Updated December 2019
Winter weather means something entirely different when you have children. The dream of cuddling up to a fire with a mug of hot cocoa is dashed when your kids are exploding with energy because of blustery winds and frigid temperatures. Have no fear! We’ve rounded up a list of seven indoor places where you can wear them out in the Des Moines metro.
Get Air Des Moines
3799 86th Street • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 528-7549
Heat up chilly winter days and cure your cabin fever by bouncing into the newest trampoline park in Des Moines. The “Main Court” is covered wall to wall with trampolines. You’ll find vertical trampolines, basketball courts, a dodge ball area and individual trampolines here. Get Air also has a special area for the littles. “Kiddie Court” is reserved for kids under 46 inches. They also host birthday parties.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm; Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to Midnight; Sunday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Price: “Big Air” One Hour – $13.99; Two Hours – $21.99; “Small Air” (Kids under 46″) One Hour – $8.99 Two Hours – $13.99
ICU Paintball
2220 E Ovid Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50313 • (515) 282-9089
Are your tweens or teens ready for a messy, fun, crazy challenge? They might like to check out ICU Paintball an indoor climate controlled, indoor paintball facility. It’s the perfect spot to take kids 10 and up for an afternoon of indoor fun – no matter the weather. The paint washes out, but participants will want to wear clothes and shoes that they’re ok with getting dirty. ICU Paintball recommends they wear a t-shirt with a sweatshirt or hoodie over it, comfortable jeans, tennis shoes and a ball cap. Participants are also required to wear a neck guard and goggles that are provided.
Hours: Friday: 5:00 to 9:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 12 Noon to 6:00 pm. Other times are available by reservation.
Price: $25 per player. There is no time limit and includes rental gear and 250 paintballs.
Skateland
5621 Meredith Drive • Des Moines, IA 50310 • (515) 251-7655
During the winter weeks when it is too cold to be outside, Skateland is a good choice for some indoor fun. They host open skate times, skate lessons, roller derby and more throughout the winter months. Be sure to watch their Facebook Page for upcoming specials and events.
Winter Hours: Wednesday through Friday 5:00 to 9:00 pm; Saturday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 pm
Price: $8 Adults; $5 Kids 5 and under; $6.50 Military and Seniors; $4 Roller Skate and Inline Skate Rental. Check the website for specials, including Wednesday 1/2 Price Night.
Sapphire Gymnastics
11401 Meredith Drive • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 276-2027
Sometimes all kiddos need to bring that cabin fever down is some good old fashioned run around time. Not registered for a class? No problem. Take advantage of Open Gym at Sapphire Gymnastics in Urbandale. During the school year boys and girls ages 5-13, can participate in Open Gym and do not need to be gym members. The best part is parents don’t need to stay! So scram and go get your weekend errands done while your kiddos have a blast in the gym.
Hours: During the School Year – Saturday 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Price: $5 per child for members or $8 per child for non-members (cash/check)
TGR Fitness
455 SW 5th Street • Des Moines IA 50309 • (515) 280-3903
1605 SE Delaware Avenue, Suite C Ankeny, IA 50021 (515) 964-5927
Looking for a little extra challenge to keep those kiddos busy and fit this winter? Let them hone their Ninja Warrior skills at TGR Fitness in downtown Des Moines. They offer classes and workshops for kids ages 4 to 14. In addition to the Ninja classes they also offer birthday party and private party packages.
Hours: Classes are offered on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Price: Class price varies.
The Playground for Kids
2401 SE Tones Drive #7 • Ankeny, IA 50021 • (515) 965-9899
The Playground for Kids’ sole purpose is letting kids go wild. If you’ve got a super-energized kiddo this indoor play space is sure to help them work up a sweat. This 9,000 square foot facility is filled with interactive inflatables, an enormous play structure, and kid friendly foods in their Treehouse Treats concession. For us Ps, they offer up comfy seating, WiFi, and televisions (so you don’t have to miss the big game:).
Hours: Open Play Time – October 1st-April 30th: Monday thru Friday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. May 1st-September 30th: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm; Tuesday, Thursday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Price: 2 – 12 years old $8.99; Walkers up to 23 months old $5.99; Special Needs – $5.99
Uncle Buck’s Bowling
Bass Pro Shops • 1000 Bass Pro Drive NW • Altoona, IA 50009 • (515) 957-5500
A fun indoor activity for any time of year is a trip to the local bowling alley. Uncle Buck’s, which is located inside Bass Pro Shops, takes the experience up a notch with a unique underwater ocean experience and custom bowling balls that bear the likeness of octopus, mermaids, camouflage and more. In addition to the 12 lanes of bowling they also offer billiards tables, a separate restaurant and bar and kids’ birthday party packages.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:00am – 9:00pm; Friday through Saturday 11:00am ti 10:00pm; Sunday 11:00am to 8:00pm.
Prices: Monday through Thursday $27 per hour; Friday through Saturday $32 per hour. Note price is per lane not per person. Around 6 people on a lane, no more than 8. $4.25 for every pair of shoes rented
To find more family fun in any weather, check out our calendar.
Where does your family go to shake winter up a bit in Des Moines?
