Des Moines Metro Area
Things to Do in
Des Moines
Local-first guides to events, restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems across the Des Moines metro. Narrow it down by neighborhood, who you're with, or when you're going.
Browse by Area
Pick your neighborhood or suburb
Downtown
Skywalk dining, Court Ave nightlife, arts & culture
East Village
DSM's trendiest neighborhood — boutiques, brunch & bars
Valley Junction
Walkable historic district, antiques & local dining
West Des Moines
Jordan Creek, local gems amid the suburbs
Ankeny
Iowa's fastest-growing city — always something new
Drake
Diverse dining, campus energy, hidden gems
Beaverdale
Neighborhood charm, local favorites, fall festival
Ingersoll
Restaurant row, coffee shops, walkable corridor
Urbandale
Living History Farms, parks & local dining
Waukee
Kettlestone district, Raccoon River Valley Trail
Altoona
Adventureland, Prairie Meadows, local eats
Sherman Hill
Victorian architecture, historic walks
Browse by Who's Going
Curated picks for every group and occasion
For Families
Kid-friendly picks with stroller & age notes
Date Night
Complete evening itineraries for couples
For Foodies
Dish-specific recs, chef stories, deep cuts
Budget-Friendly
Free events, happy hours, cheap eats
For Visitors
48-hour itineraries & must-see essentials
Pet-Friendly
Dog-friendly patios, parks & hotels
For Groups
Large groups, team building & party venues
For Couples
Weekend getaways & shared experiences
Browse by When
Time-based guides for every season and occasion
Browse by Activity
Dive into specific types of experiences
Popular Searches
The most searched things to do in DSM