Since 2017, the Des Moines Children’s Museum has called Valley West Mall home. Next spring, the museum moves into a new space at 1200 12th St. in West Des Moines.
The move takes the children’s museum to the former site of the Des Moines Golf and Country Club with expanded space for new exhibits. The new venue includes more than 13,000 square feet on the main level, a similarly sized lower level, and more than seven acres of outdoor space. Museum staff said the purchase of this space will be finalized this fall.
The Des Moines Children’s Museum opened in 2017 and by the next year, saw 15,000 visitors served by a volunteer staff. In 2019, the museum expanded into 12,000 square feet.
Aside from exhibits that children can explore, the museum offers various events, including a family Valentine’s Day dance, an egg hunt, a “Touch a Truck” event featuring community vehicles, a Witches’ Ride, a Halloween party, holiday lights, and a New Year’s Eve party at noon.
The museum’s “From Love to Legacy” capital campaign, co-chaired by community leaders Carolyn Ruan and Brittainey Lauridsen, raised more than $2.3 million toward its $3.5 million goal. Funds will be used to purchase and renovate the new building, create new interactive exhibits, and expand programming.
Museum staff estimates 69,000 visitors walk through the doors annually.
More than three years ago, Valley West Mall went into foreclosure. In August, officials said that a buyer is going through its due diligence process, and officials expect the sale of the mall to finalize late in 2025.
Where to find the Des Moines Children’s Museum
Location: Valley West Mall, lower level, 1551 Valley West Drive, Suite 108, West Des Moines
Contact: 515-218-8344 or dsmchildrensmuseum.com
Hours: Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Children’s Museum departs Valley West Mall for bigger space in 2026
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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