In the capital of Iowa, Des Moines is filled with exciting activities for families. Strolling through the East Village area, you can see the Iowa State Capitol building. The Des Moines Art Center features contemporary exhibitions and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. You can also visit the Downtown Farmers’ Market to sample the local bounty. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden features outdoor plant displays and a geodesic dome.
Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden
If you’re looking for a unique day out with your family, consider visiting the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden in Des Moines. This outdoor photography studio and testing grounds were designed to look like different backyards, each with its own unique theme. Its 22 different garden sections showcase a variety of plants, from hostas to huge perennials. It’s also open to the public on Friday afternoons from noon to two p.m.
The gardens are beautifully planted in raised beds to extend the growing season and promote a healthier soil. They also look cleaner and save gardeners’ backs. You can visit the garden to see the latest vegetables and fragrant herbs. You can even learn how to grow them yourself! Make sure to take a camera along so you can capture every detail of your experience. Afterwards, head back to your rental to start experimenting with new combinations of colors and flowers.
If you haven’t been to the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden in Des moiines, take your family on a tour. Its 22 garden rooms feature 2,500 plants, 17,000 bulbs, and 500 annuals. The garden will teach you all about design and plant selection. You’ll also learn about the different finishing touches that can add a professional touch to your backyard. And the best part is, the tour is free!
St. Ambrose Cathedral
A visit to St. Ambrose Cathedral is a special treat for anyone visiting Des Moines with children. The historic building is a Catholic church and also serves as the seat of the Diocese of Des Moines. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It has long been a popular destination for travelers outside of Iowa. Here you can learn about the history of this unique building.
For religious education, parents of children under the age of two are invited to attend a Parent’s Class in the Pastoral Center. The parish also offers a Confirmation preparation class on Sunday afternoons from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. There is also a Preschool/Kindergarten class in the Parish Hall during the 11:00 am Mass. This class is open to children in kindergarten through fourth grade. First Reconciliation and Eucharist preparation classes take place on Sundays.
When visiting Des Moines, IA, visit St. Ambrose Cathedral. This beautiful building has stunning stained glass windows and a chapel that holds daily services. Another popular attraction is the Iowa State Fair. This ten-day event takes place in August and celebrates Iowa agriculture. It is also a great place to spend time with your family, with activities, competition, and wholesome family fun.
Terrace Hill
When you’re looking for things to do in Des Moines with your family, you can’t go wrong with a tour of Terrace Hill. This historic mansion, which was completed in 1869, is the official residence of Iowa’s governor. This state landmark is a great example of Second Empire architecture and is free to visit. The house is open to the public and there are tours offered Tuesday through Saturday. The tour includes the grounds, first two floors, and a 15-minute dramatized film. You’ll also get to see the mansion’s tower.
If you’d prefer a more secluded experience, you can head to Big Creek State Park, an oasis of green in the heart of the city. Big Creek is the city’s main waterway and a popular spot for families. Its secluded setting is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park’s pathway meanders along a dry canal for about a quarter mile before turning upwards into the woods.
The Capitol is another great place to visit. This 19th-century building is a beautiful location, and it is home to the Iowa House of Representatives, General Assembly, and Office of the Governor. You can even get a guided tour of the building if you like. It is free to enter, but you can buy souvenirs at the gift shop for reasonable prices. In addition to Terrace Hill, things to do in Des moines with family
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Pappajohn Sculpture Park is an outdoor sculpture park featuring works by internationally acclaimed artists. The park is located on 4.4 acres of open space in the downtown area of Des Moines, Iowa, and it is pedestrian friendly. This popular attraction offers art and fun for everyone, including children and adults. The park features whimsical art and recognizable sculptures.
If you want to take your kids to an art museum, a fun, interactive place is Pappajohn Sculpture Park. There are plenty of sculptures for young kids to climb and run around, and the park is also great for older kids who are beginning to appreciate art. It doesn’t have to be a painting – anything can be art!
One of the things to do in Des Moines is to explore the Sculpture Park. While you’re in the park, visit the nearby Valley Junction Farmer’s Market. There are plenty of fresh vegetables to pick, and the market is also a great place to go to listen to live music. There are also several popular places to eat in West Des Moines, including Hurts Donuts and Chocolate Storybook. In addition to exploring the local food and beverage scene, you can also visit the city’s parks and playgrounds.
Gray’s Lake Park
Located on 167 acres of parkland, Gray’s Lake Park is perfect for a day of outdoor activities. From bike rentals to yoga and bird watching classes, there is plenty to keep you and your kids busy. Plus, there’s a playground and plenty of room for games. And, with springtime activities such as the Des Moines Children’s Festival, Gray’s Lake Park is a great spot to spend time with your family.
There’s no lifeguard at the park, but it does offer free life jackets. There is also a designated beach area in the park. In addition to enjoying the water, you can also enjoy the city skyline while strolling along the two-mile Kruidenier Trail. The park also offers concessions and restrooms for those who get thirsty. The lake’s beauty is well worth the visit.
The weather is unpredictable in Des Moines, but you can take a trip to the nearby Mississippi River for some fresh air and beautiful scenery. Check out the weather for your favorite month and plan your day around that. If the weather is good, it might be a good time to plan a picnic in the park. You can even take your children to see the world premiere of “A Thousand Acres.”
Des Moines Park
The state capital of Iowa is a great place for a family vacation, and the city offers a wide range of fun activities, from museums to scenic bike trails. The Des Moines Zoo, a 49-acre zoo, is a great place to visit with children. You can enjoy feeding exhibits, train rides, and face painting as you explore the animal kingdom. Other activities include Des Moines Renaissance Fair, a local festival that celebrates the city’s history.
The park features numerous events and activities, including a World Food Prize Hall of Laureates and a flower garden. You can also take a ride on a vintage train. There are several exhibits and galleries that highlight the work of Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Norman Borlaug, as well as educational exhibits about the role of farming in promoting global food security.
Another of the things to do with family in Des Mosines is to visit the park. If you have children, it’s a good idea to plan your trip around the theme park’s hours. If you have young children, a trip to the park will provide hours of fun for everyone. It will keep them busy while you shop for a fun family outing and help them explore the city’s history.
Hoyt Sherman Place
If you have never been to the historic home of Hoyt Sherman, you should make your way to the city of Des Moines, Iowa. This house was built in 1877 and now stands in the middle of a city park. It’s a great place to take your family on a day trip or spend some quality time together. This Des Moines landmark has an interesting history and can give you some great pictures of the early days of the city.
A visit to Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines will show you the history of the home and the people who lived in it. Hoyt Sherman was the youngest of eleven siblings, and the oldest of them was the famous Civil War Union General, William Tecumseh Sherman. After Hoyt Sherman arrived in Des Moines in 1848, he began building a bank and post office. He also served on the city council. He also bought five acres of land for a mere $105, and the city of Des Moines leased it to the women’s club for a century. When the Civil War started, Hoyt Sherman Place was renamed to honor his family’s contribution to the city’s growth.
In 1923, Hoyt Sherman donated his mansion on Woodland Avenue to a women’s club. The Women’s Club continued to use the property as a clubhouse and later added an art gallery and auditorium to it. In 1995, the foundation took over the building. The Foundation is currently working on a new art piece that will open this spring. Hoyt Sherman Place is located just a few blocks away from the University of Iowa, and you’ll be able to visit this place with your family in a few weeks.
