Think cool, fresh air against your cheeks, hot cocoa around the fire, and quality outdoor time with your kids! Participating in or trying out a new winter sport is the perfect cure for cabin fever and the winter doldrums.
For additional cold-weather activities check out our Winter Fun Guide and visit our Events Calendar.
Visit websites and social media before heading to an event! Due to illnesses and/or inclimate weather events may be cancelled or re-scheduled.
Here’s where you can go Snow Shoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Downhill Skiing and Snow Tubing near Des Moines:
Active Endeavors
4520 University Avenue #130 • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 226-9345
Active Endeavors is a local retail store that specializes in outdoor apparel and accessories. They rent out cross-country skis, boots and poles and snowshoes during the winter. Stay informed about rental availability by following their social media channels.
Winter Sports Offered: Cross country skiing and snowshoeing
Hours: Weekdays 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm
Cost: Snowshoe rental is $15 for one day and $25 for two. Cross-Country sets are $17 for one day and $28 for two. A $100 deposit is required.
Captain Roy’s
1900 Saylor Road • Des Moines, IA 50313 • (515) 631-2223
Situated along the Des Moines River at Birdland Marina and right off the Neal Smith bike trail, Captain Roy’s offers countless opportunities and events to keep you, your family, and your friends entertained, including snow shoe rentals. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates on snowshoe rentals.
Winter Sports Offered: Snowshoeing
Hours: Tuesday -Thursday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Friday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. They are CLOSED on Mondays.
Cost: $5.00 flat fee per day.
Dallas County Conservation
Voas Nature Center • 19286 Lexington Road • Minburn, IA 50167 • (515) 465-3577
When there are four or more inches of snow and staff is available, Dallas County Conservation will be offering cross-country ski times at Voas Nature Area. They have shoes, skis and poles, mostly for ages 10 and up (with a very limited number of sets for younger skiers) available to rent. They will post ski days and times on their Facebook page, or you can put your name on their contact list by calling (515) 465-3577.
Winter Sports Offered: Cross Country Skiing
Hours: Vary by event.
Cost: $3.00 per person for ski rental.
Des Moines Parks & Recreation
Various Locations • (515) 237-1386
Des Moines Parks and Recreation has several opportunities for you to explore the outdoors this winter. They typically schedule several snowshoe hikes and events throughout the season. If there is inclement weather or a spike in ilnesses, events may be cancelled or rescheduled. To find out more details about these programs or to register, visit their event calendar and keep an eye on their Facebook page. Anyone under 12 years old will need to have a guardian present.
Winter Sports Offered: Snowshoeing
Hours: Vary by event.
Cost: All events require registration, and most have a fee that includes equipment rental and instructions.
Polk County Conservation
Jester Park Nature Center • 12130 NW 128th Street • Granger, IA 50109 • (515) 323-5300
The Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center which is adjacent to the Nature Center will be renting out snowshoes and cross-country skis to the public when there is at least 6” of snow on the ground. Equipment can be rented from the Center seven days per week for a full day or half day when conditions are right. Watch the Jester Park Nature Center website and Facebook page for updates or call (515)-323-5330 for additional information.
Winter Sports Offered: Cross country skiing and Snowshoeing
Hours: Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.
Cost: Cross country skis, boots and poles rent for $15/half day; Snowshoes rent for $10/half day.
Seven Oaks Recreation Center
1086 222nd Drive • Boone, IA 50036 • (515) 432-9457
Think that there’s nowhere to downhill ski or snowboard near Des Moines? Think again! Seven Oaks Recreation Center has been operating for 20+ years and has everything you need to enjoy a day on the slopes without venturing too far from home, including lessons and equipment rental. They also offer snow tubing, with four chutes, that are perfect for the entire family to race down together.
Winter Sports Offered: Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow Tubing
Hours: Weekdays 4:00 to 9:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. They also have special holiday hours.
Cost: Lift Rates $15 – $78
Warren County Conservation Board
Various Locations • (515) 961-6169
Don’t let the winter weather keep you locked up indoors! Join Warren County Conservation to learn how easy and fun snowshoeing can be. They have snowshoe hikes scheduled in January and February. Classes will be cancelled if there’s not enough snow.
Winter Sports Offered: Snowshoeing
Hours: Event times vary.
Cost: FREE but registration is required.
Which winter sport will lure your family outside during the coldest season of the year? Let us know in the Comments section below.
