Guide to Planning a Kids’ Birthday Party in Downtown Des Moines
If your kid’s birthday is coming up and you’re looking for ideas for how to celebrate in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), we have you covered with this guide to birthday fun! From preschoolers to elementary age kiddos, pre-teens and teens, this list of party ideas and venues for indoors or outdoors is all you need to plan the best local celebration. Birthdays are special occasions, and we want to help you make it a day to remember!
Birthday Parties for Kids in Downtown Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines Birthdays | Kids Ages 3-5
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
330 Grand Ave., Des Moines | Outdoor
An outdoor, art themed birthday party will be fun for all at the Sculpture Park! Plan a picnic lunch and cupcakes, an art activity and maybe some fun lawn games like Duck Duck Goose or Red Rover! The Sculpture Park Exploration Guide also has some fun activity suggestions and ways to engage with the more than two dozen works of art in the park!
desmoinesartcenter.org
Park Party Near Downtown Des Moines
Various Locations | Indoor/Outdoor Options Available
A local park is the perfect place to have a birthday bash! Check out Des Moines Parks and Recreation’s list of neighborhood parks for priced-right rental facilities near Downtown DSM. Each park offers different amenities and rental options to choose from, and here are a few ideas:
Reichardt Family Natural Play Area at Water Works Park
2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines | Outdoor
Playtime is a great birthday celebration for your little one! Pack a birthday picnic and invite all their friends to climb and explore at this natural playscape. There’s tons of space here if you want to invite the whole preschool class or kindergarten class!
dmww.com
Wellmark YMCA
501 Grand Ave., Des Moines | Indoor
Host an unforgettable party at the Wellmark YMCA! Private party rooms are available and preferred activities can be coordinated in the gym, pool or a rental studio. With so many options available, your celebration is sure to be a hit with all your guests!
dmymca.org
Downtown Des Moines Birthdays | Kids Ages 6-12
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines | Outdoor
Party on the ice at Iowa’s premier outdoor ice-skating rink. Typically open November through March (weather permitting) and located along the Principal Riverwalk and on the banks of the Des Moines River, you’ll host the coolest birthday celebration around!
dsm.city
Climb Iowa - East Village
150 E 4th St., Des Moines | Indoor
For the young adventurer, party it up with the fun, unique experience of indoor bouldering! Enjoy the party room with guests, receive instruction and encouragement from exclusive party staff members and climb to new heights of up to 35 feet! The thrill of the climb makes for a truly memorable birthday celebration. Teens would love this spot, too!
climbiowa.com
Cupcake Decorating at Molly’s Cupcakes
215 E 3rd St., Des Moines | Indoor
For the sweets lover and mini baker, cupcake decorating (and eating) will be right up their alley! Molly’s Cupcakes has just the class to make your kiddo’s birthday special. Each class includes a chef’s hat to decorate, instructions on filling, frosting and decorating cupcakes and a beverage. A sweet activity to top off any birthday celebration!
mollysdsm.com
Game Day Celebration
Various Locations | Indoor/Outdoor - Varies by Location
Whether the sports fan in your life loves basketball, hockey, baseball or football, we have you covered! Plan a game day experience they’ll remember with a party at an Iowa Barnstormers, Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wild or Iowa Wolves game. Cheer on their favorite sports team and celebrate!
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines | Indoor/Outdoor Options Available
A birthday extravaganza surrounded by flowers and greenery, no matter the season! Take a tour of the garden, stroll around to see the soothing waterfall and pond, and enjoy time spent with friends. Private party spaces are available for reservation.
dmbotanicalgarden.com
Lauridsen Skatepark
901 2nd Ave., Des Moines | Outdoor
Drop in to the skatepark for the perfect party location for your skater boy or girl! Located in the heart of Downtown DSM along the edge of the Principal Riverwalk, guests will be stoked to meet at Lauridsen Skatepark to celebrate. Make sure to plan ahead and submit a Special Events Application.
dsmskatepark.com
Photo courtesy of Lauridsen Skatepark
Pool Parties in Downtown Des Moines
Various Locations | Indoor
Who doesn’t love a pool party for their birthday? Downtown Des Moines’ hotels with pools could be perfect for your group. Swim with friends, blow out birthday candles and open presents poolside! Downtown Des Moines hotels with indoor pools include:
Photo courtesy of the Hilton Des Moines Downtown hotel.
Science Center of Iowa
401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines | Indoor
The perfect place to celebrate your little creator’s birthday! Enjoy a private, fully decorated science themed party space with up to 30 of your kiddo’s closest friends. Travel through space in the Why The Sky? exhibit, explore Iowa’s native habitats in What On Earth? and more. The most fun any little scientist could have on their special day!
sciowa.org
Downtown Des Moines Birthdays | Teens
Escape Chambers
338 SW 6th St, Des Moines | Indoor
Pick an adventure and escape reality with a birthday celebration at Escape Chambers. With nine themed escape rooms available, your teen and their guests can immerse themselves in the scenario and storyline of their choice. Good luck trying to escape in time!
escapechambers.com
Lumber Axe DSM
338 SW 6th St, Des Moines | Indoor
Invite your teen’s crew for some axe throwing to kick-off birthday celebrations! An entertaining experience, lively atmosphere and safe environment to hang out and have fun. Throwers must be 16 or older except for Sundays when guests as young as 12 are welcome under the immediate supervision of a parent or guardian.
lumberaxedsm.com
Mainframe Studios Art Class
900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines | Indoor
Select a workshop or class for your teen art enthusiast to enjoy with friends for their b-day celebration at Mainframe Studios! Get creative and enjoy the opportunity to explore different mediums, subject matter and time dedicated to art.
mainframestudios.org
Spa Day in Downtown Des Moines
Various Locations | Indoor
For the teen who likes to be spoiled and pampered, plan a self-care spa day, manicure and/or pedicure! Some spas and nail salons in Downtown Des Moines to choose from include:
Looking for more ideas to help celebrate? Check out these places in Downtown Des Moines for birthday cupcakes or desserts, perfectly paired for your child’s next birthday party!
To fully enjoy a birthday celebration in Downtown Des Moines, find additional information on hotels and places to stay, restaurants, shops, festivals, attractions and more.
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