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 31-40 of 108
0.0 Miles
Runners dressed in all-white run through a 5K that features Foam Glow zones, where they’re sprayed with nontoxic, vibrantly colored foam
6.9 Miles
67% 3 votes
Movie Theaters 2829 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021 MoreLess Info
The Springwood 9 Theaters, also known as Fridley Theaters, offers guests the chance to enjoy first-run movies. The location offers both 2D and Real3D viewing experiences and guests can also host birthday parties at this location.
7.0 Miles
83% 12 votes
Historic Buildings 2001 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA MoreLess Info
Jordan House is close to some of Niagara's finest wineries, trails, natural areas and heritage sites. The house is newly renovated and offers Inn style accommodations, casual dinners and regional cuisine.
7.2 Miles
100% 1 votes
Parks 9000 Douglas Avenue, Urbandale, IA 50322 MoreLess Info
Standard facilities such as a baseball diamond, picnic shelter that can be rented, a children's playground, and open picnic areas are available at Walker-Johnston Park. The city's skateboard park is held within the site.
7.3 Miles
100% 8 votes
Cooking Classes 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, IA 50023 MoreLess Info
Visitors can help out the students of Iowa Culinary Institute by attending one of their gourmet dinners and providing feedback. The instructors guide the students while they prepare a seven course meal for their guests.
7.3 Miles
75% 4 votes
Parks 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50265 MoreLess Info
At a size of 632 acres, Raccoon River Park consists of a large grass area with a lake and river passing through it. There are walking trails that surround the lake that are open to joggers and cyclists.
7.5 Miles
100% 3 votes
Children's Play Area 1600 Valley W Dr, Ste 100, West Des Moines, IA 50266 MoreLess Info
As an indoor entertainment center, Monkey Joe's is filled with wall to wall bounce houses and other inflatables for children to play on. The center has a separate play area for toddlers with age-appropriate inflatables.
7.8 Miles
- 0 votes
Horse Races I 80 Exit 142, Altoona, IA 50009 MoreLess Info
The Racing Association of Central Iowa hosts live horse racing at Prairie Meadows. The venue offers live racing, simulcast racing, a casino, dining, and a wide variety of live entertainment.
8.1 Miles
88% 25 votes
Military Museums 7700 Northwest Beaver Drive, Johnston, IA 50131 MoreLess Info
Celebrate the sacrifice that men and women in the service gave our country at the Iowa Gold Start Museum. Learn about the history of the 'Gold Star Mothers' and the history of those who had a tremendous impact on our nation.
8.4 Miles
87% 161 votes
Historic Sites 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322 MoreLess Info
Learn about the cultural and historical development of Urbandale, Iowa at Living History Farms. Children and adults tour homes, experience a one-room schoolhouse, explore early farming techniques and enjoy interacting with costumed staff.
8.6 Miles
100% 3 votes
Arts Centers 1520 SW Ordnance Road, Ankeny, IA 50023 MoreLess Info
The mission of the Ankeny Art Center is to provide inspirational and educational visual art experiences to the community. To this end, the center hosts a variety of exhibits, offers classes, and hosts special events.
Showing 31-40 of 108
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