Things to Do with Kids in Des Moines

There are plenty of things to do with kids in Des Moines for parents looking to entertain the little ones. Here are some suggestions for things to do with kids in Des Moines.

Adventureland
This amusement park, located just outside of Des Moines in Altoon, Iowa, is most famous for its four roller coasters, including two wooden coasters, the Outlaw and the Tornado. In addition, Adventureland has more than 100 rides, shows and attractions. If children aren't yet tall enough to ride the big thrill rides with grown-ups, there is a full complement of children's rides spread throughout the park.

Brenton Skating Plaza
Skaters of all ages can enjoy this outdoor rink from November to March. Located along the Des Moines River waterfront in downtown Des Moines, the rink holds up to 220 skaters and powerful lighting provides a blue glow that's perfect for nighttime skating. If you don't have your own equipment, the rink rents both figure and hockey skates. During the summer, the rink transforms into an outdoor event center for concerts and other community events.

Science Center of Iowa
This creative learning center opened in 2005, mesmerizing children with a variety of shows and exhibits, including crazy chemistry demonstrations, encounters with reptiles and amphibians and cool uses of dry ice and liquid nitrogen. Hands-on activities are stationed throughout the building that will show kids how hair can stand on end with electricity and paper helicopters can fly six stories through the air. In addition, an Imax dome theater and planetarium offer regular shows.

Living History Farms
This 500-acre outdoor museum will show children how the prairies of Iowa have been transformed into some of the world's most productive farmland over hundreds of years. Living History Farms is divided into three distinct farms from various periods -- the 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, the 1850 Pioneer Farm and the 1900 Horse-Powered Farm -- as well as the 1875 Town of Walnut Hill with a blacksmith, general store, print shop and the historic Flynn mansion and barn.

The Playgound for Kids
This playground is a huge indoor space devoted to inflatable bounce house structures, slippery slides and a treehouse facility outfitted with plenty of tunnels and places to climb. Playground for Kids is available for private birthday parties, but it also has open play times for the public when parents can bring their kids for a few hours of fun.

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