Des Moines Indoor Play for Kids!
A giant list of Des Moines indoor play for kids to run, play and burn off energy during the winter months. We have gathered some of the best indoor playgrounds and best trampoline parks in Des Moines, Iowa for the whole family to burn off energy indoors. Make sure to bookmark our free event calendar for even more events and activities being offered in the Des Moines area.
JouJou Des Moines | 2023 Sponsor
906 42nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa
- Monday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Friday: 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
- Saturday: Closed for private celebrations!
- Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Please Note: Joujou will be closed Thursday, Dec 22 – Tuesday, Dec 27 with popup hours on Wednesday the 28th, Thursday the 29th, and Friday the 30th from 9:30-12:30 pm.
Joujou is a Montessori-inspired indoor playspace for the Metroās smallest children (infants through age 5). Created by two moms who wanted a different way to play, Joujou fulfills the need for movement, and curiosity and creates moments of connectedness between parents and children. With a large area dedicated to infants and non-crawlers, gross motor space to get the wiggles out, an elevated book nook and rotating book selection, a self-care station, and many works for stretching minds and āworking through playā, Joujou is the community for Des Moinesā littlest families.
Options for membership or drop-in passes are available for purchase at Joujou for open play six days a week, including some late afternoon and early evening hours. In addition to open play, Joujou offers a variety of fun and informative classes for children and their parents – ranging from yoga to outdoor exploration to postpartum care and partner workshops.
Des Moines Children’s Museum
The lower level of Valley West Mall
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday; 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$6 for children 1-10; Punch cards $25 for 5 admissions
No admission is required for children under 1 or adults, but donations are very much appreciated.
The Des Moines Children’s Museum is a great place to come play, make-believe, explore and have fun. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for other fun activities including crafts, storytime, live music, and more included with admission.
Get Air Des Moines
3799 86th Street, Urbandale
Toddler Time: Tuesday & Thursday; 10 a.m. to Noon
Prices vary depending on age and time jumping.
This is the perfect way for little jumpers under 46 inches to enjoy Get Air without the big kids. Get Air is open daily for Open Jump for all ages. Hours vary.
Hop-A-Lot Rentals Indoors
1600 Valley West Drive, West Des Moines, Iowa
Phone: (515) 330-1123
Monday – Friday: Noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
All Day Pass: $20
All Day Pass (46ā & Below): $15
Hop-A-Lot Rentals offers one big open play area with giant bounce houses, one party space with two inflatables, and another party space with three inflatables. Open play will be open all day and only be closed for large private outings. We had a blast when we visited during winter break.
Imagination Playschool at Pioneer Columbus
2100 SE 5th St, Des Moines
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
November 1 – March 31
An indoor play area offering playhouses, big wheel bikes, safety mats, foam building blocks, and more during the cold weather months. A great to inspire imagination, social skills, and movement for children ages 1-7 years old. $1.50 per child.
Indoor Play Date
Indianola Activity Center; 2204 W 2nd Ave., Indianola
Wednesday’s: 10:30 a.m to Noon
October 19 – March 8
FREE program, thanks to our sponsor, Peoples Bank!
It’s simple! We provide the fun (toys & equipment), and you provide the child and supervision! This drop-in program is a perfect opportunity for the little ones to burn off some energy, while parents have an opportunity to connect.
For ages 1 – PreK, with adult supervision. Note: The playground is closed on days when Indianola schools are canceled due to inclement weather.
Warren County Conservation Naturalist Kelsey Longnecker will be at Play Date on the following days with special programs:
- October 26: Creepy Crawlies
- November 9: Turkeys
- December 14: Antlers
- January 11: Live animal, snake
- February 22: Live animal, turtle
Indoor Playground
Valley Junction Activity Center
Monday & Wednesday; 10 a.m. to Noon
Need to get out of the house and let your toddler run off some steam? Weāve created an indoor playground that can help get the job done. Toys, slides and riding toys will challenge your child to hours of fun! An adult is required to stay and supervise their child. Indoor Playground is not held when the school (WDMCS) is not in session. 6 months – 4 years – FREE.
Jester Park Nature Center
12130 NW 128th Street, Granger
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday & Open Holidays: Noon – 4 p.m.
Free
Explore nature indoors. The Jester Park Nature Center is filled with tons of hands-on activities, books, fish, turtles, puppet theater, and more.
Kids Empire Jordan Creek
6805 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday – Sunday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Kids Empire: Kingdom of fun for everyone! Indoor playground for family entertainment for all ages. Kids can climb, go down slides, play, and more. They also offer various birthday party packages.
The Kids Zone at Grimes Community Complex
410 SE Main St, Grimes, IA, 50111
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9 to 11 a.m.
What is the Kid Zone you ask? The Kid Zone is a NEW program located in the Grimes Community Complex Gym geared towards children under the age of 6. It will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am-11:00 am. Fun activities like basketball, scooters, hopper balls, bowling, and more will be available. Spots will be limited for each available day so you will need to register through their NEW registration site.
** BY appointment ONLY. and sometimes will not be available depending on a number of factors.
Mid Iowa Gymnastics
3580 SW Brookside Dr, Grimes, IA 50111
Mid Iowa Gymnastics offers various open gyms and camps for all ages. Take a look at their calendar for updated days and times.
Ninja U Ankeny
1604 NW State St, Ankeny, IA
Ninja U is a ninja gym for those aspiring to be the next American Ninja Warrior. Ninja U offers hours of indoor play, and challenges encourage littles with their motor skills, and most importantly fun for all ages. Take a look inside the Ninja U Obstacle Course in Ankeny, Iowa.
Hours
- Monday ā Friday: 1 to 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 to 7 p.m.
Prices
- Weekday ā $12
- Weekend ā $15
- College ā $8
- 5 & Under ā $8
- Spectators ā FREE
Play at the Bay
8505 Harbach Blvd., Ankeny
Monday’s December 12 – February 27; 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Free Ages 2-5, with an adult Harbach Center Bay. Does winter have you feeling cooped up? Do your kiddos want to play on the playground, but it is just too cold? Join Clive Leisure Services Monday mornings at Harbach Center beginning December 5 for Play in the Bay. They will have a variety of toys available for play. Play in the Bay is a free program great for helping run off the extra energy that comes with being cooped up in winter.
Best suited for ages 2 ā 5, but siblings are welcome. After Play in the Bay concludes, join them for storytime 10:30-10:50 am. No Play sessions on Dec 26, Jan 2, or Feb 20. For more information, contact Jon at jgibbs@cityofclive.com or Dee at dshalonduer@ cityofclive.com.
Playground for Kids
2401 SE Tones Dr #7, Ankeny, IA 50021
October 1st – April 30th Hours: Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
May 1st – September 30th Hours: Monday, Wednesday Friday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday; 9 a.m. to Noon
2-12 years old $8.99
Walkers up to 23 months $5.99
The Playground For Kids was created by local parents with active children. “As parents, we were always trying to find local places to take our children to play where we werenāt handing out quarters the whole time, we were running out of options, so we created The Playground For Kidsā. Parents will enjoy watching their children smile as they bounce on our five inflatables and crawl in our enormous Treehouse structure with a triple-lane rainbow slide, cork slide, Wacky Ballroom, and much more. Check out when we visited.
Rainbow of the Heartland
3300 SE Crossroads Drive Grimes, IA 50111
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There are no limits to the grins and giggles in the Rainbow of the Heartland playroom. Thatās because your kids are invited to jump, climb, swing, and play in the indoor showroom for just $10 per child. Groups of 6 or more must call ahead. No Open Play Parties are allowed. Learn more details.
RecPlex
6500 Grand Ave West Des Moines, IA 50266
There are two ways to play at the RecPlex: renting a space or coming during drop-in times. Their drop-in sports and activities are designated times open to the public when anyone can come to use the space. There are different drop-in schedules depending on what sport or activity you want to doāeverything from indoor ice skating to soccer, basketball, and more. Open toddler playtime will be offered for ages four and under as an opportunity to stay active while avoiding the outdoor elements. Details have not been released yet for this option.
RecPlex works closely with the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department to plan fun events and activities. Take a look at the inside from our visit to the RecPlex.
Reiman Gardens
1407 University Blvd. Ames, IA 50011
Daily: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Enjoy the outdoors, and indoors at Reiman Gardens. Walk through and see all the plants and flowers and do not forget visit to the butterfly area! There is also a beautiful outdoor to explore and play in when the weather is nice. Please take a look at their event calendar for storytimes and other fun events.
Science Center of Iowa
401 W Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines
Thursday – Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy the world of science at the Science Center of Iowa. Exhibits include What On Earth?, Why the Sky?, Small Discoveries, and much more. $13 per person. Take a look at the inside and plan your day with our Science Center of Iowa Guide.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
1300 SE Gateway Drive, Suite 103, Grimes
Toddler Time: Wednesday & Friday: 11 a.m. to Noon; Saturday: 9 to 10 a.m.
$10 per child – Toddler Time
Toddler Time at Sky Zone is the perfect opportunity to have your children jump and play without the big kids. This is for ages 6 and under and the price includes guardian admission. Sky Zone offers open jump times for all ages. Hours and prices vary.
Spare Time Des Moines
340 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines; 515-414-2824
The new family entertainment venue has opened in the Des Moines Area and is loaded with fun! Spare Time Entertainment is located in West Des Moines near Jordan Creek Town Center. Enjoy bowling, arcade games, restaurant, escape rooms, and much more. Take a look at our fun experience!
State Historical Museum of Iowa
600 E Locust Street, Des Moines
Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
FREE
Discover Iowa’s rich heritage through a variety of exhibitions, tours, collections, and unique programs and events throughout the year. The State Historical Museum of Iowa has more than 80,000 objects and about 1,500 objects are on exhibit at any given time. More objects are on display in the capitol building and other museums in Iowa. The museum has a great children’s area. Check out our visit.
Triad Gymnastics
2202 SE Creekview Drive, Ankeny
Triad Gymnastics offers so many great options!
Lunch Bunch: Monday – Friday; 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. OR 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.; Ages 3-7.Cost $15 per session Parents may drop off children. Must be potty trained.
Bring a snack or sack lunch and join us for loads of fun! This is a great transition for kids preparing to attend school. They will play in the gym and take a break for a snack/lunch.
Parent & Tot: Tuesday & Thursday; 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Ages 1-5; $8/child.
Open gym for young children accompanied by an adult. Come ready to run, jump, play and have fun! Great for playgroups!
Urban Air Adventure Park
2829 South Ankeny Blvd. Ankeny, Iowa 50023
Monday – Thursday: 4 to 8 p.m.
Friday: Noon to 9 p.m.; Jumperoo 10 a.m. to Noon for children ages 5 years and under.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Various packages are available. Urban Air Adventure Park is the ultimate indoor playground. The perfect place to run and play for all ages! Sky gliders, trampolines, obstacle courses, TV’s indoor playground, and more. Take a look at all the fun we have had.
Valley Community Center
4444 Fuller Rd West Des Moines, IA 50265
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Enjoy a fun indoor play area for free at the Valley Community Center. The play area was designed for kids ages 3 to 8 (the playmats are for 3 and under). All participants must be supervised by an adult. No food or drinks are allowed.
Thanks for the great ideas – Iād love to win!
Thanks for the great ideas!
Our favorite thing to do indoors in the winter is go to the mall. Thanks for the list, I think we need to expand our horizons a bit!
Favorite indoor activity is taking my three boys to Skyzone to burn off all their energy!!
We have fun trying out places we haven’t been to or have only been to a few times. We usually stick to places where they can burn off some energy if possible! The Playground for Kids was great when they were a little younger and now they really like SkyZone, especially in the winter!
We love the Valley Community Center. Can’t wait to check out some of these other ideas.
Sounds fun!
We love the science center in winter!
We love to go skating in the winter. But I’m excited to try some of these indoor choices too.
Have a toddler and have not had to look for toddler friendly activities in a long time! This is helpful!
Thank you for the list
I so appreciate these lists of things you do in central Iowa. Some days, you just gotta get out of the house, no matter the weather!
Fun! I have a 7 yr old and a 2 yr old who are both very active! We will definitely be using this list a lot!
Great options!! Thank you š
Our favorite winter indoor activity is visiting the Urbandale library!
Can’t wait to check women of these out!
Meant to say can’t wait to check some of these out! Lol
Great list, thanks for putting together!
What a great list! Thank you for the suggestions!
What a great prize package!
So many fun ideas here! Thanks!
Great list of ideas!
One of my favorite things to do came from one of your ideas! Walking the skywalk! I found the idea at such a perfect time for our family and as simple as it was, it really rejuvenated me.
Triad Lunch Bunch is great!
Great List!
Our favorite thing is sledding at the big hill at the Ashley Oakland Star Playground on East Mckinley Avenue! š
We love the science center in the winter.
Love these! Thank you so much
Thank you so much
Love the list! Great ideas and some new places
We love sledding and playing in the snow. But these are some great alternatives for indoor fun!!
We love to visit the West Des Moines library and the Science Center when it’s cold.
What a fun place to find out all the good stuff going on in Des moines !
What a great round up thank you
This is great! We will be trying the Children’s museum and the tot skate sometime this winter!
In the winter we like to go to Monkey Joe’s or other indoor inflatable places.
Being new to the area, our favorite thing to do so far in Winter is Pump It Up and Chuck E Cheese. SkyZone is on our bucket list š Thank you for this great website and activities list!