The best things to do in Ankeny

9 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 9 places · showing the latest additions first

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Entertainment

Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.

2829 S Ankeny Blvd

“Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.”

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Otter Creek Golf Course

Entertainment

Public golf course featuring challenges and hazards, plus a clubhouse.

4100 Northeast Otter Creek Drive

“Public golf course featuring challenges and hazards, plus a clubhouse.”

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Ankeny Golf and Country Club

Entertainment

Casual, old-school 9-holer featuring treelined fairways and small, cantilevered greens.

314 SW Irvinedale Dr

“Casual, old-school 9-holer featuring treelined fairways and small, cantilevered greens.”

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Waveland Golf Course

Entertainment

Whether you're a low-handicap hero or just here for the walk, Waveland Golf Course is the oldest municipal course west of the Mississippi…

4908 University Ave (Des Moines)

“Whether you're a low-handicap hero or just here for the walk, Waveland Golf Course is the oldest municipal course west of the Mississippi with an 18-hole, classic layout through rolling wooded hills and sneaky slopes. Grab a tee time this week and let those fairways keep you honest.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Varsity Cinema

Entertainment

Cozy cinema screening new films and classics, along with independent features.

1207 25th St (Des Moines)

“Cozy cinema screening new films and classics, along with independent features.”

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B&B Theatres Ankeny 12 & B-Roll Bowling

Entertainment

Relaxed, contemporary multiscreen theater featuring showings of mainstream films.

1580 SW Market St

“Relaxed, contemporary multiscreen theater featuring showings of mainstream films.”

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Flix Brewhouse

Entertainment

Casual beer bar and restaurant that’s also a movie theater offering stadium-style seating for enjoying films and dining.

3800 Merle Hay Rd (Des Moines)

“Casual beer bar and restaurant that’s also a movie theater offering stadium-style seating for enjoying films and dining.”

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Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Entertainment

Seasonal blooms showcased outdoors & in a geodesic dome, plus educational programs & art shows.

909 Robert D. Ray Dr (Des Moines)

“Seasonal blooms showcased outdoors & in a geodesic dome, plus educational programs & art shows.”

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Beaver Creek Golf Club

Entertainment

Offering 27 holes of bent grass, this golf facility has 3 9-hole courses to mix and match, and provides lessons.

11200 NW Towner Dr (Grimes)

“Offering 27 holes of bent grass, this golf facility has 3 9-hole courses to mix and match, and provides lessons.”

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