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 | 2025 Sponsor
906 42nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa
- Sunday – 9:00-1:00 p.m.
- Monday – 9:00-1:00 p.m.
- Tuesday – 9:00-1:00 p.m.
- Wednesday – 9:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday – 9:00-1:00 p.m.
- Friday – 9:00-1:00 p.m.
- Saturday – 9:00-11:30 a.m.
2024 Des Moines Parent Family Favorite Winner
Joujou is a Montessori-inspired, immersive playspace for the Metro’s 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. 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 activities for stretching brains and bodies, Joujou is the community for Des Moines’ littlest families.
In addition to open play, Joujou offers a variety of fun programs for children – ranging from outdoor exploration, mini concerts, and art classes – plus local resource workshops for caregivers.
Open daily for open play (and late on Wednesdays), options for membership or drop-in play are available. Come play, learn and grow at Joujou!
Daytime Cirque Play Time
Cirque Wonderland; 105 S 11th Street in West Des Moines
Weekly on Wednesday
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1 child – $12; 2 children – $22; 3 children – $32
Have fun in a vibrant playroom located inside a circus school where parents and caregivers can bring their children for a day of exploration and fun. Adults can enjoy complimentary WiFi and a cozy cafe while keeping an eye out on their little ones as they climb, balance, roll, and crawl through our exciting play areas. Kids love the circus-themed activities, plus they have all the indoor playroom classics like play kitchens, balls, blocks, and more. Adults are free.
Des Moines Children’s Museum
The lower level of Valley West Mall
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 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; 10 $4 for 10 years and older; Punch cards $25 for 5 admissions
No admission is required for children under 1, 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 and Sunday 8 to 10 a.m.
A Special Time for You: First Saturday of the month from 8 to 10 a.m. for jumpers with special needs.
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
** Please note: This business is currently closed. We will update you when we have more information.
1600 Valley West Drive, West Des Moines, Iowa
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.
New Horizon Academy offers a safe and healthy environment for the children entrusted to our care, plus comprehensive educational programs designed to help prepare children for success in elementary school and beyond. Schedule a tour at one of our seven Iowa schools to learn more!
Imagination Playschool at Pioneer Columbus
2100 SE 5th St, Des Moines
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
November 1 – March 29, 2024
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 Playground
Valley Junction Activity Center
Seasonal: Fall and Winter; Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. to Noon
Need to get out of the house and let your toddler run off some steam? They have 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 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday & Open Holidays: Noon to 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. They plan several free events and activities for kids throughout the year. Check the event calendar before you go!
Kids Empire
6805 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines in Merle Hay Mall
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 8:30 to 11 a.m. 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
1500 SE 19th Street, Suite 380, 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.
MVP DSM
4600 Park Avenue in Des Moines
Offered every weekday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
$5 per kid/session
Open play is exclusively for kids 12 years and under. This is an opportunity for children to explore their safe and dynamic space outfitted with inflatables, sporting equipment, and activities. Please note inflatables may not be available daily.
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 – Friday: 1 to 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 to 7 p.m.
Prices
- Weekday – $12
- Weekend – $15
- College – $8
- 5 & Under – $8
- Spectators – FREE
Play at the Bay
8505 Harbach Blvd., Ankeny
Monday from November 18 – December 17, 2025 from 9 to 10 a.m.
Are you and your little ones feeling cooped up this winter? Don’t worry; we’ve got the perfect solution! Join the library on Monday mornings at the Harbach Center for Play in the Bay. They will have various fun and engaging toys for your children to play with. This free program is a fantastic way to help them burn off that extra energy that comes with being indoors during winter and a great opportunity to make new friends.
PLAYground Cafe
293 SE Westown Parkway Waukee, Iowa 50263
The kid’s indoor playspace offers a fun Cedarworks playground that has climbing features, and slides. It sits on green turf and the whole area has beautiful natural light for even the gloomiest days in Des Moines. They also have some fun ride-on toys, wood-balancing toys, and a designated, gated baby area for those who are 0 to 18 months of age. Learn more!
Head to their website page and book a play session. Open Play Sessions are 2-hours long and are set hours. It is highly recommended you book a session before you go as they do have a maximum capacity. They offer different play sessions 7 days a week and gaps in between each session so they can completely sanitize the area. Ready to book your play session? You can book here!
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 $11; Walkers up to 23 months $8
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 weren’t handing out quarters the whole time, we were running out of options, so we created The Playground For Kids”. 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.
Rainbow of the Heartland
3300 SE Crossroads Drive Grimes, IA 50111
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There are no limits to the grins and giggles in the Rainbow of the Heartland playroom. That’s because your kids are invited to jump, climb, swing, and play in the indoor showroom for just $7.50/kid cash/check and $8.00/kid credit card. 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. Different drop-in schedules depend on what sport or activity you want to do—everything 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: 10 to 11 a.m.; Saturday: 9 to 10 a.m.; Sunday: 10 to 11 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, restaurants, 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.
The Little Gym
5260 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, Iowa 50131
The Little Gym of Johnston is a fitness and recreation community for families with kids 4 months to 12 years. Our weekly classes use gymnastics as a vehicle for “play with a purpose,” combining movement, fun, and skill-building to support 3-dimensional learning—helping kids grow physically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to classes, we host awesome birthday parties, action-packed day camps, Parent Survival Nights, and free seasonal member events. It’s the perfect spot for year-round fun!
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: 4 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 – I’d 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 🙂
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! 🙂
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 🙂 Thank you for this great website and activities list!