8 New Family-Friendly Restaurants to Try in Des Moines Winter 2026
Many restaurants are opening this winter in the Des Moines metro, and we have rounded up the top family-friendly spots. From cozy brunch places to ice cream shops and fun dining experiences, these venues are perfect for families eager to try something new.
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1. Black Cat Ice Cream
1301 Locust Street, Suite D, Des Moines
Black Cat Ice Cream opened its new downtown Des Moines location in December 2025. Their other store is in Valley Junction. They are known for their handcrafted, small-batch artisanal ice cream with a rotating selection of unique flavors. They utilize grass-fed natural dairy and ingredients sourced from local producers. Follow their social media pages for current flavors, such as Chocolate Covered Potato Chip or Brown Butter Cookie Dough.
2. Breakfast Club
Kettlestone Central development along Grand Prairie Parkway
The Breakfast Club currently has locations in West Des Moines, Des Moines’ East Village, and Ankeny. They plan to expand to Waukee in early 2026 in the Kettlestone Central development. The restaurant is known for its vintage comic book-themed décor and tasty brunch. The casual, bright décor with traditional breakfast makes it great for kids, while adults can enjoy a variety of dishes from eggs benedict to tostadas and crepes.
3. Norwalk Pizza Ranch and Fun Zone Arcade
9400 Marketplace Drive, Norwalk
The Norwalk Pizza Ranch, which opened in December 2025, is not your average Pizza Ranch. This location features a Fun Zone Arcade complete with a variety of fun games like a basketball shooting contest, skee-ball and racing games. Don’t miss out on the arcade’s ½ price Mondays and consider one of their party packages for your child’s next birthday.
4. Ocha Bubble Tea
221 4th Street, Des Moines
Opening their third location, this bubble tea shop has a variety of hot and cold drinks and desserts. Kids will enjoy their fruit drinks, chocolate toast, and a fun photo booth.
5. The Refill Market
2701 Ingersoll Avenue, Suite 104, Des Moines
Although not technically a restaurant, this unique bulk-pantry grocery store offers healthy grab-and-go lunches from New World Kitchen (which every busy parent needs!). Shop the Refill Market by using glass jars to fill up on pantry staples like rice, beans, dried fruits, and spices. It’s a great way to teach kids from an early age about sustainable practices by using jars to reduce plastic waste. They offer vegan products and have gluten-free products.
6. Scoops by Beth
523 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, in the Highland Park area
Originally Pints by Beth, which served ice cream made by request, Scoops by Beth will be a modern ice cream parlor with its own brick-and-mortar location. Expect inventive ice cream flavors that kids will enjoy while people watching from barstools overlooking the large windows. Opening early 2026!
7. Stack Wellness Café
1202 SE University Ave, Waukee
Looking for healthy breakfast and lunch options for the family? Check out Stack Wellness Café, where kids can enjoy the berry pancake protein stacks, and strawberry banana smoothies. Adults can hope to stay up with their littles by drinking a protein smoothie and trying the Fit Morning Bowl.
8. Toyo Ramen & Japanese Street Foods
1615 SW Main ST STE 106, Ankeny
Toyo Ramen & Japanese Street Foods recently opened in the District at Prairie Trail at the end of December 2025. Order from the menu at the front desk and enjoy authentic Japanese ramen, gyoza, and donburi, a popular Japanese rice bowl dish. It’s perfect for kids who already enjoy Japanese food and a great way to introduce new dishes to those who haven’t tried them yet. Reviews mention that the food is fresh and served quickly, which all parents can appreciate!
Bonus:
Kettlestone Social
Kettlestone Central Business Park in Waukee
Opening in 2027, Kettlestone Social will be a food hall and community gathering place. It will offer outdoor pickleball courts, yard games, duckpin bowling, and an arcade. There will also be 6 unique food vendors. This will be a great place for family outings, date night, and social gatherings!
