Iowa weather can go from high to low in a blink of an eye! From snowstorms in January, freezing rains in April, and sweltering heat and humidity in July, moms need places they can take their kids when everyone needs out of the house! In our minds, indoor play is a necessity. Check out our extensive resource of indoor play and activities, updated for 2017. We are proud to once again partner with our presenting sponsor, Backyard Adventures of Iowa. Keep your chin up momma, we’re in this together!
Presenting Sponsor: Backyard Adventures of Iowa
Come visit us at Backyard Adventures of Iowa Family Recreation Store. We offer open play times on Monday- Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Backyard Adventures is a great place to meet with friends for a play date or just come and meet some new friends. We also offer private birthday party packages on weeknights and weekends, starting at $200 for a two hour party. While visiting our store, be sure to check out our play sets, basketball hoops, and all of our lines of patio furniture for your home. We sell and deliver or install everything you need to make your home a great place for family recreation.
Science Center of Iowa
The Science Center of Iowa engages and inspires visitors by bringing learning to life. Centrally located in downtown Des Moines, SCI features hands-on exhibits and unique programming to encourage learning and fun for all ages. Build and launch a rocket in When Things Get Moving. Explore Iowa’s native habitats and catch a live weather broadcast in What On Earth? Imagine, experiment, and play in Small Discoveries. And discover out-of-this-world science in Why The Sky? There’s always more to explore!
Complete Guide to Indoor Fun in Des Moines
Classes and Enrichment
Family Tree Yoga & Massage | Baby and Me Yoga: 2nd Saturday of the month from 11:15 a.m. – noon
Family Tree Yoga & Massage | Fun on the Run Yoga: 2nd Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Lifetime Fitness Kids Academy | Classes vary by type
Pied Piper Studios | Classes vary by date and age
Triad Kids Campus | Classes vary by age
Indoor Play Areas and Playgrounds
Backyard Adventures | Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Chuck E. Cheese | Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Get Air Des Moines | Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. – midnight; Sunday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monkey Joe’s | Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Playground for Kids | Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pump it Up | Monday – Friday Open jump 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Rainbow Play Systems of Iowa | Open play is Tuesday, Wednesday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
SkyZone | Everyday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Valley Community Center | Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Interactive Learning
Blank Park Zoo | October – April: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; May – September: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center | Monday closed; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday Noon – 4 p.m.
Des Moines Botanical Center | Daily 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Reimen Gardens | Open daily from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Extended summer hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Science Center of Iowa | Labor Day – Memorial Day: Monday closed; Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday noon – 5 p.m. Summer hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday noon – 5 p.m.
State Historical Museum of Iowa | Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sunday: noon – 4:30 p.m.
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates | Tuesdays 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12-noon & 1:30 p.m.; Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mall Play Areas
Jordan Creek Towncenter | Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Merle Hay Mall | Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday noon – 5:30 p.m.
Southridge Mall | Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday noon – 6 p.m.
Valley West Mall | Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Open Gym
Apex Athletics | Varying Fridays from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Mid Iowa Gymnastics | Contact them for times
Sapphire Gymnastics Academy | Saturday 1-2 p.m.
Recreation & Activities
Bowling | Open bowl times vary, call ahead for lane availability.
Climb Iowa | Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Glow Golf | Monday – Thursday 3 – 9 p.m.; Friday 3 – 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Skate North | Wednesday 5-8 p.m.; Thursday 6-8 p.m.; Friday 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 2 -4:30 p.m. and 4:30 – 7 p.m.; Sunday 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Skate South | Wednesday 6-8 p.m.; Friday 7-11 p.m.; Saturday 1 – 8 p.m. and 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.; Sunday 1-4 p.m.
Skate West | Wednesday 6-8 p.m.; Friday 6-10 p.m.; Saturday 12-4 p.m.,
7-9:30 p.m.; Sunday 1-4 p.m.
Urbandale Community Indoor Pool | Public Recreational Swimming: Monday – Thursday 7 – 8:30 p.m.; Saturdays & Sunday: 1 – 4 p.m.
Retail Businesses & More
Bass Pro Shop | Fish Feedings: Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday at 3 p.m.
Barnes & Nobles | Three Fountains Location: 4550 University Avenue West Des Moines, IA 50266 | Monday – Saturday 9 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Barnes & Nobles | Jordan Creek Towncenter: 101 Jordan Creek Parkway Unit 12170 West Des Moines, IA 50266 | Jordan Creek location: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Beaverdale Books | Storytime Thursday at 11 a.m.
Chick-Fil-A | Ankeny: 2410 SE Delaware Avenue, Ankeny, IA 50021 | Monday –Saturday: 6:30 am – 10 pm, Sunday: Closed
Chick-Fil-A | 4040 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310| Monday –Saturday: 6:30 am – 10 pm, Sunday: Closed
Chick-Fil-A | Paradise Pointe, 6555 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266 | Monday –Saturday: 6:30 am – 10 pm, Sunday: Closed
Chick-Fil-A | 4502 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266 | Monday –Saturday: 6:30 am – 10 pm, Sunday: Closed