Outdoor Swimming + Splash Opportunities Around DSM
Summer is finally here, and that means it’s time to get outside and enjoy Greater Des Moines (DSM) community pools and splash pads. Find plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and swim with the family no matter what part of the region you’re in. Find aquatic centers with lap swimming, diving, lazy rivers and more at the pools below, or take the kids to run through the fountains and splash with friends at splash pads and splash grounds across DSM.
New & Notable Outdoor Swimming Locations in Greater Des Moines
Local Outdoor Swimming Locations in DSM's Core and Suburbs
Altoona
The Altoona Aquatics Park (1200 Venbury Dr.) offers a leisure pool, water slides, diving boards and a lap lane pool. You’ll also find a wave pool and lazy river at Adventure Bay Water Park (3200 Adventureland Dr.)!
Ankeny
Ankeny boasts two aquatic centers, including Cascade Falls Aquatic Center (2350 SW Prairie Trail Parkway) and Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center (1220 NW Prairie Ridge Dr.). There are also splash pads at the following parks:
-
Crestbruck Park (1001 NE Crestmoor Place)
- Dean Park (SW 18th St. and SW College Ave.)
- Sunrise Park (506 SE Peterson Dr.)
Carlisle
The Aquatic Center (1230 S. 5th St.) includes a diving area, swim lanes, frog slide, snack bar and more. Find pool pass info, hours of operation and party info on the City of Carlisle website.
Des Moines
From spraygrounds to pools to wading pools, Des Moines offers aquatics for all ages! Returning this year is the Lauridsen Fountain at Cowles Commons (313 Walnut St.), where all ages can cool down in the zero-depth pool in the heart of Downtown DSM.
Johnston
The Johnston Town Center Splash Pad (6245 Merle Hay Road) is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, offering a fun and refreshing way for kids to cool off all summer long.
Norwalk
The Norwalk Aquatic Center (1112 E. 18th St.) features a variety of amenities for swimmers of all ages. Find membership info, hours and admission, as well as a Swim Lesson Placement Guide on the City of Norwalk website.
Pleasant Hill
A fun, family-friendly spot, the Doanes Park Splash Pad (4900 Doanes Park Road) includes sprinklers, fountains and spray features. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the splash pad is free to the public.
Waukee
The Fox Creek Splash Pad is free and located in Waukee’s Fox Creek Park (522 NE Westgate Dr.) Find hours of operation and splash pad rules on the City of Waukee website.
West Des Moines
With four locations to enjoy the water, West Des Moines is well-equipped for some fun in the sun. Check out Holiday Aquatic Center (1701 Railroad Ave.), Valley View Aquatic Center (255 81st St.), Legion Park Sprayground (301 Vine St. — pictured at bottom of page) and Clive Aquatic Center (1801 NW 114th St.).
Local Outdoor Swimming Locations in Greater Des Moines Mid-Sized and Small Towns
Adel
The Adel Family Aquatic Center (1800 S 15th St.) is the perfect spot for summer family fun. Open seasonally from late May to mid-August, offering various pricing options for daily visits or season passes.
Just a short drive from Adel, the Dallas Center Community Pool is another great option for cooling off during the summer.
Granger
Jester Park (12130 NW 128th St.) is primarily known for its nature center and outdoor activities, but it also offers a Natural Playscape that features a wading pool area with a bubbling fountain.
Guthrie Center
The Guthrie Center Aquatic Complex (206 W State St.) is located within Mitchell Park. The complex offers a range of water activities for the community.
Indianola
The Indianola Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center (714 W. Detroit Ave.) offers tot swim, adult lap swim, water walking and free lifetime admission for veterans. Check out all the info on the City of Indianola website.
Marshalltown
The Marshalltown Family Aquatic Center (10 W State St.) features a lazy river, drop slide, diving boards and multiple water slides, catering to all ages.
Newton
The Maytag Pool (301 S. 11th Ave. W) offers a chair lift, water fountains, water slides and swimming lanes. Find a pool schedule, party reservation info and a pool pass form on the City of Newton website.
Just under 20 miles east of Newton, the Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center makes for a fun day trip with plenty of ways to cool off.
Pella
The Pella Aquatic Center (602 E. 8th St.) features a zero-depth tulip-shaped toddler area, deck sprays and a play structure, making it ideal for families.
If you’re in the Pella area and looking for a different outdoor swimming spot, consider spending an afternoon at Edmundson Pool in nearby Oskaloosa.
Winterset
From American Red Cross swim lessons to family fun, the Winterset Aquatic Center (124 W. Court Ave.) has much to offer this summer. Find information for admission, pool passes, pool rules and more on the City of Winterset website.
If you’re already in the Winterset area, consider heading a bit farther west to cool off at the City of Greenfield Municipal Pool.
Dive Into Summer Fun
Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a water slide, relaxing in a lazy river or watching the kids laugh at a splash pad, there’s no shortage of ways to stay cool in Greater Des Moines. With brand-new facilities and longtime community favorites, every corner of DSM has a spot to dive into summer fun.
Named the #3 Most Livable City in the U.S. and #4 Most Neighborly City in America, Greater Des Moines (DSM) is a place where you can work, play and make a splash. Learn more about what it’s like to live here.
Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 6,700 Regional Business Members, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.