Today’s kids have a tendency to be glued to their gadgets. Therefore, it becomes more necessary to encourage them to pick up a hobby which may give them an exposure to new things and provide a suitable outlet to spike their creativity and interests.
Old-fashioned hobby shops are seemingly an endangered species. But they’re not dead yet. Thanks to the popularity of the maker movement, hobby shops are enjoying a resurgence as kids (and grown-ups) look for fun, hands-on projects.
Although you can buy most hobby supplies on-line, visiting a brick-and-mortar hobby shop can be an inspiring experience for children who like to tinker, experiment and create. Plus, they get a chance to meet their fellow enthusiasts and learn from the vets.
Here are 5 hobby shops across the Des Moines metro where families can stock up on all their DIY needs:
Christian Photo
6721 Douglas Avenue • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 270-8030
This shop specializes in cameras and photo equipment. They also offer classes to teach newbie photographers, as well as more advanced shutterbugs how to use their camera and frame a better photo. They also offer classes on photo editing software like Lightroom.
Hobby Haven
2575 86th Street • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 276 – 8785
This shop is one of my family’s favorites. We got into launching rockets last summer and purchased several kits, engines and more here. We’ve also purchased drones and parts at Hobby Haven. It’s fun to browse the aisles and check out everything they offer. You’ll find model trains, remote controlled cars and planes, model building supplies and more. We never leave here empty-handed.
Hobby Town
1701 SE Delaware Avenue, Suite 100 • Ankeny, IA 50021 • (515) 964-0443
This franchise, based in Lincoln, NE, is owned and operated by a local Ankeny family. Hobby enthusiasts will find a full line of radio-controlled hobbies like cars, drones and boats, scale models, games, toys, educational items, model railroad and more.
Memory Bound Scrapbook Store
641 N Ankeny Boulevard • Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 965-1102
This charming store in Ankeny carries stamps, scrap book paper, embellishments and more. In addition, they offer a wide variety of classes, crops, product demonstrations, and special activities. Be sure to visit their website calendar for a line-up of activities.
Need a place where you can work on your hobby?
Area 515 Des Moines Maker Space
108 Jefferson Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50314
The Des Moines Makerspace is a non-profit community of makers, artists, and hobbyists. Their shared workspace offers the tools, technology, and resources you need to make your projects and hobbies a reality. Need help? Their informal classes, user groups, and shared expertise will help you develop the skills you need to finally start your dream project. Several membership levels are offered.
They have the space, tools, and technology for:
- Artists and Crafters
- Makers, Hobbyisits and Tinkerers
- Prototyping and Inventors
Did we miss your favorite hobby store in Des Moines? Let us know!
