Facts for Kids

Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa, located in the heart of the United States! 🏙

️ With a population of around 215,000 people, it’s one of the largest cities in Iowa. The name “Des Moines” comes from the French term for "from the Monks." The city is known for its friendly atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and exciting events. Some of the things you can see here include the Iowa State Capitol, which has a golden dome shining in the sun, and many fun festivals that celebrate music and food! 🎉

Des Moines has a strong economy and is home to many big businesses, especially in insurance and finance. 🏦

Companies like Principal Financial Group and Nationwide Insurance have their headquarters there. The city is also known for being the “Hartford of the West” because of its many insurance companies. Farmers in the area grow corn and soybeans, making the city important for agriculture. 🌽🍞 Des Moines is a great place for young people to find jobs when they grow up!

Des Moines was founded in 1846, which means it has been around for a long time! 🌟

Before it became a city, it was a military fort called Fort Des Moines. The city grew quickly because it was in a great location for trading and farming. In 1857, Des Moines was chosen as the state capital of Iowa. It played an essential role during the Civil War by helping soldiers and their families. Today, you can learn more about this history at places like the Science Center of Iowa and the Iowa Historical Building! 📚

Education is essential in Des Moines! 📚

The city has many public and private schools, like Des Moines Public Schools, which is one of the largest school districts in Iowa. There are also several colleges and universities nearby, including Drake University and Grand View University. Students can learn many subjects, from science to the arts, and participate in exciting programs like robotics and music. 🎓

In Des Moines, kids are encouraged to explore, think, and dream about their future!

Des Moines sits near the center of Iowa, where two rivers, the Des Moines River and the Raccoon River, meet. 🌊

This makes it a great place for parks and recreation. The area is mostly flat, with some rolling hills, meaning it's easy to bike or walk around the city. 🏞

️ Des Moines has four seasons! This means you can have fun in the snow during winter, enjoy blooming flowers in spring, feel warm sun in summer, and watch colorful leaves fall in autumn. 🌸🍂

Des Moines hosts exciting events throughout the year! 🎉

One of the biggest events is the Iowa State Fair, held every August, featuring rides, contests, and delicious food like corn on the cob and funnel cakes! 🌽

The World Food & Music Festival occurs every September and showcases foods and music from different cultures. In November, the city lights up with a Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. Each event brings communities together and creates many happy memories for everyone! 😊

Getting around Des Moines is easy! 🚍

The city has buses that help people travel to different places like schools, parks, and malls. Many neighborhoods are friendly for walking and biking, too. 🚴

‍♀️ Roads connect Des Moines to other cities, making it easy for families to visit. There’s even an airport called the Des Moines International Airport for those who travel far away. ✈

️ Remember to wear your seatbelt and follow safety rules while having fun exploring the city!

Des Moines is full of culture and art! 🎨

It hosts many fun events, including the Iowa State Fair, which attracts visitors from all over. The Des Moines Art Center has beautiful paintings and sculptures, and families can enjoy outdoor concerts in the summer! 🎶

The city also celebrates its diverse culture with festivals like the Latino Heritage Festival and the Asian Festival, allowing everyone to learn and have fun together. You can also try famous Iowa dishes like the "Maid-Rite," a loose-meat sandwich! 🍔

Des Moines offers many parks and fun outdoor activities! 🌳

One of the largest parks is Gray's Lake Park, where you can walk, ride bikes, and even go fishing. Other parks, like Water Works Park, have playgrounds and picnic spots. 🛶

In winter, families can go sledding or ice skating, while summer means swimming and playing sports! The city also has many community events in the parks, where you can meet new friends and enjoy nature. 🌼