Des Moines – Things to do with your Team

Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and the biggest city in the state. With a thriving downtown area, including the Iowa Events Center, and plenty of fun things to do in and around the city, your team has a lot of options for adventures while you’re visiting. There are plenty of things to do in Des Moines with kids all year round! If you can squeeze a few of these attractions into your visit, you’re sure to create a memorable travel experience for your team.

 

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Downtown Des Moines is a bustling area filled with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, and it’s home to the domed State Capitol and the hands-on, interactive Science Center of Iowa, which are both worth visiting. Exploring downtown is a fun and active way to spend an afternoon, especially if you start your downtown adventure at the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. You don’t have to be an art fanatic to be deeply impressed by the giant sculptures you’ll find here, including enormous primitive-looking heads and a 27-foot tall hollow human figure made of white steel letters that you can hang out in. The park features a total of 28 sculptures by world-famous artists, and it leads right to the heart of downtown. 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

 

Adventureland Amusement Park

Des Moines - Things to do with your Team - Travel - Hotels4TeamsCome on over to Adventureland! If you grew up in the Midwest, you’ve probably heard that tuneful jingle countless times on the TV. Adventureland Park is 15 minutes northeast of Des Moines and has been a much-beloved destination in the region for decades, and it’s no wonder why. It’s got some of the tallest, fastest, and wildest thrill rides in the country. Case in point is The Monster, which features a breathtaking 133-foot hill at the get-go, followed by a 101-degree plunge downhill at 65 miles per hour. After some dives and some loops and some diving loops, The Monster ends with a final high-speed corkscrew. And then there’s the Storm Chaser, a giant swing that propels you at top speeds around a tower 260 feet in the air, and the Dragon, a coaster featuring over 2,600 feet of upside-down and double-looping track. 3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009

 

Glow Golf & West Grand Golf

Just down the road in West Des Moines, you’ll find two different types of miniature golf courses for your team to try. Glow Golf features an indoor course lit by black lights with glow-in-the-dark obstacles, as well as a laser maze challenge with laser beams to navigate through. West Grand Golf is the more traditional outdoor course, and was voted “Best Miniature Golf Course of 2017 in Des Moines” by Cityview. Their 18-hole miniature golf course boasts picturesque natural surroundings. Showing off booming waterfalls, rock and flower gardens, and spraying fountains, this is one mini golf course you won’t soon forget. 6925 Mills Civic Pkwy #120, West Des Moines, IA 50266; 6450 Raccoon River Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266

 

Science Center of Iowa

Science centers are usually on the top of the list of kid’s favorite destinations. Satisfy your team’s curiosity in science by taking them to the Science Center of Iowa. Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, this facility encourages experimentation through various interactive exhibits. Live demonstrations, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater help complete the immersive experience that the Science Center of Iowa strives to provide for all of its guests. 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309

 

Perfect Games

Not sure what your team wants to do? Then try this family entertainment center with all kinds of thrilling activities. Perfect games features 24 lanes of state of the art bowling, a two-story laser tag arena, a huge arcade, and a miniature golf course, the Kingpin Pizza restaurant, and over 30 TV screens along with 15 giant screens for viewing sports events. 1320 Dickinson Ave, Ames, IA 50014

 

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Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo offers an up-close view of exotic wildlife from lions and snow leopards to ostriches and bald eagles. Feed the giraffes, parakeets, and koi, and watch the teeny tiny penguins preen and play. Observe the critically endangered black rhinos as they browse the tree branches for leaves, and enjoy the funny antics of the golden-headed tamarins. Visit a tropical rain forest habitat, get to know the animals of the Australian Outback, explore the sights, sounds, and creatures of a cave, and take a trip to Africa, all within 25 acres of masterfully landscaped space. 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315

 

Living History Farms

Des Moines - Things to do with your Team - Travel - Hotels4TeamsFifteen minutes northwest of Des Moines is your opportunity to travel back in time to see what farm life was like before electricity was invented and indoor plumbing was the norm. Living History Farms is a fun, interactive outdoor history museum. Demonstrations at the 1700 Iowa Farm give you an inside look at how the Iowa Indians tanned hides, prepared food, and made tools and pottery. At the 1850 Pioneer Farm, you’ll see how women cooked over a fire, spun wool, made candles, and plowed fields. Head to the 1875 town of Walnut Hill, and explore the general store, schoolhouse, Victorian mansion, law office, and bank that are exactly as you would have found them nearly 150 years ago. 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322

 

Valley View Aquatic Center

If it’s hotter than blazes and you just want to cool off, the Valley View Aquatic Center is an inexpensive, fun way to spend the day. The Center features three bodies of water and four water slides, including a 180-foot enclosed slide and a 208-foot open slide. Dive off the boards, speed down the drop slide, or lay back and relax on the 600-foot Lazy River. A zero-entry leisure pool is outfitted with some pretty fun spray features and plenty of soft, green lawns that offer a place to check in and congregate for a snack. 255 S 81st St, West Des Moines, IA 50266

 

Kart Racing at MB2 Raceway

MB2 Raceway  warmly welcomes walk-ins of all experience levels for a day of racing on a fun and challenging indoor track. High-performance electric go-karts reach speeds of 45 miles per hour and handle like a dream. There’s a large viewing area with snacks available, and the indoor climate is comfortable all year round, making it a great place to escape the stifling heat or bitter cold. 1350 SE Gateway Dr #108, Grimes, IA 50111

 

You and your team can have a lot of fun and enjoy some quality bonding time while you’re in Des Moines. You will go away with a fond memory of your trip to the Midwest.