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!
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.
We're an accessible local market with abundant produce, prepared foods and crafts, plus live music and fun activities, open June to mid-September. We welcome your ideas, comments or questions; reach us on Facebook or email info@beaverdalefarmersmarket.org.
Located next to the headquarters of Better Homes and Gardens' parent company, Meredith Corporation, our Test Garden serves as a display garden, a testing ground for plants, and a photography studio for our company's publications and Web sites.
The Test Garden is open to the public on Fridays from noon to 2 p.m., from May through September. Large groups may schedule tours during these hours.
For more information, contact the Test Garden Manager, at Better Homes and Gardens, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. The phone number is 515-284-3994.
Trails for hiking, biking & snowmobiling plus swimming, boating & fishing on the lake; no camping.
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
Swimming pool managed by Des Moines Parks and Recreation. Offers outdoor swim lessons, parties and events, and facility rental opportunities.
Mon – Sat 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Open Wed, June 3 thru Sun, Aug 23
Black's Heritage Farm has pick your own pumpkins in our pumpkin patch. Nothing beats a family outing like taking everyone to the pumpkin patch. Come get a hay rack ride, see the animals, pick your own pumpkin. So much to do and see on the farm. Make a day of it!
Boone Speedway is a dirt track that races Modified, Stock, Hobby Stock, Sport Mod and Mod Lite classes. Races run Saturday nights and holiday weekends April through September. Visit theirwebsite to find schedules. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Kids 12 and under can join Racing Rascals the track’s kids club. Racing Rascals activities include bicycle races and giveaways, candy tosses, race car rides, school bus rides and the Junior Track Official program.
The Brenton Arboretum 141 acres is an arboretum, outdoor museum of trees a and public garden.
The Arboretum features 4 miles of walking trails that beckon visitors to an adventure over streams, through prairie grasses, and to the edge of Homestead Lake and Overlook Pond. Visitors can also enjoy a Nature Explore Classroom.
The Arboretum provides many family friendly learning oppotunities throughout the year.