What is Des Moines Like for Family-Friendly Vacations?

If you're looking for the ideal family-friendly vacation destination, you may want to consider Des Moines. Here you'll find an interesting array of family activities sure to appeal to both children and adults alike. From the sports events to the live music, Des Moines has lots of things to see and do that everyone will enjoy. Spend a day checking out attractions like Wells Fargo Arena, Iowa State Fairgrounds and Des Moines Civic Center. When you're ready to kick back after a day of touring the area with the kids, Des Moines has a variety of places to stay, such as family hotels with pools and hotels with suites for families. You can pick from 38 Des Moines accommodations to find one you and the family will like.

What Are Some Places to Stay with Kids in Des Moines?

Our travelers have rated these as their favorite kid-friendly hotels:

Broadway Motel

Convenient to Adventureland
• • Free parking • Free in-room WiFi



Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Art Deco hotel with indoor pool, near Blank Park Zoo
• • Kid's meals • Free parking • Free cribs • Free breakfast • Central location



Homewood Suites by Hilton Des Moines Airport, IA

3-star hotel, convenient to Blank Park Zoo
• • Free parking • Free cribs • Free breakfast • Indoor pool • Central location



Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

Convenient to Adventureland
• • Free parking • Free cribs • Free continental breakfast • Indoor pool • Central location



Holiday Inn Express Des Moines

Within easy reach of Drake University
• • Free parking • Free cribs • Free buffet breakfast • Free in-room internet • Walkable location

What Should I See and Do with Kids in Des Moines?

You'll find that Des Moines and the surrounding area offers lots of interesting things to see and do while you're visiting the area with the family. Here are some recommendations to make your stay both educational and lots of fun:

Parks
• • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
• • Pappajohn Sculpture Park
• • Gray’s Lake Park

Museums & Art Galleries
• • Des Moines Art Center
• • Science Center of Iowa
• • Fort Des Moines Museum

Sights & Landmarks
• • Wells Fargo Arena
• • Iowa State Fairgrounds
• • Des Moines Civic Center

Food & Drink
• • Tursi's Latin King Italian Dining
• • Smokey Ds BBQ
• • Cafe Baratta's