Things to do in Des Moines

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Veronika Patrashko
Photo by Veronika Patrashko
Photo by Veronika Patrashko
Photo by Veronika Patrashko

Des Moines Attractions

It's not surprising that so many travelers return to Des Moines again and again. This delightful city is overflowing with fun things to do. Whether you enjoy exploring the local sights or attempting more thrilling experiences, you'll never have a dull moment here.

If you're ready to explore Des Moines, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly expert show you some of the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {24 fun activities in Des Moines fun activities in Des Moines} are also worth checking out.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Most popular activities in Des Moines

Tours & day trips

See all 20 activities
Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from Seattle

Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from Seattle

Activity duration is 12 hours and 55 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $189 per adult
Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from SeattleOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 5 activities
Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from Seattle

Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from Seattle

Activity duration is 12 hours and 55 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $189 per adult
Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from SeattleOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Seattle: Mt. Rainier Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride

Seattle: Mt. Rainier Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $375 per adult
Seattle: Mt. Rainier Sunset Hot Air Balloon RideOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 3 activities
Tacoma Puzzling Adventure

Tacoma Puzzling Adventure

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $35 per traveler*
Tacoma Puzzling AdventureOpens in new tab

What to do in Des Moines

Free Things to Do in Des Moines

Leave your wallet in the hotel. It's a cinch to have fun in Des Moines without paying a cent.

Highline Community College - Architecture enthusiast or not, you'll be awed by this landmark's modern-day design.

Des Moines Marina - Discover for yourself why tourists and locals alike love the unique atmosphere of this place.

Things to Do in Des Moines with Kids

There are plenty of sensational experiences in Des Moines that the whole gang will enjoy. These are some of the top family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Des Moines? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Des Moines

Seattle Waterfront featuring boating, sailing and city views

Seattle Waterfront

4.5/5(3,984 reviews)

A wonderful place to stroll and dine, this ever-changing attraction is more than just a place where land meets sea.

Seattle Waterfront
Puget Sound which includes modern architecture

Space Needle

4.5/5(4,579 reviews)

Seattle’s skyline is instantly recognizable when you see this soaring slender structure, built as a showpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair.

Space Needle
Pike Place Market featuring a city, signage and night scenes

Pike Place Market

4.5/5(6,560 reviews)

Climb the steps from the waterfront to discover Seattle’s fresh food hub, the oldest farmers’ market in the U.S.

Pike Place Market
University of Washington showing heritage elements

University of Washington

4.5/5(1,574 reviews)

Prospective students, academics and Seattle visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the city’s premier public university, located north of the city center.

University of Washington
T-Mobile Park

T-Mobile Park

4.5/5(862 reviews)

Catch an event at T-Mobile Park during your trip to Seattle. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and great live music in this vibrant area.

T-Mobile Park
Seattle Center featuring modern architecture

Seattle Center

4.5/5(2,716 reviews)

A product of the 1962 World Fair, this cultural precinct is where sports, theater, film and fine dining come together in Seattle.

Seattle Center
CenturyLink Field

Lumen Field

4.5/5(1,027 reviews)

Watch football, soccer or an impressive live music performance at this large stadium located within walking distance of downtown Seattle.

Lumen Field
Washington State Convention Center showing a city

Seattle Convention Center Arch Building

4/5(637 reviews)

Thanks to its wood paneling, ancient fir tables and locally produced food, this conference center lets you experience the beauty of Seattle even when you’re inside.

Seattle Convention Center Arch Building
Bellevue Square which includes a square or plaza and street scenes

Bellevue Square

4.5/5(888 reviews)

The buzzing heart of Bellevue, this multistory shopping complex houses brand stores, upscale dining establishments and entertainment for the whole family.

Bellevue Square

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Des Moines

Photo by Free Love Hippie

Auburn

Federal Way

Federal Way

Kent

Kent

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

SeaTac

Seattle which includes landscape views, night scenes and a city

Seattle

Tacoma showing a city, a bay or harbor and a marina

Tacoma

Photo by Justin Hunter

Normandy Park

Frequently asked questions

Is Des Moines worth visiting?
Des Moines offers an interesting mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into nature, history or regional cuisine, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Des Moines?
Once you've checked off major attractions like Des Moines Beach, spend the rest of your day exploring the retail and food scene in Des Moines.
What is the top tourist attraction in Des Moines?
Plan a day at Des Moines Beach and see why it's ranked as the top tourist attraction near Des Moines.
Is three days enough to stay in Des Moines?
Three days in Des Moines is more than enough to explore the nearby attractions. Many travelers love Des Moines Beach and Angle Lake Park, so why not add them to the itinerary while you're here?
Is Des Moines a walkable neighborhood?
Enjoy a casual walk from the center of Des Moines to Des Moines Beach and other popular attractions. Want to keep exploring? Stroll for about 2 miles to reach the neighborhood of Normandy Park.
What are some activities to do in Des Moines with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Browse our ideas for what to do in Des Moines with kids.

What to do in Des Moines for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Des Moines. Whether you're into the arts, outdoor pursuits or just love exploring new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Des Moines?
One of the most popular free things to do in Des Moines is check out Des Moines Beach. You can also stroll to nearby neighborhoods and spend time in parks and other green spaces in the area. If you're stuck for ideas, just speak with a local tour guide.