Throwing a birthday party for a 7-year-old is a different game than throwing one for a 4-year-old – and totally different than what you’ll do for a 12-year-old. Kids in this age range want real activities. They can climb, jump, bowl, and follow rules. But they’re not teenagers yet, so the venue still has to feel kid-friendly.
I’ve lived in Des Moines a long time and have kids of my own who have aged through this exact window. Here are the best places in the Des Moines metro to host a kids birthday party for ages 7 to 10 – plus what each one is best for, what it’ll cost, and a few things I wish I’d known sooner.
This summer, the annual Des Moines Art Festival is set to take place on June 26-28, 2026, in Western Gateway Park, Downtown Des Moines, at1205 Locust St. The three-day-long event attracts thousands to the city to admire the creative works produced by a variety of artists across multiple mediums. They celebrate local Iowa artists and other creatives from around the country.
What should I expect at the Des Moines Arts Festival?
The outdoor festival hosts a variety of artworks in different mediums that will be displayed, such as paintings, photographs, sculptures, glasswork, jewelry, clothing pieces, films and more. There will also be a stage with live music playing.
How much does the Des Moines Arts Festival cost?
There are no tickets that need to be purchased prior to arriving at the festival. The event can be enjoyed with or without spending money.
What Can I Do For Free at the Des Moines Arts Festival?
Parking at the Nationwide Garage
Listen to live music
Interactive activities
Viewing the Interrobang Film Festival
What Do I Need Money For?
Food trucks
Drinks
Purchasing artwork
Merchendice
Silent Rivers VIP Club,
Where should I stay?
The closest stays to Western Gateway Park are the Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, located on 1000 Walnut St., 0.23 miles away; the Des Lux Hotel, located on 800 Locust St., 0.33 miles away; and the Des Moines Marriott Downtown on 700 Grand Ave., 0.4 miles away.
Des Moines Water Works is a public water utility located in the capital city of Iowa. The municipal facility has the motto “Think Downstream,” which ultimately encourages members of the community to be cautious and think about their environmental impact on the city’s water sources.
Recently, Des Moines Water Works passed new water rates beginning in 2026. Commercial and industrial customers will be charged $10.70 a month per thousand gallons of Des Moines water used. The increase is reported to have come from the large flush of nitrates into the water sources from farming and residential lawn care. Nitrate removal systems were working overtime from June to August 2025 to produce safe and reliable drinking water for the public.
Des Moines Water Works states their mission to be “Leading and advocating to deliver Water You Can Trust For Life.”
Water Works Park
The Des Moines Water Works park is infamous around the city for its beautiful landscaping and public art. Spanning approximately 1,500 acres, the Water Works park covers nearly twice the amount of ground that Central Park does.
The park is also home to the Arie Den Boer Arboretum, named after its developer in 1930. The arboretum is home to one of the largest collections of crabapple trees in the world, making for a beautiful bloom when the trees flower in the spring.
Des Moines Water Works Park often hosts outdoor concerts for the community, with recent performers being Jessie Murph, Willie Nelson, and REO Speedwagon.
The park also hosts Biergarten, an annual, family-friendly German-themed beer garden. Attendees can purchase and enjoy multiple kinds of local craft beer and stop by street-food stands selling hotdogs, pretzels, and more.
Additionally, Water Works has become an iconic spot for Des Moines photographers. Thanks to the unique designs and photo ops around the park, hundreds of people take advantage of the scenery each year to plan grad or family photos.
Des Moines Community Outreach
In addition to its parks and arts investments, Des Moines Water Works also promotes pollution prevention. Outreach includes specific suggestions on how homeowners in Des Moines can limit their environmental footprint — and improve water quality for the community. Des Moines Water Works recommends using natural cleaning products and warns against disposing environmentally toxic materials — Household Hazardous Materials (HHMs) — down drains or into sewers. Recycling and reducing household waste is also part of the equation.
Des Moines Water Works also lists specific guidelines for yard maintenance practices. Because grass clippings and other yard manicuring by-products can block sewer drainage, Des Moines Water Works advises homeowners to bag up waste and put it in CompostIt! Bags.
In public spaces such as parks, Des Moines Water Works encourages community members contribute to group clean-up efforts.
All in all, Des Moines Water Works is more than just a utility company. They care about the Des Moines community and improving water quality for all.
If you are looking for some exciting day trips from Des Moines for a fun day out, here are some ideas! Many of these Des Moines day trips are free or of low cost as well, making them accessible for college students or families. Have fun on your trips!
Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption
Located in West Bend, Iowa, this awe-inspiring shrine is a three hour drive from Des Moines. On the way, you can stop at the World’s Largest Ball of Popcorn in Sac City. It is made of minerals, shells, fossils and more from around the world. Inside, are stories from The Bible depicted from these materials. Over 100,000 people visit the shrine each year.
C.C. Wolf Mansion Historical Home
Only an hour and a half from Des Moines, the C.C. Wolf Mansion Historical Home located in Parkersburg, Iowa contains a treasure trove of fascinating artifacts. It is not only a history of the family that lived there but of the town itself, as it has relics from the town’s past. Nearby is the town of Iowa Falls, which is fun to stroll around!
Iowa Quilt Museum
Quilts adorn the walls of this museum, many depicting stories or feelings personal to the artists. This museum, located in Winterset Iowa, only 45 minutes from Des Moines, has both a history of quilting and different quilts in its rotating exhibit area. Each quilt is a work of love! Nearby is the Rusty Star Alpaca Farm, open on Saturdays, where people can feed a farm full of fluffy alpacas.
Frisian Farms Cheese House
Pella, Iowa, only 45 minutes from Des Moines, is known for its beautiful tulips and Dutch buildings, but it also has delicious cheese at Frisian Farms Cheese House. Guests can sample bites of cheese after walking around the city of Pella. Their gouda, especially their smoked gouda and pepper-y gouda, are fantastic. On the way is the Neil Smith Wildlife Refugee, where bison roam!
Ledges State Park
Ledges State Park, around 45 minutes from Des Moines, is stunning in the fall, when the leaves are turning. It is great for hiking and photography, as its multi-layered sides present a picture of fall. The trip there too is gorgeous, taking you past Iowa farms and skies.
Des Moines Day Trips
Enjoy these Des Moines day trips. While the city has lots to offer, so does the rest of Iowa. Explore while you are in the state!
Are you a fan of live music? Whether you’re #1 in line for your favorite artist’s new tour or a friend gave you tickets to a show you’ve never heard of, there’s plenty of opportunity for amazing concerts in Des Moines!
Dozens of music and performance venues in Des Moines offer a wide variety of experiences for people looking for a night out. Let’s explore a few now!
Casey’s Center
The newly renamed Casey’s Center is Des Moines’ premiere music venue, arena, and events center. The stadium seats 17,000 people, and has hosted the likes of Taylor Swift, Elton John, and this October- Paul McCartney!
The Casey’s Center is also the hub for many sports teams, such as the Iowa Wild, Iowa Barnstormers, and Iowa Wolves in hockey, football, and basketball, respectively.
A charming and historic ballroom venue named in homage to the nearby Valley Junction, this venue creates an intimate yet spectacular concert experience. Founded in 1939, the ballroom had a major renovation in 2023, which upgraded many of its features and amenities for guests.
If your favorite musical experience is- well, a musical, then the Des Moines Civic Center and other Des Moines Performing Arts venues have what you’re looking for! Located in the heart of Downtown, the Civic Center hosts musicals, plays, award shows, and more year-round.
Temple and Stoner Theaters are also a part of the Des Moines Performing Arts complex, but the Civic Center is by far the largest, seating around 2,700 people.
Located in the East Village of Des Moines, Wooly’s is a 680 capacity venue known for it’s high energy and intimate shows. Founded with the goal of hosting genre-diverse acts, Wooly’s is a great place to get on your feet and dance at.
Hosting the likes of The Struts and Ice Nine Kills, Wooly’s has a show to offer everyone!
If you like jazz, drinks, or a cozy atmosphere, Noce jazz club has something to offer you. Tucked away near the Papajohn Sculpture Park, Noce is a small venue that hosts both local and world-renowned jazz musicians.
Book a table and enjoy a romantic night out, or just stop by to hear some amazing grooves.
