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!
Business Description: Since 2010, we’ve helped countless people just like you to find the piano and guitar lessons they need so their children can learn to play an instrument.
Our curriculum is fully accredited by the ACS WASC for grades 1-12 music education, both in-person and online programs, meaning you can trust our process. Every new student begins with a free trial lesson to get to know us and what to expect before signing up
Why do we utilize group lessons? Almost nothing else is learned alone—not sports, not the arts, not academics. Then why piano and guitar? We believe students quit piano and guitar too soon because they're isolated and unengaged. Our group lessons solve all that, bringing students together to challenge and inspire one another.
Outside of our standard guitar and piano lessons, we offer plenty of extra activities for our students and pack our summer calendar full of camps and other opportunities. We love watching our students grow and try new things all year long.
Face painting, mural painting, canvas painting, furniture painting and more!!
Ashlee's Creative Arts Academy has been serving Polk Country and Hardin County communities for five years. ACAA offers both recreational and competitive programs for dancers ages 2 - 18. We hold classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Hip Hop, Tumbling, Boys only, & Cheer/Pom. Now taking summer and fall registrations! Email us with questions at ashleescaa@gmail.com.
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.
Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids. They also offer story times and events for kids.
Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids. They also offer story times and events for kids.
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.
Developed in November of 2007, this 6.4 acre neighborhood park is located at the south end of Park Circle off of James Street. Includes a shelter, grill, 2 picnic tables, and playset. No electrical is provided.