40+ Things to Do Outdoors in Greater Des Moines

1. Lake Ahquabi State Park: A 770-acre park with a 115-acre lake offering a swimming beach, fishing, boating, kayaking and a 4-mile trail around the lake. Don’t worry if you don’t have water toys, you can rent from the onsite concessionaire. The park also provides camping facilities and picnic areas.

2. Brown’s Woods – One of the largest urban forests in Iowa. Explore quiet trails and, while you’re nearby, check out the Athene Pedestrian Bridge linking Walnut Woods State Park to Raccoon River Park.

3. High Trestle Trail: A bucket-list bike ride or evening walk. The bridge lighting at night? Worth every step.

4. Pammel Park: One of Iowa’s original state parks, this 350-acre gem in Winterset is known for its wooded trails and signature limestone ridge, the “Backbone.”

5. Jester Park: A go-to for hiking, kayaking and watching bison roam. The nature playscape is perfect for kids, and the elk and bison enclosure always delivers.

6. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge: On the eastern side of the region, this prairie preserve is home to bison, elk, wildflowers and miles of scenic hiking. As of 2026, peep the "one-in-a-million" bison calf born in the spring, with its unique whitish coat rather than the typical reddish-brown fur the animals are known for.

7. Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park: This 222-acre park, developed on a former coal mine site, features two lakes stocked with fish, a 2-mile paved loop trail, mountain biking courses and hiking trails.

8. White Rock Conservancy: Less than 2 hours from the metro area and packed with 40+ miles of trails, river access and dark sky stargazing.

9. Cordova Park & Observation Tower: Climb 170 steps to the top of this 100-foot tower near Lake Red Rock in Marion County for panoramic views.

10. Volksweg Trail: While in Marion County, challenge yourself to the 17-mile Volksweg Trail, which starts in Pella.

11. Bochner Farms: Nestled just outside Indianola, Bochner Farms is a flower lover’s dream. Stroll through vibrant gardens, sip mimosas during their “Bubbles & Blooms” events or enjoy a farm-to-table dinner under the stars. It’s a picture-perfect setting for a relaxing day surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Greater Des Moines Outdoor Events That Are a Must!

12. Wild Lights Festival at Blank Park Zoo: Giant illuminated animal sculptures transform the zoo into a glowing wonderland. As part of the zoo's milestone year celebration, Wild Lights will return in 2026 during a new season, with dates to be announced.

13. Yoga in Nature at the Brenton Arboretum: Enjoy free outdoor yoga sessions every Wednesday, May through August, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the arboretum. Open to all ages and abilities. 

14. The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow: The first three weekends in May bring a lively spring celebration filled with professional performers, local favorites, whimsical entertainment and Renaissance-era fun spread across nine stages. Save the date for the fall faire, over the first three weekends in September! 

15. Hinterland Music Festival (July 30 – Aug. 2, 2026): This popular music festival brings nationally known artists, camping, art and outdoor fun to the Iowa countryside for a laid-back weekend of live music and summer vibes.

16. Springtime on the Farm at Center Grove Orchard: Enjoy a day on the farm with baby animals, strawberry picking and seasonal treats.

17. Iowa Craft Brew Festival (June 6, 2026): Spend the day sampling Iowa-made craft beer, cider, spirits and more at this popular festival in Water Works Park. With food trucks, local vendors and unlimited tastings, it’s a summer favorite for craft beverage lovers. 

18. Downtown Des Moines’ Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, May 2 – Oct. 31, 2026): Live music, fresh produce, local goods and serious community vibes. Don’t miss other standout markets in Valley Junction, Ankeny, Waukee and Indianola for even more local flavor.

19. CelebrAsian (May 22-23, 2026): Iowa’s largest Asian American cultural event, showcasing authentic food and family activities at Western Gateway Park.

20. Memorial Day Celebration at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum (May 25, 2026): A powerful and meaningful way to start summer, honoring veterans and paying tribute to Iowa’s servicemembers past and present. Includes both indoor displays and outdoor memorials.

21. Principal Charity Classic (June 10-14, 2026): Watch PGA TOUR Champions players compete at this annual golf tournament, which also raises millions for Iowa children’s charities. The weekend brings championship golf, community events and plenty of energy to DSM each summer. 

22. Des Moines Art Festival® (June 26-28, 2026): Love the arts festival vibe? There’s more! Mark your calendar for the Des Moines Art Festival® coming up at the end of June in Downtown DSM.

23. National Balloon Classic (July 31-Aug. 8, 2026): Every summer, more than 150 hot air balloons take flight over Indianola during this nine-day spectacle. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy sunrise launches, nightly fireworks, live music and the iconic Nite Glow.

24. World Food & Music Festival (Aug. 28-30, 2026): Cap off your summer with this multi-day celebration of culture and food from around the world, all in Downtown DSM.

Des Moines Patios that Feel Like a Mini Vacation

25. Paws & Pints: Yes, your dog deserves a social life too. This dog park–meets–bar concept has off-leash play areas, craft beer, and plenty of space for both pups and people to hang.

26. Destination Grille: With rooftop patio seating, cabanas, cocktails and plenty of space to kick back, Destination Grille is the kind of spot that makes a summer evening in DSM feel like a mini getaway. 

27. Burger Shed: A laid-back spot with a spacious patio and comfort food favorites, perfect for a casual outdoor hang in Altoona.

28. The Chicken: A no-frills, roadhouse-style hangout in Orilla serving up crispy fried chicken, cold drinks and a patio made for sunny afternoons.

29. The Cork 50131: Johnston’s wine and bourbon bar with a relaxed outdoor setup.

30. Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co.: One of the OG spots in the Historic Court District. Their patio is perfect for people-watching while sipping house-brewed beer and catching a game.

31. Brickhouse Tavern: Tucked into Indianola’s charming Main Street district, the Brickhouse patio is the perfect spot to kick back with pizza and a cold drink. With great outdoor seating and people-watching galore, it’s a local favorite for al fresco dining in the heart of downtown. Don’t forget to look up as hot air balloons frequently fly overhead.

32. Either/Or: Low-key and trendy. Great for a date night or friends hangout. Or bring the whole family and let the kids play in the outdoor play space while you enjoy the patio.

33. Firetrucker Brewery: Local beer, firehouse theme and live music outside in the warmer months.

34. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse: An upscale spot with a refined patio perfect for sipping wine, celebrating something big, or just treating yourself to a top-tier meal outdoors.

35. Wellman's Pub & Rooftop: A longtime local favorite, Wellman’s rooftop patio is the perfect place to grab drinks, catch a game and settle in for a lively summer night with friends.

36. Mullets: A casual DSM classic with skyline views, riverfront access and a two-level patio that feels like a party any day of the week. Bonus points for the breakfast menu that runs all day.

37. Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern: Kansas City-themed sports bar energy meets creative specialty pizza, served up on a dog-friendly patio with a laid-back neighborhood vibe just southeast of downtown.

38. Smash Park: Play pickleball, grab a drink, and hang out all afternoon.

Family-Friendly Outdoor Attractions in Des Moines

39. Skate Parks – Grab your board or scooter. Hit up Lauridsen Skate Park: the largest in the U.S. (pictured above), or West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Indianola and Altoona.

40. Berry Picking: Strawberries start in May! Try places like Berry Patch Farm, Upstream Gardens, Edge of the Woods Raspberry Farm or Iowa Orchard.

41. Blank Park Zoo: Classic family outing, and the zoo comes alive in spring.

42. Heritage Carousel: A nostalgic ride for kids in Union Park. Opens for the season May 23, 2026.

43. Newton Arboretum and Gardens: Connect with nature and meander 3,000 feet of paved trails.

44. Living History Farms: History comes to life across 500 acres of working farmland and historical buildings.

45. Pappajohn Sculpture Park: Walk through world-class art with Downtown Des Moines as your backdrop.

46. Prairie Meadows Racetrack: Live horse racing returns to the region each spring, and it’s free to watch.

47. World Food Prize Hall of Laureates Gardens: Peaceful, beautifully maintained and right by the river walk.

48. Iowa Cubs Home Baseball Games at Principal Park: Grab a hot dog, settle into the stands and enjoy a classic summer night at the ballpark. Iowa Cubs games are a Downtown DSM favorite with family-friendly fun, themed nights and skyline views along the river. 

49. Bridges of Madison County: Take a scenic drive and walk across iconic covered bridges.

50. Winterset City Park and Clark Tower: Speaking of Madison County, while you’re there stop by this Winterset gem for panoramic views, historic stone bridges and perfect picnic spots. Be sure to climb to the top of Clark Tower for amazing views.

Ready to Go? From tulips to trails, patio drinks to prairie hikes, spring and summer in Greater Des Moines (DSM) are packed with ways to soak up the sunshine. So, get outside and see just how much DSM has going on.

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