The Directory
Kid friendly businesses, organizations and services in the Des Moines area.
Whether you live in Ankeny, Altoona, Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Indianola, Johnston, Urbandale, Waukee, Windsor Heights, West Des Moines or beyond, find the local resources your family needs in in the dsm4kids Directory!
While all submissions are considered, inclusion in the Directory is based on relevance. Businesses or organizations outside of Central Iowa or primarily geared toward adults may not be listed.
If you are a business or organization and would like to submit a directory listing, please click on Submit Business Listing.
dsm4kids wants to help you find the best activities for your family. Sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide to be sure you don’t miss a thing!
Outdoor Activities
Face Painting Artists, Balloon Twisting, Professional Clowns,Comedy/magic shows and more!
Adventureland Amusement Park contains over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including some of the country's most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides that can challenge the most avid amusement park enthusiasts. There are also plenty of rides for less adventurous guests including great water rides as well as a full compliment of children's rides spread throughout the park. But the entertainment doesn't stop with rides - Adventureland presents a full array of shows in the park - from live music to magic to song and dance - there's always something to suit everyone's taste. Simply the most fun you will have all year!
Aquatic Center in Altoona, IA. Offers outdoor swim lessons, parties and events, and facility rental opportunities.
OPENING Day: June 3rd 2015
CLOSING Day: August 23rd 2015
Grief support center in Windsor Heights, Iowa, Amanda the Panda offers the most comprehensive and ongoing services for children, teens, and adults.
Archery Field & Sports (AFS) has a 40-yard Indoor paper target and 3D Range, along with a 20-target outdoor 3-D range for you to enjoy...including an Olympic Range!
Our FULL-SERVICE RETAIL PRO-SHOP has the latest in bows and other archery equipment and accessories. Whether you are looking for hunting equipment, archery supplies, clothing, or black powder supplies, Archery Field & Sports has all you need for the greatest outdoor experiences!
AFS has also expanded their Paintball department, including an SUP Air 100-yard enclosed outdoor field!!
One of the world’s largest collections of flowering crabapple trees can be found at Water Works Park. The collection is properly named after its developer, horticulturist and author, Arie Den Boer; he was the collector and originator of the arboretum in 1930. He established a collection of 300 varieties of trees in his time, which Des Moines Water Works staff now maintains through pruning and propagation.
Arie Den Boer was perhaps the first successful nurseryman to popularize the crabapple tree with his bookOrnamental Crabapples, published in 1959. His book gave a nurseryman a different take on the crabapple, warts and all, and explaining the tremendous diversity of this plant in the landscape.
Today, the arboretum includes approximately 1,200 trees in the collection, with the youngest trees being planted through a donor tree program. At this time, we are no longer accepting donations for new trees in the arboretum; however, a donation can be made to the maintenance and care for the existing trees in the arboretum by contacting Des Moines Water Works at 515.283.8702.
The annual crabapple blossom usually blooms the last week of April and the first week of May, attracting thousands of visitors to Water Works Park.
The Ashton Observatory building was a collaborative effort between Jasper County and The Des Moines Astronomical Society, Inc.
The Observatory is about a 20 minute drive northeast of Des Moines, near the intersection of Iowa highway 330 and county road F17. The site is nestled within the beauty of Ashton-Wildwood County Park and has superior viewing avenues in all directions. The observatory has two domes, one housing a 16 inch f/4.5 Newtonian style telescope, and the other has a research-grade 16 inch Meade LX200 GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
Swimming Pool managed by Des Moines Parks and Recreation. Offers swim lessons, events, and facility rental.
Mon – Sat 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Open Wed, June 3 thru Sun, Aug 23
Come visit us at Backyard Adventures of Iowa Family Recreation Store. We serve the whole state of Iowa and our highest priority is providing the best customer service for you and your family. In our showroom you will find Backyard Adventures Play Sets and Swing Sets, Goalsetter Basketball Hoops, and Outdoor Furniture and Patio Accessories, to meet your family recreation needs.
Barnum Equestrian Center was completed in May 2004 and is home to a thriving lessons program (currently serving about 25 riders weekly), Horses Helping People, and serves thousands of trail riders every year. In addition, many local and regional groups have enjoyed using Barnum Equestrian Center as their venue for shows, clinics, saddle club outings, and other special events. All of our staff are certified either through AAHS or Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), and are well-trained in leading guests in safe. educational, fun equine activities.