Des Moines Holidays

Things to do in Des Moines

Des Moines is an excellent destination for family outings, outdoor adventures, and business-themed trips. Visitors can explore popular attractions such as shopping malls and vibrant fairgrounds, making it perfect for weekend getaways and day trips. The city offers a variety of entertainment options, ensuring enjoyable tours and activities for all ages, whether you're seeking retail therapy or family-friendly fun.

Shopping

Jordan Creek Town Center offers a vibrant shopping experience with numerous shops and entertainment options. For unique gifts, visit the Downtown Farmers' Market, where you’ll find local crafts and produce. Hawthorne Plaza is another great spot for a variety of shops in a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Principal Park, where you can catch a sports game and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. For a touch of culture, head to Hoyt Sherman Place, a delightful theatre offering romantic performances and family-friendly shows. Don't miss the lively entertainment at Val Air Ballroom, known for its fantastic music concerts.

Adventure

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park offers an exhilarating experience with its vibrant atmosphere and bouncing activities for all ages. For a scenic outdoor adventure, explore the Greenbelt Trail, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Don’t miss the Sky Glider East for a thrilling ride above the stunning landscapes of Des Moines.

Nightlife

Des Moines boasts a vibrant nightlife with venues like the trendy Wooly’s for live music and the stylish 1908 Draught House for craft beers. For a lively bar scene, explore the East Village, where you can find diverse options to suit your evening mood.

Find the best attractions in Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa, is an ideal destination for family, outdoor, and business-themed vacations. Visitors can explore urban parks, modern colleges, and conference venues that cater to diverse interests. The city offers a range of attractions, including top and major tourist sites, perfect for those seeking a vibrant city experience. Whether you're interested in outdoor activities or family-friendly events, Des Moines has something for everyone to enjoy.

• Adventureland: Dive into a world of excitement at Adventureland, an amusement park in Des Moines perfect for families. With thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and a variety of attractions, it offers a vibrant outdoor adventure atmosphere that guarantees fun for all ages. Experience the joy of roller coasters and water rides amidst beautifully landscaped surroundings.
• Gray’s Lake Park: A serene oasis within the city, Gray’s Lake Park features a picturesque water feature ideal for leisurely strolls, picnics, and kayaking. Enjoy stunning views of the skyline while relaxing along the scenic walking trails that encircle the lake, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
• Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center: This modern event venue hosts a range of conferences, trade shows, and events. With state-of-the-art facilities and a professional atmosphere, it’s a hub for business gatherings, offering ample space for networking and collaboration.

Best time to go to Des Moines

The best time to visit Des Moines is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Des Moines

• Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
• Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically November to January) for more affordable package holidays to Des Moines.
• Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
• Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.