Free Things to Do in Greater Des Moines
In Greater Des Moines, we pride ourselves in being affordable (and fun!) no matter what activity you choose to do. But whoever said “nothing in life is free” clearly hasn’t been to Des Moines. There are a whole host of ways to experience Greater Des Moines without spending a dime...or at least, less dimes than you’d spend in other cities.
FREE ARTS ACTIVITIES
The Des Moines Art Center boasts outstanding exhibitions and an important collection with a major emphasis on contemporary art. The collection is housed in three striking buildings, each designed by a world-renowned architect. Admission to the Des Moines Art Center museum is free with advanced and day-of reservations. Just outside the Art Center, visitors can appreciate numerous sculptures on the facility's grounds and the Clare and Mile Mills Rose Garden in neighboring Greenwood Park.
Pack a picnic and spend a sunny afternoon at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Here you'll be inspired by dozens of works from internationally recognized arts right in the heart of downtown Des Moines. The 4.4-acre park offers plenty of room to spread out and enjoy throwing a frisbee for fido. In fact, Greater Des Moines is a renowned arts destination in the Midwest. Mainframe Studios is an entire building dedicated to the arts, featuring local artisans in culinary, pottery, jewelry making, painting, photography, and just about any other medium you can imagine. On the first Friday of every month, Mainframe hosts a free open house for the public to come in and meet these talented Iowan artists.
For even more public art opportunities throughout the metro, take a tour of popular and inspiring murals.
MUSEUMS FOR ALL
Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens in downtown Des Moines, Reiman Gardens in Ames, Des Moines Children’s Museum in West Des Moines, as part of the Museums for All program. Simply present an EBT card and a valid ID and receive unlimited free admission for up to four people during regular operating hours.
