Warm days and bright Iowa sunshine mean one thing – it’s the perfect time to make a splash! Be sure to put events and activities taking place at local pools and aquatic centers at the top of your summer bucket list. These spots around town make for fun and affordable outings – guaranteed to wear out the whole family and keep everyone cool.
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:
Ankeny
Splash with a Princess
Kids ages 2-9 years old join their favorite characters for a special evening on June 27 or August 10, 2021 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 $20-25. Each paying participant must be accompanied by one adult 18+. Daily admission of $4 required for any additional adults 18+.
Clive
Mermaid Princess Party
Kids can swim with Ariel on Sunday, June 13 or August 8, 2021. 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 per session.
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 (16+) 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. Thursdays, June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29 or August 12, 2021 at 10:45 to 11:30 am.
Pooch Plunge
Before the waters are drained at the Clive Aquatic Center for the winter season, your furry companions are invited to enjoy the pool! This is a dog swim only and not intended for human swimming on Sunday, August 22, 201 at multiple times. This event follows all guidelines from IDPH. Guidelines and more information to be released mid-July. Fee: $10 per dog per session. 
Des Moines
Swim Storytime
Join Des Moines Public Library at Nahas and Teachout Aquatic Centers for a special 30-minute storytime! Participants can listen (and splash) to fun stories and songs. Monday, June 7 at 6:45 to 7:15 pm or Tuesday June 8 at 12:15 to 12:45 pm.
Mermaid Princess Party
Join Des Moines Parks and Recreation at Northwest Aquatic Center for this “Royal” event on July 6, 2021 at 6:30 pm. Meet and Greet with princesses and mermaids throughout the aquatic center while swimming. Each paying participant will get to enjoy an ice cream sundae and make a sand art neckless to take home. Pre-registration is required. Each participant must be accompanied by one adult 18+. Fee: $15.
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. June 5 or July 17, 2021.
Cardboard Boat Races
The 2021 Season will go out with a splash on August 22, 2021 at 3:30 pm! Celebrate with Indianola Parks and Recreation at the FREE event by building a boat using only cardboard & duct tape. Come ready to race – who will rule the pool? Paddles provided. Spectators are encouraged to cheer on the fun!
West Des Moines
Dive-In Movie Night
Join West Des Moines Parks & Recreation at Valley View Aquatic Center on August 7, 2021 at 8:30 pm for Dive-In Movie Night. They will be showing Moana (PG). Doors open at 8:30 pm. The movie will begin at 9:00 pm. Concessions will be available. Price for admissions will be: $9/Adult $6/Children $6/Seniors Under 3 is FREE.
Courage League Pool Party
Join West Des Moines Parks and Recreation on June 12 or July 17, 2021 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 24, 2021 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.
Did we miss your family’s favorite pool event in Des Moines? If so, let us know!
