Free & Cheap Things to Do in Des Moines, IA

  • 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.
  • 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.
Showing 61-70 of 108
0.0 Miles
Cruise the mall in style aboard large plush motorized stuffed animals
27.8 Miles
100% 1 votes
Dog Park 605 Billy Sunday Road, Ames, IA 50010 MoreLess Info
Even though the Ames Dog Park is open to the public all dogs must obtain a facility use permit to show that they have an up-to-date rabies vaccination and their owners have signed a liability waiver. Within the dog park, there is a walking path and drinking fountains.
27.9 Miles
79% 234 votes
History Museums Winterset, IA 50273 MoreLess Info
The tiny Birthplace of John Wayne is located in Winterset, Iowa. The cottage where the actor was born is now a museum in his honor. This is an excellent attraction for Wayne fans and anyone with an interest in classic American westerns.
28.0 Miles
100% 1 votes
Specialty Museums 1690 W. 19th St. S., Newton, IA 50208 MoreLess Info
Wrestling and sports fans enjoy visiting Newton's International Wrestling Institute and Museum. The museum is the focal point for preserving the heritage of wrestling in America and documents and recognizes strides taken by wrestlers throughout history.
28.2 Miles
- 0 votes
History Museums 1700 S 15th Ave W, Newton, IA 50208 MoreLess Info
Jasper County Historical Society collects, preserves and exhibits the agricultural, commercial, industrial and societal history of Jasper County. Industrial exhibits include the Washing Machine Center of the World, with agricultural exhibits showcasing wind power displays and antique wood working tools.
28.3 Miles
50% 6 votes
Movie Theaters 1317 Buckeye Avenue, Ames, IA 50010 MoreLess Info
Ames's Movies 12 is a movie theater multiplex that shows primarily first run Hollywood releases with all digital video and sound. The theater serves a variety of refreshments, and offers bargain matinees.
28.4 Miles
95% 241 votes
Gardens 1407 University Blvd., Ames, IA 50011 MoreLess Info
Managed by the University of Iowa, Reiman Gardens is an extensive series of botanical gardens that includes a gigantic butterfly house. This attraction is open throughout the year and offers holiday exhibits in its warm greenhouses.
28.6 Miles
25% 8 votes
Family Fun Center 1320 Dickinson Avenue, Ames, IA 50014 MoreLess Info
Perfect Games is a bowling alley and entertainment complex that features a variety of amenities. In addition to 24 lanes of bowling, the facility has a laser tag arena, a video game arcade, and a full service restaurant.
29.0 Miles
73% 15 votes
Art Museum 290 Scheman Bldg, Ames, IA MoreLess Info
The Brunnier Art Museum, located in Ames, Iowa features a perminate collection as well as rotating exhibits browered from private collections and other museums. A nice variety of interesting items is always available for viewing.
29.1 Miles
100% 1 votes
Architectural Buildings Iowa State Center, Ames, IA 50011 MoreLess Info
A facility of Iowa State University, Stephens Auditorium hosts an array of activities and live performances. This includes plays and musicals along with the symphony orchestra, ballet and choral groups.
29.2 Miles
- 0 votes
Sports Teams (Amateur) 889 Highway F36 W, Newton, IA 50208 MoreLess Info
The Izaak Walton Club House houses a conservation organization the offers members a chance to participate in a variety of recreational activities. The clubhouse features rifle and archery ranges along with a pond.
Showing 61-70 of 108
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