I first wrote this article back in 2016 on my website broganlist.com (yes, ten years ago). Let's see if Central Iowa made some progress in 10 years for parents, or not.
Original post: Let me start off by saying I love Central Iowa. But, that being said, as a parent there are a few things I would love to see in the Des Moines area. So if any entrepreneurs out there are reading this please make it happen! Here are 6 things I would like to see in Des Moines:
1. Aquarium – Last summer I visited the Downtown Aquarium in Denver. It was amazing. Not only did it have over 500 species of animals, but it had a stingray reef touch tank and a cool restaurant with a 50,000 gallon centerpiece aquarium. With Des Moines so far from an ocean an aquarium just makes sense. Update: Blue Zoo Aquarium was open in the Jordan Creek area, but recently closed.
2. Children’s Museum – Coralville and Omaha are the closest 2 Children’s Museums. Why doesn’t Des Moines have one? Most of the Children’s Museums that I’ve been to have awesome interactive exhibits for the little ones. I guarantee this would get a great response from Central Iowa parents. Update: We have one! The Des Moines Children's Museum is open and alive at Valley West Mall.
3. Indoor Water Park – Why isn’t there an indoor water park in Central Iowa not associated with a hotel? I mean in Iowa we only have 3 months of outdoor water play (if we are lucky), so it just makes sense to have an indoor option. Forget having to get a hotel room to get in, have a membership package or daily options and this place will be hopping with families. Bring on the water slides and play fountains! Update: Still nothing. Here are the closest options around.
4. Kids Movie Theater – Yep, a movie theater that only shows G and PG shows. It would kind of be like Billy Joe’s Picture Show (for those of you who remember) for kids. There would be healthy kid snacks, popcorn (that doesn’t cost $20), coffee for parents and family membership packages. Maybe even have special seating like couches available for the kids to veg out on? Update: Still Nothing
5. Indoor Playground with Extras – I just got back yesterday from Portland, Oregon. There they had an indoor playground (PlayDate PDX) that was pretty darn cool. It was 3 stories high and filled with slides, air guns, obstacles and tunnels for the kiddos. While the kids play there is a cafe with coffee, beer or wine and food options for the parents. I even saw one mom asleep on the couch while her kids played. Hey we have all felt that way before! Update: Options available for parents and kids now. Here you go.
6. Themed Restaurant – Although most themed restaurants aren’t known for their food, it would still be cool to have one for families here in Central Iowa. Something similar to T-Rex restaurant in Kansas City. Or perhaps a Pirate themed one? Something that is a fun destination experience. Update: Still no fun options.
So there you go. If you are looking to open a business, you have some options to get your money from parents. Plus, if you are a business owner and a parent, you are taking care of two things!
Read all about my thoughts on Central Iowa here.
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