Are you looking for some fun things to do in Des Moines this winter? Look no further.
If the winter blahs got you down and you dream of beaches and sunshine, it’s time to get out and have some fun! Sitting around waiting for spring won’t make it come any faster. So, whether you live in Des Moines or are just visiting, this is your guide to all kinds of fun things to do in Des Moines this winter.
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Things to Do In Des Moines: Winter Edition
Things to See (Tours, Events, and More)
Below are the museums, theaters, sports, and other entertainment in and around the Des Moines area. And all of it is winter-friendly fun! So, go take in a show, tour a museum, or attend an event.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Self-guided or guided tours
- Special events & classes
- Garden shop & cafe
Iowa State Historical Museum
- Free admission
- Exhibits & Tours
- Programs & Workshops
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Self-guided and guided tours
State Capitol Tour
- Guided and self-guided tours (free!)
- Gift shop
Des Moines Art Center
- Free admission
- World-class art collections & unique architecture
- Self-guided and guided tours
- Events, classes, and programs
Des Moines Civic Center (Des Moines Performing Arts)
- Concerts & Events
- Des Moines Symphony performances
Iowa Events Center/Wells Fargo Arena
- Concerts
- Sporting events (Iowa Wolves, Iowa Wild)
- Convention Center
Des Moines Funny Bone
- Comedy shows
- Food & drinks
Des Moines Playhouse
- Shows & Events
- Classes
Movie Theaters
- Flix Brewhouse, Des Moines
- The Varsity Cinema, Des Moines
- AMC Classic Southridge 12, Des Moines
- Century 20 Jordan Creek, West Des Moines
- AMC Classic Cobblestone 9, Urbandale
- AMC Classic Johnston 16, Johnston
- The Palms Theater & IMAX, Waukee
- B & B Theaters, Ankeny
- Copper Creek 9, Pleasant Hill
- Cinemark, Altoona
Things to Experience
Below is a list of places with interactive fun and hands-on experiences, great for kids and adults alike!
Science Center of Iowa
- Interactive exhibits
- Planetarium
- Engaging programs and events
Des Moines Children’s Museum
- Interactive exhibits
- Child-led play
- Events
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
- Snow tubing and sledding
Blank Park Zoo
- Many exhibits are open in the winter
- Events & community programs
Principal Riverwalk
- Two iconic pedestrian bridges
- Stop at the Riverwalk Hub & Brenton Skating Plaza
Iowa Hall of Pride
- Interactive exhibits & videos
- Scavenger hunts & trivia
Trampoline Parks
Escape Rooms
Climb Iowa
- Bouldering & Ropes
- Orientation for first-timers
- Classes & gym equipment
Winter Farmer’s Market
- Seasonal produce
- Homemade goodies
- Art
Create! Painting, pottery, and more
- Glazed Expressions
- Five Monkeys
- Painting with a Twist
- Kunzler Studios
- Red Circle Pottery
- Board & Brush
- Artfull, LLC
Bowling Alleys
- Air Lanes Bowling Center, Des Moines
- Bowlerama Lanes, Des Moines
- Gameday Lanes, Des Moines
- Val Lanes, West Des Moines
- Great Escape, Pleasant Hill
- Warrior Lanes, Waukee
- B Roll Bowling, Ankeny
- Uncle Bucks Fish Bowl & Grill, Altoona
Jester Park Nature Center
- Interpretive nature exhibits
- Classes and events
- Snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals nearby
Shopping
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Historic East Village
- Valley Junction
- Shops at Roosevelt
- Merle Hay Mall
- Valley West Mall
- Southridge Mall
- Outlets of Des Moines
- Bass Pro Shop
Things to Do Outdoors in the Winter around Des Moines
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you need to stay inside! You can get outdoors and enjoy nature with the proper clothing, even when it’s cold and snowy. Below are some fun things to do outdoors in the winter around Des Moines.
Holiday Lights
During the holiday season, get out to see all the fantastic light displays around Central Iowa. (You can even book a limo to make your holiday light tour more special!)
Ice Skating
Sledding
- Waveland and Bright-Grandview Golf Courses
- Other excellent sledding hills in the area
Snow tubing and skiing
- Sleepy Hollow Sports Park (closed 2021)
- Seven Oaks Recreation
Snowshoeing
Cross Country Skiing
Ice Fishing
Hiking in Des Moines
Birdwatching (& see the bald eagles!)
Get out there and experience the fun things to do in Des Moines this winter!
As you can see, there’s no shortage of fantastic things to do in Des Moines during the winter! Get outdoors for fresh air and exercise, take in a show, or take part in interactive activities. No matter what you enjoy, there’s something out there for everyone!
Photo credit: Pixabay & Des Moines Outdoors
