Random - things to do in Des Moines?

[jax373]

I'm planning on meeting my sister in Des Moines, IA in mid-July. Looking for fun or interesting things to do there....we will have 4 kids with us between 10 mos and 6 years old so kid friendly is best. TIA!

[RitzyHeifer]

There's a decent zoo - Blank Park. Farmers' Market downtown is fun, I'm not sure of the schedule. The Amana Colonies are not in Des Moines but nearby.

[keweenawlove]

There's an amusement park with a waterpark inside of it. That could be fun, especially on a hot Iowa summer day.

[RitzyHeifer]

Oh, and a minor-league baseball team the Iowa Cubs - may have a game while you're there.

[ejpint]

Farmers Market runs every Saturday starting at 7am and goes strong until midday.
Blank Park Zoo is a great option, it's big enough to be fun, but not so huge that you can't see it all.
The Science Center is very kid-oriented, they usually have some sort of special exhibit running. It looks like in July it might be some kind of Mars exhibit.
Living History Farms could be fun for kids, but it's largely outdoors (in case it's ungodly hot that weekend).
Not sure how long you're in town, but if it's more than the weekend, a day at Adventureland Park could be fun - they have a water park as well. On a smaller scale, Sleepy Hollow Sports Park has lots of fun activities for families/kids.
I like visiting the Valley Junction area for shopping - they have a lot of cute locally owned stores selling jewelry, antiques, furniture, toys, and then plenty of little places to stop and get coffee or cupcakes or sangrias.
Depending on what else you're looking for, I'm sure I can provide more suggestions. Feel free to PM me.

[Ashley&Scott]

EJ had great suggestions. I was also going to recommend Living History Farms. However be warned that there is a ton of walking & the paths are dirt/pea gravel so it might be difficult depending on your stroller.

Are you staying downtown or in a suburb? Do you need restaurant recs?

[midwestgal]

Valley Junction is a great idea- terrific shops with lots of cute things. Also, if you're feeling adventurous, head south about 30 min to Winterset, IA and visit the "Bridges of Madison Co". They also have a local farmers market Saturday mornings and THE BEST apple fritters at the bakery in the square.

[divajane]

Lurker posting here so I can refer to it later - we will be in Des Moines in July also (18-21) for a car show.

[jax373]

May 23, 2012 9:20:05 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

EJ had great suggestions. I was also going to recommend Living History Farms. However be warned that there is a ton of walking & the paths are dirt/pea gravel so it might be difficult depending on your stroller.

Are you staying downtown or in a suburb? Do you need restaurant recs?

Not sure where we are staying yet....Des Moines is just in the middle of where we both live so easiest to meet there. I'm guessing we would probably stay downtown though. Sure, restaurant recs would be appreciated. Thanks!

And thanks to everyone else so far, lots of great ideas!

[ejpint]

Downtown dining - I love Centro (they have a really reasonable lunch, and are often slower at that time on weekends). Americana has a great brunch. Zombie Burger in the East Village could be fun for the kids. Flying Mango has great BBQ.
If you end up at Living History Farms, the Machine Shed is popular and is right next to it. I personally am not a big fan, but it's very much a comfort food type place, and kids might enjoy it.
Let me know if you're looking for something more adult, too.

[Deleted]

May 23, 2012 8:44:28 GMT -5 RitzyHeifer said:

There's a decent zoo - Blank Park. Farmers' Market downtown is fun, I'm not sure of the schedule. The Amana Colonies are not in Des Moines but nearby.

The Amana colonies are probably 1.5 hours east of Des Moines. I also wouldn't really recommend them with young kids. It is a neat place to check out but I would probably skip it for this particular trip.

[phoeny]

The Art Center and the Art Park by the central library, also the baloon festival happens in July in Indianola 9about 10 minutes south of Des Moines0 and that's always fun.

Eta: the Botanical Garden close to downtown.

[RitzyHeifer]

May 23, 2012 12:26:29 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

May 23, 2012 8:44:28 GMT -5 RitzyHeifer said:

There's a decent zoo - Blank Park. Farmers' Market downtown is fun, I'm not sure of the schedule. The Amana Colonies are not in Des Moines but nearby.

The Amana colonies are probably 1.5 hours east of Des Moines. I also wouldn't really recommend them with young kids. It is a neat place to check out but I would probably skip it for this particular trip.

Ah, it's been too long since I've driven it, I didn't remember it being that far. We took DS when he was little-little and rode in a carrier the whole time but I could see older kids being bored.

[Ashley&Scott]

You could easily stay in the suburbs too, parking might be easier. Navigating the DM area is pretty easy no matter where you stay.

The Machine Shed is a good for traditional home cooking, breakfast is my favorite meal there. El Rodeo is a popular Mexican restaurant, there are a few locations. Tasty Tacos is awesome too & a great place to grab a quick lunch. Centro is delicious but I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to take 4 kids. Felix & Oscars has great deep dish pizza, 2 locations.

I'll try to think of a few more places. How long will you be in town?

[Deleted]

May 23, 2012 13:35:09 GMT -5 RitzyHeifer said:

May 23, 2012 12:26:29 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

The Amana colonies are probably 1.5 hours east of Des Moines. I also wouldn't really recommend them with young kids. It is a neat place to check out but I would probably skip it for this particular trip.

Ah, it's been too long since I've driven it, I didn't remember it being that far. We took DS when he was little-little and rode in a carrier the whole time but I could see older kids being bored.

It is about 20 minutes from where I live I definitely would recommend a trip if it was closer and/or with older people!

[jax373]

We'll just be there two nights, Friday-Sunday.