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. In 2021, you’ll 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.

Local Outdoor Swimming Locations

Altoona

The Altoona Aquatics Park (1200 Venbury Dr.) is now open through Sunday, August 22. 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 here.

Indianola

The Indianola 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 here.

Newton

The Fred 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 here.

Norwalk

The Norwalk Aquatic Center (1112 E. 18th St.) is now open. Find membership info, hours and admission, as well as a Swim Lesson Placement Guide here.

Des Moines

From spraygrounds to pools to wading pools, Des Moines offers aquatics for all ages! Find info for all sprayground locations here. 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.

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 here.

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.) and Clive Aquatic Center (1801 NW 114th St.). Hours and admission prices can be found here.

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 here.

Named the #1 Best Place to Live in the Midwest and #2 Safest Place to Live, Greater Des Moines (DSM) is a city where you can have it all. Learn more about what it’s like to live here.