There are many fun activities you can do with your friends or family in the Des Moines, Iowa area. Whether you’re looking for a fun outside activity, good food or drinks, or a place to go for some needed alone time, there is something for everyone.
Here are some of our favorite places and things to do in the Des Moines area:
Fun Outings
Need some fresh air? The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is home to beautiful gardens and art you and your family can enjoy. There are seven acres of gardens to explore as well as a cafe and shop. Due to COVID-19, you must buy a ticket to the garden online or by phone. If you have a membership, you need only present that card upon arrival.
The traveling exhibit, Sue: The T. Rex Experience, is at the Science Center of Iowa until January 10, 2021! The Science Center is open on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and you must reserve tickets in advance. Kids love the hands-on exhibits, live interactive demonstrations, planetarium shows, and IMAX films! Before you leave, grab snacks at the Food Chain Cafe.
The beautiful Iowa State Capitol offers free tours that can be self-guided. If you’d rather, you can schedule a formal tour with a guide any day except Sunday. Learn about the history of the building, its interior decorations, and the state officials who work there.
The only Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo in Iowa, Des Moines’ Blank Park Zoo is the perfect outing for kids and adults alike! Take the kids to visit the 104 different animal species at the zoo.
Good Eats Downtown
Cooking at home and getting food delivered to your home is convenient and fun, but sometimes you want to get out and enjoy the atmosphere of a restaurant. Downtown Des Moines has several excellent restaurants to choose from, but Zombie Burger + Drink Lab is sure to provide the most unique experience. All food, drinks, shakes, and interior decoration is zombie-themed and absolutely delicious.
For a twist on an old favorite, check out Fong’s Pizza! Their original location used to be home to the oldest Chinese restaurant in the United States, and the creators of Fong’s Pizza didn’t want to let that history go. You can be sure that a pizza out of Fong’s kitchen is one of a kind.
Founded in 2012, Exile Brewing Company offers freshly brewed beer and a relaxed atmosphere. You can also schedule a tour of their facility, formerly a soap and cosmetics factory.
Outside Adventures
Walk off that good food and beer on the several walking and bike paths in the Des Moines area. Principal Riverwalk is perfect for walkers, joggers, roller skaters, dog walkers, or anyone who wants a refreshing break.
Des Moines has over 18 miles of dirt trails for mountain biking, running, hiking, or just exploring, which are maintained by the Central Iowa Trail Association.
For winter fun, register for an ice skating session at the Brenton Skating Plaza in the East Village. Due to COVID-19, skaters are encouraged to pre-register online for a 1.5 hour session and wear masks while they are there.
If you’ve been wanting to move closer to your family, consider Epcon Communities for your next home! Our active adult communities are close to all the fun things the area has to offer, and our personalized floor plans can provide enough space for safely gathering a few of your loved ones under one roof. Epcon neighborhoods are created with community in mind, which means there are plenty of opportunities to meet your neighbors and create lasting friendships.
When you live in an Epcon community, you can say goodbye to shoveling snow, raking leaves, and mowing the lawn! Epcon is happy to offer low-maintenance living year round.
Subscribe to our blog for more advice on getting involved in your community, or contact us today to learn more about the benefits of moving into an active adult community.
