Top Places for Workday Play in Downtown Des Moines

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

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

B-Cycle Bike Rentals 

With 18 B-cycle stations available in Downtown Des Moines, rent a bicycle for a few hours to take a break outdoors, or even commute by bike to your next meeting! 
desmoines.bcycle.com

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 at. 
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 and spend a few minutes reliving your childhood enjoying the swings. 
dsm.city

Photo provided by Des Moines Parks and Recreation.

Gray’s Lake

Take your pick in renting watercraft to go boating near Downtown Des Moines including kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards (pictured above), 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.  
dsm.city

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!   
dsmwaterworkspark.com

John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Explore arts and culture with a leisurely stroll through the Sculpture Park’s 24 sculptures located in Western Gateway Park, Downtown DSM. 
desmoinesartcenter.org

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. E-book, audiobook, movie and magazine rentals are also available. 
dmpl.org

Yoga on Cowles Commons

Although the official programming takes place Sundays, June through September, you can still pack your yoga mat during the work week and get your downward dog on at Cowles Commons to find a little break from your cubicle! Cool off by dipping your toes in the zero-depth Lauridsen Fountain. Bonus: Yoga makes for a great teambuilding activity in Downtown Des Moines, too!
desmoinesperformingarts.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! 
website

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 Trellis Café.  
dmbotanicalgarden.com

Iowa State Capitol

With free tours of the Capitol (pictured above) 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

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.  
iowaculture.gov

Downtown Breweries or Bars with Activities On-site

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 their outdoor patio, with live music and food trucks also occasionally on the menu. 
confluencebrewing.com

 

Ricochet Des Moines

With its new location in 2022, this Downtown Des Moines game lounge offers skee ball, darts, bags/cornhole, foosball, bubble hockey and board games. 
ricochetdsm.com

More Downtown Des Moines Parks 

Cohen Park

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 at. 
dsm.city

Photo provided by Des Moines Parks and Recreation.

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

MacRae Park

With tons of renovations recently completed to this park on the southwest edge of Downtown, if you haven’t stopped by recently, you’re due to check it out! You’ll find tennis courts, a fishing pond, tons of peaceful trees providing shade over park benches — even a sledding hill during the snowy months! Be sure to give the EMC Overlook a quick peep while you’re there.
dsm.city

Photo provided by Des Moines Parks and Recreation.

Find even more recess opportunities and coworker-friendly activities in Downtown Des Moines and explore restaurants, attractions, outdoor recreation and more.