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Sports & Recreation

Sports & Recreation for Kids in Ankeny, IA

19 sports facilities, recreation centers, and athletic activities rated and reviewed by families.

Activities & Venues in Ankeny

19 of 19
Walker Johnston Park park in Urbandale, IA🌳 Park
Photo: Walker Johnston Park
4.7(655)Free10 mi · Urbandale

Walker Johnston Park is Urbandale's premier family destination, offering something for every age across its expansive grounds. From the popular splash pad that provides relief on hot Iowa summer days to the skateboard park, fishing pond, and multiple playgrounds, families can easily spend an entire day exploring this well-maintained recreational hub.

🕑 3-5 hours
Hyperion Field Club association or organization in Johnston, IA Sports
Photo: Scott Lane
4.7(214)$$$6 mi · Johnston

Hyperion Field Club in Johnston offers families a full-service country club experience with activities for every age. From junior golf programs that introduce kids to the sport to a refreshing swimming pool and tennis courts, this welcoming club makes it easy to enjoy quality family time while kids learn new skills and burn energy in a safe, supervised environment.

🕑 3-4 hours for a typical family visit
The P.A.R.C. Recreation Center sports activity location in Pleasant Hill, IA Sports
Photo: Sam Clingan-Siverly
4.7(38)$10 mi · Pleasant Hill

The P.A.R.C. Recreation Center is Pleasant Hill's premier youth sports destination, offering well-maintained baseball and softball fields where young athletes can develop their skills and love of the game. With its welcoming atmosphere and family-focused programming, it's the perfect place for kids to participate in organized leagues, tournaments, and practices while parents enjoy watching from comfortable sidelines.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours for typical games and practices, or all-day for tournament participation
Urbandale Senior Recreation Center sports activity location in Urbandale, IA Sports
Photo: Urbandale Senior Recreation Center
4.6(70)$9 mi · Urbandale

The Urbandale Senior Recreation Center may have 'senior' in its name, but don't let that fool you,this community hub offers engaging youth programs and family activities that make it a hidden gem for Urbandale families. With fitness classes, recreational programs, and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a budget-friendly spot where multiple generations can enjoy quality time together in a safe, indoor environment.

🕑 1-2 hours for most program sessions or drop-in visits
Waveland Golf Course golf course in Windsor Heights, IA Sports
Photo: Ryan Dueker
4.5(425)$10 mi · Windsor Heights

Waveland Golf Course in Windsor Heights offers a welcoming introduction to golf for young players in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. With dedicated junior golf programs and patient teaching professionals, it's an ideal spot for kids to learn the fundamentals of the game without the intimidation factor of more formal courses.

🕑 1.5-3 hours depending on activity (45-60 minutes for lessons, 2-3 hours for playing a round)
Ashworth Swimming Pool swimming pool in Beaverdale, IA Sports
Photo: Tim Hurley
4.5(118)$11 mi · Beaverdale

Ashworth Swimming Pool is a beloved neighborhood gem in Beaverdale that offers a refreshing escape for families during Iowa's warm months. This public pool provides a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere with designated family swim times and swim lessons, making it an ideal spot for both experienced swimmers and little ones just learning to love the water.

🕑 2-3 hours
Cascade Falls Aquatic Center swimming pool in Ankeny, IA Sports
Photo: Cascade Falls Aquatic Center

Cascade Falls Aquatic Center is Ankeny's premier indoor water playground, offering year-round aquatic fun for the whole family. With exciting waterslides, a relaxing lazy river, and dedicated swim areas for different age groups, this facility keeps kids entertained while parents can enjoy the fitness amenities or join in the splashing fun.

🕑 2-4 hours
Otter Creek Golf Course golf course in Ankeny, IA Sports
Photo: Otter Creek Golf Course

Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny is a welcoming introduction to golf for young players, featuring an accessible layout designed with beginners in mind. With dedicated junior programs and a family-friendly atmosphere, it's an ideal spot for kids to learn the fundamentals of golf while parents enjoy quality time outdoors together.

🕑 1.5-3 hours depending on whether you're doing a lesson, practice session, or playing a shortened round
Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center swimming pool in Ankeny, IA🌊 Water Park
Photo: Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center

Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center is Ankeny's go-to outdoor water park where families can splash away summer days together. With features ranging from a gentle zero-depth entry pool perfect for tentative swimmers to thrilling water slides for adventure-seekers, plus a relaxing lazy river and interactive splash pad, there's truly something to keep every family member entertained for hours.

🕑 3-4 hours
Bondurant Recreational Sports Complex park in Bondurant, IA🌳 Park
Photo: Jeff Way
4.4(68)$9 mi · Bondurant

The Bondurant Recreational Sports Complex serves as the community hub for active families in the Bondurant area. This well-maintained facility offers a variety of programs and activities designed to keep kids moving and engaged, from youth sports leagues to family fitness classes and seasonal community events that bring neighbors together.

🕑 1-2 hours for most drop-in activities or classes; full-day options available during summer camps
Adventureland Park amusement park in Altoona, IA🎢 Amusement Park
Photo: Matt Karls
4.3(8,787)$$$8 mi · Altoona

Adventureland Park is Iowa's premier family amusement destination, delivering thrills for all ages across its expansive grounds. With over 100 rides ranging from heart-pounding roller coasters to gentle kiddie rides, plus live shows and an on-site water park, families can easily spend an entire day (or more!) exploring everything this park has to offer.

🕑 Full day (6-8 hours for amusement park only, full day+ if adding the water park)
Sky Zone Trampoline Park amusement park in Altoona, IA🤸 Trampoline Park
Photo: Sky Zone Trampoline Park
4.3(1,028)$$10 mi · Altoona

Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Grimes offers wall-to-wall bouncing fun for the whole family, with dedicated areas ensuring safe play for all ages. From toddler-specific zones where little ones can jump safely to dodgeball courts and foam pits for older kids, this indoor park provides active entertainment year-round, rain or shine.

🕑 1.5-2 hours

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