- The list below includes 59 free or cheap things to do in or near Des Moines, Iowa, including 52 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, History Museums, Bike Paths and Bowling.
- From East Village to Saylorville Trail, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Des Moines and in nearby cities within 25 miles like West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny and Indianola.
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108
1.4 Miles
77%
431 votes
401 W Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Science Center of Iowa includes a science museum and IMAX dome theater. Admission includes hands-on science experiments, as well as live demonstrations and programs about everything from chemistry to astronomy.
4.4 Miles
At Fleur Cinema & Cafe, visitors can watch a mix of independent, foreign, and blockbuster flicks in digital projection. In addition to movie theater popcorn, the concession stand offers alcoholic beverages and coffee to take into the theater.
3.6 Miles
The inspiration of the historic Salisbury House was the King's House that is still located in Salisbury, England. The Tudor style mansion is open for general tours that are self-guided or guided during certain days.
0.7 Miles
The growth and development of Iowa is displayed through numerous exhibits at the State Historical Museum. Historic artifacts and documents show many stories of the people of Iowa along side the natural history of the region.
1.0 Miles
Celebrating the accomplishment of past, present, and future Iowans, the Iowa Hall of Pride is a nice ode to the state's residents. See local art, sculptures, videos, pictures, and written works from the state's most accomplished residents.
0.7 Miles
Treat yourself to a bit of musical culture at the Des Moines Symphony. Bask in the musical masterpieces of Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, or catch a Cirque de la Symphonie performance.
1.3 Miles
86%
7 votes
Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50309
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The Blank IMAX Dome Theater is an IMAX movie theater that is situated within the Science Center of Iowa. The theater has seats that are angled at 35 degrees so that every seat in the theater faces the screen.
3.0 Miles
25%
4 votes
2701 Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310
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Plaza Lanes Family Fun Center is a bowling alley that also features outdoor volleyball courts and offers league play for both sports. They offer laser bowling, tournaments and they have an attached bar and grill.
5.1 Miles
Des Moines' Val Air Ballroom is a popular concert venue for rock, pop, dance and jazz music. The venue is wheelchair accessible and contains two ATMs. Limited concessions are available.
5.1 Miles
100%
1 votes
100 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265
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As a 36-lane bowling center, Val Lanes Recreation Center provides visitors with amenities like bumpers and automatic scoring for recreational bowling. During the summer, kids up to age 15 may bowl free.