- The list below includes 59 free or cheap things to do in or near Des Moines, Iowa, including 52 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, History Museums, Bike Paths and Bowling.
- From East Village to Saylorville Trail, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Des Moines and in nearby cities within 25 miles like West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny and Indianola.
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108
0.0 Miles
Explore the city via an adventure combining the fun of a scavenger hunt with the information of a self-guided tour
10.4 Miles
92%
12 votes
101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
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Part of the Cinemark theater chain, the Century 20 Jordan Creek is a movie theater multiplex that shows primarily first run Hollywood movies with fully digital video and sound. The theater offers a variety of concession options.
10.6 Miles
Designed to provide a sophisticated entertainment experience, the Cabaret Bar & Patio features an array of live performers and DJs. Private VIP party rooms are available with bottle service, and the bar offers signature cocktails.
10.7 Miles
Opened in 1997, West Grand Golf is a driving range and mini golf center that provides a number of amenities for the use of its golf enthusiast guests. The center also offers private lessons taught by a PGA Professional instructor.
15.7 Miles
Visit the colorful and inventive National Balloon Museum in Indianola, Iowa to celebrate one of the most adrenaline rushing activities known to man! Enjoy pictures, demonstrations, and the science behind hot air ballooning, as well as a look at a full hot air balloon up close and personal.
16.3 Miles
Named for benefactors Mr. and Mrs. William Buxton, Buxton Park is situated on 5.4 acres and is home to a butterfly garden, arboretum and ornamental fountain. It provides benches, a gazebo and a trail suitable for biking and walking.
16.6 Miles
Showing the latest films, Paramount 7 Theaters offers visitors 2D and 3D viewing formats with digital projectors in its auditoriums. On Tuesday, visitors can receive a free popcorn with every ticket purchased.
16.8 Miles
A movie theater with seven auditoriums, Paramount 7 Theatres displays first-run feature films using digital projection and sound. The theater offers RealD 3D movies, birthday party hosting and a snack bar with food and drinks.
20.6 Miles
Located on the banks of Lake Ahquabi, Indianola's Lake Ahquabi State Park is a popular destination for camping, swimming, boating and picnicking. It has a beach shelter and tent campsites, but is closed during the winter.
20.9 Miles
The Annett Nature Center is a 160-acre nature park that includes a 6-acre pond and a 10-acre wetland. The center is available for public programs, school field trips, and day camps.
26.6 Miles
Botanists and plant lovers flock to the Iowa Arboretum in Madrid. The Arboretum includes riots of colorful blossoms, unusual exotic plants, sculptured gardens, elegant creeping plants and plenty of other delights. This attraction is best visited in dry weather.