Kick-off summer fun and make a splash! The sun is out, and it's time to cool off with a refreshing trip to local hot spots. Take your family and friends out to the pool or a day at the lake! Check out the best pools and swimming sites around Greater Des Moines.
*COVID-19 and state regulations might affect business operations, contact individual water parks for hours of operation.
Altoona Aquatics Park
Go for a dip in the Aquatic Center in Altoona - a pool friendly for all ages and including areas for all swimming levels. Kids will enjoy the playground, slides, deep end, and diving board. Check out their Facebook page for updates this summer season here.
Cascade Falls Aquatic Center
For those who love adventure in the water, check out Cascade Falls in Ankeny. This pool offers a Flow Rider surf machine, lazy river, swirl pool slide, and water playground that is great for both older and younger kids. This year the aquatic center is only open to residents of Ankeny and families enrolled in Ankeny public/private schools for open swim, swimming lessons, lap swim, and water walking. These limited operations will start on June 29, visit the City of Ankeny website for updates about this summer season.
Big Creek State Park
The Big Creek beach area provides 1,300 feet of swimming with a large playground, volleyball courts, open swim areas, and shelter and picnic sites. If you want to add a little something extra to your day on the water, check out boat rentals for pontoons, kayaks, and more from Big Creek Marina!
Lake Ahquabi
This 115-acre man-made lake has a large sandy beach and offers open swimming, with boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats available for rent through the concessionaire. Pack up the family and a picnic for a sunny day out on the lake!
Raccoon River Park
There's lots to do around this summer-swim hotspot. Go swimming in the lake, lay out on the beach, or enjoy the on-site spray ground. While you're at it, take a stroll along the trail and see beautiful Iowa wildflowers in bloom!
Urbandale Indoor Swimming Pool
Rainy day keeping you from enjoying the pool? No worries! Take a dip at the indoor swimming pool in Urbandale. Just outside during sunny weather, kids can play in the children pool with all kinds of fun water features. This pool is closed until at least July 6, check the city of Urbandale's website for all updates regarding this summer season here.
Adventure Bay at Adventureland
Greater Des Moines' favorite summer water park, Adventure Bay, is located within Adventureland in Altoona. This waterpark is home to tube slides, a lazy river, water playgrounds, a wave pool, and so much more! Check Adventureland's website here for more information and current updates for the season!
