10 Best Things to Do with Kids in West Des Moines, Iowa

West Des Moines, Iowa, is a great city to explore with kids. Its diverse offerings make it a great family destination.

Here are our choices.

Visit the Blank Park Zoo

The Blank Park Zoo is a great place to take kids near West Des Moines.

The zoo has a variety of animals that kids can see and learn about. The zoo also has a playground and a petting zoo.

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Go on a safari at the Drive-Through Wildlife Safari Park

The Drive-Through Wildlife Safari Park is a great place to take kids to see animals up close.

They can feed the animals, pet them, and even ride on some of them.

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Play at the Water Works Park

The Water Works Park is a great place to take your kids for a day of fun.

There are plenty of water slides and pools to keep them entertained, and the park also has a playground and picnic area.

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Visit the Science Center of Iowa

The Science Center of Iowa is a great place to take the family for a day of learning and fun.

There are interactive exhibits on a variety of topics, including science, technology, engineering and math. The center also has a planetarium and an IMAX theater.

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Take a walk or bike ride on the extensive trails in the city

There are over 50 miles of trails in West Des Moines that are perfect for walking or biking with kids.

The trails wind through parks, along rivers, and past many of the city’s attractions. This is a great way to explore the city and get some exercise at the same time.

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Have a picnic in one of the many parks

There are many parks in West Des Moines that are perfect for picnicking with kids.

Some of our favorites include Raccoon River Park, Walnut Woods State Park, and Water Works Park. Picnicking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends, and it’s a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. There are plenty of things to do in West Des Moines parks, so you’ll never get bored.

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Go fishing or boating at one of the city’s lakes

The city of West Des Moines has several lakes that are perfect for fishing or boating with kids.

Some of the lakes include:

  • Jester Park Lake: This lake is stocked with trout and also has catfish, bass, and bluegill.
  • Easter Lake: This lake is perfect for fishing from a boat or the shore. It is stocked with trout, catfish, and bass.
  • Greenwood Park Lake: This lake is perfect for smaller kids as it is shallow and has a playground nearby. It is also stocked with trout, catfish, and bass.
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Visit the Historic Valley Junction district

The Historic Valley Junction district is a great place to take kids near West Des Moines.

This area is full of history and there are plenty of things for kids to see and do. One of the best parts about this district is that it is very walkable and there are plenty of places to stop and explore along the way.

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See a movie at the Fleur Cinema

The Fleur Cinema is a great place to take your kids to see a movie in West Des Moines.

They offer a variety of kid-friendly movies, and the staff is always willing to help you find the perfect movie for your family. The theater is clean and comfortable, and the concessions are reasonably priced.

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Go bowling or ice skating at one of the family-friendly entertainment centers

The bowling alley is called The Alley of Ames and it is located at 1420 S Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010.

It is a family-friendly entertainment center that offers bowling, arcade games, and laser tag. The ice skating rink is called Adventureland Ice Arena and it is located at 7101 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009. It is a family-friendly entertainment center that offers public ice skating sessions, birthday party packages, and figure skating classes.

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