Fun & Active Spots in Des Moines, IA

Explore a wide range of firearms and accessories at 515 Armory Firearms store. From handguns to tactical gear, find everything you need for your shooting adventures.

Bowling Alley | Family Fun | Things to Do | Air Lanes | Des Moines IA Air Lanes is your home for family fun in Des Moines Request your FREE $10 Open Bowling Certificate today! Send My Certificate Request your FREE $10 Open Bowling Certificate today! Send My Certificate BOWL WITH US PARTY WITH US Specials Air Lanes is your home for family FUN and family entertainment in Des Moines, IA. Air Lanes is a great place to have fun times with family and friends. At Air Lanes you can have a great time at prices that won’t break your family’s budget. We have plenty of bumper bowling lanes just for kids!

Apex Active is a locally-owned full-service fitness center that provides a clean, safe, and supportive environment for members and guests to achieve their fitness goals.

Area515 is a maker space in Des Moines that provides tools and resources for creative projects, community engagement, and skill development.

Ashby Park is a recreational park located in Des Moines, offering various amenities and activities for families and individuals.

The official website for the City of Des Moines, serving more than 214,000 residents and 52 neighborhoods in Iowa's capital city.

The first augmented reality mural created by DMPS students was installed in Lauridsen Skate Park, showcasing digital animations overlaid on reality when viewed through a device.

A&RS is a full-service engineering firm specializing in automation and robotics solutions, offering services from system design to fabrication and assembly.

Barongan Kempo Karate offers traditional Karate and Filipino Martial Arts classes, focusing on self-defense, weapons training, and traditional kata.

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The official website for the City of Des Moines, serving more than 214,000 residents and 52 neighborhoods in Iowa's capital city.

Birdland Sports Park is a recreational facility offering various sports amenities and open spaces for community use.

Bishops Elite Martial Arts Academy offers martial arts classes for both children and adults in Des Moines, IA, focusing on fitness, self-defense, and personal development.

The Blank Park Zoo is the only accredited zoo in Iowa, home to over 800 exotic animals and featuring various attractions including a Discovery Center and themed exhibits.

Bowlerama Lanes is a locally owned family business offering bowling, food, drinks, and party hosting services.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa is a youth development organization that provides programming and support for youth ages 6-18, focusing on inspiring and enabling young people.

Brenton Skating Plaza is an outdoor ice-skating facility located in Downtown Des Moines, offering open-air skating for all ages from November to March.

Childtime Learning Center in Des Moines, IA offers nurturing child care and education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with a focus on health and safety.

City Voices is a progressive, community-centered, after-school, tuition-free music program providing vocal and related music instruction to urban students with financial need.

Columbus Park Sprayground is a recreational facility offering a sprayground for families and children to enjoy during the warmer months.

Combat Live Laser Tag and Game Center offers a unique laser tag experience with military-grade equipment and a variety of game modes in a 5,000 sq ft arena.

Confluence Brewing Co. is a microbrewery in Des Moines, IA, offering a variety of regular, seasonal, and experimental beers in a warehouse-like tasting room.

Conmigo Early Education Center offers bilingual child care in Spanish and English, focusing on developing advanced language skills in children.

Court Ave. Restaurant & Brewing Co. is a celebrated brewery in downtown Des Moines, offering handcrafted beer and scratch-made food since 1996.

Des Moines Performing Arts is central Iowa's premier not-for-profit performing arts organization and operates the Des Moines Civic Center, Temple Theater and Cowles Commons.

Creative Center for Young Children (CCYC) is Des Moines’ only fine arts focused preschool and child care center, introducing children to various art genres through imaginative and fun activities.

Curate is an event venue located in the East Village neighborhood of downtown Des Moines, perfect for weddings, corporate events, and galas.

The Dan and Mary Kelly Family Sprayground is a family-friendly water play area located in Des Moines, IA, offering a fun and safe environment for children and families.

The Des Moines Art Center is an art museum, a studio arts school, and maintains a world-class sculpture park located in Des Moines, Iowa.

Iowa's premier ballroom dance instruction in the heart of Des Moines, offering private lessons and group classes in various dance styles including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Swing, Salsa, and more.

Des Moines Biergarten is a family-friendly popup German-themed beer garden offering steins of beer and German-inspired food in Water Works Park.

Des Moines Performing Arts is central Iowa's premier not-for-profit performing arts organization and operates the Des Moines Civic Center, Temple Theater and Cowles Commons.

Des Moines Heritage Center is an event venue located in the Historic East Village of Des Moines, Iowa, offering rental spaces for large corporate events, weddings, and small gatherings.

Des Moines Heritage Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the unique history and culture of Des Moines through the protection and preservation of historical sites.

We offer Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. Serving the Des Moines area for over 10 years.

Des Moines Performing Arts is central Iowa's premier not-for-profit performing arts organization and operates the Des Moines Civic Center, Temple Theater and Cowles Commons.

The Des Moines Symphony provides music education experiences for musicians of all ages and hosts concerts and events.

Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) is a regional utility that protects public health by delivering outstanding quality water in reliable quantities.

Devine Dancers is a national award-winning dance studio located in Des Moines, Iowa, offering a variety of dance classes including Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Tap.

El Bait Shop is a restaurant in Des Moines, IA offering a variety of food including tacos, burgers, wings, and a large selection of craft beer.

EMC Downtown Park is a recreational park located in Downtown Des Moines, offering various amenities for community enjoyment.

Escape Chambers offers immersive escape room experiences where participants can engage in various themed scenarios, such as jewel heists, mafia encounters, and magical adventures.

Ewing Park is a recreational area in Des Moines, offering various amenities and activities for visitors.

Exile Brewing is a brewpub that offers a unique dining experience by fusing food and beer, enhancing meals with their crafted beers since 2012.

Family Music Center offers music lessons, instrument sales, rentals, and repairs, with a history dating back to 1922.

Flix Brewhouse Des Moines offers a unique dine-in movie theater experience with small-batch beer and a diverse menu, providing full-service dining from luxury recliners while enjoying blockbuster movies.

The Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center offers educational programs and exhibits related to the history of Fort Des Moines.

The City’s two community recreation centers offer room rentals for public use, including multi-purpose rooms and gyms.

Fusion Events offers a versatile event space of 3500 square feet, suitable for various occasions including concerts, corporate presentations, weddings, and more, featuring a stage, social area, wet bar, and outdoor patio.

Future Nightmares offers a sci-fi horror themed theatrical music show featuring high tech art displays, interactive haunted house special effects, and animatronics.

Gaither Studios Inc is the premiere music studio for learning Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar and Drums on the southside of Des Moines. All ages and all levels of learning are welcome.

Genesis Health Clubs Hickman Road is a comprehensive fitness facility offering top-of-the-line cardio and weight training equipment, group fitness classes, personal training, and childcare services.

Genesis Health Clubs at Merle Hay offers a top-of-the-line fitness experience with amenities including group fitness classes, personal training, and childcare services.

Genesis Health Clubs Southridge offers a luxurious fitness experience with a variety of amenities including personal training, group fitness classes, and childcare services.

GoEngineer offers SOLIDWORKS CAD design, Stratasys 3D printing, Artec & Creaform 3D scanning, CAM, and PLM solutions.

Grace Ballet and Acrobatics Studio offers dance and acrobatics classes that integrate worship and movement, focusing on creating a supportive and uplifting environment for children and families.

The official website for the City of Des Moines, serving more than 214,000 residents and 52 neighborhoods in Iowa's capital city.

Gray's Lake Park is a recreational area offering various amenities including a beach, boat rentals, bike rentals, and walking paths.

The Blank Park Zoo is the only accredited zoo in Iowa, featuring over 800 exotic animals and various educational and recreational activities.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is an urban oasis located downtown with 12-acres of gardens offering classes, events and more.

Greenwood Park is a recreational park located in Des Moines, IA, offering various amenities and activities for families and individuals.

The official website for the City of Des Moines, serving more than 214,000 residents and 52 neighborhoods in Iowa's capital city.

The Polk County Heritage Gallery is a nonprofit art gallery in downtown Des Moines, dedicated to showcasing local and Iowa artists through various exhibitions and events.

The Heritage Carousel offers a family-friendly carousel experience in Union Park, Des Moines, IA, and provides rental services for birthday parties and events.

Iowa Craft Beer Tent offers a selection of craft beers.

The John R. Grubb Community YMCA is dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, offering various programs and activities for the community.

The official website for the City of Des Moines, serving more than 214,000 residents and 52 neighborhoods in Iowa's capital city.

An immersive indoor play space designed for children aged 4 months to 5 years and their caregivers, focusing on discovery, exploration, and community.

JT Guns & Supply is now open in Des Moines. We offer the best selection in town. We buy, sell and trade used and new guns.

Kids Empire is the best indoor playground in Des Moines, IA, offering nonstop fun and epic birthday parties.

Kiwanis Miracle League provides a place for children with special needs to enjoy baseball, fostering family togetherness and community spirit.

Latinx – Latinx Immigrants of Iowa advocates for the equity of Latinx immigrants in Iowa and empowers their communities through education and civic engagement.

Never Board Games is a game design company that strives to help others pursue a lifestyle of creating, making, and designing.

The North Side Swim Team is based at the Lonny Kerman Natatorium, located at North High School in Des Moines, Iowa, serving both men's and women's swim teams.

Lua Brewing is a brewery and restaurant in Des Moines, IA, offering a variety of craft beers, burgers, and a dog-friendly patio.

Lumber Axe is Des Moines' premiere axe throwing bar offering a fun-filled environment with great food and a large selection of whiskey.

The official website for the City of Des Moines, serving more than 214,000 residents and 52 neighborhoods in Iowa's capital city.

Mainframe Studios is the largest nonprofit creative workspace in the nation, providing affordable workspaces to advance equity and opportunities in the arts.

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Swimming lessons for kids and adults, focusing on safety and skill development with certified instructors.

Monsterama Pubcade is your newest hangout spot offering arcade games, darts, pool tables, and a bar with food and drinks.

Nahas Aquatic Center offers a family-friendly aquatic experience with various amenities including waterslides, swim lessons, and private rentals for events.

Northwest Aquatic Center offers a variety of aquatic activities including swim lessons, water slides, and private rentals for events.

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines, Iowa features sculptures by world renowned artists and serves as a gathering space for the community.

Parliament Tutors offers private tutoring and test preparation services for students of all ages, covering a wide range of subjects including math, science, language, and test prep for K-12 and college entrance exams.

The official website for the City of Des Moines, serving more than 214,000 residents and 52 neighborhoods in Iowa's capital city.

Pete Crivaro Park Splash Pool offers a recreational splash pool for families and children in Des Moines, IA.

Community Recreation Centers Skip to main content Prev Next Home Departments Parks and Recreation Permits and Reservations Community Recreation Centers Community Recreation Centers Community Recreation Center Room Rentals The City’s two community recreation centers offer room rentals for public use. To rent a room, you must be at least 18 years of age. The black-out dates and times for rental are the Community Recreation Center's regular hours of operation. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Rentals have a minimum of 2 hours. The first price listed indicates our rental fee during operating h

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The Pointe Academy offers ballet, contemporary dance, tap, modern dance, and fitness classes for all ages. It is known as the 'No-Recital' school.

Pi515 is dedicated to empowering youth in Des Moines, Iowa, by providing free programs that cultivate leadership, creativity, and digital literacy through hands-on learning experiences.

Puttmasters at the Pines is a scenic miniature golf course and event venue for parties, graduations, weddings, and more.

The number one Jiu Jitsu community in Des Moines.

RezBlue VR Arena offers immersive virtual reality experiences, including VR gaming, laser tag, and escape rooms in Des Moines, Iowa.

Riverview Park is a public park offering various amenities including an accessible playground, amphitheater, picnic tables, walking/bike trails, and open space.

Guitars | Robs Music and More | Des Moines top of page Guitars and More! Guitars and More! Shop Now Robs Music and More is a full service guitar shop. We offer new and used gear. Alongside an assortment of instruments, (both usual and unusual) we offer full repairs on all stringed instruments. ​ We buy, sell and trade all stringed instruments Check Out Our Inventory bottom of page

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is an urban oasis located downtown with 12-acres of gardens offering classes, events and more.

Rotary Riverwalk Park is a completed project by the Rotary Club of Des Moines A.M., showcasing careful planning and community support.

Salisbury House & Gardens is a historic house museum and vibrant events venue located in Des Moines, Iowa, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the 1920s with authentic English architecture and rare treasures.

The official website for the City of Des Moines, serving more than 214,000 residents and 52 neighborhoods in Iowa's capital city.

The Science Center of Iowa is a creative lifelong learning center that engages and inspires a love of science through hands-on exhibits, special-format theaters, and unique programming for all ages.

Shepherds Inflatables offers inflatable rentals for events in Des Moines, IA.

The official website for the City of Des Moines, serving more than 214,000 residents and 52 neighborhoods in Iowa's capital city.

Sherwood Forest Event Center is a family owned and operated wedding venue in the heart of Des Moines, IA, offering a full service venue for weddings, birthday parties, fundraisers, and corporate events.

SingleSpeed Brewing is a brewery located in Cedar Falls, Des Moines, and Waterloo, Iowa.

Skate South is a family-owned roller skating rink in Des Moines, Iowa, providing fun and entertainment for the community since 1992, featuring a full-size skating rink, arcade, concession area, and DJ services.

Skateland is a skating venue in Des Moines, Iowa, owned by world-class speed skaters Dante and Romina Muse since 2019, offering public skating sessions, skate school, and birthday party services.

Spock's Sanctuary is a reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate rescue, sanctuary, pet store, and service provider in the Des Moines, Iowa area, offering adoption, surrender, educational experiences, and pet supplies.

The Stowe Heights Challenge Course offers a unique blend of mental and physical challenges designed to promote teamwork and personal growth for participants aged 10 and up.

Studio 629 is a modern venue rental space in Des Moines, IA, ideal for events, photoshoots, and meetings, offering a stylish and flexible environment.

Sweet Tooth Farm is a hyper-local urban farm focused on providing chemical-free, nutrient-rich food and composting services in Des Moines.

Teachout Aquatic Center offers a family-friendly swimming facility with various amenities including waterslides, swim lessons, and private rentals for events.

The Conservatory offers event space for gatherings, catering services, and elopement options in Des Moines, Iowa.

The Dance Avenue is Des Moines' premier dance studio, offering classes for ages 3 through adult in a nurturing and supportive environment.

The Dance Place offers a variety of dance classes for all ages, focusing on traditional and creative dance techniques.

An outrageous mini-golf experience in downtown Des Moines featuring mini-golf, a cocktail bar, and a new arcade.

The Iowa Taproom supports the growing tradition of diversity, creativity, and excellence in Iowa beer, offering a unique dining experience with Iowan-inspired selections and American favorites.

The Loft DSM is a unique event space in Downtown Des Moines, offering a flexible and customizable venue for various events with a stunning urban loft aesthetic.

A unique, multi-level event center in downtown Des Moines, owned and operated by firefighters and their families, offering an affordable space for community engagement and collaboration.

The Slaughterhouse offers an immersive escape room experience where players must find and save a victim within 60 minutes.

The Slaughterhouse is Des Moines Iowa's Premier Haunted Attraction.

The Tea Room is Iowa’s most historic and iconic venue located in downtown Des Moines, ideal for large wedding receptions, formal dinners, corporate events, and more.

The Wallace Centers of Iowa preserves the Wallace family legacy of agricultural innovation and public service with programs and two historic locations that connect Iowa’s food, land, and people.

The White Rabbit VR Arcade offers thrilling virtual reality experiences in Des Moines, perfect for families, friends, and special events.

The Thoreau Center is a charming and unique community event space for small gatherings located in Des Moines’ historic Drake Neighborhood.

Tower Park Sprayground offers a fun and safe environment for families and children to enjoy water play during the summer months.

Twisted Vine Brewery offers a unique craft beer experience in a historic setting, featuring a taproom and an expansive outdoor patio.

Two Rivers Martial Arts offers traditional Tae Kwon Do, self-defense, Tai Chi, and Kobudo classes in Des Moines, Iowa, with multiple locations in Central Iowa.

Explore our 75 parks, over 4,000 acres of parkland, 81 miles of trails and numerous recreation facilities within the City of Des Moines.

The official website for the City of Des Moines, serving more than 214,000 residents and 52 neighborhoods in Iowa's capital city.

United Way of Central Iowa mobilizes the community to action so all can thrive, focusing on essential needs, early childhood success, education success, economic opportunity, and health & well-being.

Up-Down Des Moines is an arcade bar featuring classic arcade games, pinball machines, skee-ball alleys, and a variety of craft beers and pizzas.

Uptempo Music is a full service brick and mortar music store in Des Moines, IA, offering a wide variety of both new and used musical instruments and accessories, along with repairs and affordable rent-to-own programs for school band and orchestra.

Variety Iowa is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are at risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs by providing support in areas such as mobility, inclusive play, and access to essential resources.

The Wellmark YMCA is a community-focused organization offering health and fitness programs, swimming facilities, and various sports and recreation activities.

West Side Martial Arts & Boxing offers training in boxing, kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai, focusing on community and youth empowerment through martial arts.

Willow on Grand is a modern, cottage-inspired wedding venue located in Des Moines, Iowa, offering a timeless backdrop for intimate gatherings and elaborate weddings.

Witmer Park is a recreational park offering various amenities including playgrounds, sports courts, and picnic areas.

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a historic venue in Des Moines, Iowa, dedicated to honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to global food security.