5 Ideas for a Fall Company Outing in Downtown Des Moines

The changing season is the perfect time for a pick-me-up for your office crew! We’ve gathered a list of five ideas to consider for your next Downtown Des Moines (DSM) company outing or teambuilding activity, with autumn vibes and the spooky season at its core. And don't miss the bonus teambuilding activities at the very end!

5 Places for Your Fall Company Outing in Downtown Des Moines

Escape Chambers

During October and leading up to Halloween, Escape Chambers is a great option for a teambuilding activity in Downtown DSM. Escape Chambers provides you and a group of coworkers a chance to explore secret spaces, spooky stories and even crack the hidden code. Not all room themes are scary; explore mystery and riddle themes as well.
escapechambers.com

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Yes, the Botanical Garden is open year-round, yet fall is a peaceful and picturesque time to take advantage of both the indoor and outdoor gardens for your next company outing. The outdoor areas include lovely seasonal views of the Des Moines River as well as autumn foliage as the trees turn colors and the leaves begin to fall. The adjacent event space is great for your Downtown Des Moines company outing equipped for keynote speakers, trainings or team building activities, and the on-site eatery — Trellis Café — can provide delicious refreshments, in addition to a full list of approved caterers to choose from.
dmbotanicalgarden.com

Lumber Axe

Don your fall flannel and gather the crew! Axe throwing is a great activity at this Downtown Des Moines venue for teambuilding, camaraderie and stress relief. Axepert coaches can provide a brief demonstration and suggest a few fun gaming competitions. Drinks are available on-site as well.
lumberaxedsm.com

John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Enjoy a fall autumn day with an outing around Western Gateway Park. Colleagues can undergo a self-guided tour or activities surrounding the various sculptures using the provided Sculpture Park Exploration Guide designed for group or individual interaction with the sculptures. On theme with the fall, scout out the spookiest sculptures for a selfie or group photo, such as Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin (L) or Spider by Louise Bourgeois. Additionally, consider booking a food truck for the occasion or stop by one of the many local restaurants or coffee shops nearby for team refreshments.
desmoinesartcenter.org/visit/pappajohn-sculpture-park

Water Works Park

There are tons of ways to explore the Park as part of a fall company outing in Downtown Des Moines! Source pumpkins for an all-team pumpkin carving or painting activity from somewhere local such as a nearby Hy-Vee or Gateway Market & Café. Engage in a fall nature scavenger hunt or leaf craft. Enjoy hiking, walking or biking, the natural playscape and falling leaves in the Arie Den Boer Arboretum.
dsmwaterworkspark.com

Bonus Idea: Host a Happy Hour

Treat your work team to a fun and laid-back company outing with a happy hour in Downtown DSM! Head to spots like Up-Down or Ricochet (shown below) for drinks, arcade games and some friendly competition. At Up-Down, your team can enjoy retro arcade games, skee-ball and classic pinball machines, all while sipping on craft beers or cocktails during happy hour. Or hit up Ricochet, where you can grab a drink and challenge your coworkers to ping pong, shuffleboard or foosball. These spots offer the perfect blend of fun and camaraderie, making it a great way to unwind and bond as a team after a long day at the office! Or you can pick a spot for your company outing from this list of the best places to enjoy a fall beer or drink.

For additional Downtown Des Moines teambuilding ideas for your next company outing, visit the restaurants and nightlife page or find a list of Downtown grocery and convenience stores for grab-and-go food options for your next team gathering or company potluck.

Explore, experience and enjoy what Downtown Des Moines has to offer this fall. Plan your visit to Downtown with parking and navigation tips, too!