Rainy-Day Activities in Downtown DSM

No need to let a little rain spoil the fun! Whether you’re planning for the whole family with kids little up to teens, or even just the adults, these Downtown Des Moines (DSM) things to do are great for a rainy day!

Visit an Art Gallery in Downtown Des Moines

1. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design

111 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. M – Sat
It’s never too early to encourage a young art-lover's passion! Representing 65+ contemporary artists, Liz Lidgett Gallery is located along the main drag in the Historic East Village of Downtown Des Moines. Stop in and admire the current show and featured artists, including several natives of Greater Des Moines (DSM). You may even find something to purchase! Score a limited-edition print or take home a one-of-a-kind art piece, with prices ranging from $150 up to a few thousand dollars. (The gallery is pictured above and below.)
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2. Hoyt Sherman Place

1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. M – F
Where history and art exploration unite, Hoyt Sherman Place is a historic venue with roots dating back to 1877. It was home to one of DSM’s founding fathers, Hoyt Sherman, but also includes Des Moines’ first art gallery and an architecturally interesting historic theater. Self-guided tours of Hoyt Sherman, including the art gallery, are available at no charge!
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3. Polk County Heritage Gallery

111 Cout Ave., Des Moines
11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M – F
For the past 44 years, this hidden gem has recognized Iowa artists in its 1908 Beaux Arts Post Office within the Polk County Administrative Building, part of the National Register of Historical Places. The gallery displays three competitive juried exhibits annually and other shows by local artists. This is a great spot for tweens, teens and adults alike.
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Explore History at a Downtown Des Moines Museum

4. State Historical Museum of Iowa

600 E. Locust St., Des Moines
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tue – F, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sat
Just west of the Iowa State Capitol, this free museum displays 1,500 objects representing Iowa’s rich heritage. Learn about Iowans’ roles in the Civil War, the history of RAGBRAI, famous faces from Iowa in Hollywood and more. Stop by the information desk for a map and additional children’s activities when you visit.
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5. Iowa State Capitol

1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M – F, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat
When was the last time you visited the Iowa State Capitol? Free, guided tours are available at regular intervals from the tour guide station on the ground floor. Additionally, cell phone audio and video tours are available, covering information on both the Capitol’s interior and the surrounding grounds. Stop by the gift shop and take home a souvenir!
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6. World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

100 Locust St., Des Moines
Open House 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tue
The century-old building is the former Des Moines Public Library and houses a world-class museum recognizing great achievements in agriculture and fighting hunger. World-class art is on display, and hands-on interactive exhibits provide an educational component on hunger and food security. In addition to Tuesday’s Open House hours, group or private tours can be scheduled in advance via reservation! If the rain clears up, be sure to stroll through the beautiful, scenic outdoor gardens and take in the picturesque riverfront views, too.
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Try Indoor Recreation in Downtown Des Moines

7. Climb Iowa

150 E. 4th St., Des Moines
11 a.m. - 10 p.m. M – F, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun
This bouldering facility in Downtown Des Moines includes 3,000 square feet of climbing, including 80+ problems navigate, plus 1,000 square feet of training and workout space. Children under age 13 must be supervised by an adult. Day passes start at $21. Free and reduced passes are available for certain days, times or groups.
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8. Wellmark YMCA

501 Grand Ave., Des Moines
5 a.m. - 9 p.m. M – Thu, 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. F, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun
There is so much to do here! Bring your swimsuit and go for a dip in the Olympic-sized pool, give the bouldering wall a try, match up against a friend in the racquetball or squash courts, take class in one of the studios for indoor cycling, aerobics or yoga / pilates / barre, walk or run the indoor track or give pick-up basketball a go. There’s also a learn-and-play center for younger kiddos, while the adults enjoy the facility’s amenities! Not a member? Day passes are available for $5 for youth, $14 for individuals and $30 for the whole family.
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Do Something Experiential or Hands-On in Downtown Des Moines

9. Escape Chambers

5 – 10 p.m. Thu, 5 – 11 p.m. F, Noon – 11 p.m. Sat, 1 – 9 p.m. Sun | 338 SW 6th St., Des Moines
Ages 10+ are welcome to try one of the escape rooms but be advised that children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Some rooms are best suited for teens and adults only, so be sure to check the theme overview and age recommendations before booking!
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10. Mainframe Studios

900 Keo Way, Des Moines
Building Open 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. M – F, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat & Sun
This massive building is a melting pot of local artists and makers. Every first Friday of the month, you can visit from 5 – 8 p.m. to explore five floors of art and artists’ studios, enjoy food, drinks and more. Or browse the list of available workshops, classes and studio events. Additionally, some of the artists and vendors include open hours to shop, buy and experience their services. (Pictured below: Momentum Arts Studio.)
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11. LumberAxe

338 SW 6th St., Des Moines
5 – 9 p.m. W, 5 – 10 p.m. Thu, 5 – 10 p.m. F, Noon – 10 p.m. Sat, Noon – 8 p.m. Sun
If you’re never experienced axe throwing first-hand, you’re in for a fun treat! Axeperts are on-hand to teach you the basics, with food and a full bar (21+) available. After 9 p.m., throwers must be 21+, but all other times ages 16+ may participate. On Sunday, guests 12+ are permitted under supervision of a parent or guardian. Additionally, the facility can accommodate wheelchair accessible axe throwing.
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12. Science Center of Iowa

401 W MLK Jr. Parkway, Des Moines
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thu – Sun
Rain won’t stop the fun here! You can make a day of it at the Science Center of Iowa. Check out the various exhibits including Small Discoveries, What On Earth?, When Things Get Moving and Why The Sky? Carve out extra time to get creative in the Makers Studio and Brick by Brick exhibits, because time flies when you’re having a great time!
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Find even more rainy-day ideas in Downtown Des Moines such as local restaurants, attractions, shopping and more. And make your Downtown visit easy to navigate with these affordable and convenient parking options.