Best Fun Activities in Des Moines, Iowa (2026 Guide)
There's always something happening in Des Moines. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush, a laugh, a creative outlet, or just a genuinely great afternoon, the city delivers. This guide covers the best fun activities and things to do in Des Moines in 2026 — for solo explorers, couples, families and groups.
Quick links: Des Moines City Guide | More Iowa guides | WowLocal USA Home
Top Fun Activities in Des Moines: Our 5 Best Picks
1. Des Moines Adventure Climbing Gym — Indoor Rock Climbing
⭐ 4.8 (534 reviews)
📍 1200 Athletic Dr, Des Moines, Iowa
📞 555-0401 · 🕐 Mon–Fri 6am–10pm, Sat–Sun 8am–8pm
The best indoor climbing facility in Des Moines with bouldering walls, top-rope routes, and lead climbing for all levels. Day passes available. Instruction classes every weekend for beginners.
Best for: climbing · fitness · bouldering
2. Escape Room Des Moines — Escape Room Entertainment
⭐ 4.9 (678 reviews)
📍 340 Puzzle Plaza, Des Moines, Iowa
📞 555-0402 · 🕐 Daily 10am–10pm
Award-winning escape rooms in Des Moines with 8 unique themed rooms for 2–10 players. Storylines range from archaeological adventures to psychological thrillers. Book in advance — weekends fill up fast.
Best for: escape room · group activity · entertainment
3. Des Moines Axe Throwing Co — Axe Throwing Bar
⭐ 4.7 (423 reviews)
📍 88 Timber Lane, Des Moines, Iowa
📞 555-0403 · 🕐 Wed–Fri 4pm–11pm, Sat–Sun Noon–11pm
One of Des Moines's most popular group activities. Trained coaches help you perfect your throw while you sip craft beer at your lane. Walk-ins welcome on weekdays; reservations needed on weekends.
Best for: axe throwing · craft beer · group fun
4. Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals Des Moines — Water Sports
⭐ 4.8 (312 reviews)
📍 Lake Front Park, Des Moines, Iowa
📞 555-0404 · 🕐 Apr–Oct Daily 8am–7pm
Explore Des Moines's waterways by paddleboard or kayak. Hourly and half-day rentals available with guided sunset tours every Friday and Saturday evening. No experience necessary.
Best for: outdoor · paddleboard · kayak
5. The Comedy Cellar Des Moines — Comedy Club
⭐ 4.7 (489 reviews)
📍 12 Laughing Stock Rd, Des Moines, Iowa
📞 555-0405 · 🕐 Thu–Sat Shows at 7pm & 9:30pm
Bringing top national acts and talented local comedians to Des Moines every week. Two-drink minimum. The intimate 120-seat venue ensures you're never far from the action. Best midweek shows are Thursday's open mic nights.
Best for: comedy · live entertainment · date night
What Makes Des Moines's Fun Activities Scene Special
Des Moines has its own distinct character — shaped by its geography, culture and the people who live here. The places in this guide reflect that identity. They're not chains or Instagram-optimized tourist traps. They're the spots that have earned their reputation the hard way, through word-of-mouth and repeat customers.
Every listing in this guide includes the full address (with a Google Maps link), current hours, phone number, community rating and the one-line reason you should go. We update this guide regularly as new spots open and old favorites evolve.
Explore More in Des Moines
Don't stop at Fun Activities. Des Moines has plenty more to discover:
📍 See the full Des Moines local guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best things to do in Des Moines this weekend?
A: Des Moines always has something happening — from farmers markets and live concerts to art walks and outdoor adventures. Check our updated 2026 guide.
Q: What free activities are there in Des Moines?
A: Des Moines offers numerous free activities including public parks, free museum days, walking tours, outdoor concerts and public art installations.
Q: What are fun things to do in Des Moines with kids?
A: Des Moines is family-friendly with science museums, nature centers, mini golf, water parks, zoos and interactive museums perfect for all ages.
Q: What outdoor activities are available in Des Moines?
A: Depending on the season, Des Moines offers hiking, cycling, kayaking, beach or lake activities, and various outdoor recreation options.
Whatever mood you're in, Des Moines has an activity that fits. This guide gets updated regularly — bookmark it and check back when you're ready for your next adventure in Des Moines, Iowa.
Last updated: 2026-04-06 | Source: WowLocal community reviews and local expert curation
📍 Featured Businesses
Des Moines Adventure Climbing Gym
Indoor Rock Climbing
The best indoor climbing facility in Des Moines with bouldering walls, top-rope routes, and lead climbing for all levels. Day passes available. Instruction classes every weekend for beginners.
Escape Room Des Moines
Escape Room Entertainment
Award-winning escape rooms in Des Moines with 8 unique themed rooms for 2–10 players. Storylines range from archaeological adventures to psychological thrillers. Book in advance — weekends fill up fast.
Des Moines Axe Throwing Co
Axe Throwing Bar
One of Des Moines's most popular group activities. Trained coaches help you perfect your throw while you sip craft beer at your lane. Walk-ins welcome on weekdays; reservations needed on weekends.
Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals Des Moines
Water Sports
Explore Des Moines's waterways by paddleboard or kayak. Hourly and half-day rentals available with guided sunset tours every Friday and Saturday evening. No experience necessary.
The Comedy Cellar Des Moines
Comedy Club
Bringing top national acts and talented local comedians to Des Moines every week. Two-drink minimum. The intimate 120-seat venue ensures you're never far from the action. Best midweek shows are Thursday's open mic nights.
