Des Moines Botanical Garden Hours – Being a parent has been our main motivation for finding fun things to do in Des Moines, especially during the cold winter months when outdoor time is limited. While an Iowa winter can feel like six months (and sometimes it does), it doesn’t have to be boring. We have a handful of fun, easy, and inexpensive activities that we regularly do with our child.
One of our favorite weekend spots is the Des Moines Botanical Garden, just north of I-235 and the East Village. The easiest way to get there is to take exit 235 at East 6th Street, go south and follow the signs. If you love plants and live in the Des Moines area or are visiting for a weekend, this is a must-see.
Des Moines Botanical Garden Hours
When there’s snow on the ground, the trees are bare and the grass is brown, it’s easy to forget about the Botanical Garden. Of course, the outside of the garden is dormant in winter just like in Iowa. But inside, it’s a completely different story. Green tropical leaves grow inside the dome, the temperature is reminiscent of summer and the humidity is a balm for dry winter skin. A visit is like escaping to Florida or California for a few hours.
Sip And Stroll At The Botanical Garden In Downtown Des Moines
I can’t overstate how much time you can keep your kids entertained at the Botanic Gardens in the winter. We can fill an hour or two with the trip, including the round trip. (In the summer we can add another hour to walk around outside.) The staff is great with kids, and there’s always some scavenger hunt to keep the kids entertained and on track. This year they hunted fifty elves and elves of various sizes. Finding the elves took a lot of time and our son didn’t complain about being bored. Overall, it’s a brilliant idea and more public spaces should consider it.
Besides the scavengers, seeing Koi fish swimming around is always a big hit for Ashton. He likes to explore different paths and climb stairs to see outer space from different perspectives.
The website has a dedicated page full of downloadable activities and resources for kids of all ages to take home. The garden also offers events for young children and camps for school-aged children during the summer and holidays.
The Gardeners’ Show House is my favorite part of the Botanic Gardens. This small and intimate greenhouse is divided into sections by walkways and displays a rich collection of tropical and indoor plants. I love collecting potted plants, especially begonias, and I get a lot of inspiration from the Show House. I always take lots of photos for my collection and for reference when I receive my brushes and watercolors.
Aerial Photograph Of The Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines, Iowa, Usa, On A Beautiful Summer Afternoon Stock Photo
I attended a two-day conference at the Garden in early February and noticed a poster for their Sunday Blues series, which seems to me to be well attended. In addition to concerts, they offer classes throughout the year. A few years ago I taught an “outdoor” art class there one evening under the dome. The Dome after Dark is another winter event that takes place every Friday night from Thanksgiving through March and is free for members.
If you sign up for their newsletter, or better yet, become a member, you’ll be notified of their schedule of classes and events through their mailing list.
On our last trip we went outside because it was sunny and windy. There are no plants to look at and even if the waterfall isn’t flowing, it’s nice to walk the paths and enjoy the view of the river. The exhibition contains a variety of sculptures from these years, creating great photo opportunities. If you have active kids, they can pick up some energy on the trails.
So bundle up, grab a coffee at your favorite Des Moines coffee shop, and head to the Botanical Gardens for a winter break. From lush trees in the tropical conservatory to stunning orchids and a structural collection of potted plants, there’s plenty to see and do in this hidden gem in the heart of our city. Even during the bitterly cold winter months, the Des Moines Botanical Garden provides a warm and welcoming refuge from the wind and snow, as well as the stress of everyday life. Bring your kids and experience hours of exploration, learning and play. With seasonal events, beautiful gardens, and educational exhibits, the Des Moines Botanical Garden is a must-see for those looking for winter fun and inspiration.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Tours
Des moines ia botanical center, des moines botanical center wedding, restore des moines hours, des moines botanical garden, homemakers hours des moines, des moines botanical center restaurant, des moines botanical, des moines botanical garden restaurant, garden suites des moines, greater des moines botanical center, greater des moines botanical garden, greater des moines botanical garden wedding