Swimming pools and aquatic centers are a hub of activity during the summer months. And, with so many fun events planned, it’s easy to indulge in serious water play all season long. From Princess and superhero meet and greets to story times to teen nights and more, local pools are busy from morning til night. Below you’ll find a roundup of the family friendly events that Des Moines area pool and aquatic centers will host this summer.
In addition, area outdoor pools and aquatic centers also host swimming lessons. You can visit our Events Calendar and Summer Fun Guide for even more things to do this summer in Des Moines.
Kid Friendly Events Hosted by Des Moines Area Pools and Aquatic Centers:
Altoona
Storytime Swim
The Altoona Public Library will be at the Altoona Aquatics Center with stories and activities for all ages! Wear your swimsuit because they’ll be reading IN THE POOL! Lifeguards will be on hand. The program is FREE and Registration is NOT required to attend. If you would like to be notified of cancellation due to inclement weather, please register for the event. Wednesdays at 11:00 am, June 12 – August 7, 2019.
Altoona Campus Donut Dip- 1 Mile Run & Dip in Aqua Park
Run a mile and then take a dip in the Altoona Aquatics Park! Participants will of course be fed, what else?…donuts, coffee and juice. The first 400 attendees will also receive a t-shirt at this FREE event on August 3, 2019.
Ankeny
Splash with a Princess
Kids ages 2-9 years old join their favorite characters for a special evening on July 7 and August 6, 2019 at the Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center in Ankeny. Wear your best prince or princess costume over your swimsuit, as you enter a world of make believe. Pre-registration required, and the fee is $20. Each paying participant must be accompanied by one adult 18+. Daily admission of $4 required for any additional adults 18+.
SummerFest Splash Dance
This is a fun event for middle school students entering grades 6th to 9th at the Cascade Falls Aquatic Center in Ankeny. The dance is on July 12, 2019 from 7:15 to 9:15 pm. Admission is $8.
Clive
Teen Splash Parties
An after-hours private party for just teens in Grades 7 – 12 for 2018– 19 school year! Snacks, prizes, music, and games provided by the Aquatic Center staff. Fee: $5, at the door; Clive pool passes accepted. Monday, June 10; June 24; July 8; Thursday and Monday, July 29 (End of Summer Bash) at 8:45 to 10:00 pm.
Mermaid Princess Party
Kids ages 3 – 8 can swim with the royal mermaids on Sunday, June 23 and August 11, 2019! The Clive Aquatic Center has invited Ariel and her friends to join them for a swim at the pool. The leisure “kiddie” pool will be open for hanging out with the mermaids. Crafts and treats will also be available at the event. Come in your favorite royal attire over your swimsuit for activities before you swim. Parents are free and encouraged to swim with the kids for safety (sorry no unregistered siblings). Fee: $25.
Water Tales
Get ready to make waves with a story time in the zero-depth pool at the Clive Aquatic Center. Join the Clive Public Library and Aquatic Center staff for a morning of stories, songs and of course, splashes. Please note that adults must be in the water with their children at all times. For ages 5 and younger, pool admission is charged, and registration is required. Rain or shine unless thunder and lightning or call the weather hotline at (515) 830-1234. Monday, July 1 and Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 10:50 to 11:25 am.
Des Moines
Swim Storytime
Join Des Moines Parks and Recreation at Nahas Aquatic Center for a special 30-minute storytime at Nahas Aquatic Center! Participants can listen (and splash) to fun stories and songs. After storytime, families can stay and swim in the pool as long as you’d like! Cost: $4 for adults; $2 for youth (ages 3-20) and free for those who have a summer pool pass. Monday, June 3 and Wednesday June 5 at 12:15 to 12:45 pm.
Doggie Dive
An opportunity for dogs and their owners to celebrate the last day of the pool season. August 18, 2019 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Ashworth, Birdland, Nahas and Teachout. September 2, 2019 at 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Northwest. Dogs must be accompanied by their owner at all times. Dogs must be on a leash at all times while they are visiting the pools. $4 per dog; regular admission fees apply for dog owners and family members.
Indianola
Splash & Story
Join the Indianola Parks and Recreation and the Indianola Public Library for story time with a twist…in the water at Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center. This FREE program will run concurrently with the Aquatic Center’s standard Tot Splash Time, which begins at 10:30 am. Story time will be from 10:45 to 11:15 am. Parent supervision is required, and the fee is $2 per kid. June 8 and July 13, 2019.
Be a Hero Pool Party
Indianola Parks and Recreation is hosting a FREE pool party to celebrate community heroes, veterans and first responders on Friday, June 14, 2019 at 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Vehicles and personnel will be on hand from several local service units at the Veteran’s Memorial Aquatic Center. Kids will also enjoy costumed heroes from Little Princess Parties and the Iowa League of Heroes. Registration is required to attend this event.
Urbandale
Summer Carnival
The Indoor Urbandale Swimming Pool will host their annual Summer Carnival on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Cost to attend is $6 per person or $1 for annual pass holders. They will have a LARGE inflatable slide to enter the water and fun carnival games and prizes.
West Des Moines
Special Needs Night Pool Party!
Join West Des Moines Parks and Recreation on June 22 and July 13, 2019 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm when their special population will have the pool to themselves! In partnership with Courage League Sports, they will host an evening of fun reserved just for your special person and your family at Holiday Aquatic Center. Pre-registration required.
Princess and Pirate Splash Bash
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! and Yo Ho Ho! All princesses across the land and pirates of the sea are invited to kick off summer with a spectacular Splash Bash at Holiday Aquatic Center on July 20, 2019 at 6:30 pm!! The Little Mermaid and five of her princess friends will be there for photo ops. The cost is $15 for ages 3 and up.
Does your family have a favorite pool event that they like to attend in Des Moines? If so, we’d love to hear about it!
Featured image source Little Princess Parties Facebook Page.
