Here Are 5 Fun Ways to Beat the Heat in Downtown DSM

Those quintessential things you love about summer are all here in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Beat the heat with these five fun ways to cool off in Downtown.

Relax at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers a lush environment with plenty of shaded areas and indoor spaces to explore. It's an ideal spot to enjoy nature without the direct sun. Wander through the gardens, enjoy the artwork displayed in the North Gallery or Conservatory and browse for meaningful gifts in the Garden Shop. Don't forget to grab lunch on-site at Flora — the food is fresh, and the setting is gorgeous (and as you'll read below, they've got ice cream for the family, too!). Learn more about the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and plan your visit today.

Chill at Water Works Park

Grab a drink at Des Moines Biergarten where plenty of mature trees provide ample shade and a cool place to enjoy craft beers and light bites. Arie den Boer Crabapple Arboretum features hundreds of flowering crabapple trees, offering natural shade and picturesque views during the spring months, making it perfect for a leisurely walk or a peaceful rest under the trees. Learn more about what Water Works Park has to offer.

And you can help the kids stay cool this summer by visiting the new Gray's Lake Sprayground.

Shop Local and Stay Cool

Browse local shops like Funky Finds Vintage & Retro, Storyhouse Bookpub or Raygun while enjoying that sweet, sweet AC. It's a great way to support local and stay cool.

Cool Down with Ice Cream

No summer day is complete without a frozen treat! Get yourself a cold snack at these Downtown Des Moines eateries:

Black Cat Ice Cream: Not only can you enjoy an ever-changing menu of delicious ice cream flavors, but this summer Black Cat's Downtown Des Moines location is taking part in the City Sounds program, so check out the piano artistry, sit down and tickle the ivories once you've enjoyed your snack.
Flora: At the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden's lunch spot among the gardens, Flora's menu offers house-made vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream served with whipped cream.
Insomnia Cookies: In addition to warm cookies, savor tasty ice cream in a cup, on a classic cookie, on a deluxe cookie, on a brownie or by the pint! Des Moines' location offers unique flavors like Dreamweaver, double chocolate cookies in purple s'mores ice cream with fudge and white stars or classics like chocolate and vanilla.
Smokey Row: Come for the coffee, stay for the ice cream! Smokey Row in the Sherman Hill neighborhood offers malts, milk shakes, ice cream soda, scoops and more. Don't forget to try an old favorite — the root beer float served in a frosty mug!
The Creamery: After opening in 2025, The Creamery, a family-owned shop nestled in the Historic East Village offers soft serve, shakes and more. Walk the East Village neighborhood with your sweet treat to check out fun, local shops like Aimee, Leona Ruby and She Home & Gift.

Switch It Up From Street Level to the Skywalk

Take a break from the heat of the sun and wander the four miles of indoor, climate-controlled skywalk in Downtown DSM. Explore the colorful art installations along the way! Find maps and tips on getting around Downtown DSM, including the skywalk system.

Keep up with the momentum that's happening in and around Downtown Des Moines (DSM) when you subscribe to the Downtown DSM newsletter, packed with the latest news, highlighting everything from upcoming events to development projects. Stay connected to the Downtown DSM community and help amplify its stories.

Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy.