Best Indoor Playgrounds in Des Moines

Best Indoor Playgrounds in Des Moines

There is an affliction that strikes homes across the Midwest every winter. It’s not COVID or the flu. Not the common cold. It’s cabin fever – that point when it’s too cold to go outside and the thought of playing one more board game or building yet another blanket fort is enough to drive even the most patient person mad. So, what is a parent to do when they find their kids bouncing off the walls this winter? Head to an indoor playground, of course! Thankfully, Des Moines has plenty of options.

For even more ideas for things to do with your family, inside and out, this winter in central Iowa be sure to visit out our Winter Fun Guide and Events Calendar.

Editor’s Note: Please check with each venue directly to verify their hours of operation, rates and other information before heading out, since circumstances may change.

Here are the best indoor playgrounds in Des Moines:

Indoor Play at Community Centers in Des Moines

Drop In Toddler Play

MidAmerican Energy RecPlex • 6500 Grand Avenue • West Des Moines, IA 50266 (515) 440-4820

Drop-in toddler play time is offered to kids ages four and under as an opportunity to stay active while avoiding the outdoor elements. Toddler play time utilizes the indoor turf field allowing adults to walk and socialize while the toddlers play. Participants are welcome to bring toys, balls, etc to keep your child busy.

When: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 11:00 am.  Times vary.  Check their calendar of events for specific hours.

Cost: $1 per person (including adults); children 12 months or younger are FREE

Kids Zone

Grimes Community Complex • 410 SE Main Street, Rooms 202/203 • Grimes, IA • (515) 986-2143

The Grimes Parks and Recreation Department hosts “Kids Zone” for kids ages 6 and under and their parent or guardian at the Grimes Community Complex. Activities include basketball, scooters, hopper balls, bowling, and more. Spots are limited and on-line registration is required.

When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8:30 am to 11:00 am (unless otherwise noted on their online schedule).

Cost: $5 per family

Imagination Playschool

Pioneer Columbus Community Center • 2100 SE 5th Street • Des Moines, IA 50315 • (515) 248-6316

Imagination Playschool allows kids seven and under the chance to make new friends and play on all kinds of equipment: climbing tower, big wheels, play houses, tumbling mats and gymnastics. Imagination Playschool is sponsored by Des Moines Parks and Recreation.

When: November 1, 2023 – March 18, 2024; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Cost: $1.50 per child

Indoor Play Date

Indianola Activity Center • 2204 W. 2nd Avenue • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 961-9420

Kids ages one year through preschool can burn off some energy this winter. Indianola Parks and Recreation will provide the fun (toys and equipment), you provide the child and supervision. This drop in program is a perfect opportunity for the little ones to burn off some energy, while parents have an opportunity to connect. The playground is closed on days when Indianola schools are cancelled due to inclement weather.

When: October 18, 2023 to March 6, 2024; Wednesdays at 10:30 am to 12:00 noon

Cost: FREE

Indoor Playground

Valley Junction Activity Center • 217 5th Street • West Des Moines, IA 50265 • (515) 222-3444

Need to get out of the house and let that toddler run off some steam? West Des Moines Parks and Recreation have created an indoor playground that can help get the job done. Toys, slides, and riding toys will challenge your child (6 months to 4 years old) for a day of fun! Parents are required to stay and supervise their children.

When: November 1, 2023 to April 4, 2024; Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (No Indoor Playground when school is not in session.)

Cost: FREE

Jester Park Nature Center

12130 NW 128th Street • Granger, IA 50109 • (515) 323-5350

More known for outdoor activities, Jester Park Nature Center also has a few indoor activities.  Families can explore displays representing three major habitats at Jester Park: wetlands, prairie, and woodlands on the Nature Center’s lower level. Located adjacent to the nature center, is the Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center. Within the building there is indoor archery and air rifle range, as well as a bouldering room.

When: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to  4:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; Sunday & Open Holidays 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm; Closed Sunday December – February

Cost: FREE

Play in the Bay

Harbach Center • 8505 Harbach Boulevard • Clive, IA 50325 • (515) 223-5246

Does winter have you feeling cooped up? Do your kiddos want to play on the playground, but it is just too cold? The Harbach Center has a variety of toys available for play. Play in the Bay is a free program great for helping run off the extra energy that comes with being cooped up in winter. Best suited for ages 2 to 5, but siblings are welcome. Please register ahead of time to sign the waiver. For more information, contact Jon at jgibbs@cityofclive.com or Dee at dshalonduer@cityofclive.com.

When: December 4, 2023 through April 15, 2024 (No sessions on February 19 or March 11); Mondays 9:00 to 10:30 am.

Cost: FREE

Tot Town

Valley Community Center • 4444 Fuller Road • West Des Moines, IA  50265 • (515) 327-6000

Tot Town is a fun and safe children’s playgroup that is at Valley Community Center and is open to the community. Their Community Center gym space turns into an indoor playground designed for children ages 2 to 6 years and their families. Activities offered include a large inflatable bounce house, small bounce house, carnival games, board games, ball pit, toys, puzzles, books, and more.

When: Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 am

Cost: FREEBest Indoor Playgrounds in Des Moines - dsm4kids.com

Indoor Play at Malls in Des Moines

Jordan Creek Town Center

101 Jordan Creek Parkway • West Des Moines, IA • (515) 440-6255

The Jordan Creek Town Center children’s play area is located on the lower lever near Dillard’s.

When: Open during mall hours.

Cost: FREE

Merle Hay Mall

3800 Merle Hay Road • Des Moines, IA • (515) 276-8551

The Merle Hay Mall play area is located just inside the Main Entrance.

When: Open during mall hours.

Cost: FREE

Valley West Mall

1551 Valley West Drive • West Des Moines, IA • (515)225-3631

The Valley West Mall play area is located on the lower level and is for kids 42″ and under.

When: Open during mall hours.

Cost: FREE

Indoor Play at Local Businesses in Des Moines

Adventureland Inn

3200 Adventureland Drive • Altoona, IA 50009 • (515) 265-7321

Adventureland Inn’s Toddler Play Area was made specially for guests under 42″ in height. The PlayTime activities include a dolphin, treasure chest, whale, and pirate ship. There is also a TV to watch as well as three touch screens that are fully loaded with interactive games. Adult supervision is required and The Toddler Play area is located just off the East Courtyard.

When: Open Daily from 8:30 am to 10:30pm

Cost: FREE

B & B Ankeny 12 & B-Roll Bowling

2829 S Ankeny Boulevard • Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 964-7887

B&B Theatres feature a screenPLAY! auditorium, a theater room dedicated to families with small children! Featuring vibrantly colored seats and wall coverings, a screen-side play area for toddlers, and a full-size climbing playground (complete with slide), screenPLAY! allows guests to arrive 30 minutes before showtime for fun and play, while music and other entertainment is onscreen. After the 30-minute play block is over, guests will take their seats and the lights will go down for a kid-friendly feature.

When: Varies. Visit the website for movie times.

Cost: Included with movie ticket.

Chuck E. Cheese

1431 22nd Street • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 223-9430

Chuck E. Cheese offers family fun and entertainment, Where A Kid Can Be A Kid®! You’ll find high tech arcade games and low-tech games like skee ball; kiddie rides and climbing areas for the little ones.

When: Monday through Thursday and Sunday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Friday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Cost: Varies

Climb Iowa

3605 SE Miehe Drive • Grimes, IA • (515) 986-2565
150 E 4th Street • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 244-2565

Kids can climb the walls (literally) this winter and throughout the rest of the year at Climb Iowa. With two locations it will quickly become one of your favorite spots to exercise with your kids. The Grimes location caters more to children, hosting birthday parties, offering classes and camps and features taller walls for harnessed climbing, while the downtown location is specifically meant for bouldering.

When: Monday through Friday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Cost: Day Pass $19; Day Pass with Required Gear $25

Des Moines Children’s Museum

Valley West Mall • 1551 Valley West Drive • West Des Moines, IA • (515) 218-8334

Des Moines Children’s Museym is located on the lower level of Valley West Mall and is a great place where you can let the kids loose this winter.  Kids will be able to play, experiment, be creative, and explore without you having to say “no” or “don’t touch that.”

When: Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  CLOSED Sunday for events.

Cost: Ages 1-10: $6.00; under 1 or over 10: Donations appreciated but not required

Imagination Street

1345 SW Park Square Drive, Suite 102 • Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 601-4396

Discover the enchanting world of Imagination Street in Ankeny, a one-of-a-kind play space uniquely designed with a captivating “main street” concept. Watch as your child’s creativity comes to life, providing hours of imaginative play in this extraordinary environment. Imagination Street offers the flexibility of open play, making it an ideal destination for spontaneous fun. Elevate celebrations with play parties, host private events, organize engaging field trips, and much more!

When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 9:00 to 11:00 am

Cost: $13.00 First Child (ages 1+); Each additional child (same family) $11.00

JouJou DSM

906 42nd Street • Des Moines, IA 50312 • (515) 528-2044

An immersive play space for Des Moines families with children, birth to five years.  JouJou DSM is an indoor playspace that is inspired by the smallest children’s need for movement and curiosity. A space filled with moments that inspire connectedness for parents and children.

When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 to 11:30 am

Cost: Drop In One child: $13; Two children: $22; Three children: $28.  Memberships are also available.

Rainbow of the Heartland

3300 SE Crossroads Drive • Grimes, IA 50111 • (515) 327-8989

Your child is in for a fun-filled afternoon during Open Play at Rainbow of the Heartland’s indoor showroom. Kids can swing, climb, slide, use the trampoline and shoot hoops. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon regardless of the weather. Adult/parent supervision is required at all times

When: Monday through Thursday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Friday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm;

Cost: $10.00 per child for two hours of play.  Punch cards are available.

Science Center of Iowa

401 W Martin Luther King Jr Parkway • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 274-6868

Kids can shake of the winter doldrums at the Science Center of Iowa.  They can build a rocket, enjoy a story inside the planetarium, toodle through toddler town, become a meterorologist, create electrical connections with Circuit Blocks and more. SCI requires all visitors ages 2 and up, as well as, employees to wear masks.

When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Cost: General admission tickets are $13 for adults and children ages 2-12; seniors ages 65 and over are $11; Children under 2 years and SCI members are free. Advanced tickets are $11 for adults and children ages 2-12 and seniors ages 65 and over.

Indoor Play at Bounce House Play Spaces and Trampoline Parks in Des Moines

Get Air Des Moines

3799 86th Street • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 528-7549

Get Air Des Moines trampoline park offers large areas for jumping, foam pits, and a dodgeball court. They also have a special section in their “Kiddie Court” set aside for kiddos under 46”.  In addition, they host Toddler Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

When: Monday through Thursday and Sunday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Cost: Big Air, One Hour – $13.99; Two Hours – $21.99; Little Air (Under 46”), One Hour – $8.99; Two Hours – $14.99; Jump Socks – $3.50

Kids Empire

6805 Mills Civic Parkway • West Des Moines IA, 50266 • (515) 585-0048
3800 Merle Hay Road • Des Moines, IA 50310 • (515) 518-0058

Kids Empire boasts two exciting locations in the Des Moines area. Their vibrant spaces are adorned with floor-to-ceiling climbing walls, engaging play structures, and a thrilling drop-in ball pit that promises endless fun for your kids. They also host birthday parties and you can visit their convenient snack bar to refuel and keep the energy flowing.

When: Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Friday to Sunday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm; Holidays Hours 10:00 am – 10:00 pm. Open everyday “Rain or Shine” including Holidays.

Cost: $22.99 per child

Pump It Up

4069 121st Street • Urbandale, IA 50323 • (515) 270-5017

Open jump times welcome kiddos of all ages to hop around the giant bounce houses, which feature slides, climbing and obstacles. Watch their calendar for Open Jumps, Glow Jumps, Parents’ Night Out and other special events.

Hours: Open Sunday to Saturday.  Times vary.  Check their calendar of events for specific hours.

Cost: $9.00 Open Jump; $10.00 Glow Jump

Sky Zone

1300 SE Gateway Drive #103 • Grimes, IA 50111 • (515) 986-2524

Who doesn’t love massive trampolines? If your kids love to jump, Sky Zone will send them soaring.  Located in Grimes the facility features a gigantic trampoline area for jumping and doing tricks, a jumping pit, basketball hoops and dodge ball areas.  They also have a small spot for kids under five to jump and they host events for tweens and teens on Friday and Saturday evenings.

When: Open Sunday to Saturday.  Times vary.  Check their calendar of events for specific hours.

Price: $20.00 60 minutes; $22.00 90 minutes; $24.00 120 minutes; Ages 5 and Under $10.00 60 minutes; $12.00 90 minutes.

The PlayGround For Kids

2401 SE Tones Drive #7 • Ankeny, IA 50021 • (515) 965-9899

The Playground for Kids combines fun and fitness.  They have two rooms that house five inflatables and a ginormous play room that features an enormous tree house for kids to play on.  There’s also a concession stand and smoothie bar. Check their on-line calendar for their daily deals.

When: October 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024 Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

Cost: $11.00 for 2 to 12 year olds; $6.50 walkers up to 23 months; non-walkers FREE with a paying child.

Urban Air Adventure Park

2829 S Ankeny Boulevard •  Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 964-3099

Race, jump, climb and bounce away cabin fever at Urban Air. From the climbing walls to the warrior obstacle course, there are plenty of ways for kids to be active. With attractions that cater to any level of adventurer, there’s something fun for everyone, including an area set aside for kids 7 and under.

When: Open Sunday to Saturday.  Times vary.  Visit their website for specific hours.

Cost: All day tickets start at $22.99; Kids 5 & Under $11.99

Indoor Play at Gymnastic Facilities

Mid-Iowa Gymnastics

3580 SW Brookside Drive • Grimes, IA 50111 • (515) 986-2781

Mid-Iowa Gymnastics in Grimes hosts Open Gym, which is a chance for your child to have open play time and be active and have fun. Kids can use equipment in the gym including trampolines, bars, cargo climbing net, balance beams, tunnels, mats, and more. The hour is unstructured, but staff and coaches are present in the gym.

When: Fridays and select Saturdays.  Check their calendar.

Cost: Preschool Age (45 minutes) $7 members, $10 non-members; School Age (60 minues) $9 members, $12 non-members

Sapphire Gymnastics

11401 Meredith Drive • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 276-2027

Sapphire has two opportunities for kids to play. Their Open Gym is open to Sapphire students ages 5+, and non-members ages 5-14. This is a semi-structured hour of fun. Kids will have an opportunity to use vault, bars, beam, and floor exercise equipment, as well as trampolines and tumble traks. ​Family Fun Day is for kids ages 1-5. During this hour of fun they will have an opportunity to play in the preschool gym and utilize all of their tot-sized equipment! ALL participants must have a waiver signed by his/her guardian. Staff is available to ensure safety of participants and provide light spotting.

When: Saturdays at 1:00 pm

Cost: $5 members, $8 non-members

Triad Gymnastics

2202 SE Creekview Drive • Ankeny, IA 50021 • (515) 963-0215

Triad offers several “Drop-In Programs” (for parents and kids) that you do not need to register for ahead of time.  These programs are a chance for families to come in (accompanied by an adult) and enjoy some time in the gym! Visit their calendar to learn more about Parent & Tot Playtime, Lunch Bunch, Family Night Out, Open Gym and more.

When: Times and programs vary.  Be sure to check their website for specific times.

Cost: Varies by program.

What’s your family’s favorite indoor playground in Des Moines?  Let us know in the comments below!

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