Things To Do with Teens in Des Moines This Winter
When the temperatures drop and snow starts to fall, it can be a little trickier to find fun activities that actually get your teens excited to leave the house. (We get it … Netflix and hoodies are pretty appealing!) But Des Moines has no shortage of winter fun for older kids and teens. Whether they are into skating, shopping, art, or adventure, here are some of the best things to do with teens in Des Moines this winter.
Glide Across the Ice
Brenton Skating Plaza
Address: 520 Robert D. Ray Drive in Des Moines
Hours: Open mid-November through March (weather permitting)
A downtown Des Moines classic! Brenton Skating Plaza offers outdoor ice skating right along the river with stunning city views of the city. Teens will love skating under the lights with friends, snapping photos, and warming up with hot cocoa afterward.
Tip: Walk down the street for an over-the-top milkshake and burger at Zombie Burger in the East Village.
The RecPlex in West Des Moines
Address: 6500 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines
Prefer an indoor option? Head to the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex for open skate sessions or learn-to-skate programs. It’s a great spot for teens to burn some energy when it’s too cold to be outside.
Tip: Before you go, take a look at some of the activities or classes they have scheduled, including E-Sports!
Johnston Town Center
Address: 6245 Merle Hay Road in Johnston
Grab your skates and head to the Johnston Town Center ice rink. It’s the perfect mix of small-town charm and big fun. After skating, warm up inside Backpocket Pin & Pixel for duckpin bowling, arcade games, and delicious food. Before you leave, grab a fun coffee flight at Blue Bean right next door. Their seasonal flavors are a hit with teens and parents!
Challenge Them to Some Friendly Competition
Operating Room
Address: 5515 Mills Civic Pkwy in West Des Moines, or 1631 SW Main Street in Ankeny.
Put those reflexes to the test at this adult-and-teen-friendly arcade bar with classic pinball and modern video games. Teens are welcome before 8 p.m. Perfect for a family outing that feels a little more “grown up.”
Merle Hay Mall
Address: 3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines
Merle Hay Mall has TWO great spots to play games. If your teen loves video games or virtual reality, GameDay in Merle Hay Mall has you covered with video games, and White Rabbit VR has you covered with escape rooms and virtual reality fun. Gameday also offers great food options to grab a bite to eat while you are planning.
Tip: Head upstairs to Flix Brewhouse and enjoy dinner and a movie on the big screen!
Fat Putter
Address: 615 3rd Street in Des Moines
Located in downtown Des Moines, Fat Putter is an indoor mini-golf and dining experience that’s equal parts fun and funky. After a few rounds, head over to the Science Center of Iowa for hands-on exploration, then grab lunch at The Empire, a new hot spot serving up delicious lunch and dinner options nearby.
Palms Theatres & IMAX
Address: 200 NE Westgate Drive in Waukee
Dinner and a movie? Yes, please! Teens will love the “Dine & Recline” setup, where they can enjoy dinner and snacks right from their plush reclining seats. There is also an arcade for a little extra fun before or after the show. Take a look at what is playing here.
Try Something New Indoors
Climb Iowa
Address: 3605 SE Miehe Drive in Grimes, or 150 E 4th Street in Des Moines
For teens who love adventure, Climb Iowa is the perfect challenge. With both Des Moines and Grimes locations, they can boulder, climb, or take a class. It’s great for confidence-building and staying active all winter long.
Tip: Climbing at the Des Moines location? When you are done, head to Fong’s Pizza for a unique and fun pizza experience. When you are done, walk over to Molly’s Cupcakes to swing on the swings indoors and enjoy dessert.
Smash Park
Address: 6625 Coachlight Drive in West Des Moines
Food, games, pickleball, and tons of fun under one roof! Teens can play shuffleboard, ping pong, or arcade games and enjoy an energetic atmosphere that feels like a mini winter break escape.
Tip: Reserve a pickleball court before you arrive!
Catch an Iowa Wild Game
Address: 233 Center Street in Des Moines
Bundle up in team gear and head to the Casey’s Center for an Iowa Wild hockey game. The atmosphere is electric, and it is one of the best ways to get teens off their phones and into some local excitement.
Tip: Friday night games often include fun giveaways and theme nights!
Hang Out + Warm Up
Local Coffee Shops
Older teens love hanging out at cozy coffee shops, try Horizon Line Coffee in downtown Des Moines, The Slow Down in Highland Park, or The Coffeesmith in Waukee. Bonus: they make great study spots during finals season!
The Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe
Address: 300 SW 5th Street in Des Moines
The Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe is a newer spot in Des Moines, and I just love the concept! All ages are invited to go in, hang out, and play games. They have hundreds of board games for kids, adults, family-friendly, and more. Bring the family and enjoy a game night! They also offer fun cocktails, mocktails, coffee drinks, and food. Your teen will love this spot!
Bonus: Winter Adventures Beyond the City
Seven Oaks Recreation
Address: 1086 222nd Drive in Boone
Just a short drive to Boone, Seven Oaks is a local favorite for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Teens can hit the slopes for a full day of outdoor excitement, no Colorado road trip required! Rentals and lessons make it easy for beginners to join in on the fun.
Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center
Address: 12130 NW 128th Street in Granger
Located just north of Des Moines, Jester Park offers plenty of outdoor recreation all winter long. Teens can rent snowshoes, explore trails, or head inside to try the rock-climbing wall in the Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center. Check their calendar for winter classes and special events. It’s a great mix of fun and fitness.
Make Winter Fun Again
Whether you are raising a social teen who loves to be on the go or a homebody who needs a little motivation to get out, Des Moines offers plenty of ways to make winter memorable. Bookmark this list, plan a weekly family adventure, and show your teen how much fun winter in Iowa can be.
