Best Indoor Playgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa
1
Kids Empire Merle Hay
Address: 3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50322
Kids Empire Merle Hay in Des Moines, Iowa, offers a sprawling indoor playground featuring multiple levels of climbing structures, slides, and dedicated play areas for different age groups. The spacious facility maintains high cleanliness standards with staff regularly sanitizing equipment and monitoring play areas to ensure safety. Families appreciate the all-day admission policy that allows them to come and go as they please, with the added convenience of on-site snacks and a special toddler zone for the little ones.
What People Are Saying
Energy Burning: Many reviews highlight the playground's effectiveness in allowing children to burn energy, with comments like "burn some energy" and "lots of ways to burn off energy" appearing frequently.
Toddler Area: A dedicated toddler area is frequently mentioned in the reviews, indicating its presence and apparent suitability for young children.
Food & Snacks: Reviews indicate that snacks and drinks are available for purchase, though one mentions that the food options are limited and could be improved. The availability of food does not align with the review mentioning bringing their own.
Cleanliness: Cleanliness is repeatedly praised in numerous reviews. Many reviewers explicitly state the facility's cleanliness, and several mention the staff's consistent cleaning efforts.
Parties: Several reviews explicitly mention birthday parties being held at the indoor playground, with some even detailing the positive experiences and attentive staff during these events. One review mentions party packages.
Socks: One review mentions that socks are required for all visitors.
Prices: Reviews mention all-day passes, punch cards, and individual admission prices, but specific costs vary. One review mentions a $25 all-day pass.
Activities: Multiple reviews mention a variety of activities such as climbing structures, slides, a maze, a mini soccer area, ride-on cars, claw machines, and a Lego room. A toddler area is also frequently mentioned.
Not Noted
Adult Space: The reviews focus on the play area and do not mention adult-specific spaces like lounges, cafes, bars, massage chairs, or beer for parents.
Restrooms: While one review mentions that the bathrooms smelled like sewage, other reviews praise the overall cleanliness of the facility. The conflicting information makes it difficult to give a definitive answer.
2
JouJou DSM
Address: 906 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312
JouJou DSM in Des Moines, Iowa stands out as a meticulously designed indoor playground that caters specifically to children from infancy through age five. The bright, clean space features thoughtfully arranged zones with wooden climbing structures, age-appropriate toys, and Montessori-inspired activities that encourage both independent and guided play. Parents can enjoy complimentary local coffee and tea while their little ones explore the safe, welcoming environment that's become a cherished destination for local families and traveling parents alike.
What People Are Saying
Energy Burning: The reviews consistently praise the variety of activities suitable for different ages and energy levels, suggesting ample opportunities for active play. Descriptions of climbing structures and various toys support this.
Toddler Area: Reviews mention age-appropriate toy sections and a focus on accommodating young children, indicating a dedicated area for toddlers, though it is not explicitly stated.
Adult Space: The availability of complimentary tea, coffee, and lattes for adults is mentioned in several reviews, suggesting a dedicated adult space, possibly a lounge or cafe area.
Cleanliness: Cleanliness is repeatedly highlighted as a positive aspect of the indoor playground across numerous reviews. Reviewers use words like "impeccably clean," "super clean," and "clean, bright, and safe."
Parties: Several reviews explicitly state that the indoor playground hosts birthday parties. One review details how helpful the staff was in planning and executing a birthday party, taking care of setup and cleanup. Another describes their daughter's birthday party as 'amazing'.
Restrooms: Clean bathrooms are mentioned positively in several reviews, indicating clean and accessible restroom facilities.
Activities: Multiple reviews mention various activities such as age-appropriate toy sections, wooden climbing structures, and trays with activities that can be done independently or with parental guidance. One review specifically mentions "fine & gross motor toys & activities".
Not Noted
Food & Snacks: While complimentary coffee and tea are offered, the reviews do not mention any food or snack options being served at the indoor playground.
Socks: The reviews do not mention any specific sock policies or requirements.
Prices: The reviews do not provide information on admission prices or costs.