Des Moines Mom regularly highlights local nonprofits. There are so many amazing organizations in our community dedicated to looking out for the well-being of all who live here. We want to feature them and share ways you and your family can partner with them through volunteering, giving donations, and attending amazing (now, virtual) fundraising events. If you know of a nonprofit we should feature, please email [email protected].
Des Moines Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits that encourage young children and their grown-ups to explore and play in a safe and welcoming environment. It is located inside Valley West Mall on the lower level, near the play area. They are open to the public from Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (staying open until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays). Admission for children ages 1-10 is $6 and for those younger and older, donations are greatly appreciated. On Sundays, the museum is closed for private events.
Annual memberships are available for $125 and offer unlimited visits for up to 6 members of the same household, and 50% off admission to museums participating in the Association of Children’s Museums reciprocal network.
Private parties are scheduled outside regular museum hours and include a 2-hour reservation of the exhibit space and one party room. The museum is not open to the public during the reservation, and the party room and museum exhibits are sanitized between groups.
Mission Statement
To build the foundations of life-long learning by promoting the power of play.
How to Help
Des Moines Children’s Museum is always in need of wonderful volunteers to assist with day-to-day operations, as well as special events. Volunteering information and registration can be found here.
Ways to Give
Monetary donations are used to improve exhibits and programming.
Support the wonderful work done by Des Moines Children’s Museum here.
Upcoming Event
Join DSM Children’s Museum for their 2nd annual Touch A Truck event. Families are invited to get an up-close look at a fire truck, recycling truck, bucket truck, and more. Additional activities for children will also be available.
When: Saturday, September 18, 2021 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Valley West Mall: Southwest Parking Lot
Tickets: The outdoor Touch A Truck is free to all! Regular admission of $6 for ages 1-10 applies to go inside and visit the museum.
View the event on Facebook.
“We’re so excited to be hosting our second annual Touch-A-Truck! Many wonderful organizations and individuals are donating their time so young children and their families will have lots of exciting vehicles and activities to explore! We hope lots of families will take advantage of this free community event.
– Laura Johnson, Executive Director.
