10 New Places to Try in Des Moines This Fall
My kids love to try new activities and luckily there are lots of fun new happenings around the Des Moines Metro this Fall. Check out our list of NEW activities and places that you won’t want to miss! There’s even a fun (and spooky) spot for date night.
1. Wilson’s Orchard & Farm: Play Barn
Address: 3201 15th Avenue in Cumming
(515) 216-0027
Cost: $5 for ages 3-16 years old; Guests 2 and younger or 17 and older are free
Wilson’s Orchard is a you-pick farm with a bakery, market, full-service restaurant, and event venue. They just opened the Play Barn: a 3-story playground with climbing walls, a corn crib, fast slides, and so much more. The big slide is for ages 10 and up and has been under construction to make it longer.
2. Iowa Arboretum & Gardens: Treehouse Village
Address: 1875 Peach Avenue in Madrid
(515) 795-3216
Cost: Ages 2 and under are Free; $7 for ages 3-12; $12 for ages 13 and older
Treehouse Village was constructed for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors. Experience elevated walkways and bridges overlooking the beautiful valley. Enjoy 5 slides, a suspension bridge, multiple treehouses, a wheelchair-accessible swing, and an accessible zipline. Purchase Arboretum admission tickets online. The Treehouse Village is included with admission.
3. Topgolf Des Moines
Address: 7655 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines
(515) 336-6859
Cost varies per time and day
Take aim at giant outfield targets at this interactive driving range. Topgolf Des Moines provides two floors of bays along with a restaurant and sports bar. HDTVs are located in every bay. Play year-round with heated bays in the winter and cooling fans in the summer. This provides fun for all ages and experience levels.
4. The Republic on Grand: Wicked Heights
Address: 401 E. Grand Avenue in Des Moines
Ready for a fun date night? The Republic on Grand is joining in on the pop-up Halloween bar scene in the Des Moines metro. Wicked Heights opens on October 1st and runs through November 2nd. Enjoy enchanting Halloween evenings on the rooftop with special events throughout the season including a costume party on October 26. Guests can enjoy spellbinding cocktails and some special treats along the way. Reservations are not available. First come, first served
Take a look at some other fun Halloween Pop-Up Bars in the Des Moines area.
5. Union Park: Rocket Slide
Address: 2009 Saylor Road in Des Moines
Des Moines’ historic Rocket Slide has been around since 1971 receiving several renovations since to improve safety. The most recent renovation includes a newer, taller slide, new paint, and ground padding for cushions. Union Park is one of only five original parks in Polk County, kids can once again zoom down this fun slide.
6. Glitter Factory DSM
Address: 501 SW 7th Street, Suite M in Des Moines
Head to The Glittery Factory for a “Build Your Own Fidget Bag.” Fidgets can keep kids (and adults’) hands busy, helping decrease anxiety, improve concentration and regulate emotions. Choose 10 fidgets for $25 plus the bag. There are lots of fun options including Tangles for holding and manipulating and rings/bracelets for something subtle to keep hands busy.
7. Windsor Heights: Colby Park
Address: 6900 School Street in Windsor Heights
Colby Park has received a complete renovation with accessibility improvements, a new playground, a splash pad, a new plaza, and more. Colby Park is scheduled to open before the Windsor Heights Fall Festival on October 4th. Accessibility improvements include ADA sidewalks, an inclusive playground with a rubber base mat area, and new ramps leading to the Community Center. The main playground area includes a ramp for kids with all abilities to play. There are multiple slides, climbing structures, and a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round.
8. Waukee: Centennial Park
Address: 1255 Warrior Lane in Waukee
Centennial Park will receive a full upgrade to the main playground to suit a range of ages, and provide additional shade and a new surface. Due to delays, work is anticipated to begin in early October in hopes of having the playground completed before the end of the year. Stay updated on progress with the Waukee Parks and Recreation Facebook Page.
9. Howell’s Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch: Paintball Range
Address: 3145 Howell Court in Cumming
(515) 981-0863
Cost: Paintball Range is extra with farm admission for $5, $10 or $20
We love visiting Howell’s farm and playing on the obstacle course, and farmyard, visiting the pumpkin patch and exploring the corn maze. We can’t wait to try Howell’s newest attraction for Fall 2024: the Paintball Range. Load your paintballs and then shoot at a variety of targets lit with black lights.
10. Jester Park Nature Center: Sensory Trail
Address: Located next to Jester Park Nature Center in Granger
This new accessible trail was designed to be inclusive for all to provide experiences with sight, touch, sound, and exploration. Look through kaleidoscopes of different heights, explore the 6-foot tower with different textures like tree bark and snakeskin, use wooden listening tubes, or create musical tunes with the pebble harp and explore a zero-entry, shallow pond.
