Need Help: What's there to do in Des Moines?

[JonnyRed]

I'm planning a trip out to Des Moines this summer with my two young kids to catch a couple of Iowa Cubs games. For those who have been there, I'm looking for ideas of what to do in Des Moines when we aren't at the games? Any fun activities for the kids? Good places to eat? Any ideas would be appreciated.

[ShawonOmeter12]

if your kids like amusement parks there is a place called adventureland in altoona which is maybe 10-15 minutes away and i would say maybe 15-20 bucks to get in. easily atleast a half day to full day of fun for the kids.

[Tracer Bullet]

I went to college at Drake - so I have a few good ideas.

 

Adventureland will amuse the kids, I just hope it's cleaner than the last time I was there. There's also a place in West Des Moines (or thereabouts) called Living History Farms. Depending on the age of your kids, it might be a good place to kill some time. I remember thinking it was interesting as a young kid.

 

As for eating places - there's a great breakfast place called Waveland around the 4700 block of University Ave (near the Waveland Golf Course). On weekends, it used to get busy very quickly (by 9 AM there'd be a line out the door), so keep that in mind.

 

People also rave about the 801 Steak & Chop House - which is in the 801 Grand Building downtown (tallest building in DSM, or was 5 years ago). That can be pretty pricey - I never ate there. There also used to be some good casual dinner spots on Court Ave, which is right near downtown DSM and very close to the ballpark.

 

For lunch - there's a great deli in West Des Moines called Palmer's Deli - around Westown Parkway and 50th (there are a few other locations in DSM, but I only ever went to this one). This area is also where you'll find a lot of chain restaurants in the Des Moines area. There's also an AK O'Connor's in that area. Kind of like an Irish pub, as the name implies - pretty good burgers.

 

As I understand it, the Jordan Creek Mall complex that recently opened just Southwest of DSM is really nice. There are some other restaurants out there, though it was built after I left, so I can't tell you much about it.

 

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

if your kids like amusement parks there is a place called adventureland in altoona which is maybe 10-15 minutes away and i would say maybe 15-20 bucks to get in. easily atleast a half day to full day of fun for the kids.

 

Children 4-9 are $25, 10+ and adults are $29. $4 to park. It's no Cedar Point, but the kids should have a good time there. You could kill a full day there, and yes, they do sell beer.

[abuck1220]

jordan creek in west des moines is pretty nice. lots of shopping and lots of good restaurants. it's probably 15 minutes from downtown.

[anemic offense]

There's really not a ton of things to do in the area but the above listings sure are a start.

 

In addition, there's also a place called Whitewater University which has a wave pool and waterslides if its extremely hot. Also, if you're trip gets parlayed to the beginning of August there's always the State Fair. Depending on the ages of your kids it could be a good time, however the traffic will definiately be a b***h.

 

As far as places to eat, there are several good restaurants around town. Aside from the ones GRCubsFan mentioned (and he's right, 801 Steak and Chop House is VERY expensive), there is an Italian restaurant downtown called Centro. It is probably one of the best places to eat in the entire state and offers up a menu with delicious food in every price range. There's also a great Vietnamese joint off of Hight St. (couldn't resist :lol: ) called A Dong's (spelling??). They have AWESOME spring/egg rolls and the prices are reasonable. Those are two I'd recommend.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

George the Chili King, just off Merle Hay Rd and Hickman. Yum.

[Balsa]

Keep the suggestions coming, I'll be seeing the Iowa Cubs this summer as well.

[DesMoinesCub]

They also opened recently the Science Center of Iowa and the Iowa Hall of Pride. I have not been to either, but have heard great things from other teachers who took their students to the Iowa Hall of Pride. It has a bunch of Iowa related activities, but also very interactive. Des Moines also has a zoo, but it is not comparable to any "larger" city zoo.

 

Living History Farms is neat, Adventureland will kill time, if I think of any other things in the area, I will let you know.

 

If you are with an "older" group, make sure you go to the ball park early and head up to the Miller High Life Lounge. Throwback to the 1970's and have PBR and Schiltz on tap. Brings in a wide group of people from the factory workers to the college co-eds.

[Uber]

Definately Adventureland, Living History Farms, and Blank Park Zoo for the kids. I hear good things about the new science center too, but have never been. You could easily kill lots of time at Jordan Creek too, and there are a couple good restaurants in the complex and on the main road heading to.

 

If you want good restaurants try the Waterfront(great seafood), or Shanghai Cafe(chinese/vietnames - dont let the run down outside fool you, it's very nice inside and one of the best unknown spots).

 

Keep in mind there's also a gigantic mall in Coralville(about an hour from des moines) that's close to the size of the Mega Mall. It's got an indoor ice rink, plus tons of shopping, can easily make a day out of the trip.

[Evers2Tinker2Chance]

I work near Jordan Creek and there are some pretty good resturants there. PK Changs, Biaggias (SP?), Joes Crab Shack, A Buffalo Wild Wings is opening soon, and off Course if they like Cheesecake there is the Cheesecake FActory. Downtown near the Park (Court Ave) there is Spagetti Works, Buzzard Billys Flying Carp Cafe (very fun cajun type place), Court Ave Brewery. The absolute best steak house is just west of town in Booneville, its called Rubes, its a grill your own place but it is fantastic!

 

The mall is ok, but the other places like Adventureland, Living history Farms, WAterworks park, and the other things that were mentioned pretty much cover what there is to do. If you are here during Fair time, that is always worth a look, There is also the national balloon classic just south of Des Moines in Indianola, but im not sure when it is.

[anemic offense]

Definately Adventureland, Living History Farms, and Blank Park Zoo for the kids. I hear good things about the new science center too, but have never been. You could easily kill lots of time at Jordan Creek too, and there are a couple good restaurants in the complex and on the main road heading to.

 

If you want good restaurants try the Waterfront(great seafood), or Shanghai Cafe(chinese/vietnames - dont let the run down outside fool you, it's very nice inside and one of the best unknown spots).

 

Keep in mind there's also a gigantic mall in Coralville(about an hour from des moines) that's close to the size of the Mega Mall. It's got an indoor ice rink, plus tons of shopping, can easily make a day out of the trip.

 

Unless you plan on driving over 100 mph its more like an 1:20 to an hour and a half. Its about an hour and 20 to the exits (in Ia. City) for me and I drive 80-85.

[anemic offense]

I work near Jordan Creek and there are some pretty good resturants there. PK Changs, Biaggias (SP?), Joes Crab Shack, A Buffalo Wild Wings is opening soon, and off Course if they like Cheesecake there is the Cheesecake FActory. Downtown near the Park (Court Ave) there is Spagetti Works, Buzzard Billys Flying Carp Cafe (very fun cajun type place), Court Ave Brewery. The absolute best steak house is just west of town in Booneville, its called Rubes, its a grill your own place but it is fantastic!

 

The mall is ok, but the other places like Adventureland, Living history Farms, WAterworks park, and the other things that were mentioned pretty much cover what there is to do. If you are here during Fair time, that is always worth a look, There is also the national balloon classic just south of Des Moines in Indianola, but im not sure when it is.

 

There's also a steakhous on Euclid called (I'm pry botching it) the Iowa Beef and Steak House (somebody correct me). I once had a 20-22 steak, with salad bar and all the garlic bread I could eat for $15 bucks. Depending on when you go it might be the best deal in town.

[Evers2Tinker2Chance]

I work near Jordan Creek and there are some pretty good resturants there. PK Changs, Biaggias (SP?), Joes Crab Shack, A Buffalo Wild Wings is opening soon, and off Course if they like Cheesecake there is the Cheesecake FActory. Downtown near the Park (Court Ave) there is Spagetti Works, Buzzard Billys Flying Carp Cafe (very fun cajun type place), Court Ave Brewery. The absolute best steak house is just west of town in Booneville, its called Rubes, its a grill your own place but it is fantastic!

 

The mall is ok, but the other places like Adventureland, Living history Farms, WAterworks park, and the other things that were mentioned pretty much cover what there is to do. If you are here during Fair time, that is always worth a look, There is also the national balloon classic just south of Des Moines in Indianola, but im not sure when it is.

 

There's also a steakhous on Euclid called (I'm pry botching it) the Iowa Beef and Steak House (somebody correct me). I once had a 20-22 steak, with salad bar and all the garlic bread I could eat for $15 bucks. Depending on when you go it might be the best deal in town.

 

 

I think its the something about the Chop house,

 

Ohh and i forgot about the Texas Road house on the north bypass near 85th

[anemic offense]

I work near Jordan Creek and there are some pretty good resturants there. PK Changs, Biaggias (SP?), Joes Crab Shack, A Buffalo Wild Wings is opening soon, and off Course if they like Cheesecake there is the Cheesecake FActory. Downtown near the Park (Court Ave) there is Spagetti Works, Buzzard Billys Flying Carp Cafe (very fun cajun type place), Court Ave Brewery. The absolute best steak house is just west of town in Booneville, its called Rubes, its a grill your own place but it is fantastic!

 

The mall is ok, but the other places like Adventureland, Living history Farms, WAterworks park, and the other things that were mentioned pretty much cover what there is to do. If you are here during Fair time, that is always worth a look, There is also the national balloon classic just south of Des Moines in Indianola, but im not sure when it is.

 

There's also a steakhous on Euclid called (I'm pry botching it) the Iowa Beef and Steak House (somebody correct me). I once had a 20-22 steak, with salad bar and all the garlic bread I could eat for $15 bucks. Depending on when you go it might be the best deal in town.

 

 

I think its the something about the Chop house,

 

Ohh and i forgot about the Texas Road house on the north bypass near 85th

 

86th? :) Although its a great place the waits are often ridiculous. I've went where there's been 2 hour waits. That's when I venture across the street to Okoboji Bar and Grill and get immediately seated.

[anemic offense]

I work near Jordan Creek and there are some pretty good resturants there. PK Changs, Biaggias (SP?), Joes Crab Shack, A Buffalo Wild Wings is opening soon, and off Course if they like Cheesecake there is the Cheesecake FActory. Downtown near the Park (Court Ave) there is Spagetti Works, Buzzard Billys Flying Carp Cafe (very fun cajun type place), Court Ave Brewery. The absolute best steak house is just west of town in Booneville, its called Rubes, its a grill your own place but it is fantastic!

 

The mall is ok, but the other places like Adventureland, Living history Farms, WAterworks park, and the other things that were mentioned pretty much cover what there is to do. If you are here during Fair time, that is always worth a look, There is also the national balloon classic just south of Des Moines in Indianola, but im not sure when it is.

 

There's also a steakhous on Euclid called (I'm pry botching it) the Iowa Beef and Steak House (somebody correct me). I once had a 20-22 steak, with salad bar and all the garlic bread I could eat for $15 bucks. Depending on when you go it might be the best deal in town.

 

 

I think its the something about the Chop house,

 

Ohh and i forgot about the Texas Road house on the north bypass near 85th

 

Hah, I looked it up. It's the Iowa Beef Steak House. If it wasn't for that damned and I would have had it! :wink:

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Definately Adventureland, Living History Farms, and Blank Park Zoo for the kids. I hear good things about the new science center too, but have never been. You could easily kill lots of time at Jordan Creek too, and there are a couple good restaurants in the complex and on the main road heading to.

 

If you want good restaurants try the Waterfront(great seafood), or Shanghai Cafe(chinese/vietnames - dont let the run down outside fool you, it's very nice inside and one of the best unknown spots).

 

Keep in mind there's also a gigantic mall in Coralville(about an hour from des moines) that's close to the size of the Mega Mall. It's got an indoor ice rink, plus tons of shopping, can easily make a day out of the trip.

 

Unless you plan on driving over 100 mph its more like an 1:20 to an hour and a half. Its about an hour and 20 to the exits (in Ia. City) for me and I drive 80-85.

 

Plus, it's just a mall. It's really not that big, and there are no attractions other than the rink. If you want to go ice skating, I'm sure there are places in Des Moines. There also aren't any stores there that you wouldn't find somewhere in DM.

[mbennum]

I think whitewater university (the water park) might be closed, not sure though.

Besides the stuff everyone else mentioned, theres also "Sleepy Hollow Sports Park" sort of over by the fairgrounds, nothing special really, but they have go-karts, batting cages, mini-golf, and a par 3 golf course.

 

The new science center is suppose to be really cool, I haven't been down there yet though. I'll probably take my niece one of these weekends :P

 

I'm not really a fan of big chain restaurants, heres a couple of my favorite restaurants around here...

Tumea & Sons, old school italian place, and its right by the stadium

Claxon's, bbq/rib place, its in Altoona (east suburb of DSM) or Kin Folks texas bbq (across the street from the claxons actually) if you're in a hurry

Iowa Beef steakhouse is good too, although I havent' been there in awhile.

Sam's Egg Roll on the south side, its a tiny place in an old strip mall but some of the best chinese around here.

 

http://www.dmjuice.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=juice

Thats probably about the best site for finding random stuff to do on a specific date in des moines.