Top Things to do in Greater Des Moines

Greater Des Moines is a four-season destination, with something for everyone. The warmer months can be spent biking more than 800 miles of trails, or at an Iowa Cubs game. We’re all about catching some rays and rides at Adventureland Park, the tradition of the Iowa State Fair and attending internationally recognized festivals. When the colors change and the pumpkin patches open you can dig in to the seasonal flavors of local vendors at the Downtown Farmers’ Market or sip the latest creation from one of 17 local breweries. Experience our emerging music scene and discover the latest public art installation. Greater Des Moines is surprising and ever-changing, we want you to see it all!

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Climb Iowa East Village

Bring out your inner rock climber and head to Climb Iowa East Village. Climb Iowa East Village offers 3,000 square feet of bouldering with over 100 problems and state-of the-art Rogue training equipment.

Outlets of Des Moines

The Outlets of Des Moines is Greater Des Moines’ newest shopping destination and the only outlet mall in the metro. Shop outlet stores from some of the biggest names in fashion, all conveniently located at the Interstate 80 and US-65 interchange in Altoona. 

Flix Brewhouse

Head to Flix Brewhouse to see some of the newest releases on the big screen. Serving up some of the top brews in town, movie snack classics, a full bar and a large menu, Flix Brewhouse is one of the best places to watch a movie in Greater Des Moines.

Great Escape

Located minutes from downtown in Pleasant Hill, Great Escape is great place for family fun. Great Escape offers bowling, cosmic bowling, laser tag and a game room. Social Eats & Crafts is a full restaurant inside Great Escape, allowing visitors to grab a bite to eat between all the laser tag and bowling fun.

Smash Park

Smash Park is a one-of-a-kind social entertainment and events venue with backyard-style street food and hand-crafted cocktails. Featuring Iowa’s largest patio and over 40 HD TV’s it’s Des Moines’ new game day home base. Smash Park is equipped with eight pickleball courts, shuffleboard, bocce ball, ping pong and more!

High Trestle Trail

Head outdoors and enjoy the scenic High Trestle Trail. The shining star of Iowa's trail system, the High Trestle Trail runs for 25 miles through five towns and four counties. The trail includes an iconic, half-mile, 13-story high bridge across the Des Moines River valley, one of the largest trail bridges in the world!

More Top Things to Do

Arts & Cuture

Hidden gems and best-kept secrets. Des Moines is symphony songs and breathtaking ballets. Hands-on…

Sports

We’re the #1 Minor League Market in the U.S. for good reason.

Live Music & Concerts

Experience live music in Des Moines. Catch headlining acts at the Iowa State Fair and Wells Fargo…

Outdoor

Catch adventure in the great outdoors with endless options of parks and trails.

Indoor

In Des Moines, indoor recreation means "in on the action!"

Shopping

Welcome to Iowa's shopping destination. Find deals and unique gifts at Valley West Mall, Jordan Creek…

Trails

Explore more than 800 miles of trail systems throughout Greater Des Moines. Great for walking, hiking…

Bars & Nightlife

Catch neighborhood hangouts, upscale wine bars, dance clubs, sports bars, and breweries.