EXPLORE: Ways to beat the heat
By Sofia Legaspi Dickens
With nearly 20 aquatic centers and countless splash pads in the metro, there’s no reason for you to sweat this summer. Whether you’re hoping to jump headfirst from the highest diving board or cruise down a lazy river, these places won’t disappoint.
ADVENTURE BAY
3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona
adventurelandresort.com
Adventureland is home to Iowa’s newest water park, largest wave pool and longest lazy river. Plus: 20 slides, a swim-up bar, a 6,000-square-foot swimming pool, cabana rentals and more. Admission to Adventure Bay will get you into Adventureland’s amusement park as well.
CASCADE FALLS AQUATIC CENTER
2350 S.W. Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny
prairietrailankeny.com/parks-and-recreation/aquatic-center
As the largest municipal aquatic center in Iowa, Cascade Falls offers attractions on top of attractions. The list is long, so brace yourself: FlowRider surf machine, five slides including a swirl bowl and drop slide, kiddie slides, 640-foot lazy river, heated pool, eight-lane lap pool, diving well and zero-depth area with floor geysers and water cannons.
INDIANOLA VETERANS MEMORIAL AQUATIC CENTER
714 W. Detroit Ave., Indianola
indianolaiowa.gov/facilities
Indianola’s summer hub features a 12,900-square-foot zero-depth barrier pool, as well as three water slides, a 1-meter diving board, bubbling beach, jumping pods, leaping lily pads, funbrellas, sand play area, Swedish swing, tumble buckets and water cascade. You’ll find several places to lounge, either in the sun or the shade — or by the snack bar. Veterans always swim free with proof of ID.
VALLEY VIEW AQUATIC CENTER
255 S. 81st St., West Des Moines
wdm.iowa.gov/government/parks-recreation
West Des Moines’ largest aquatic park features a lazy river, leisure pool with four slides, a lap pool, zero-depth kiddie pool and many places to lounge your summer days away. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
TIP: Many aquatic centers offer water walking times along their lazy river, when the park is closed to children. If you’re looking for a low-impact aerobic activity that’s still a good time, water walking is for you!
With nearly 20 aquatic centers and countless splash pads in the metro, there’s no reason for you to sweat this summer. Whether you’re hoping to jump headfirst from the highest diving board or cruise down a lazy river, these places won’t disappoint.
ADVENTURE BAY
3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona
adventurelandresort.com
Adventureland is home to Iowa’s newest water park, largest wave pool and longest lazy river. Plus: 20 slides, a swim-up bar, a 6,000-square-foot swimming pool, cabana rentals and more. Admission to Adventure Bay will get you into Adventureland’s amusement park as well.
CASCADE FALLS AQUATIC CENTER
2350 S.W. Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny
prairietrailankeny.com/parks-and-recreation/aquatic-center
As the largest municipal aquatic center in Iowa, Cascade Falls offers attractions on top of attractions. The list is long, so brace yourself: FlowRider surf machine, five slides including a swirl bowl and drop slide, kiddie slides, 640-foot lazy river, heated pool, eight-lane lap pool, diving well and zero-depth area with floor geysers and water cannons.
INDIANOLA VETERANS MEMORIAL AQUATIC CENTER
714 W. Detroit Ave., Indianola
indianolaiowa.gov/facilities
Indianola’s summer hub features a 12,900-square-foot zero-depth barrier pool, as well as three water slides, a 1-meter diving board, bubbling beach, jumping pods, leaping lily pads, funbrellas, sand play area, Swedish swing, tumble buckets and water cascade. You’ll find several places to lounge, either in the sun or the shade — or by the snack bar. Veterans always swim free with proof of ID.
VALLEY VIEW AQUATIC CENTER
255 S. 81st St., West Des Moines
wdm.iowa.gov/government/parks-recreation
West Des Moines’ largest aquatic park features a lazy river, leisure pool with four slides, a lap pool, zero-depth kiddie pool and many places to lounge your summer days away. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
TIP: Many aquatic centers offer water walking times along their lazy river, when the park is closed to children. If you’re looking for a low-impact aerobic activity that’s still a good time, water walking is for you!
» SPLASH & WADE
Free splash parks, spraygrounds and wading pools
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PRAIRIE HERITAGE PARK
360 Center Place S.W., Altoona -
DEAN PARK
S.W. 18th St. and S.W. College Ave., Ankeny -
SUNRISE PARK
506 S.E. Peterson Drive, Ankeny -
BATES PARK
330 Clark St., Des Moines -
BURKE PARK
601 E. University Ave., Des Moines -
COWLES COMMONS
313 Walnut St., Des Moines -
COLUMBUS PARK
1921 S.E. First St., Des Moines -
DAN & MARY KELLY FAMILY SPRAYGROUND
100 45th St., Des Moines -
DRAKE PARK
2300 Drake Park Ave., Des Moines -
EVELYN K. DAVIS PARK
1400 Forest Ave., Des Moines -
JORDAN PARK
600 E. Wall Ave., Des Moines -
MCHENRY PARK
1012 Oak Park Ave., Des Moines -
SHERIDAN PARK
4000 Hull Ave., Des Moines -
TOWER PARK
4900 Hickman Road, Des Moines -
JOHNSTON TOWN CENTER
6245 Merle Hay Road, Johnston -
FOX CREEK PARK
522 N.E. Westgate Drive, Waukee -
LEGION PARK
301 Vine St., West Des Moines