This article collects the best date ideas and romantic things to do in Des Moines for couples based on major travel sites, blogs, reviews, and social media sites.
Des Moines has plenty of romantic activities to offer!
This article lists the city’s main attractions and date suggestions for couples. Everyone can participate in these events, which range from dining to taking in the city’s sights.
Why not surprise your loved one by making a last-minute vacation to Des Moines?
They will appreciate your effort!
Here are 30+ romantic things to do in Des Moines with your partner.
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Table of Contents
Outdoor Date Ideas in Des Moines To Have Fun
Discover beautiful creatures at Blank Park Zoo
- Cost: $16/person (ticketing)
- Address: 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, United States
- Phone: +1 515-285-4722
“Always love going here with family or just alone. Everyone needs to go at least one time. Even if it’s the zoo brew. Still a fun time. Can’t wait to see what they do next” – Wheelnon
You can learn more about this cosmos at the zoo. In this location, you can see animals up close and feed and pet some of them.
You won’t get bored at Blank Park Zoo because there are more than a hundred species.
Discover and discuss your spirit animal there.
Play golf at the Waveland Golf Course
- Cost: Starts from $20-$50 (golf game)
- Address: 4908 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States
- Phone: +1 515-248-6302
One of the most enjoyable date ideas in Des Moines is playing golf at this location.
The golf course has 18 holes. Its location is incredibly tranquil. Golfing here is one of the most romantic things to do in Des Moines.
Have fun and enjoy rides at the Adventureland Park
- Cost: $37/person (ticketing)
- Address: 3200 Adventureland Dr, Des Moines, IA 50009, United States
- Phone: +1 515-266-2121
There are more than 100 different rides and attractions at this theme park. There are many exciting things to do at this location, like roller coasters.
Music, Art, Historic, Cultural Date Ideas in Des Moines
Take a tour of Des Moines Art Center and Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Cost: Free
- Address: 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 515-237-1386
In Des Moines, you get two dating ideas in one.
Impressive pieces by 20th-century artists are everywhere in the center.
Take a guided tour to fully comprehend the significance of each work of art on display.
Proceed to the sculpture park after the tour.
It will be enjoyable to stroll across intriguing exponents; some are charming, while others are spooky.
Anyhow, you’ll need your phone’s camera.
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Plan an educational trip to the state’s historical museum
- Cost: $13/person (ticketing)
- Address: 600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50319, United States
- Phone: +1 515-281-5111
One of the most well-liked date ideas Des Moines offers is a quick visit to a museum. Why? Everyone can visit the museum for free, making it a fun and affordable place to take a date. You may think this location is appealing.
You may learn about Iowa’s history there, everything from Ice Age artifacts to early airplanes. Don’t stay on the first floor for too long because, allegedly, the second floor is more excellent.
Relive history at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
- Cost: Starts from $25-$50 (tour)
- Address: 100 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 515-245-3735
“Very friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. Learned quite a bit about the World Food Prize and Norman Borlaug. Took about 35 minutes. Beautiful gardens outside. Recommend.” – Mark Jefforson
At the Hall of Laureates, interact with history in person. The area is lovely and brimming with “old world” characters. Isn’t it romantic to picture yourself living in the past, attending to balls, and strolling through the gardens?
All in one, it serves as a museum, an informational and educational hub, and a venue for local, regional, and even national celebrations to recognize the recipients of the World Food Prize. Visit the gallery, tour the facility, learn more about its history, and then stroll in the garden.
Wake your inner artist at Des Moines Art Center
- Cost: Free
- Address: 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
- Phone: +1 515-277-4405
You can also stroll through the Des Moines Art Center, which offers a wide range of classes. Consider enrolling in a multi-week program to learn a new skill or choose a three-hour Make + Mingle grace at the Art Center.
The Knotty Nail and AR Workshop are two fantastic stores in Des Moines that provide DIY workshops or take-home kits so you can create something.
Enjoy live theater and music while soaking up the atmosphere
- Cost: Starts from $5.5/person (ticketing)
- Address: 221 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 515-246-2300
There are several fantastic venues in Des Moines where you may see live theater and music! A night of live music is perfect for an amazing night, whether searching for a quaint jazz club like Noce or a place like Wooly’s to see your favorite rock band.
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Attend some of the best performances at the Des Moines Civic Center
- Cost: $20/person (ticketing)
- Address: 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 515-246-2300
“We went to see the Broadway show of Anastasia and it was beautifully done. We are never disappointed going to the Civic Center and their customer service is always impeccable!” – Weddle
You can go to several activities at the Des Moines Civic Center. One of the best date ideas in Des Moines is to attend one of these events. For instance, this location hosts concerts.
Broadway shows, comedies, ballet performances, and many more shows are also available. The center is also a highly contemporary structure, which enhances the experience!
Show your artistic side at the Des Moines Arts Festival
- Cost: Free
- Address: 900 Keo Way, Studio 300 (Mainframe Studios) Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 (515) 416-6066
You are welcome to go to the Des Moines Arts Festival annually. This is a festival where a wide variety of visual arts are displayed. Along with that, there is other entertainment, including live music. So visiting this place will be a lot of fun.
Learn new things at the Science Center of Iowa
- Cost: $13/person (ticketing)
- Address: 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 515-274-6868
It can be a tonne of pleasure to learn new things. And as a result, going on a date to the Science Center of Iowa is fantastic. Several interactive exhibits at this science museum allow you to learn about science.
There are also a lot of fascinating events and shows! The displays and other items at this location are highly distinctive, making it the ideal setting for a date!
Explore the amazing outdoor museum at Living History Farms
- Cost: $17/person (ticketing)
- Address: Living History Farms, Des Moines, IA 50322, United States
- Phone: +1 515-278-5286
“We came here with friends and it was both interesting and fun. Saw blacksmithing and other talents that are not used anymore. Well worth a visit.” – Jim & Bea
If you want to experience something different in Des Moines, you should visit this museum.
At Living History Farms, you interact and play out Iowa’s agricultural history. By presenting the lives of people who lived in the state in the past, you can discover this in a novel way. For instance, you can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts like candle and pottery creation.
Enjoy great performances at Hoyt Sherman Place
- Cost: Starts from $50 – $400 (ticketing)
- Address: 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, United States
- Phone: +1 515-244-0507
This theater is old, having opened its doors in 1877.
The theater’s interior has a highly unique appearance and is intricately designed. As a result, seeing a show at this theater is a fantastic experience.
Here, you can see a wide range of performances. There are discussions, comedies, concerts, and numerous other forms of entertainment, for instance.
Go for a historic walk at the Salisbury House & Gardens
- Cost: $10/person (ticketing)
- Address: 4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
- Phone: +1 515-274-1777
This area is home to a sizable historic palace. It has exquisite architecture, and the garden is lovely. You can come here to take a building tour. You can also stroll through the gardens! Guided tours are also available, where you can gain new knowledge.
Indoor / Relaxing / Foodies Date Ideas in Des Moines
Have a relaxing massage at the East Village Spa
- Cost: Starts from $55-$400 (massage)
- Address: 300 E Locust St Suite 313, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 515-309-2904
“A perfect peace-filled atmosphere at East Village Spa! I enjoyed every minute of my 80 minute massage. Jennifer checked with me to make sure the pressure was to my liking. I can’t wait to make another appointment soon!” – Anna
A visit to the East Village Spa is a fantastic way to relax. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most tranquil date ideas in Des Moines.
This spa is fantastic and offers a wide range of treatments.
For instance, you can have incredibly calming and private couple’s massages here.
After undergoing this treatment, you’ll be prepared to engage in other amorous activities in Des Moines.
Put eyes in eyes and sip some lovely tea at Eden Tea
- Cost: Starts from $4-$18 (tea)
- Address: 5828 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50322, United States
- Phone: +1 515-443-7762
Do you love tea? In that case, you can visit Eden Tea. This is a location where you can get excellent bubble tea.
The beautiful thing about this place is that there are several varieties to select from, so you can probably find one you like.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Centro
- Cost: Starts from $10-$30 (food)
- Address: 1003 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 515-248-1780
One of the best things to do is eat lunch at Centro Des Moines. This restaurant serves excellent Italian food that you will enjoy.
Even better, you can have both incredibly authentic cuisine and traditional dishes here. And the cuisine is excellent! Additionally, the restaurant’s ambiance is ideal for a romantic occasion!
Experience fine dining at Django
- Cost: Starts from $20-$40 (food)
- Address: 1420 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 515-288-0268
“The service was friendly and professional which seems to be unusual these days. Food was very good as expected. One of the best white tablecloth restaurants in DesMoines.” – Doug S
You can visit Django if you wish to enjoy great food. In this excellent restaurant, you can share some delectable French cuisine.
There are numerous traditional French cuisines available here. The eatery also offers scrumptious hamburgers. Additionally, the restaurant has the ideal ambiance for a date and is a pleasant location!
Visit Coffeesmith for a Coffee Date
- Cost: Starts from $15-$40 (coffee)
- Address: 770 SE Alice’s Rd, Des Moines, IA 50263, United States
- Phone: +1 515-447-5137
Because the coffee is so good here, you may have the ideal coffee date. This location serves excellent coffee with lovely latte art.
In addition, this location offers a variety of pastries, including cake pieces that go well with coffee.
Enjoy your breakfast at 100th St. Corner Cafe
- Cost: Starts from $10/person (food)
- Address: 3017 100th St, Des Moines, IA 50322, United States
- Phone: +1 515-331-2343
How about starting your morning at the 100th St. Corner Cafe? This restaurant offers fantastic meals and first-rate service.
If you visit, you must try the pancakes. What’s lovely is that it also has a very relaxed vibe, which is excellent for a date!
Sip some delicious juices at Lifestyle Juices
- Cost: Starts from $10 (juices)
- Address: 2418 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States
- Phone: +1 515-777-2301
Going to Lifestyle Juices is ideal for a date because juices can be delightful. You may purchase a variety of fruit juices and smoothies at this juice bar.
Fresh fruit is used for this, which is fantastic! Additionally, the smoothies are excellent. Therefore, this is fantastic if you’re seeking romantic activities in Des Moines.
Watch some unique arthouse movies Fleur Cinema & Cafe
- Cost: $10/person (ticketing)
- Address: 4545 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321, United States
- Phone: +1 515-287-4545
Fleur Cinema and Cafe is among the most significant movie houses. Hollywood movies are shown here at this independent cinema.
But you can also watch arthouse films here, which is also a terrific idea! That’s especially true considering that you’ve never seen these movies!
Enjoy some of the best thin crust pizzas at Dough Co. Pizza
- Cost: Starts from $8-$100 (pizza)
- Address: 2330 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States
- Phone: +1 515-630-0796
“No matter what the pizza, Dough Co. is always a good idea! We love every pizza or app we’ve ever gotten! It’s a must!” – Kelso Cleary
A pizza date may be a very passionate occasion. You can visit Dough Co. Pizza for delectable pizzas.
You can get excellent thin-crust pizzas made in New York at this pizzeria.
Take part in beer tasting
- Cost: $10/person (beer tasting)
- Address: 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 515-883-2739
Des Moines is home to many fantastic craft brewers.
Grab several beers from various nearby breweries and set up your tasting at home to plan a beer date night.
You may find a variety of beers from all across the state at the Iowa Taproom, or you can visit one of the many nearby breweries that sell bottles or growlers. Or arrange a night of local brewery hopping.
There are several breweries near downtown Des Moines, including Peace Tree Brewing Co., Exile Brewing Company, and Lua Brewing.
Active & Youthful Date Ideas in Des Moines
Play a Game at Smash Park
- Cost: $150/person (ticketing)
- Address: 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266, United States
- Phone: +1 515-313-0700
A dating night that makes you feel like a kid again is something you deserve! If you want to indulge your fun side on a date night, Des Moines offers a variety of possibilities.
Visit Up-Down in the East Village in downtown Des Moines for an evening of retro entertainment. This two-story arcade bar can find all your favorite classic arcade games, skeeball courts, enormous Jenga sets, and more.
Alternately, spend the evening at Smash Park in West Des Moines playing yard games.
This indoor location offers a large selection of delectable food and beverage options and several yard activities, including pickleball, cornhole, shuffleboard, bocce ball, ping pong, and others.
Bowl at the Air Lanes Bowling Center
- Cost: $4-$5/game (bowling)
- Address: 4200 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321, United States
- Phone: +1 515-285-8632
Bowling is yet another of the top-date ideas in Des Moines. For this, you can visit the Air Lanes Bowling Center.
This beautiful bowling facility has many lanes. What’s lovely about this location is that you can also dine and drink there! What’s even better is that you can enjoy glow-in-the-dark bowling here! It’s an exceptional experience, this one.
Play arcade games at The Operating Room
- Cost: $11/person (ticketing)
- Address: 5515 Mills Civic Pkwy #130, West Des Moines, IA 50266, United States
- Phone: +1 515-226-3333
“Had a total blast. Love it . Drinks were awesome, great service. Nice staff. Came with a group and everyone had a great time. Not one bad thing was said. We’re coming back. Count on it.,” – Johnny T
Playing games may be a lot of fun. You can visit one of The Operating Room’s facilities in Des Moines.
You can play arcade games at each location. Additionally, pinball machines here are enjoyable to play with others. In addition, this location is perfect for getting drinks.
Nature-Inspired Date Ideas in Des Moines
Stroll across the Gray’s Lake Park
- Cost: Free
- Address: 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315, United States
- Phone: +1 515-242-2855
“We enjoyed walking around this beautiful lake with views of the downtown of Des Moines. There is also a beach for swimming, fishing, playground, and canoes, kayaks, and boats available to rent.” – Ellen R
Without Gray’s Lake Park, we wouldn’t be able to compile a list of the top dates in Des Moines.
Do you realize how fortunate you are to live near water? Not all Americans can access kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or water-based activities like water observation.
Utilize it by going for a stroll through the park, having a quick lunch, and then going to the lake to engage in some activities. You’ll notice that the date will be wonderful and full of sensations, feelings, and emotions.
Enjoy the floral freshness at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Cost: $10/person (ticketing)
- Address: 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 515-323-6290
There are various parts of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. They are all focused on diverse flora and experiences. You can rest, have a snack, and take a break because there is plenty of shade and seating.
Have a refreshing ride at Rotary Riverwalk Park
- Cost: $10/person (ticketing)
- Address: 821 W River Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 515-996-9241
Rotary Riverwalk Park is located very close to the Asian Gardens. It has a charming bridge and an imaginative swing set area.
The environment appears both organic and futuristic. Such a unique setting is ideal for a date. You may rent bikes and go for a pleasant ride. Take a break and go on a brief picnic when you’re worn out.
Cool off at the calming Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
- Cost: $5/person (ticketing)
- Address: Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Phone: +1 515-323-6290
“It is such a beautiful place. I always bring my family here when they visit from out of the state! Lovely” – Hannah C
Several pleasant dates can be had in Des Moines’ Asian Gardens.
That area is quite soothing and emphasizes the value of variety in the community. You will have a lovely, peaceful date here. Sip some chamomile tea to appreciate how extraordinary your life is.
Use the camera on your phone to capture a few breathtaking images to help you remember this day.
DES MOINES, IOWA – The TOP 10 Places you NEED to see!
Final Thoughts
Des Moines is a fantastic location in Iowa. Museums, historic buildings, parks, and renowned eateries are some of the city’s attractions.
Whether you intend to spend a while or just pass through, Des Moines will never let you get bored.
With so many options, it can be hard to decide what to do, but hopefully this list will help get you started.
We hope you will enjoy all the places on this list.
Have a wonderful time in Des Moines after reading this list.
Thanks for reading!
I like to travel but also be smart with money. Below are the places where I start my planning with. – ✈️Flights, Hotel, Tours – I seek out Flash Sales to guide my planning 👉 Find good deals – 🛡️Travel Insurance – I like to go to the source like Travelex instead of paying a broker 👉Here – 🚗Car Rental – Rental will save you lots of headaches. Search, compare, and save first up to 30-50% on Discover Cars. 👉 Save Now |