Next time you return, there are a couple spots I recommend. I'd also recommend visiting Iowa City when there's a home game.. we're a top five team and it's a blast in and all around the stadium every Saturday. I'd say an Iowa home game trumps any places in DSM, plus I have some better restaurant recommendations when it comes to IC probably.
- Drake Diner: fun diner feel, pretty good food and your daughter would enjoy it I am sure
- Smokey D's: best bigger BBQ place in Iowa that I've had, stay away from Jethro's unless you're getting wings. KC bbq is better I'm sure but these guys have damn good ribs
- Jordan Creek mall: none of our malls are particularly great, but this is the only one that isn't dying and on its way out. Scheels for you, plenty of stores for your ladies. Stay away from the Outlets of Des Moines, as there are mainly just vacant stores there
I'd also recommend exploring downtown in general, Fong's Pizza is really popular with teens and young adults (Asian fusion pizza) and the farmer's market is downtown on Saturday mornings and has a lot of good stuff to offer.
Hope you were able to check out some decently cool spots!