Parks and playgrounds are a blast, but as the temperatures rise in Des Moines you might be searching for a few air-conditioned activities (or at least something that includes swimsuits and water;). Here are seven ways to beat the heat in Des Moines.
Slip N’ Slide
Clive Festival • 1801 NW 114th Street • Clive, IA 50325
Clive Festival’s Giant Slip and Slide is a prime spot to cool off with yards of aquatic excitement. The City of Clive Fire Department hosts the Slip and Slide each year. Enjoy a FREE slide down the hill just north of Mercy Clinics Family Medicine West during Clive Fest from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Everybody wanting to slide will need to sign a Liability Release Form .
Go Ice Skating
Metro Ice Sports • 5100 NW 72nd Street • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 276-7200
What can cool you off better than ice? Metro Ice Sports opens to the public at select times when families can burn off some energy in a chilly environment. Visit their website for a full schedule. Admission is $7 for Adults, $6 for Students and $5 for kids 12 and under. Skate rental is $3.
Jump, Shout, Let it All Out
Triad Gymnastics • 2202 SE Creekview Drive • Ankeny, IA 50021 • (515) 963-0215
This gymnastics training center has a climate-controlled space where kids can run, jump, and bounce to their heart’s content. Visit their calendar for Open Gym, Play Days and Lunch Bunch times when kids ages 3+ can practice their gymnastics and trampoline skills. Costs vary by activity and members vs. non-members.
Grab a Scoop of Ice Cream
Over the Top • 955 NE 56th Street • Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 • (515) 266-3313
All your summer adventures are sure to make you hungry and nothing cools quite like a scoop of ice cream. Over the Top in Pleasant Hill is the ideal destination for a sweet treat. Not only do they serve satisfying homemade ice cream, but if you show up at the right time, you might be able to watch them make it in their in-house production facility.
Go to a Movie in a Cool Dark Theater
Is there really any place that’s colder than a movie theater? This is probably the best place to beat the heat and see a new summer movie. For cheap admission to kid classics, check out our 2017 Guide to Discounted Summer Movies 4 Kids in Des Moines.
Sip on A Frozen Drink
Zombie Burger + Shake Lab • 300 E Grand Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 244-9292
To cool off and wind down, head to Zombie Burger + Shake Lab and order shakes or floats. You can savor sweet frozen drinks like the Zombie Unicorn Shake, which has vanilla ice cream, marshmallow cream and Fruity Pebbles. If you’ve spent a lot of time with the kids this week, give this childhood favorite a grown-up twist with a little spike.
Bulldog Ceramics
Bull Dog Ceramics • 121 SE Shurfine Dr #7 • Ankeny, IA 50021 • (515) 965-6817
There’s no better way to escape the heat than by creating a masterpiece. Bulldog Ceramics will help you create it and keep you cool while doing it. They have several types of projects to choose from like pottery painting, canvas painting and more.
How do you plan to “beat the heat” with your kids this summer in Des Moines?
Find more ideas for summer fun at https://dsm4kids.com/summer-fun/.
