Des Moines Children's Museum

Des Moines Children's Museum We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognizing our goal of opening the first children's museum in the Des Moines metro. Come out and play!!
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We started as a "museum without walls" bringing fun to the community with temporary and traveling exhibits. We now have a museum WITH walls featuring many fun permanent exhibits! We are located on the lower level of Valley West Mall in West Des Moines, Iowa! Our mission is to build the foundation of lifelong learning by promoting the power of play.

Kickoff the start of summer break with our Epic Nerf Battle!This Friday from 5-6:30 PMDoors open at 5:00 p.m. Kids (and ...
06/02/2026

Kickoff the start of summer break with our Epic Nerf Battle!

This Friday from 5-6:30 PM

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Kids (and parents) will have 30 minutes to set up, build a fortress, and prepare for the battles. We will do two large group battles - one at 5:30 and another one at 6 p.m. with a quick break and dart pick up in between. Parents are encouraged to join in the fun!

Recommended for ages 3-10. You bring your Nerf weapon of choice, we'll provide darts and eye wear (goggles). Regular admission fees apply - $6 up to age 9, $4 for 10+.

All participants in the museum will be required to have a parent/guardian sign a waiver at check in.

Summer break is here and it's time to play!Monday: Muddy car washTuesday: Bugs in iceWednesday: Museum Babies (8:45-9:45...
06/01/2026

Summer break is here and it's time to play!

Monday: Muddy car wash
Tuesday: Bugs in ice
Wednesday: Museum Babies (8:45-9:45 AM), story time (10:30 AM), Little Learners - Rainbow squish painting
Thursday: CD spin art
Friday: Contact paper sun catcher
Saturday: Coloring sheets

Thank you to everyone who kicked off their long weekend with us last Friday with Touch A Truck at Colby Park! Thousands ...
05/29/2026

Thank you to everyone who kicked off their long weekend with us last Friday with Touch A Truck at Colby Park! Thousands of community members climbed in trucks, honked so many horns (our ears are finally recovered!), explored, and played in this much loved event.
Thank you to the City of Windsor Heights, Iowa for partnering with us to bring this event to the community and especially to Windsor Heights Council Member Susan Skeries, for all of her planning, coordination, and collaboration. This is by far one of our favorite events to have each year and it couldn't be done without our amazing sponsors, vendors, partners, volunteers, and community members. Thank you for making the night spectacular and memorable!

We're open 9:30-4:30 today!
05/25/2026

We're open 9:30-4:30 today!

We are OPEN regular hours on Memorial Day. Here is a look at our full week of fun:Monday: Play DohTuesday: Pandas in ice...
05/25/2026

We are OPEN regular hours on Memorial Day. Here is a look at our full week of fun:

Monday: Play Doh
Tuesday: Pandas in ice
Wednesday: Museum Babies (8:45-9:45 AM), story time (10:30 AM), Little Learners - Furikake sensory bin
Thursday: Bouncing bubbles
Friday: Henna
Saturday: Scatch paper stencils

Tonight's the night: Touch A Truck at Colby Park!5-7:30 PMNo public parking at Colby Park for this event - ADA Parking o...
05/22/2026

Tonight's the night: Touch A Truck at Colby Park!

5-7:30 PM

No public parking at Colby Park for this event - ADA Parking only. Please see event page for parking info.

We've gotten lots of calls about Memorial Day hours. We will be OPEN regular hours on Monday!
05/22/2026

We've gotten lots of calls about Memorial Day hours. We will be OPEN regular hours on Monday!

Friday is the day for Touch A Truck! Come out to Colby Park from 5-7:30 p.m. to get up close and explore trucks of all k...
05/20/2026

Friday is the day for Touch A Truck! Come out to Colby Park from 5-7:30 p.m. to get up close and explore trucks of all kinds, race cars, and more! Food trucks will be there with food available for purchase.

Parking info:
* no public parking in Colby Park (ADA only)
* shuttle running from 7900 Hickman Rd to the park
* park at Walmart and walk the trail to the park
* park at Walnut Creek Church and walk to the park
* surrounding side streets will have parking - please pay attention to all No Parking signs

We hope to see you there!

We will be at Valley Community Center tomorrow from 3-5 PM to get ready for the annual Love You Des Moines Day! Come out...
05/18/2026

We will be at Valley Community Center tomorrow from 3-5 PM to get ready for the annual Love You Des Moines Day! Come out and play, enjoy free activities, food, and music.

We're here with hands-on fun for all ages all week!Monday: Fizzy flowersTuesday: Air dry clay - Easter Island statuesWed...
05/18/2026

We're here with hands-on fun for all ages all week!

Monday: Fizzy flowers
Tuesday: Air dry clay - Easter Island statues
Wednesday: Museum Babies (8:45-9:45 AM), story time (10:30 AM), Little Learners - hot pot sensory bin
Thursday: Glowing rainbow
Friday: Japenese Kokeshi dolls
Saturday: Paper airplanes

Address

1551 Valley West Drive #108
West Des Moines, IA
50266

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 6:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+15152188344

Website

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