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Kids Indoor Playground Des Moines, IA
Welcome to Kids Empire Merle Hay — a kids indoor playground in Des Moines built for big, screen-free fun. Inside Merle Hay Mall in northwest Des Moines, children ages 1–12 get unlimited all-day play in a safe, padded environment. Jump in and play with your kids or relax nearby while they explore!
What Makes Our Des Moines Indoor Playground Special?
Kids Empire Merle Hay is packed with energy: a multi-level maze, winding slides, jungle gym passages, ball pits, soft construction blocks, and a dance floor where kids can wiggle out their extra excitement. For younger adventurers, our toddler zone (great for ages 1–3) features mini slides, soft blocks, and a smaller ball pit designed for gentle play.
Families love that this is one of the easiest indoor play spaces in the Merle Hay area to fit into a busy day. Admission is good from open to close, so you can play, take a shopping or snack break at the mall, and come back for more.
General admission
From 1 to 17 years old
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2 adults included for free for each kid general admission
$5 per additional adult
Free for 0-11 months infants if accompanying siblings
Punchcards
Non nominative
No expiration date
Summer Pass
Valid for 60 consecutive days from the date of purchase
Unlimited general admissions for 60 days
One pass per child
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Kids Birthday Parties That Bring the Fun in Des Moines
Kids Empire Merle Hay makes birthdays simple, active, and memorable. Choose a customizable party package and enjoy full access to the play zones, plus a dedicated party host who helps with setup and cleanup.
Parties are hosted at reserved tables in the open play area (no private rooms), so your group stays close to the action. Kids can race through the maze, slide, dance, and celebrate while grown-ups gather at the tables for cake, photos, and presents. We also host field trips and group events for 10+ kids, plus fundraisers for community organizations.
Plan Your Visit to Kids Empire Merle Hay
You’ll find us inside Merle Hay Mall at 3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310 — about 10 minutes northwest of downtown. We’re easy to reach from I-35/I-80 (Exit 131 at Merle Hay Rd) and US-6 (Hickman Rd). Parking is free with ample surface lots; many families find the west or north mall entrances easiest. DART public transit also serves the Merle Hay area.
We’re open daily: Monday–Thursday 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Friday–Sunday 10:00 AM–10:00 PM. Admission is all-day with re-entry (check with staff before you step out). Socks are required for everyone and shoes stay off the play floor; forget yours and you can purchase extras. Waivers are required (sign online ahead of time), we’re card-only, and adults must stay with children.
FAQs: Planning a Visit to Kids Empire in Des Moines
Where are Kids Empire playgrounds located in Iowa?
Kids Empire Merle Hay is inside Merle Hay Mall in northwest Des Moines. We’re convenient for families from Merle Hay, Urbandale, Johnston, and nearby Des Moines neighborhoods, with easy access via I-35/I-80 and Hickman Road. Many parents pair playtime with errands at mall anchors like Target or Kohl’s.
Do all Kids Empire parks offer the same play experience?
Yes — you’ll find the same core Kids Empire experience at every location. Expect a safe, padded multi-level playground section with slides, ball pits, a toddler zone, and a dance floor, plus a family-friendly setup that keeps adults close to the action.
Are there differences between the parks?
Yes — the layout and “feel” can vary by location. All parks share the same colorful design, but some feature different footprints, toddler-zone sizing, or fun touches like themed dance floors. This Merle Hay location stands out for its easy mall access and make-a-day-of-it convenience.
What ages can play at Kids Empire parks?
Our play zones are designed for kids ages 1–12. Toddlers love the mini slides and soft construction blocks, while bigger kids take on the maze and winding slides. Infants under 1 enter free when accompanying a paying sibling.