Brenton Arboretum is a true gem, acres of rolling hills and prairie, with a unique natural playscape that kids love to play on. They have a shelter with a “green roof” that is growing prairie on top as well, perfect for picnics.
![[Photo courtesy of Iowa Arboretum]](http://outdoorfun.desmoinesparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/iowa-arboretum.jpg)
[Photo courtesy of Iowa Arboretum]
The Forest Park Museum and Arboretum is on 17 acres, with the Raccoon River Valley Trail passing through the arboretum. There are several buildings including a visitor center with live animals, First Nations artifacts, and a rifle collection. Hastie Hall has Dallas County history from the 1800’s to the 20th century, including early transportation, occupations, and common farm/house items. Baldwin Hall showcases the lives and occupations of Dallas County’s early pioneers. Wagner Gallery has a library and collections for architect William Wagner. There is a log cabin, originally built in 1863, a scale house used to weigh grain, and a one room Alton School House, used from 1867-1961.
It is more of a museum complex, with the several buildings existing separate from one another but connected by trails. There are handy “touch here” signs in some of the display halls, but a toddler would get easily frustrated with all the things they aren’t supposed to touch! The spaces are small and densely packed with information and things to look at.
Fort Des Moines Park has a small arboretum, playground, and trail going around the lake.
Dewey Park is a large park with lots of play options, with a big playset and a toddler playset. The entire park is surrounded by a paved walking trail, with soccer fields and open space in the middle.
