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Top Places for Workday Play in Downtown Des Moines
Break out of the break room! Take a recess away from the office at one of these fun things to do during the weekday in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). The brain break will energize you and is an opportunity for some physical activity — and fun! — too. The workweek will fly by when you fill it with these coworker-friendly and teambuilding activities in Downtown Des Moines.
Downtown Des Moines Recess Spots
Bike Share
Street Collective's Bike Share program offers 31 stations in Des Moines and nearby communities. Rent a bicycle for a few hours to take a break outdoors, or even commute by bike to your next meeting!
dsmstreetcollective.org/bike-share
Central Library
Allow yourself some quiet solitude. Browse the bookshelves at the Des Moines Public Library’s Downtown location and fill up your weekend reading list by taking home a few books. an ebook or an audiobook. Movie and magazine rentals are also available. And when you're not in the office, there are activities for all ages taking place throughout the summer, including Park-N-Play events for families, Polk County Conservation educational events, Wiggles and Giggles storytime for kids and a variety of book clubs for adults.
dmpl.org
Climb Iowa East Village
Test your climbing abilities with bouldering at Climb Iowa’s Historic East Village location. A fitness area also offers strength training and cardio exercise. This makes for a great teambuilding activity in Downtown Des Moines!
climbiowa.com/east-village
![people playing basketball]()
Wellmark YMCA
Wellmark YMCA
Take advantage of the swimming pool, racquetball courts, basketball courts, fitness classes and exercise equipment. Visitor passes are available for non-members to use by the day.
dmymca.org
Cowles Commons
Take a moment to enjoy the sunshine in Cowles Commons. The Lauridsen Fountain runs from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. during the week and features more than 50 LED lights and 17 choreographed water jets.
desmoinesperformingarts.org
![people paddle boarding]()
Photo Credit: Des Moines Parks and Recreation.
Gray’s Lake
Take your pick in renting watercraft near Downtown Des Moines including kayaks, canoes, standup paddle boards, pedal boats and row boats! Gray’s Lake also provides bike rentals, a walking/running/biking path, playground, beach, concession stand and shade trees for a few moments of zen. New in 2026: the Gray's Lake Playground and Sprayground, featuring inclusive play opportunities as well as a way to cool off in the summer heat!
dsm.city
Lauridsen Skatepark
Hop on your skateboard or scooter and go for a ride! If you prefer, you could also watch as a spectator. This skateboarding park in Downtown Des Moines is where the action is so head to the Principal Riverwalk to experience this world-class skatboarding destination.
dsmskatepark.com
Principal Riverwalk
Ideal for walking, running, biking, roller skating/rollerblading, scootering and skateboarding. Make your way to Lauridsen Skatepark or stop at the Rotary Riverwalk Park.
dsm.city
![woman eating lunch at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park]()
John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Explore arts and culture with a leisurely stroll through the Sculpture Park’s more than 30 sculptures located in Western Gateway Park in Downtown DSM. Jaume Plensa's Nomade sculpture is back at the park in 2026 so be sure to stop by and say hello!
desmoinesartcenter.org
Water Works Park
With winding paved paths ideal for walking, running, biking (both road biking and mountain biking) or other recreation such as boarding or blading, Water Works Park in Downtown Des Moines is a great little getaway. Stop by the natural play areas to test your balance and garner sensory input. Bring your laptop and a hammock, lawn chair or picnic blanket and make it an afternoon of work away from your desk!
waterworkspark.org
Downtown Attractions
These Downtown Des Moines attractions are coworker-friendly, and are open for fun during the workday — serving as a great place to catch a break!
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Enjoy the gardens both indoors and outdoors, sprinkled with artful sculptures and Downtown DSM skyline views. Stay for lunch at Flora Café.
dmbotanicalgarden.com
![exterior of the Iowa State Capitol]()
Iowa State Capitol
Iowa State Capitol
With free tours of the Capitol available including the Iowa Law Library, plus several artful sculptures scattered around the Capitol grounds and an unmatched view of Downtown Des Moines, you’re sure to find a nice little getaway here during the workweek.
legis.iowa.gov
Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
Along the Principal Riverwalk, relax at the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden. Take in the architecture of the 37-foot-tall Chinese pavilion in a tranquil setting as part of your visit to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
dmbotanicalgarden.com/robert-d-ray-asian-garden
State Historical Museum of Iowa
Spend an hour or an afternoon perusing the Iowa-centric collections jam-packed with history, art and culture celebrating the state.
history.iowa.gov
Downtown Breweries or Bars with Onsite Activities
Play is the name of the game at these Downtown Des Moines arcade bar and brewery locations open during the workday. A bite to eat and a board game make for a fun outing with coworkers in Downtown Des Moines!
Confluence Brewing Company
Grab yourself a pint and play cards indoors or on the dog-friendly beer garden and outdoor patio. Oftentimes, you'll find live music and food trucks also onsite. What else is great here? Bike parking for those who commute to work on two wheels.
confluencebrewing.com
![games at Ricochet]()
Ricochet in Des Moines
Ricochet Des Moines
This Downtown Des Moines game lounge offers skee ball, darts, bags/cornhole, foosball, bubble hockey and board games. Grab a GamePass for unlimited gameplay all day for just $7.
ricochetsocial.com
SingleSpeed Brewing
On Scott Avenue off the bike trail, experience SingleSpeed Brewing where you can try the Good Times: Mango + Dragonfruit, the Coconut Migration or the Tootsie Pop-inspired sour, the A-Two-Hoo. Check out a Pint Night Ride after work this summer — beginner riders welcome!
singlespeedbrewing.com
![man playing basketball at a Des Moines park]()
Photo Credit: Des Moines Parks and Recreation.
More Downtown Des Moines Parks
Cohen Park
Bouldering walls, a Sutu ball wall and the "Southeast Water Trough," a historic fountain restored by the City of Des Moines, await at Cohen Park. You'll also find plenty of shade trees, a walking loop and plenty of places to spend an hour or two outside.
dsm.city
EMC Park
Explore the park adjacent to EMC Insurance Companies on the former Younkers Building site where bags, pickleball, chess and other outdoor games are ready to give you a fresh new perspective on your work project with a few moments of zen or competitive action — whichever best gets your juices flowing.
dsm.city
![view of Downtown Des Moines through the trees]()
Photo Credit: Des Moines Parks and Recreation.
MacRae Park
Stop by MacRae Park to enjoy the tennis courts, a fishing pond, tons of peaceful trees providing shade over park benches — even a sprayground that's open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.! Be sure to give the EMC Overlook a quick peep while you’re there.
dsm.city
Rotary Riverwalk Park
At the Rotary Riverwalk Park next to the Principal Riverwalk, you'll find an accessible playground and an ideal place to rest your feet. Enjoy the view of the Des Moines River and the Women of Achievement Bridge and the out-of-the office retreat.
dsm.city
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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.