Des Moines has quietly built an impressive party venue scene, with options ranging from the revitalized East Village's boutique event spaces to family entertainment centers in the suburbs. The city's affordability means you can book standout birthday venues without breaking the bank.
Smash Park West Des Moines
An indoor-outdoor pickleball, duckpin bowling, axe throwing, and arcade complex that handles every age of birthday under one roof.
Up to 250 guests
Sky Zone Des Moines
A trampoline park with foam pits, a warrior course, and dodgeball courts that runs the most reliable kid-birthday operation in the metro.
Up to 100 guests
Spare Time Des Moines
A massive Jordan Creek complex with bowling lanes, laser tag, escape rooms, and a full arcade that handles teen and tween parties at scale.
Up to 300 guests
Topgolf Des Moines
A three-level driving range with heated bays, a full bar, and event packages that fit anything from a teen birthday to a 40th.
Up to 500 guests
Iowa Taproom
An East Village taproom pouring 120-plus Iowa beers with two private rooms purpose-built for adult milestone birthdays.
Up to 120 guests
Centro
Chef George Formaro's downtown Italian institution with a private dining room that has been hosting Des Moines milestone birthdays for twenty years.
Up to 60 guests
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
A Sherman Hill brewery in the restored Crescent Chevrolet building with a huge patio and three private event spaces for adult birthdays.
Up to 200 guests
Skateland
A long-running family roller rink on Meredith Drive with party packages, an arcade, and a snack bar that delivers the classic skating birthday.
Up to 200 guests
Brenton Skating Plaza
Iowa's largest outdoor ice rink, on the Principal Riverwalk downtown, with a winter-only birthday package and an unbeatable city backdrop.
Up to 100 guests
Ironside Axe Club
An 11,000 square foot axe-throwing hall with an indoor bar and outdoor patio, built for adult milestone birthdays and group throws.
Up to 100 guests
Gameday Lanes
The reborn Merle Hay bowling alley with 24 lanes, a full sports bar, and arcade — solid mid-tier birthday option in Des Moines proper.
Up to 200 guests
Five Monkeys Inc
A paint-your-own-pottery studio in Historic Valley Junction that runs calm, focused birthday parties for craft-loving kids.
Up to 40 guests
Breakout Games Des Moines
Urbandale escape-room franchise with eight themed rooms — works for tween parties, teen birthdays, and adult group celebrations alike.
Up to 40 guests