Let’s Go to the Movies, Des Moines!

Let’s Go to the Movies, Des Moines!

From a morning matinee to a classic movie night out, going to the theater any time of day never goes out of style. Take some time one weekend or weekday to unwind with your family, a group of friends or for a date night – and catch the latest blockbuster, cheesy rom-com or animated flick.  Bonus, here in Des Moines, most of the movie theatres are kid-friendly and run promotions that make ticket prices a bit more affordable.

Find more indoor fun in Des Moines on dsm4kids, from bowling, to escape rooms to our guide on indoor play spaces. And, be sure to subscribe to our Weekend Fun Guide to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Here’s a roundup of where you can take the family out to a movie in the Des Moines area:

B & B Ankeny 12 & B-Roll Bowling

1580 SW Market Street, Ankeny
Phone: (515) 423-0979

Located in Ankeny’s The District shopping area of Prairie Trail, this is the newest and most innovative theatre in Des Moines.   Not only can you see a movie here, but you can take advantage of it’s other ammenities, including screenPLAY!, where kids can play on a playground complete with a slide for 30 minutes before show time.  Other features include a 12 lane bowling alley, an arcade and a bar and grill.

Tip: See a Matinee (before 5:00 pm) to save a couple of bucks.

Century 20 Jordan Creek and XD

101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
Phone: (515) 267-8981

Located in Jordan Creek Mall this recently remodeled theatre is the largest in the area.  This multiplex is guaranteed to have hourly screenings of all of the latest blockbusters and the theatres and screens are huge.  It’s also the busiest and most crowded of the theatres.  We try to go at off hours and avoid Friday and Saturday evenings if at all possible.

Tip: Cinemark offers a 40% discount to all guests on Discount Tuesdays.  Some restrictions apply.

Cinemark Altoona and XD

2227 Adventureland Drive, Altoona
Phone: (515) 967-2236

One of the newest theatres in town, Cinemark Altoona and XD has all the bells and whistles for a great movie going experience.  They have stadium seating along with Luxury Loungers in each of their 12 theatres.  They also have several options at their concession stand and a bar where you can purchase adult beverages.  The theatre is also conveniently located right off of I-80 near Adventureland and the Outlets of Des Moines.

Tip: Cinemark offers a 40% discount to all guests on Discount Tuesdays.  Some restrictions apply.

Fleur Cinema & Café

4545 Fleur Drive, Des Moines
Phone: 515-287-4545

The southside’s Fleur Cinema & Café has recently reopened under the management of Fridley Theatres. Moviegoers can still look forward to enjoying a selection of intelligent Hollywood films, critically acclaimed indie films, and the occasional local film. This cinematic experience is complemented by a modern interior design, a diverse menu of concessions, and affordable pricing.

Tip: Purchase a large soda and/ or a large popcorn and receive same day FREE refills.

Let's Go To the Movies, Des Moines - dsm4kids.com

Flix Brewhouse

3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines
Phone: (515) 612-9200

People seem to love the concept of enjoying craft beer and casual dining while watching the latest flick.  Go figure!  Flix Brewhouse offers eight “dining rooms”, which include stadium seating. Flix also hosts special events and Fan Fests like vintage horror films for Halloween, classic holiday films and more throughout the year, making it a fun venue to catch old-school films on the big screen.

Tip: They offer special discounted children’s movies. Check their events listings on their website to see what’s upcoming.

Fridley Copper Creek 9 Theatres

1325 Copper Creek Drive, Pleasant Hill
Phone: (515) 266-2676

Located in Pleasant Hill this theatre is clean and is decent sized with stadium seating.  Except on Friday and Saturday nights, this theatre is not overly busy and is a great place for families to catch the latest kid flick. It’s in a nice location close to restaurants, if you’re looking for a bite to eat before or after the show.

Tip: Bargain Day every Tuesday.  Receive a discount on regularly priced tickets plus buy any beverage and receive a FREE 46 oz. bag of popcorn.

Fridley Paramount 7 Theatres

105 S. 1st Street, Indianola
Phone: (515) 961-7250

This is the smallest of the Fridley theatres in the area.  It’s located on the square in Indianola and is a nice, clean small town theatre.   Free refills on all drinks and popcorn keep cinema outings affordable for families. Customer experience is the priority, and it shows in the way employees seem to appreciate every person who walks in the door.

Tip: Bargain Day every Tuesday.  Receive a discount on regularly priced tickets plus buy any beverage and receive a FREE 46 oz. bag of popcorn.

Palms Theatres & IMAX

200 Northeast Westgate Drive, Waukee
Phone:  (515) 282-9287

One of the newest theatres in the area, Fridley’s Palms Theatres & IMAX in Waukee features 15-screens with luxury recliners in every theatre with a few auditoriums offering in-seat dining and housing the largest IMAX screen in the state.  The Palms is a great way to enjoy dinner and a movie – and we love that it’s available for the whole family. The theater is large, luxurious and nice.

Tip: Bargain Day every Tuesday.  Receive a discount on regularly priced tickets plus buy any beverage and receive a FREE 46 oz. bag of popcorn.

Varsity Cinema

207 25th Street, Des Moines
Phone: (515) 650-3126

If you want to catch the latest indie flick or foreign film the Varsity is THE place to do it in Des Moines.  This historic Drake area theater recently underwent extensive renovations and is now open. As a non-profit theater the Varsity features a variety of programming including new releases, the best of art house and international, curated repertory series and classics, upscale genre and late-night movies, kids and family series, and much more.

Tip: You can support the theater by becoming a member.

What’s your favorite movie theatre in Des Moines? Leave us a comment below and tell us where your family goes to the movies.