Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

This was a grand experience. I’m so glad we stopped in before leaving town. The staff are all very friendly, from the moment we walked in the doors to the moment we left. The gardens both inside and out were spectacular. It had gorgeous views with plants and flowers of many varieties. The water displays are also amazing with good upkeep, the water looks nice with no bad aromas, very impressive. The price is very fair for the experience. The bathrooms were clean and well stocked. All around this was a great family experience with wonderful memories made.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much there was to do and see here. The outdoor garden area is emense and packed full of fantastic botanical species. I'm a bit of a plant geek and wandering through the indoor and outdoor spaces was a special treat. Formal gardens, bonsai, water gardens, indoor houseplants, tropicals under the dome, waterfalls, it really is amazing. Would definitely return next time I'm in town.

Outstanding display! The WIC discount made it possible for our entire family to enjoy including all adults and grandparents! Over 10 in our party and it was leisurely and enjoyable for 3.5 yr old and our 88 yr old! Stroller and wheelchair friendly but also both were available at the front door and we didn't even realize we didn't need our own.

I can’t get enough of Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden! I visit several times a year, and each visit I always forget just how breathtaking it is. It’s a great walk when you’re looking for a chill and leisurely day out. Plus they have a lil hidden play area for the kiddos all the way in the back!

This is a beautiful botanical garden that is well worth a visit. Depending on your pace and interest level, you can easily spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours enjoying the thoughtfully designed displays and impressive variety of plants. Families with young children will appreciate the small nature-themed play area located near the turnaround point of the walking path. It's a nice addition that gives kids a chance to explore and burn off some energy. My only criticism is the admission price. At $42 for two adults and two children, I was hoping for a little more value from the experience. If you have an Adventure Pass and can visit for free, it's an easy recommendation. Otherwise, I think the experience could be enhanced with activities such as a short home gardening demonstration, a 15–30 minute educational class, or even a complimentary small plant for children who complete a scavenger hunt. Overall, it's a lovely destination with beautiful plant collections and peaceful walking paths, but the admission cost may leave some families wanting a bit more from their visit.

Beautiful place. It is so full of plants and life! The grounds are much bigger and diverse than we ever expected. As someone who lives in the tropics I enjoyed seeing so many familiar plants.

A super fun way to spend some time, especially in the winter! Besides just the amazing plants there was also so much art as well as fun things added throughout like little trains! The plants were all so gorgeous and the warmth/humidity was a nice change from the cold dry winter air! We went during a weekday afternoon and it wasnt too crowded at all. A perfect spot to meet a friend and hangout, to take kids, to go on a date, or to spend some solo time.

What an amazing experience at the Botanical Center! I’m so glad I chose to spend my day off here. It had been such a long time since my last visit, so I decided to bring my little family along for a fun getaway - and it was absolutely worth it. Plus it was free due to the Adventure Pass from the public library. The greenery is stunning and so refreshing, and my son had a great time in the kids’ area with all the toys to play with. We truly enjoyed everything this place has to offer and will definitely be back! If you’re looking for something to do, this is a must-visit spot. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures - it’s one of Des Moines’ most iconic places you won’t want to miss!