Every grandparent loves spending time with their littlest relatives, and family time is lauded as a fantastic antidote to loneliness and depression in aging people. Yet, it's a win-win situation for all.
If you're a resident at Addington Place of Des Moines, you'll find no shortage of things to do with grandkids.
This article highlights some of the best senior-friendly attractions to enjoy with the youngest members of your family.
Outdoor activities are good for young and old and provide opportunities for low-key exercise while enjoying fresh air and sunshine. These are the best outdoor Des Moines family activities to enjoy with your grandkids:
The Riverwalk is a recreational district that meanders along the Des Moines River in the city's downtown area. It offers trails for jogging, biking, and casual strolling, making it a top choice for grandparent-grandchild outings.
The area is very scenic, with panoramic views of the city skyline, and is home to Lauridsen Skatepark -- a vibrant gathering place for neighborhood children.
The skate park is the largest in the country, offering skateable surfaces spanning 88,000 square feet. Key features of Lauridsen Skatepark include a:
The Riverwalk is accessible to visitors of all ages and is open from 6 am to 10 pm year-round.
The 49-acre Blank Park Zoo is the only accredited zoo in Iowa and is recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). It has been focused on children since it opened its doors in 1966 and is dedicated to conservation and education.
In 1981, the Blank Park Zoo underwent major renovations and expansions and has many interesting exhibits and activities as a result of these improvements. Today, visitors to the zoo can enjoy admiring over 800 animals showcased in the following exhibits:
This is the home of Des Moines red pandas and many nocturnal animals. The display includes several ecosystems, including an aquarium.
Explore Africa's most exciting animals and many birds. Don't miss a chance to see the endangered Eastern black rhinoceros.
This exhibit focuses on Australian wildlife. Kids love the wallabies and kookaburras most of all.
The Kids' Kingdom offers a playground area and petting zoo where children can interact with farm animals. The zoo opens at 10 am and closes at 4 pm daily.
Whether it's threatening weather or mobility issues that are keeping your interactions indoors, Des Moines won't disappoint.
Try these venues for some good, clean, family fun:
These activity centers offer refreshments and comfortable seating areas where you can engage with other grandparents or spend quality time with your children.
Nothing appeals more to kiddies than a meal at a favorite restaurant after a day of fun and games. Try these local eateries for a kid-friendly lunch or birthday celebration:
Few children leap at the chance to broaden their views on cultural aspects unless they're having fun at the same time. These local kid-friendly spots will keep the youngsters amused and entertained:
Des Moines Children's Museum is located in Valley West Mall. It's open from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm from Monday to Friday and remains open later on Wednesdays until 6:30 pm.
It's a non-profit organization that aims to foster a love of learning in children through engaging educational experiences. The offering includes hands-on exhibits and special events.
The museum also presents daily programming to introduce your grandkids to the joy of crafting, sensory play, STEAM activities, and story time.
Some noteworthy attractions at this museum include:
The Science Center of Iowa, located in downtown Des Moines, is a prominent science museum that focuses on interactive learning experiences and intergenerational fun. Originally opened in 1970 as the Des Moines Center of Science and Industry, it was renamed in 1985 and moved to its current location in 2005.
The center aims to inspire curiosity and a love for science among visitors through hands-on exhibits and engaging programming. It has many activities for children.
Some top attractions at the Science Center include:
The Science Center features a variety of hands-on exhibits to encourage exploration and experimentation. Recent additions include a popular LEGO-based exhibit.
The center houses a 50-foot planetarium that is accessible to all visitors. There is no additional charge for visiting the planetarium.
Regular live science demonstrations attract significant interest and engagement from visitors. Children are particularly fascinated by these shows.
The Science Center is open from 9 am to 4 pm from Wednesday to Sunday. There is parking available and the center is easily accessible with a wheelchair.
Des Moines offers many enriching things to do with grandkids, making it a fun place to explore for senior residents at Addington Place of Des Moines. Our community encourages interactions with family members and is located close to the city, allowing for an easy commute when you want to spend time with family.
If you're looking for a caring, comfortable assisted living community that values your independence, get in touch to schedule a tour soon.