Des Moines Children's Museum
West Des Moines, IA
Hands-on children’s museum inside Valley West Mall with affordable admission, memberships, parties, events, and open-ended play.
Editorial notes
What stands out
A smart pick for families who want open-ended, exhibit-style play at a genuinely approachable price.
Good fit
- Toddlers through early elementary kids who enjoy hands-on exhibit play
- Families who want a budget-friendly indoor outing with membership options
- Birthday parties that work well with museum-style free exploration
Consider another option if
- Older kids mainly looking for high-adrenaline active-play equipment
- Families who want a café-driven hangout rather than an exhibit-based visit
Know Before You Go
- Supervision model
- Caregiver supervised
What to Expect
For kids
- Babies
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Museum exhibits
- Open play
For caregivers
- Free parking
- Caregiver supervised
Read more about this location
Des Moines Children's Museum is a nonprofit, play-based children's museum operating inside Valley West Mall in West Des Moines. Official sources show current public hours, affordable general admission, memberships, recurring events, field trips, and birthday options that range from party-room reservations during open hours to full private rentals after hours. It is a strong fit for families who want exploratory, exhibit-based indoor play rather than a single-purpose playground.
Hours & Admission
Posted hours
Check posted weekly hours
View full weekly hours
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Under 1 | Free |
| Ages 1 To 9 | $6 |
| Ages 10 Plus | $4 |
Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.
Birthday Parties
Party or event options reported
Location
1551 Valley West Dr. Suite 108
West Des Moines, IA, 50266
Other options nearby
Kids Empire Jordan Creek
Big all-day indoor playground in West Des Moines with re-entry, a diaper-only toddler area, late hours, and party packages.
Valley Junction Activity Center Indoor Playground
Free seasonal indoor playground in Historic Valley Junction for ages 2 to 4, tucked inside West Des Moines’ city activity center.
Source reviewedJouJou
Montessori-inspired Des Moines play studio for birth to age five with open play, classes, memberships, coffee, and parties.
Sources & Updates
Source-checked Apr 5, 2026 against 4 public sources
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 5, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 4 public sources
Public sources
- Des Moines Children's Museum home pagedsmchildrensmuseum.com
Checked: hours, admission, location, phone, email
- Des Moines Children's Museum visit usdsmchildrensmuseum.com
Checked: parking guidance, payment methods, punch card, membership details, social story
- Des Moines Children's Museum birthday partiesdsmchildrensmuseum.com
Checked: party pricing, guest counts, timing, advance-booking note
- Des Moines Children's Museum shopdsmchildrensmuseum.com
Checked: membership pricing, membership plus pricing
What changed
April 5, 2026
Verified location, hours, admission, memberships, parking guidance, and party pricing from official Des Moines Children's Museum pages.