Des Moines Trip

Things to do in Des Moines

Shopping

In Des Moines, you can explore Jordan Creek Town Center, a vibrant hub for shopping and entertainment. Valley West Mall offers a variety of shops and family-friendly activities, while Southridge Mall provides a diverse shopping experience, perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Val Air Ballroom, where live music creates an exhilarating ambiance. For relaxation, Sleepy Hollow Sports Park offers serene recreational activities amidst nature. If you enjoy golf, the Tournament Club of Iowa provides a scenic outdoor setting for a rejuvenating round on the greens.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of bouncing at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, where adventure meets family fun. At Pump It Up, enjoy inflatable attractions and exciting games. For a different kind of excitement, challenge your friends at Air Lanes Bowling Center, perfect for a lively outing in Des Moines.

Nightlife

Des Moines offers a vibrant nightlife with venues like the trendy 8th Street and the lively Court Avenue. For a more relaxed evening, explore the local breweries or enjoy live music at the Des Moines Social Club. There's always something to suit your mood in this dynamic city.

Find the best attractions in Des Moines

Des Moines offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and business opportunities. Notable attractions include urban parks, event and conference venues, and modern colleges and universities. Visitors can explore a variety of popular tourist spots that cater to those seeking a vibrant city experience, making it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation. Be sure to check out the major and top attractions in and around Des Moines for an enriching experience.

• Adventureland: Experience thrill and excitement at Adventureland, an amusement park in Des Moines. With a variety of rides and attractions, it offers outdoor fun for families and adventure seekers alike, ensuring a memorable day filled with laughter and adrenaline.
• EMC Expo Center: The EMC Expo Center serves as a premier event and conference venue in Des Moines, perfect for business gatherings and conferences. Its modern facilities and professional atmosphere make it an ideal location for networking and attending informative events.
• Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. This enchanting garden is a romantic escape with diverse plant collections, perfect for families seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.

Best time to go to Des Moines

The best time to visit Des Moines can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Des Moines falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Des Moines falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Des Moines

• Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
• Consider traveling to Des Moines during the low season (November to January) for more affordable options.
• Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
• Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.