Free & Cheap Things to Do in Des Moines, IA

  • The list below includes 59 free or cheap things to do in or near Des Moines, Iowa, including 52 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, History Museums, Bike Paths and Bowling.
  • From East Village to Saylorville Trail, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Des Moines and in nearby cities within 25 miles like West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny and Indianola.
  • The list below includes 59 free or cheap things to do in or near Des Moines, Iowa, including 52 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, History Museums, Bike Paths and Bowling.
  • From East Village to Saylorville Trail, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Des Moines and in nearby cities within 25 miles like West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny and Indianola.
Showing 81-90 of 108
0.0 Miles
Puts participants’ wits to the test in thrilling, realistic tactical laser-tag matches against their friends
31.3 Miles
76% 301 votes
Race Tracks 3333 Rusty Wallace Dr, Newton, IA 50208 MoreLess Info
Motorsports rule at the Iowa Speedway, a world-class automobile racing facility in Newton, Iowa. The Iowa Speedway hosts many NASCAR events, offers driving classes and is a popular concert venue.
31.9 Miles
- 1 votes
Parks 4320 Dawes Drive, Ames, IA 50010 MoreLess Info
The Charles & June Calhoun Park is a small city park connecting to the Ada Hayden Heritage Park. Those looking for a place to picnic may be interested in the park due to its picnic shelter and walking paths.
32.6 Miles
83% 6 votes
Parks 5205 Grand Avenue, Ames, IA 50010 MoreLess Info
Ada Hayden Heritage Park is a lakeside park with boat access. The park features several short walking trails as well as picnic areas and bike paths. The lake is also suitable for fishing.
33.6 Miles
- 0 votes
Parks 1200 Francis Mason Drive, Boone, IA 50036 MoreLess Info
The main focus of McHose Park is an 18-hole disc golf course. The course is mostly flat but has very long overall distance and challenging old growth trees and underbrush hazards.
34.1 Miles
100% 3 votes
Parks 56461 180th Street, Ames, IA 50010 MoreLess Info
Featuring the 6.5-acre McFarland Lake, McFarland Park provides 5.5 miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking. It can be used for fishing, picnicking, camping and exploring the woodland, tallgrass prairie and stream habitats located in the park.
34.7 Miles
88% 33 votes
Recreation Centers 1086 222nd drive, Boone, IA MoreLess Info
Come play in the snow at Seven Oaks Recreation in Boone, Iowa. Skiing, tubing, snowboarding, snow shoeing and a host of other exhilarating winter activities make a visit to Seven Oaks a great vacation idea. This destination also rents skis and snowboards.
34.7 Miles
- 0 votes
Camping Site 1450 Oriole Rd, Camp Hantesa, Boone, IA 50036 MoreLess Info
Camp Hantesa is a youth summer camp specializing in encouraging children to find their inner creativity and voice. The camp offers after-school programs, summer camp programs as well as special events.
34.8 Miles
- 0 votes
Historic Buildings 602 Story Street, Boone, IA 50036 MoreLess Info
Run by a regional historical society, Boone County Historical Center provides visitors with historical and cultural information about the area. The center has exhibits with artifacts like fossils, Native American tools, taxidermy, and more.
35.0 Miles
73% 22 votes
Historic Homes 709 Carroll St, Boone, IA 50036 MoreLess Info
Visitors learn about history and culture at the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace. The small home has been staged to reflect the lifestyle of Mamie and the venue is run by knowledgeable guides who know every detail about the items in the house.
35.0 Miles
- 0 votes
Movie Theaters 818 Story Street, Boone, IA 50036 MoreLess Info
Showing the latest blockbuster titles, Fridley Theatres offers the Boone community a family-friendly movie going experience. The small theatre features multiple movie screens and a full service snack and candy bar.
Showing 81-90 of 108
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