I posted this on TOS, but wanted to give some good recs of my hometown to my fellow Jayhawks brethren who are heading to Des Moines this week. This is a pretty baseline list that was given to someone asking about where to take their kids while they weren't at the games, so probably good to have that context before reading (although there are recs for all ages).
*****
I'm heading back to Des Moines for the first two rounds, as I was born and raised there (actually Johnston, which is a northwestern suburb of Des Moines), lived there until I was 26, then moved out to Denver. My family all still lives there so I go back to visit quite often. I'm not sure how old your daughter is (I may have missed this) but I'll give some recs for kids of all ages. Also, just giving other recommendations in case anyone else going to Des Moines stumbles upon this.
Food
Simon's is my favorite restaurant in Des Moines. It's very small, sometimes hard to get a table, and they don't take reservations. If you show up early (5ish) you should get right in. They have the best steak de burgo (Iowa's unofficial state dish) I've ever had. Also have a great selection of wine.
Fong's Pizza is my favorite pizza place there. It's different than your typical pizza place, as they have Asian fusion type pizzas (they also have normal ones). If you go, do not miss out on getting the Crab Rangoon pizza. Top 5 favorite bite in Des Moines for me.
Zombie Burger is good. If you've heard of it, it's probably been overrated to you, but don't let that sway you away. They do have GOOD burgers, they're just not the best burgers anyone's ever had, which some people claim. The appeal of the place is definitely due to the different types of burgers they have. They're very unique. Definitely look up the menu and give it a try if it sounds good!
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Panchero's. It's just a fast casual burrito place like a Chipotle, but it's MILES better. I don't eat Chipotle at all, because it doesn't even come close to Panch, and it's always a let down (and Chipotle was founded in Denver, where I live).
Eggs and Jam is a cool breakfast spot that I would describe as a "groovy diner". It's in West Des Moines, but I think if I were a kid, I'd really enjoy that spot, more than some other breakfast places mentioned (although I haven't seen a *bad* breakfast rec).
Snookie's is a popular ice cream shop in Des Moines, if you want ice cream, go here.
Latin King is an Italian restaurant just west of the Fairgrounds that I don't think I've missed going to any time I'm back in Des Moines. Really cool atmosphere, and the owners own Exile Brewing downtown as well, which leads me to...
Bars
Exile Brewing is a pretty big modern brewery downtown, with a pretty good restaurant as well. Good food, I'm a fan of their beer, but like any brewery, it's not for everyone.
El Bait Shop, as mentioned by others, is the locals' favorite bar. It's connected to the High Life Lounge, which is a divey-type bar. El Bait Shop is more the family friendly of the two, and they have plenty of TVS too, if you want to catch some other March Madness games. It's next to the I-Cubs' stadium, so not quite walkable to Wells Fargo, but it's close-ish.
Hessen Haus is a German restaurant and bar, that's where I go to watch soccer, if that's your thing. They'll have games on as well, and they have boots of beer, which is always a fun time with a group of people.
Things to Do
Science Center is always my #1 rec for places to take kids. Kids can spend hours here, and it can be interesting for adults too, so it's a good way to pass some time.
The PappaJohn Sculpture Park is pretty cool, it's downtown right off of Grand, and there's some good restaurants and cafes around as well (try Americana Restaurant or Django if you end up over here).
Jordan Creek Mall is nice mall in West Des Moines, so if you want to do some shopping, or just walk around a mall, that's definitely the read.
Look up "Art Route Des Moines" There's like 100 public art exhibits that you can drive around to that is kind of unique.
Jasper Winery is just outside of downtown. It's Iowa, so don't expect Italian or NapaValley-level wine, but it's a cool little winery to spend some time at. They also serve beer. It's near Gray's Lake Park, which is a good place to go for a long walk, as well.
As some have mentioned, Blank Park Zoo is a very clean, cool little zoo.
The Botanical Garden is always a cool thing to go see, especially if you've never been to one.
Living History Farms can be fun for kids. It basically takes you back in time to see how farms were run back in like the 20s.
*****
I feel like this is a solid list, but I have unlimited recs, so hit me up if you're looking for something specific, and I can try to give you something!
*****
I'm heading back to Des Moines for the first two rounds, as I was born and raised there (actually Johnston, which is a northwestern suburb of Des Moines), lived there until I was 26, then moved out to Denver. My family all still lives there so I go back to visit quite often. I'm not sure how old your daughter is (I may have missed this) but I'll give some recs for kids of all ages. Also, just giving other recommendations in case anyone else going to Des Moines stumbles upon this.
Food
Simon's is my favorite restaurant in Des Moines. It's very small, sometimes hard to get a table, and they don't take reservations. If you show up early (5ish) you should get right in. They have the best steak de burgo (Iowa's unofficial state dish) I've ever had. Also have a great selection of wine.
Fong's Pizza is my favorite pizza place there. It's different than your typical pizza place, as they have Asian fusion type pizzas (they also have normal ones). If you go, do not miss out on getting the Crab Rangoon pizza. Top 5 favorite bite in Des Moines for me.
Zombie Burger is good. If you've heard of it, it's probably been overrated to you, but don't let that sway you away. They do have GOOD burgers, they're just not the best burgers anyone's ever had, which some people claim. The appeal of the place is definitely due to the different types of burgers they have. They're very unique. Definitely look up the menu and give it a try if it sounds good!
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Panchero's. It's just a fast casual burrito place like a Chipotle, but it's MILES better. I don't eat Chipotle at all, because it doesn't even come close to Panch, and it's always a let down (and Chipotle was founded in Denver, where I live).
Eggs and Jam is a cool breakfast spot that I would describe as a "groovy diner". It's in West Des Moines, but I think if I were a kid, I'd really enjoy that spot, more than some other breakfast places mentioned (although I haven't seen a *bad* breakfast rec).
Snookie's is a popular ice cream shop in Des Moines, if you want ice cream, go here.
Latin King is an Italian restaurant just west of the Fairgrounds that I don't think I've missed going to any time I'm back in Des Moines. Really cool atmosphere, and the owners own Exile Brewing downtown as well, which leads me to...
Bars
Exile Brewing is a pretty big modern brewery downtown, with a pretty good restaurant as well. Good food, I'm a fan of their beer, but like any brewery, it's not for everyone.
El Bait Shop, as mentioned by others, is the locals' favorite bar. It's connected to the High Life Lounge, which is a divey-type bar. El Bait Shop is more the family friendly of the two, and they have plenty of TVS too, if you want to catch some other March Madness games. It's next to the I-Cubs' stadium, so not quite walkable to Wells Fargo, but it's close-ish.
Hessen Haus is a German restaurant and bar, that's where I go to watch soccer, if that's your thing. They'll have games on as well, and they have boots of beer, which is always a fun time with a group of people.
Things to Do
Science Center is always my #1 rec for places to take kids. Kids can spend hours here, and it can be interesting for adults too, so it's a good way to pass some time.
The PappaJohn Sculpture Park is pretty cool, it's downtown right off of Grand, and there's some good restaurants and cafes around as well (try Americana Restaurant or Django if you end up over here).
Jordan Creek Mall is nice mall in West Des Moines, so if you want to do some shopping, or just walk around a mall, that's definitely the read.
Look up "Art Route Des Moines" There's like 100 public art exhibits that you can drive around to that is kind of unique.
Jasper Winery is just outside of downtown. It's Iowa, so don't expect Italian or NapaValley-level wine, but it's a cool little winery to spend some time at. They also serve beer. It's near Gray's Lake Park, which is a good place to go for a long walk, as well.
As some have mentioned, Blank Park Zoo is a very clean, cool little zoo.
The Botanical Garden is always a cool thing to go see, especially if you've never been to one.
Living History Farms can be fun for kids. It basically takes you back in time to see how farms were run back in like the 20s.
*****
I feel like this is a solid list, but I have unlimited recs, so hit me up if you're looking for something specific, and I can try to give you something!
