Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Indoor Activities in West Des Moines
When the Iowa winter winds howl and indoor comfort calls, West Des Moines offers a treasure trove of engaging activities. From shopping havens like Jordan Creek Town Center to cultural gems, residents and visitors can escape the cold with plenty of exciting indoor experiences.
Whether exploring interactive exhibits at the Science Center of Iowa or browsing art collections at the Des Moines Art Center, indoor adventures await around every corner. These local destinations provide perfect refuges from unpredictable Midwestern weather.
Discover West Des Moines’ coolest indoor hangouts 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)
- Valley West Mall
- West Des Moines Public Library
- Merle Hay Mall (Des Moines)
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Info: Jordan Creek Town Center ↗
Merle Hay Mall (Des Moines)
What to Expect
Comprehensive mall with multiple indoor entertainment venues
Description
A comprehensive indoor entertainment destination in Des Moines featuring multiple engaging attractions. Highlights include Iowa's largest indoor pickleball venue (Dink's Pickleball), an 8-screen movie theater with microbrewery (Flix Brewhouse), Kids Empire play area, and GameDay Arcade. Offers diverse entertainment options for families and groups seeking indoor activities.
More Info: Merle Hay Mall ↗
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.
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.
More Info: Smash Park ↗
Valley West Mall
What to Expect
Comprehensive shopping center with diverse retail and entertainment options
Description
Valley West Mall offers a comprehensive shopping and entertainment destination in West Des Moines. Featuring a diverse mix of retail stores, dining options, and occasional events like the Dress for Success Sale. Provides a centralized location for shopping, dining, and local community activities.
More Info: Valley West Mall ↗
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.
More Info: West Des Moines Public Library ↗
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