Last updated: 2025-04-22
West Des Moines offers a treasure trove of indoor entertainment perfect for beating Iowa’s unpredictable weather. From interactive museums to shopping havens, locals and visitors can discover engaging activities that capture the city’s vibrant community spirit.
Whether exploring Jordan Creek Town Center’s diverse shops or diving into educational experiences at the Science Center of Iowa, indoor adventures await around every corner of this dynamic suburban landscape.
Discover West Des Moines’ coolest indoor destinations now!
Featured Indoor Activities in West Des Moines
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Science Center of Iowa (Des Moines)
- Smash Park
- Des Moines Art Center (Des Moines)
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (Des Moines)
- Iowa Historical Museum (Des Moines)
- West Des Moines Public Library
- Clive Public Library (Clive)
Clive Public Library (Clive)
What to Expect
Community-focused learning center with extensive digital and print resources
Description
Clive Public Library provides comprehensive resources for community learning and exploration. Offers extensive book collections, digital resources, and educational programs. Supports research, reading, and lifelong learning with free access to computers, Wi-Fi, and diverse multimedia materials.
Where: Clive | More Info: Clive Public Library
Des Moines Art Center (Des Moines)
What to Expect
Comprehensive art center with museum, school, and outdoor sculpture park
Description
Indoor art museum offering diverse exhibitions, art classes, and a renowned sculpture park. Features contemporary and historical art collections with free admission. Provides educational programs for all ages, including summer camps, workshops, and guided tours for art enthusiasts and learners.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Des Moines Art Center
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (Des Moines)
What to Expect
14,000-square-foot tropical conservatory with diverse global plant collections
Description
Indoor tropical conservatory showcasing diverse plant collections across 14,000 square feet of climate-controlled spaces. Features exotic flora from around the world, including rare tropical and desert plant species. Offers educational exhibits and immersive botanical environments with carefully curated landscapes and seasonal displays.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Iowa Historical Museum (Des Moines)
What to Expect
Comprehensive collection of 80,000+ historical Iowa artifacts
Description
The State Historical Museum of Iowa showcases the state's rich heritage through extensive exhibits featuring over 80,000 artifacts. Visitors explore Iowa's history, including Civil War contributions, natural resources, and cultural developments. Interactive displays highlight state transformations from pre-statehood to modern times.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Iowa Historical Museum
Jordan Creek Town Center
What to Expect
20-screen movie theater with lakefront boardwalk shopping environment
Description
Jordan Creek Town Center offers a comprehensive shopping experience in West Des Moines, featuring a diverse collection of upscale retailers within a park-like setting. The lifestyle center includes a 20-screen movie theater and a scenic lakefront boardwalk, providing visitors with multiple entertainment and shopping options.
Where: West Des Moines | More Info: Jordan Creek Town Center
Science Center of Iowa (Des Moines)
What to Expect
Statewide educational outreach serving over 300,000 people annually
Description
Downtown Des Moines science center offering immersive, hands-on exhibits and interactive learning experiences for all ages. Features comprehensive educational programming, special-format theaters, and engaging displays that inspire scientific curiosity through dynamic, multisensory exploration of scientific concepts.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Science Center of Iowa
Smash Park
What to Expect
Multi-sport social gaming complex with restaurant and bar
Description
Indoor entertainment venue combining ping pong, pickleball, and social gaming experiences. Features multiple game courts, arcade-style entertainment, and a full-service restaurant and bar. Offers competitive and casual play environments with modern, high-energy atmosphere designed for social interaction and friendly competition.
Where: West Des Moines | More Info: Smash Park
West Des Moines Public Library
What to Expect
Interactive community-focused literacy and learning programs
Description
West Des Moines Public Library offers diverse programming for all ages, featuring interactive storytimes, craft workshops, and community service opportunities. Provides engaging literacy experiences through specialized programs like Baby Doll Storytime and Poetry Terrarium drop-in activities. Supports learning and community connection through accessible resources and creative events.
Where: West Des Moines | More Info: West Des Moines Public Library
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