Free & Cheap Things to Do with Kids

Explore the best free & cheap things to do with kids options for kids and families in Marshalltown

Heritage Carousel of Des Moines

Heritage Carousel of Des Moines

Hand-carved & -painted wooden menagerie. Featuring 30 hand-carved & -painted animals, this replica carousel turns to band organ tunes.

Union Park

Union Park

Storied park with BBQs & nostalgic rides. Public park since 1892, with an old-fashioned carousel, water play area, BBQ grills & sports courts.

Birdland Park

Birdland Park

Public park with trails & a marina. Park on a lake with trails, a marina & a boat ramp, plus enclosed shelters to reserve in advance.

Riverview Park

Riverview Park

Charming park with trails & lakes. Sprawling city park known for its green expanses, biking & walking paths & numerous bodies of water.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Horticultural exhibits & art galleries. Seasonal blooms showcased outdoors & in a geodesic dome, plus educational programs & art shows.

Robert D. Ray Asian Garden

Robert D. Ray Asian Garden

Garden park with pagodas, a pond & more. Garden park featuring an Asian pavilion, stone pagodas, a pond, a series of waterfalls & more.

Cowles Commons

Cowles Commons

Visit this great place for kids and families!

Science Center of Iowa

Science Center of Iowa

Hands-on exhibits, IMAX theater & more. Science-focused interactive galleries & learning labs plus a planetarium & IMAX cinema.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Pedestrian space with public attractions. Park housing a sculpture garden, dedicated chess & picnic tables, the Central Library & more.

Explore More Activities

Discover more events and activities happening in Marshalltown.