Each second you get to spend with your child is truly special. While those days can certainly feel long, before you know it, that little toddler is going to be a teenager who only emerges to chat when they ask if you bought any new snacks. If you need help making the most out of this time, I’ve got your back! As a Des Moines family photographer, I adore working with families so they can make the most of every moment. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Des Moines with kids.
4074 Hwy F48, Newton, Iowa 50208
Valle Drive-In is a classic Des Moines drive-in movie theater that shows movies for kids from spring through the fall. They combine the latest Hollywood features with beloved classics so you can have the best night ever. You can bring snacks, grab nearby concessions, and come enjoy a movie out beneath the stars! They even allow dogs so no member of the family has to miss out!
11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, Iowa 50322
You don’t have to be a history buff to adore Living History Farms. This unique spot lets kids turn back the pages of history to hear the tales of the people who made Des Moines what it is today. Go back over 300 years to get an interactive look at how people once worked the land. They have regular re-enactments as well as special events.
9981 Pacific Street, Prairie City, Iowa 50228
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge gives you a way to see the land the way it was meant to be! This park prioritizes conservation efforts so the native plants and animals can continue to thrive for years to come. Inside the center, you can find educational exhibits. Outside, you can check out five walking trails as well as a 5-mile auto tour.
3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona, Iowa 50009
Adventureland Resort has been a favorite destination for Des Moines kids for over 50 years. In the main part of the theme park, you can check out rides like the Flying Viking or the Tornado. In the water park, you can float down a lazy river, swim in the pool, and catch some rays beneath a cabana. They have rides for kids of all ages, and throughout the fall, they host a month-long Oktoberfest.
7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50315
Blank Park Zoo gives you several ways to hang out with some wild animals. They offer regular classes around the year where younger kids can come, meet some friends, and learn about their favorite animals. If you want something a little less structured, you will be able to roam around and check out exhibits featuring lions, tigers, and, you guessed it, bears!
If you are looking for the best way to make the most out of this season, these destinations are just the spot! Stop by these things to do in Des Moines with kids soon so you can have the best day ever!
Are you looking for more ways to make memories with your family? Then, I would love to connect! As a Des Moines family photographer, I adore working with parents so they can remember every wonderful moment of these precious years. Send me a message today if you’d like to learn more!