Reviews of Des Moines Children's Museum. (Museum) in Des Moines (Iowa).

Des Moines Children's Museum

254 Reviews

141 Comments

Museum

Children's museum

1551 Valley W Dr Suite 108, West Des Moines, IA 50266, United States

Description

Information of Des Moines Children's Museum, Museum in Des Moines (Iowa)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

Map

Open hours of Des Moines Children's Museum

Popular times

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Reviews of Des Moines Children's Museum

Eldric

We came here for a birthday party. Since the parents wanted a private party they were very accommodating and opened early. All of the kids has the place to themselves for 2 hours. There is a also a private party room sectioned off in the back. There are lot of things for them to enjoy. A lot of the fun stuff is homemade and very imaginative. The boys and girls were constantly entertained with the variety of things. Of all the activities, the adults found the giant Lite Brite to most interesting. If you want to entertain your kids for a few bucks and let them run free (literally) this is the place. Bring drinks, unless water will do. They do have a water fountain in the back for filling bottles.

Benjamin Brown

A fantastic children's play place. A large space with tons to do, from a scoop shop to a farm to The Floor is Lava to a craft area to a construction zone, and much more for the kids to play and learn and do. Everything is very well kept and clean, and the price is fantastic. We easily spent several hours here doing everything. There's wifi and benches for adults, and a snack area in the back if you brought any. I highly recommend bringing your kiddos here if you need something to do

Iowa Kid Adventures

My 6 year old boys really enjoyed their first visit and are already asking to go back. I was impressed with the wide variety of activities. It was very busy during our visit, but didn't feel chaotic and staff were constantly cleaning the areas up.

Amanda Jahnke

Awesome place for kids for only $6. Imaginative play and encourages STEM. Not normally super busy but occasionally holds free events and gets a little crowded. Really good place to let a little spend some energy though.

Ellen Overton

It's okay. Little kids are entertained enough. Staff are super nice there and they always trying new things. I appreciate that. But looks like temporary place all the time.. hope they have their own building like Science center someday 🙏 …

Michael Landon

Sensory overload! (In a good way) My grandkids absolutely love this place. There's a few things not working like they should, but the kids don't really notice. All sorts of activities from fishing to 'the floor is lava' to making pizza to farming. Kids admission is inexpensive and adults are free!

Jack Carraher

The kids really enjoy this place, but be prepared to monitor other people kids in addition to your own. Most parents are not paying attention and have their eyes firmly glued to their phones.

Karen Kinser

Kids had a great time. The stations were wonderful. Only "complaint" is that was there wasn't anyone picking up the areas or doing any spot cleaning. There are hand sanitizer dispensers. We wil definitely come back.

Jason Brand

We had gone here a few years ago when they were relatively new and weren't super impressed, but I'm happy to report that they have added quite a bit of things for the kiddos to do and it was actually a really fun time for our 5-year-old. Your kid is probably going to have the most fun if they are at least 3 and no more than probably 7 years old. They can definitely be there outside of that range, and they might have some fun, but may not have as much fun in terms of enjoying the sorts of toys and stuff they have. We went first thing on a Saturday and the place was packed - if you're looking for a lot of kid interaction, that's a great time to go, if you're looking for solitude then that's not a great time to go.

J fmdevil

This place is great for kids under 5. Lots of things to play pretend with. They really need a bigger space. I don't know if it was the norm for there to be as many people as what was there on Friday morning, but within a half hour of first opening there was already 30 plus kids and the place was a mess with all of the pretend toys scattered everywhere, and within the hour there was 50 plus kids and no point in trying to do any of the activities, because any items associated with those activities were no where to be found. I really feel for the people working here because there is no way they can keep things organized in those kind of conditions. As I said up top, they need a bigger space. I don't know if they can afford it, but they need a space at least something 5x the size. They could spread out the activities, make them more enclosed rather than a giant open space, and then maybe things wouldn't get so scattered around so quickly. I wish you guys the best luck at growing your business. But we probably will never return, especially if you guys continue to do business in that location.

Angelica F

It was a great small children's museum! With my membership from the omaha children's museum it cost us only $3 to take my daughter. Adults are free which was really refreshing.

kat poole

My toddler loves it great place to play with others and just have fun and be a kid. Con: the hanging pool noodle "tunnel" has metal washers on the end which caused a bump on my 6 month old head. Went through holding her not knowing there where heavy metal washers attached to the end and it came back and wacked her in the head. My son went through by himself (2) and it wacked him to. Definitely avoid.

Janelle Reasoner

My kids, ages 2 and 11 love this place. Super fun for all ages.

LaKeisha

I took my grandson here and he loved it!! They have diffrent age appropriate areas for children to explore. They had a farm area, ice cream shop, pizzeria, and a construction site for children to explore. I couldn't get my 16 momth grandson out of there! I would definitely recommend this place to my friends and love ones who have young children. They do have an area for older children but sorry didn't go and explore it. My grandson would have flipped if I took him away from the farm area! Lol

nicole riggs

Great space, lots of wonderful imaginative and educational play spaces for your kids. Our 3yo and 10yo really enjoyed themselves at a birthday party there recently.

Sharon Parry

Perfect place to take wild little ones! They can play, play & play. So reasonable!

Dani Jennings

Cheap and easy way to let kids just play (without your assistance). Could have easily spent hours here.

Mary Beveridge

Granddaughter enjoyed it, seemed more like a series of daycare centers rather than the children's museums I have previously gone to.

Sugar Laing

For just $6 this place is hours of fun for my 3 year old. What a great bargain. They also have these separated areas for babies. They even had items and toys for my 4 month. He could practice rolling around on the ground without the fear of being trampled by bigger kids. There is a bubble area, firehouse, floor is lava area, a parachut area, play food and kitchen area, etc. I appreciated the really nice changing table in the bathroom. There is also a quiet area in the back for having some snacks or a rest. Highly recommend!

cassie link

My son (22 months) absolutely loves coming here! So much to play with, amazing variety with learning put into it as well and so many things he can ask questions about, everything at such a great level for all kids to reach, multiple baby areas that are enclosed, so your tiny ones can be safe but can still keep an eye on older kids as they move around. Staff is so amazing! Willing to answer any questions, moving around to pick up toys, throughout the day, I always see them working but also interacting with the kids! For only $6.00 I absolutely love bringing him here almost every weekend! He plays for about 2-3 hours and then slowly starts to want to be done and then we head out and he loves looking around the mall, riding the elevator, and escalators. I love that they have a potty seat for any kiddos that are potty training, a quiet area for snacks. Just so much to do and such a fun place to be! We absolutely love it!

Jordyn Rockwell

Fantastic place to bring toddlers! Staff were picking up toys the whole time so everything was pretty well kept, not as crazy as you'd expect with little kids throwing toys all over. Lots of different "stations" if your child likes cars, play kitchen/food, firetrucks, lights, blocks, etc for different interests. We'll definitely be back!

Bud Price

An large indoor playground, $6 for kids 1-10, must be accompanied by an adult (no charge).

Emily Oglesby

This place is great for all ages, including adults! There is so much to do! There are a few spots for younger babies (6-12 months) with their own toys. Toddlers get to run around and touch everything, it’s great! One thing I would change is some kind of door between the snack room and play area simply because my 18mo son is a snack thief and spends half the time in there steal food from other kids.

Katie Brown

I will start by saying that my kids loved the place. I have an almost 2 year old and a 7 year old. They were running all over the place having fun! Coming from the Iowa City area, I expect more though. We have a children's museum which is 3 floors and we can't get the everything done in 3 hours. Going to West Des Moines, a larger population and and better market for more fun things, I expected something even better than the children's museum in Coralville. We typically go to Children's Museums whenever we visit a bigger city, too, so I expected something similar to or better than the smaller market of Coralville. I drove around the mall twice; there is no exterior signage for people from out of town. One of the girls on the phone described it as "by the old Yonkers building. It looks really run down". There needs to be some sort of exterior signage for people who are not familiar with the area. The "museum" is an old store, inside the mall, converted into more of an indoor play place, at a desolate end of Valley West Mall. While playing, there were items strewn everywhere. I saw 3 girls working. 2 of them dat at the front desk most of the time we were there. They needed to be walking around picking things up and putting things back in their respective places. We gained free admission to the children's museum through the Iowa Library Adventure Pass. Knowing it was only $6, I'm not sure I would take the time out to bring my kids again, when we come back to town. Like I said they had fun, I just expected more from Des Moines.

Jeff Mathias

My gkids LOVE the kiddie kitchen play area, they stay engaged with happy play here more than almost anywhere else. Rare bright spot at Valley West Mall, although low traffic was fantastic during Covid re distancing. Staff engages with kids, nurturing. They have good WI-FI. Just check hours before going.

Kul Guragai

It is an interesting music mall,where all children are gladly entertaining.I am so impressed to see such an opportunity for kids.

Summer Hoyt

So happy that Des Moines has a Children’s Museum now! And my kids love this place. They don’t want to leave! Very enriching environments, educational and fun. Lots of fun things to do. They rotate out what “zones” & toys & activities they have every so many weeks so when you come back after a little while there’s always something fresh & interesting! — My kids never get through everything though lol because there is always something that really catches their interest for a long while. The volunteers are always super friendly.

Taylor Oberdiear

Such a fun play area to let the kids go in a safe space during the colder winter months or a rainy summer day. Different activity stations keep my kiddo busy for hours! Small fee to enter, but worth every penny.

Jessica Steiner

Absolutely wonderful time playing here! We made a whole day of it and 5 year old played for a whopping 5 hours without getting bored. She wasn’t even ready to leave after that. We packed lunch and snacks and were so thankful for the snack area in the back room. And the benches all around to watch play were a major plus! We will be back soon! Staff was absolutely wonderful and so kind to the kids as they imagined and played.

Sherri Strable

Four Grandkids had a blast. Lots of activities for them to do & explore

Jodi Braack

Great for toddlers, but not useful for above age 7 yes. Clean play areas with many learning toys.

Erin M. Reese

My 2.5 year old daughter had a blast today! And so did I since she wasn't destroying my house. Lol.

Marsha Goodman

Lots of hands on things for kids to do! My grandkids loved it and wanted to stay longer than the 2 hours we were there. Lots of space and even though there were quite a few children there, it didn't feel crowded. A great place to go for a fun time !

Dan P

It’s a great place for kids to play at. We have been there several times. But after every time we go our kids get sick. I’m sure it’s difficult for that to not happen due to the type of place it is with so many kids. Just be careful to those who go.

Lynn Allen

We spend hours here when we come. It's wonderful. My son is 19 months old. Crawlers have lots of space to explore too. Great option for those not in school yet.

Kathleen Steffen

We hosted our daughters' 2nd and 4th birthday here two years ago. It was a great set up! We rented the space on a Sunday for 3-4 hours, so it was closed to the public. There is a party room with table, chairs, and space for food. We brought in our own food (crockpots, chips, cake, etc). There is so much for kids to play with, and they had so much fun! We had a variety of ages and there was something for all. Highly recommend for parties or to just go play for a bit during their open hours!

Elizabeth Betts-Smith

My grandson is almost three and loves the day trips we make to the Children's Museum. They have quality pre-k centers and experiences. There is so much room to play and meet new little friends.

Rosalea Schwenke

The Museum is perfect for ignighting children's imagination's. They have a whole little town that kids can pretend in and lots of interactive toys that encourage freedom to play in multiple areas. The child I take care of loves this place so much he asks if we are going everyday.

Ag D

It is good place for toddlers and kids. Just wish all days people had to wear mask, not just Mondays. There have been visibly sick parents and kids with no mask so I haven't been going since saw this

Myra Cabrera (My)

Celebrated a birthday. Staff was very friendly, nice layout, kids had fun. I like that Sundays are specifically for private parties so it wasn't too crowded or hectic

Ashley Van Alstine Vetter

This is a wonderful place to take children. They keep adding and improving the children's museum. I think it's best for younger children.

Tonya Morgan

Did not even know this place existed but so happy to have found it. When my husband asked me to find something for the kids to do where we wouldn't freeze or be miserable while they were doing whatever I laughed and said see you in a month with your options. Went back less than 10 minutes later and triumphantly handed over my phone. It was great. The kids didn't know where to start they wanted to do everything we convinced them to just start and work around the room. Not often do we find things to easily accommodate 3 and almost 6 because even though he won't admit it there are things big sister can do that little brother just can't quite accomplish yet. This place did it beautifully! Thanks so much! We will definitely be returning!

Amanda Throckmorton

Love this place and so does my daughter! It's still in the process of growing and it's not as fancy and flashy as other museums in the area, but it is ran with love and care. SO much to do and lots of new play stations developed thoughtfully. This place is a labor of love and truly a grassroots effort that is much needed in the Des Moines area. Give it a try, it's a wonderful and inexpensive way to spend a rainy/cold day!

Jacob Van Steenwyk

Our toddler loved it. We will be back. We enjoyed the many activities to be done, and it was a cheap Saturday option. It's a great place to being your little one to explore.

Don Miller

Very nice place for the kids. Parents can also participate. World needs more places like this .

Amy Brandt

I took my 21-month-old son here and he loved it. There are several different stations with different themes that work for a variety of ages. It's not huge and it's all run by volunteers, but they are constantly adding new things and hopefully will be able to get their own building one of these days. This is a great place to be able to take kids between the ages of 1-10 when the weather isn't cooperating or you just need a change of scenery. It's $4.50/child or punch cards are available for $20 for 5 visits. Kids can definitely develop their imaginations here with lots of chances for creative play. Littler children can work on motor skills and there are lots of sensory toys as well. Something for everyone!

Danielle Nall

My 2yr old nephew has such a good time here, kids really benefit from imaginative play, staff very friendly, hours are different, it's best to call in advance and make sure they're going to be open.

Carrieaf

Great place to spend a couple hours away from home! Lots of fun spaces for kids to play and use their imaginations! Cost is 4.50 per child ages 1-10. The toys are changed out daily so there's always something new to play with. There's also a party room in back.

queenfoxyblondie ABSquad

Only had to pay 6 dollars for a child and my child loved it 🥰

Mike E

We brought our son here and were absolutely thrilled with the experience. There are tons of fun, interesting and safe things to do. It's divided into separate centers with themes like a pizza kitchen, a farmers market and a 'floor is lava' area. The only downside was that it had to end; our son did not appreciate that 😋 …

Jeremy Mead

We take our three kids regularly. It's not large, but the kids have a great time. It's still growing so it doesn't have a lot of permanent fixtures. Still, the kids don't care. The areas are set up in stations, like outdoors or music. Kids can explore as they want. Staff are nice.

Yoyo White

They were very inviting and a great atmosphere to be with your kids. My kid had a great time. We will definitely be going back

Maryfran Crist

Great for young children.....many activities.

Avery Harshman

We loved our experience here. We will be frequent visitors in the future!

Steph

Kids (ages 8, 6 and 3) spent a few hours here and had a great time! They stayed busy the entire time.

Bethany Read

Perfect for small ones to play inside! I took my 18mo & 3.5yr old and both were able to explore toys/set up’s safely with many options to entertain & keep busy.

Ashtyn Petersen

Awesome place for our almost 2 year old! She had a blast! Definitely will be back in the future!

Carolynn Fritz

I took kids ages 2-8 and they all had a blast! The employees where very nice and sweet to the kids. They even had one cleaning the areas as kids left them. Worth it 100%

Erika Anderson

Great open area for kids. Lots of hand sanitizer stations and good for having line of sight across the whole area. My kiddos loved it and played for hours!

Cathryn England

A great place for children! Learning games and activities for all ages. My grandchildren love playing at the museum.

Amanda Godfrey

Such a fun place for kids. So many activities!!!!

Jessica Bishop

My daughter absolutely loves going to the DSM Children's Museum!!

Kingrey Robin

Employees are so nice! Great place for the Littles to burn off some energy while exploring. Hours of fun.

Bethany Fast

What a wonderful project in the making! I'll admit it's not what I expected, having been spoiled by the Lincoln and Omaha children's museum in the past, so I was expecting something more along those lines. I was very pleased to learn that a location similar to those is their ultimate goal! They are working toward a more "finished" product, and the quaint play spaces in this little mall location are temporary. Regardless, my 16 month old had a wonderful time. Great rainy day activity for the littles!

Max Scott

Cannot rate this place highly enough. A fantastic area for children of all ages. My son is 15 months and he had a blast. I'm excited to see how the upcoming projects come out.

Sylvia Townsend

Great for kiddos under age 7. Staff there are wonderful and interactive with the children also. Alot of imagine play stations

Anika Larsen

We love the museum! My kids(4 & 2) love to explore and play.

Sarah Cade

We LOVE to play at the DM Children's Museum! They are always finding new and exciting ways to play, have a clean play area, friendly staff, good seating and provide a safe place to play and explore!

Michelle Evans

small enough to be able see all the areas without losing site of the grandbabies, diverse enough to appeal to all interests of young children. I took my 4 yr old grandson and 2yr old granddaughter, they had sooo much fun.

Jessica Clipper

What an amazing place for children to play! So excited to know about this place! We will be back, and often!

Christine Sims

love that they're open late Wednesdays! My son was so excited he was already in the fishing boat before i was finished paying lol

Cindy Peters

m My almost 2 year old grandson loved the Children's museum! H slept all the way home!

Misty DePaul

My 3 and 1 year olds loved it here. So many things to keep them busy. Its nice to let the little kids play with other little kids.

Emily L

My two daughters (ages 18m and 7y) love it here. There is tons for them to do and they add new stuff all the time. The employees are nice as well.

L. M. M. (Lizzie)

It's very small place but We had a great time.

Gale Hamilton

Great place for younger children, 2-7 probably. The staff is mostly volunteer and they do a great job of keeping the area clean and picking up after the children.

Colleen Dencklau

Fantastic play place for our 5 year old and almost 2 year old. Spent 2 hour in constant play.

Robin Yates

I was expecting something a little different. It certainly is someplace you can take your child to play.

Thereasa Bond

So much fun stimulating things for the kids to do

Douglas Keady

Very cheap to get in and the kids love it. Super clean!

Mark Cottrell

Wonderful place for small children. Our grandkids were there for over 2 hours.

Brittany Finley

Best place to take your child for hours of entertainment.

Alma Keserovic

My one year old and two year old loved it here!! Will definitely come back!

ashlynn young

Fun place for kid's imagination, and it cost 20ish for 4 kids.

John “Sarge” Shimko

Great place to take your kids/grandkids. A lot of fun @ a reasonable rate.

Brendalee Lyell-Keate

Great place for kids to run off energy and be safe

Troy England

Lots of fun for you kids, which makes the parents happy.

Jeff Rouse

For little kids it's fine. Our 8 year old and 7 year old would have been board.

Meredith Hughey

An inexpensive enjoyable clean experience for our toddler during a long travel day (drove through Des Moines), I would highly recommend!!

Justin Davis

My 4 and 1 year old had a great time playing for nearly 2 hours.

Jose Cornejo

My kids love it they always have new activities very interactive.

John Meyer

Such a great stop for our 13 month old. Gave her a chance to run off some energy while we drive out west.

Joshua Duggan

Pretty ok

Andrea Krummel

You only pay for the kids, very nice and clean

Amanda Conley

Absolute blast for my 5 year old. So much to do!

Tiffany Steiner

Love love this place! My granddaughter was amazed with her birthday party there!

Wynter Waltz

This was so fun for the kids!! Will definitely be back to play and visit in the future!

John Dasher

My kids loved it. They had so much fun.

Brooke B

Lots of things to do and parents can see kiddos at all times.

Kevin O'Connell

Great day with Grandson

Mary F Lossner

My Grandson has so much fun here!

Aaron Smith

Lots of things for my child to do and explore. Reasonably priced.

Hannah

Lots of hands-on fun for toddlers and kids

C Wood

Fantastic! Wonderful place for young children to play.

Skylar Berdaus

Had a blast with my little one great experience

Timothy Timothy

Great place to take young children for fun and learning!

Dmitriy N

Super fun for the kids. My kid loved it!

Kyle Beach

Staff are very attentive to both kids and adults.

Sherri Stufflebeem

So many cool things for kids!!! It's awesome!!!

Lesley Anderson

Fun spot for the littles to explore, and burn off some energy.

Chuck Garvin

Great place for young kids

David West

Walked by the DMCM and Google Maps thought I went in. My only comment is that it's frequently closed.

Tammy Schmidt

I love this place! Very affordable and the staff is amazing!

Samantha Cross

Best place to take your kids!

Jocee Kelly

What a fantastic adventure for kids!

Nikki Durchenwald

It was fun my son enjoyed it

Mitchell Rader

Was overwhelming amount of people but was also great time.

Zelda Golescu

Can't wait to visit the new location!

Linda Tall

Very nice place for kids to have fun

David GaFer

Best children space for creativity

JulianFam

So fun for all ages!

Deb Schrader

So lucky to have this in the area.

Rob Walker

Chaotic, but fun for kids, especially toddlers

Kelly

Always different and the people are great

Brian Updegraff

Super fun in the new space

Zachary Jensen

Great toddler interaction

Ricardo Espinoza

My kids love it

Louise Bradley

so much for kids to do

Matt Olsen

My daughter's go to place.

Noah Davidson

Good place for kids

Jacob Lane

Great place in the mall

Tina Marquis

Need drinking water

Elizabeth Foster

Kids love it

Clifford Rice-Krause

Great fun for the little one!

Tapashi Banerjee

José Mario Bósoli

(Translation) I took my grandson to play. (Original) Levei meu neto para brincar.

Courtney Ware

Aleimarie Griffieon

Julia Shebarshov

Sydney Groh

Dara Buldaeva

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