- 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 41-50 of
113
11.5 Miles
100%
1 votes
100 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265
MoreLess Info
As a 36-lane bowling center, Val Lanes Recreation Center provides visitors with amenities like bumpers and automatic scoring for recreational bowling. During the summer, kids up to age 15 may bowl free.
11.6 Miles
Des Moines' Val Air Ballroom is a popular concert venue for rock, pop, dance and jazz music. The venue is wheelchair accessible and contains two ATMs. Limited concessions are available.
11.6 Miles
In the middle of Des Moines, find two miles of trails surrounding a lake in the area known as Gray's Lake Park. The area features biking and walking paths, as well as fishing areas.
11.6 Miles
The Clive Greenbelt Trail is pressed against the winding Walnut Creek through scenic wooded areas. In addition to the hiking and walking trail, there are several recreational and picnicking areas along the path.
12.0 Miles
Learn about the cultural and historical development of Urbandale, Iowa at Living History Farms. Children and adults tour homes, experience a one-room schoolhouse, explore early farming techniques and enjoy interacting with costumed staff.
12.2 Miles
As an indoor entertainment center, Monkey Joe's is filled with wall to wall bounce houses and other inflatables for children to play on. The center has a separate play area for toddlers with age-appropriate inflatables.
13.2 Miles
At Fleur Cinema & Cafe, visitors can watch a mix of independent, foreign, and blockbuster flicks in digital projection. In addition to movie theater popcorn, the concession stand offers alcoholic beverages and coffee to take into the theater.
13.2 Miles
Featuring hardwood floors, Skate West has a skating rink open to public skating sessions and private birthday events. The rink has a pro shop where visitors can purchase inline skates or roller skates.
13.7 Miles
Jordan House is close to some of Niagara's finest wineries, trails, natural areas and heritage sites. The house is newly renovated and offers Inn style accommodations, casual dinners and regional cuisine.
14.1 Miles
At a size of 632 acres, Raccoon River Park consists of a large grass area with a lake and river passing through it. There are walking trails that surround the lake that are open to joggers and cyclists.