- TripBuzz found 72 things to do with kids in or near Ankeny, Iowa, including 66 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like Des Moines, Ames, Urbandale and West Des Moines.
- From Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center to Prairie Ridge Skate Park, the Ankeny area offers 49 different types of family activities, including: Other Adventures, Movie Theaters, Theaters and Race Tracks.
- Coal mining was at the heart of Ankeny in the early 20th century, with over half of the town's 445 residents serving as part of the United Mine Workers Local 2476 in 1924. Located about 20 minutes from Des Moines, the small town enjoyed a population boom after World War II and is now the third largest city in Polk County.
Showing 91-100 of
113
29.6 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.
29.8 Miles
100%
2 votes
3300 South 24th Ave East, Newton, IA 50208
MoreLess Info
Providing real NASCAR cars, Richard Petty Driving Experience allows visitors to race 50 laps on a speedway. The crew provides special training first before letting the visitor take the car out for a ride.
29.9 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.
30.6 Miles
Motorsports rule at the Iowa Speedway, a world-class automobile racing facility in Newton, Iowa. The Iowa Speedway hosts many NASCAR events, offers driving classes and is a popular concert venue.
30.7 Miles
95
Rusty Wallace Racing Experience- Iowa Speedway
SPECIAL GROUPON DEAL: Up to 67% Off Driving Experience at Drive 1 Exotics
3333 Rusty Wallace Drive, Newton, IA 50208
MoreLess Info
With a 7/8th mile paved, oval track, visitors at Rusty Wallace Racing Experience- Iowa Speedway can take an instructional class before heading to the track for laps. Visitors can choose to ride along with a professional or drive solo.
34.8 Miles
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.
37.9 Miles
Motorsport fans come to the Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa for hours of hi-octane, adrenaline-fueled fun. The Raceway hosts a variety of races, monster truck rallies, demolition derbies and concerts.
40.5 Miles
Featuring nine screens, Plaza Theater provides a variety of films to suit all movie goers. This includes films in both 2D and 3D. And for added convenience, the theater offers on site concessions.
40.6 Miles
Iowa's largest lake, Lake Red Rock, is located within an hour's drive from Des Moines. The lake spans 15,000 acres, with an additional 35,000 acres of coastland. It is a popular destination for hiking, swimming, fishing and kayaking.
40.7 Miles
Featuring an attached bar, Totem Bowl is open to visitors for public bowling. The bowling alley has cosmic bowling events during the weekend with glow-in-the-dark pins, neon lights, and pop music.