Family-Friendly Hiking Trails in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
Hiking with kids means finding the trail that's short enough that nobody melts down at mile two. We filtered Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa's 153 mapped trails to easy-difficulty routes — capped at four miles for the ones with a mapped distance — 153 options sized for a family outing.
← Family Guide for Polk County
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking trail in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa for families?
28th Street Plaza is our top family pick in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa — easy difficulty, short enough to keep kids engaged without wearing them out. 152 more family-sized options are listed below.
What should I bring hiking with kids?
Extra water and snacks, sun protection, a first-aid basics kit, and a paper or offline map backup. Plan for the pace of your slowest hiker, not the trail’s average time.
Are these trails stroller-friendly?
Surface and grade vary by trail — check the surface tag on each trail’s detail page before heading out with a stroller; paved or boardwalk surfaces are the safest bet.
How many family-friendly hikes are there in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa?
153 of Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa's 153 mapped trails are rated easy and four miles or under — short, gentle routes well suited to kids and first-time hikers.