Seasonal & Holidays
Why Winter's Better In West Des Moines: Beat The Blues With These Local Picks
Plus, get personalized recommendations for quick winter getaways near you!
Winter may be here, but the fun doesn’t slow down in West Des Moines. From family outings to seasonal events and easy day trips, there’s plenty around town to keep your calendar full. Just remember to double-check hours, weather updates and ticket details before heading out. And if you want even more local winter ideas, keep scrolling — you’ll find a way to get personalized suggestions based on what you love to do.
Kids Empire — Indoor Playground
Address: 6805 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: (515) 585-0048
Details: The Jordan Creek location of Kids Empire offers a large indoor playground perfect for crawling, climbing and exploring. Multi-level play structures, slides and soft play areas give families space to stay active without worrying about the weather. Admission fees, hours and age guidelines are available on the park’s website.
MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex
Address: 6500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: (515) 440-4820
Details: The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex brings a wide range of indoor recreation activities under one roof, from public ice skating to sports to esports. With public sessions, leagues and drop-in options available, visits can be as structured or casual as you’d like. Schedules are updated regularly on the RecPlex website.
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Blank Park Zoo
Address: 7401 Southwest 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
Phone: (515) 285-4722
Details: Blank Park Zoo offers a chance to explore wildlife from around the world while still staying close to home. Indoor exhibits and seasonal programming make it an option even during colder months, while outdoor habitats round out the experience when weather allows. Make the most of your time by checking out the zoo map and grabbing tickets in advance.
Spare Time Entertainment
Address: 340 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: (515) 414-2824
Details: Spare Time Entertainment combines bowling with arcade games, laser tag and other indoor attractions, offering options to make a full day out of your trip. The space works well for groups that want flexibility rather than a fixed schedule. Advance Fast Lane reservations are available online for those who want to skip the line on arrival.
Find out what's happening in West Des Moinesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant
Address: 560 South Prairie View Drive, #100, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: (515) 270-2100
Details: The Funny Bone Comedy Club brings a steady lineup of touring comedians and special shows to West Des Moines throughout the year. Table seating, dinner service and drinks allow the evening to unfold at an easy pace rather than feeling rushed. Upcoming performers and ticket information are available on the club’s events calendar.
Des Moines Children's Museum
Address: 1551 Valley West Drive, Suite 108, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: (515) 218-8344
Details: The Des Moines Children’s Museum focuses on hands-on play that encourages learning through exploration and imagination. Interactive exhibits invite kids to move, build and role-play at their own pace, with weekly recurring events in the mess zone for even more fun. Tickets can be purchased on site, with annual membership options available for families planning on repeat visits.
Putts & Pins
Address: 6920 EP True Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: (515) 850-0207
Details: Putts & Pins blends indoor mini golf, bowling and casual games into a single, modern entertainment space. After a day of play, enjoy elevated American cuisine and craft drinks (both alcoholic and spirit-free) on site. Reservations for dining and bowling lanes can both be made online.
Splatter & Smash Room Iowa
Address: 3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50310
Phone: (515) 635-3985
Details: Splatter & Smash Room Iowa offers a controlled way to blow off steam through paint splatter sessions and smash-room experiences. For a more structured and lower-key outing, you can also schedule a private paint party experience, complete with all the supplies you’ll need and a virtual instructor. Reservations and session details can be found on the website.
Want ideas that fit your family and your budget? Enter your ZIP code and preferences — kid-friendly, outdoor, educational and more — for winter getaway recommendations made for you.
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