!
Open Mic Night at Java Joes - comedy! Cheap, $5 at the door
West End Salvage - shop or just look around at all of the cool stuff
Cooking with Allesandra Cooking class
Fleur Cinema - usually some unique films plus they have food and adult beverages :)
Axe Throwing - Lumber Axe, Ironside
HUSH - Silent Disco club
Wooly's
Noce Jazz
Girls Night/Day Out
Club B-Fit - pole dancing classes, fun with a big group. But seriously hard work!
Bliss Nails & Bar - full service bar and salon
Spa Day - Coach Light Clinic and Spa, INCREDIBLY relaxing
Jewelry Making Class with 1st Ave Collective
Cooking classes at Williams & Sonoma
Aveda Institute - Go get a massage or your make-up done, its so much cheaper here!
Des Moines New Age Shop & Community Center - tarot card readings, classes...a little out there but could be fun??
For all my Fellow Nerds
Iowa Tour Company - True Crime Walking Tour, Beer Tour, Food tour
State historical museum
Jordan House Museum - All about the underground railroad in Iowa
Science Center of Iowa - Mixology Night, Café Sci
Blank Park Zoo - Conservation Speaker Series
Terrace Hill, State Capitol tours
Celebrate! Innovation - Free museum and activities involving technology. Some older kids would enjoy this as well!
Every public library has tons of events and activities - check out your local library today!
Get Active!
Social Run at Fleet Feet - weekly group runs!
Natavi Swim School in Grimes - Stand up paddle board yoga indoors
DM Yoga - first class is free!
Climb Iowa - Rock Climbing, two locations
Capitol Row - Head to a rowing class for a good time and a good workout
Cirque Wonderland - Classes in ground acrobatics, static trapeze, aerial hoop, aerial fabric, cirque fitness, and aerial flexibility.
Run a road race - St. Pattys day is always a fun one!
So get out there and have a blast! Winter won't last forever, and these activities should make it fly by!
XOXO,
Em the Wandering Blonde