The best arts & culture spots in Urbandale

3 arts & culture spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Arts & Culture · 3 places · showing the latest additions first

Des Moines Children's Museum

Arts & Culture

When the wiggles hit, Des Moines Children's Museum brings play-powered learning to life with open-ended activities and community events…

1551 Valley W Dr Ste 108 (West Des Moines)

“When the wiggles hit, Des Moines Children's Museum brings play-powered learning to life with open-ended activities and community events that make curiosity contagious. Perfect for a quick reset with the kids this week, or nailing that birthday plan without reinventing the glitter wheel.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 24, 2026

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Des Moines Art Center

Arts & Culture

Des Moines Art Center keeps your week interesting with modern and contemporary exhibits, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park stroll, and the…

4700 Grand Ave (Des Moines)

“Des Moines Art Center keeps your week interesting with modern and contemporary exhibits, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park stroll, and the current show Topographies: Mapping Being and Belonging on view through September 20, 2026. Admission is always free, so pop in, grab a bite at the café, then wander the shop.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Living History Farms

Arts & Culture

Living History Farms is a 500-acre open-air museum where you can wander from the 1700 Ioway Farm to the 1876 town of Walnut Hill and the…

11121 Hickman Rd

“Living History Farms is a 500-acre open-air museum where you can wander from the 1700 Ioway Farm to the 1876 town of Walnut Hill and the 1900 Horse-Powered Farm, complete with Percheron draft horses, while interpreters keep things hands-on and surprisingly fun. Perfect for a this-week reset with real Midwestern roots.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 15, 2026

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