Last updated: 2025-04-22
Des Moines offers a treasure trove of indoor activities perfect for beating Iowa’s unpredictable weather. From cultural experiences to interactive learning, the city provides engaging spaces that transform rainy or chilly days into memorable adventures.
Whether exploring botanical wonders, catching a local theater performance, or diving into scientific exhibits, Des Moines’ indoor attractions cater to diverse interests and age groups across the metro area.
Discover Des Moines’ coolest indoor experiences right here!
Featured Indoor Activities in Des Moines
- Science Center of Iowa
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Des Moines Art Center
- Jordan Creek Town Center (West Des Moines)
- Smash Park (West Des Moines)
- Des Moines Playhouse
- State Historical Museum of Iowa
- Iowa Hall of Pride
Des Moines Art Center
What to Expect
World-class sculpture park with international contemporary artists
Description
Des Moines Art Center offers an immersive cultural experience with free museum admission, featuring contemporary art exhibitions, an extensive permanent collection, and the acclaimed Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Visitors can explore diverse art displays, participate in educational programs, and engage with visual arts through workshops and guided tours.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Des Moines Art Center
Des Moines Playhouse
What to Expect
Community-driven theatrical productions with professional performance standards
Description
Des Moines Playhouse delivers engaging live theater performances featuring community productions, professional-quality stagings, and diverse dramatic offerings. The venue presents multiple shows annually, showcasing local talent and providing immersive theatrical experiences for audiences of all ages.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Des Moines Playhouse
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
What to Expect
Glass-domed conservatory housing multiple global ecosystem environments
Description
Des Moines Botanical Center showcases diverse plant collections within a stunning glass-domed conservatory. Visitors explore tropical, subtropical, and desert ecosystems featuring rare botanical specimens, educational displays, and serene garden environments. Indoor spaces provide year-round horticultural experiences with carefully curated plant zones.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Iowa Hall of Pride
What to Expect
Comprehensive state sports heritage museum with interactive exhibits
Description
Iowa Hall of Pride celebrates Iowa's athletic achievements through interactive exhibits highlighting state sports history. Located in Des Moines, this museum showcases memorabilia, multimedia displays, and stories of legendary Iowa athletes across multiple sports disciplines.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Iowa Hall of Pride
Jordan Creek Town Center (West Des Moines)
What to Expect
Lakefront boardwalk shopping environment with extensive retail collection
Description
Expansive lifestyle shopping center featuring a 20-screen movie theater, diverse retail stores, and a picturesque lakefront boardwalk. Offers a comprehensive shopping experience with upscale brand names in a park-like setting, providing entertainment and retail options for visitors in West Des Moines.
Where: West Des Moines | More Info: Jordan Creek Town Center
Science Center of Iowa
What to Expect
Comprehensive interactive science exhibits and statewide educational outreach
Description
The Science Center of Iowa offers an immersive learning environment with hands-on exhibits and interactive science displays. Located in downtown Des Moines, the center provides engaging educational experiences for visitors of all ages through dynamic programming, special-format theaters, and comprehensive science exploration opportunities.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Science Center of Iowa
Smash Park (West Des Moines)
What to Expect
Multi-sport entertainment complex with diverse activity zones
Description
Smash Park delivers a high-energy indoor entertainment complex featuring multiple activity zones including pickleball courts, arcade games, ping pong tables, and a robust social atmosphere. The venue combines competitive sports experiences with casual dining and interactive entertainment for groups and individuals seeking dynamic recreation.
Where: West Des Moines | More Info: Smash Park
State Historical Museum of Iowa
What to Expect
Comprehensive collection representing Iowa's multi-generational historical narrative
Description
The State Historical Museum of Iowa provides an immersive journey through Iowa's rich heritage, showcasing over 80,000 artifacts that illuminate the state's historical narrative. Visitors explore diverse exhibits covering topics like Civil War contributions, Iowa's natural resources, and cultural evolution, with approximately 1,500 artifacts on display at any time.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: State Historical Museum of Iowa
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