Top Ways to Enjoy Downtown Des Moines with Your Dog

Whether you live in Greater Des Moines (DSM) or are just traveling here, your dog can enjoy the city just as much as you do! Downtown Des Moines (DSM) offers many opportunities to take your dog out and about with you. From drinks on the patio to days at the park, your dog can get in on all the fun!

Don’t have a dog of your own? Pick up an adoptable dog for the day from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) and take them on a Dog’s Day Out field trip!

Dog-Friendly Bars & Breweries in Downtown Des Moines

Many bars and breweries in Downtown Des Moines and the surrounding area will happily welcome your pup! Whether you like craft beers or cocktails, you can grab a drink with your dog.

1. Confluence Brewing Company
   Confluence Brewing Company is located near Gray’s Lake Park, on the outskirts of downtown. Dogs can join their humans on the brewery’s deck and beer garden, and disposable bowls and water are available on the patio. Dogs are not allowed inside the taproom, but you can order drinks from a window outside so you never have to leave your pup alone!
2. Tonic
   Located on Court Avenue, Tonic is a great spot to experience Downtown Des Moines with your doggo. This bar features a large patio where dogs are invited to join their humans. In the summer months, Tonic opens early in the morning on Saturday to allow people (and their dogs) to hang out on the patio during Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market.
3. Peace Tree Brewing Co.
   Whether you’re into beer, cider, wine or just root beer, Peace Tree Brewing Co. on East Court Avenue is a great spot for the whole family — human and hound! Your dog can hang out with you on the large outdoor patio while you sip and chat with friends.
4. Big Grove Brewery
   Big Grove Brewery is located near the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and is more than happy to welcome your pup. Leashed dogs are allowed on the patio, which is open year-round. This brewery also serves appetizers and entrees!

Photo Credit: ARL of Iowa

Shopping with Your Dog Around Downtown Des Moines

You and your pet can do more than window shop in Des Moines! Many shops Downtown will not only welcome your pet but spoil them too!

1. Raygun
   Raygun is a popular spot in Des Moines for T-shirts, souvenirs and everything else Des Moines and Midwest-related. They also have shirts and accessories for your pup! Dogs can come inside and shop with their people.
2. Jett and Monkey’s Dog Shoppe
   Jett and Monkey's is an East Village pet shop with tons of supplies for you and your pup to check out. Your dog can shop for their own toys, bed, collar, leash, grooming supplies and food!
3. Thistle’s Summit
   The staff at this vegan and gluten-free bakery off Martin Luther King Parkway in Downtown Des Moines are always excited to see pups come in, and they’re often ready with treats for your dog! Thistle’s Summit also has a water bowl out front so dogs can cool down on hot summer days. In addition to baked goods, you can shop here for candles, coffee and more.
4. Animal House at ARL Main
   Located in northern Des Moines and less than 10 miles from downtown, head to the ARL’s main campus to shop for toys, treats, leashes and such. Staff can help you pick out supplies for your dog and even help your dog try on items like collars and harnesses. This shop has no sales tax, and you can get a discount if your dog was adopted from the ARL.
5. Outlets of Des Moines
   Less than 15 miles from downtown is the Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona, featuring over 50 stores that you can check out all in one place! Your pup is welcome to join you at the Outlets on a leash and there are multiple dog waste stations around the shopping center. Individual stores within the center may have their own policies.

Photo Credit: ARL of Iowa

Dog Parks Near Downtown Des Moines

There are several dog parks around DSM, each with their own unique amenities and experiences! If your dog doesn’t get much space to play at home or you just want to give them some extra fun, check out these dog parks around Downtown Des Moines and beyond.

1. Bailey’s Bark Park
   Located at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s main campus in northern Des Moines, Bailey’s Bark Park is over 30,000 square feet and features a dog agility course, benches and picnic tables for humans, and a space for your dog to come and play without having to worry about sharing the park with unfamiliar dogs. The park is mainly used to give the ARL’s adoptable dogs some time outside, but you and your pup (and whoever else you want to bring along!) can rent the park out for an hour at a time any day of the week.
2. Riverwalk Dog Park
   The Riverwalk Dog Park is located next to the Des Moines River and features four acres of fenced area and two fenced unleashing areas for your dog to run around. While your dog gets their energy out, you can lounge at a picnic table and enjoy the outdoors. If you want to venture out of the dog park with your pup, there is also easy access to the Principal Riverwalk and nearby trails.
3. Ewing Dog Park
   Just a few miles south of Downtown Des Moines, Ewing Dog Park offers 8.5 acres and a fenced area for all dogs and one acre of fenced area just for dogs 20 pounds or less! There are picnic tables and an open-air shelter for humans, plus a drinking fountain where you can get water for you and your dog.
4. Paws & Pints
   Just a short bike ride or drive outside of Downtown Des Moines, Paws & Pints on Willowmere Drive is a fun environment for dogs and people! They have indoor and outdoor dog parks for your dog, plus a restaurant and bar for you. No matter what the weather is like, your dog can run and play. There are dedicated small dog parks both indoors and outdoors, plus TVs and Wi-Fi to keep you just as entertained as your dog.

Photo Credit: ARL of Iowa

Dog-Friendly Events in Downtown Des Moines

Many dog-friendly events take place in Downtown Des Moines each summer! There are a few events that happen multiple times each year and are perfect for a day out with your dog.

1. Dog Days of Summer at the Iowa Cubs
   Multiple times each summer, the Iowa Cubs and the ARL partner to put on Dog Days of Summer, an event where dogs can join their humans at a baseball game! Dogs and their humans get to sit in a reserved section, and dogs can participate in a dog parade on the field before the game begins. Your dog can also get special items like an Iowa Cubs dog jersey and baseball-themed treats. Check for these special events on the Iowa Cubs promotions page.
2. Yappy Hours
   The ARL partners with various bars and breweries in the Des Moines DSM region to host “Yappy Hours,” events where you and your dog can enjoy drinks and treats with other dog lovers. At these events, every drink you purchase helps homeless pets at the ARL. You get to have fun with your drinking buddies — human and hound — and make a difference at the same time.
3. Downtown Farmers’ Market
   The Downtown Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday morning May through October and is a popular place for humans to bring their dog friends! Your dog can enjoy the fresh air (and probably lots of pets!) while you shop for fresh produce, eggs and more.

To see more dog-friendly events year-round, check out the ARL's Events Calendar and social media accounts like @dog.spotsDSM that post dog-friendly events!

Photo Credit: Iowa Cubs, Dylan Heuer and Ginnie Coleman

Downtown Des Moines’ Dog-Friendly Hotels

Traveling to Des Moines but don’t want to leave your dog at home? Don’t worry! There are several pet-friendly Downtown Des Moines hotels that are happy to have your dog stay. Just make sure to check each hotel’s website for fees and restrictions. Some pet-friendly hotels in Des Moines include:

1. Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
2. Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
3. Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown
4. Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown

Remember, when taking your dog out on the town, it’s important to keep in mind their comfort level in crowds and around other dogs. Every dog is different, so make sure yours will be able to relax and have fun with you! For tips on how to introduce your dog to other dogs in public spaces, check out ARL-Iowa.org/DogIntro.

Looking for ideas on how to experience downtown with your dog? Check out Operation Downtown's tips here.

Find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.