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Published on September 23rd, 2026
45 Places for Family Fun this Winter
Wintertime in Iowa can be hard for young kids. How do you keep them busy, active, and having fun? Well here are some ideas. The next time you are thinking about what should I do with the kids today, check out our list of 45 Places for Family Fun this Winter.
Other resources for fun this winter in Des Moines, Iowa:
Art, Museums, and Historical Places

Classes/Workshops
Indoor Playgrounds & Fun Centers
- Pump It Up
- The Playground for Kids
- Sky Zone
- Backyard Adventures
- Chuck E Cheese
- Valley Community Center

Ice Skating
Nature Center & Zoos
Indoor Play Areas
Sledding & Skiing
- Full list of sledding in Des Moines
- Seven Oaks Recreation

Sports & Recreation
- Climb Iowa
- Bowling at Warrior Lanes
- Skating at Skate South
Storytimes & Special Events
- Beaverdale Books
- Barnes and Noble
- Storyhouse Bookpub
- Public Libraries: Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Clive, Waukee

Swimming Indoors
- Full list of places to swim indoors in the Des Moines area.
Erin Huiatt
Erin Huiatt has owned and run Des Moines Parent since 2015, covering family events, parks and things to do across central Iowa for more than a decade. She is the author of 100 Things To Do in Des Moines Before You Die (Reedy Press, 2023) and Where To Take the Kids: Des Moines (Reedy Press, coming spring 2027). A mom of two, Erin serves on the board of the Des Moines Children's Museum.
