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Kids Empire Merle Hay Des Moines

Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA

Large indoor playground at Merle Hay with all-day access, re-entry, a toddler zone, parties, and late evening hours on weekends.
Plan This Visit

Best for

broadest appeal for toddlers through elementary-age kids

Hours

Monday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Visit style

big-box open play

Birthday parties

Available

Profile

Strong profile coverage

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

A solid default when you want a big, easy indoor-play outing with long hours and the option to leave and come back the same day.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For
  • Mixed-age sibling groups
  • Families who want all-day access with re-entry
  • Late-afternoon and evening play, especially on weekends
Less Ideal For
  • Kids who are sensitive to noise and crowds at peak times
  • Families looking for a quieter boutique play-cafe feel
  • Visitors who do not want everyone in socks

At a Glance

Venue type

Indoor playground

Age groups

BabiesToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Play features

Toddler areaClimbing structureSlides

Birthday party options

Birthday partiesParty packagesParty host

Accessibility and comfort

Socks requiredCleanliness focus

Visit options

Open playDrop-in visits

Price range

Premium

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Operator type

Commercial

Play model

Full-day open play

Supervision model

Caregiver supervised

Inside a larger venue or attraction

Yes

Inside mall or shopping center

Yes

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Monday10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
SocksNon-grip socks are mandatory for children and adults.
Visit StyleAll-day open play with same-day re-entry.
SupervisionAdult supervision is required.
Toddler AreaA diaper-only toddler area is part of the layout.
Location Notes
Located inside Merle Hay.Weekend closing time runs later than weekdays.

Pricing Snapshot

Notes
Admission includes all-day access with same-day re-entry.Socks are sold on site if needed.
All Day Admission

Child Age 1 To 17

$22.90

Additional Adult

$5.00

Infant 0 To 11 Months

Free

Included Adults Per Child

2
Membership Or Passes

Ten Visit Punch Card

$159.00

About the Venue

Kids Empire Merle Hay Des Moines is a full-scale indoor playground inside Merle Hay that is built for long family play visits. Official venue information highlights all-day admission with re-entry, a diaper-only toddler area, party packages, and extended evening hours Friday through Sunday, making it a strong rainy-day or post-school option for mixed-age sibling groups.

Atlas Perspective

Indoor Play Atlas Notes

Age Fitbroadest appeal for toddlers through elementary-age kids
Noise Levelhigh
Visit Stylebig-box open play
Energy Levelhigh
Parent Comfortmoderate
Booking Frictionlow

Birthday Party Snapshot

Notes
Official package details describe 2.5 hours of reserved party seating.Check the location page for current package options.
SummaryBirthday packages are offered with reserved seating and a dedicated party host.
AvailableYes

Accessibility & Comfort

Details
All guests must wear socks in the play area.Diaper-only toddler zone helps separate the youngest visitors from bigger-kid traffic.
Socks requiredCleanliness focus

External Links

WebsiteBookingFacebookDirections

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Quick Summary

Best for

broadest appeal for toddlers through elementary-age kids

Hours

Monday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Visit style

big-box open play

Birthday parties

Available

Contact Information

Address

3800 Merle Hay Rd

Des Moines, IA, 50310

Location
IowaDes Moines MetroDes Moines, IA
Source & Verification

Last updated

April 18, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 7, 2026

Checked against 2 public sources.

Reviewed as

Business website and booking-flow review

What Changed

April 7, 2026

Verified official location details, pricing, and hours; expanded parent planning fields.

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