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.
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Birdland is one of the biggest multi-functional parks in Des Moines. This park is a great place to host any occasion or to take your boat out for a spin. The off street parking and accessible playground make this park easy to access and utilize
Park Amenities:
picnic tables
grills
playground
open air shelter
enclosed shelter
Marina Amenities:
boat ramp
fuel dock
restrooms
off street parking
recreation trail
The centerpiece of this beautiful park on the southside of Des Moines is its 172-acre lake. Five picnic shelters and three children's playgrounds overlook the lake. A boat ramp provides access for anglers trying to catch the walleye, bass, and catfish stocked by the Conservation Board into the lake every year. During the summer, a swimming beach provide another wonderful way to enjoy the lake.
Lake Ahquabi offers a relaxing escape from the summer heat. Swimming, sunbathing, boating and fishing are all popular activities on the pristine manmade lake. With rental boats available, everyone can enjoy the water from a canoe, paddle boat or kayak. Wander along shady trails as you wind your way around the lake or explore the woods. Find your favorite spot in the park, and grill out with family and friends at one of the picnic areas. For a cold drink or snack, visit the boathouse for concessions.
Raccoon River Park, located in the southeast part of West Des Moines, is the "crown jewel" of the West Des Moines Parks system. The 631.61 acres of parkland provide active and passive recreational experiences, along with several hundred acres of natural areas for wildlife.
Saylorville Lake Marina is Iowa’s premier boating and recreation spot. We are a family-oriented, full-service marina dedicated to providing safe, fun, memorable experiences on our beautiful lake.
The Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park were once a coal mine. Today, the lakes and surrounding area serve both as a wildlife management area and a recreation destination. Visitors to Summerset can picnic, boat, fi sh and bike. A nearby shooting range helps hunters perfect their shot to use hunting in the nearby Middle River Wildlife Area. Mountain bikers can test their skills at any level in the mountain bike area. Summerset’s trout fi shery is a great spot to catch dinner.