Family Fun Centers
Kids Empire Merle Hay
📍 3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50322🌐 www.kidsempire.com/park/merle-hay?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic
🕐 Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–8 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–10 PM |
About Kids Empire Merle Hay
Kids Empire Merle Hay is a family fun center in Des Moines, IA. Kids Empire Merle Hay offers same-day re-entry with no additional cost - visitors can leave and return the same day by signing out with staff, maximizing value of their all-day access pass. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 252 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Best For
- toddlers to teens
- Party Packages
- Birthday party packages include dedicated party host, 2.5 hours reserved seating, dance party with dragon character, drinks and goodies, create your own adventure activities, and add-on options. $150 deposit required at booking.
- Food
- Drinks and goodies included with birthday packages. No outside food or drinks allowed with general admission.
💡 Did You Know?
- Kids Empire Merle Hay offers same-day re-entry with no additional cost - visitors can leave and return the same day by signing out with staff, maximizing value of their all-day access pass
- The venue has specific accessibility accommodations for children on the autistic spectrum, including advance notice of surprise parades with loud music and elevated noise levels to help manage sensory sensitivities
- Parents are actively encouraged to play in the structures alongside their children, which is uncommon for family entertainment centers where adults typically supervise from seating areas
- The punchcard program offers 10 admissions for $159 with no expiration date and is non-nominative, allowing flexibility for families to use passes across different time periods and potentially share with guests
💬 What Visitors Say
- Sign waivers online before arriving to skip long wait times at check-in and get straight to playing
- Purchase a 10-admission punchcard for $159 with no expiration date - a great value if you plan multiple visits, especially compared to per-visit pricing
- Plan to stay 2-3 hours for toddlers and young children; the dedicated toddler area with tricycles, games, and a dark room with colored lights keeps younger kids engaged while older siblings enjoy larger play structures
- You can leave and return the same day at no additional cost with staff sign-out, allowing flexibility for nap time or meal breaks without losing your admission
- Parents are encouraged to play in the structures with their children, and the venue is spacious with plenty of seating - bring comfortable clothes and be prepared to actively participate
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