The best things to do in Urbandale

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

Browse another shelf: all of Urbandale’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Shopping · Bakeries & Sweets · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Nightlife · Health & Wellness · Cafes · Home & Garden · Arts & Culture

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Entertainment · 5 places · showing the latest additions first

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, September 9, 2026

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Varsity Cinema

Entertainment

Skip the scroll and let Varsity Cinema pick for you with prestige new releases, art house and international gems, curated classics,…

1207 25th St (Des Moines)

“Skip the scroll and let Varsity Cinema pick for you with prestige new releases, art house and international gems, curated classics, late-night oddities, and even concert films and opera on the big screen. Low-key perfect for a weeknight reset or a spirited Movie Bash with friends.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 25, 2026

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Flix Brewhouse

Entertainment

Flix Brewhouse pairs first run blockbusters with on-site brewed beer like Nebulas Hazy IPA, Lucha Libre Mexican Lager, and seasonal pours,…

3800 Merle Hay Rd (Des Moines)

“Flix Brewhouse pairs first run blockbusters with on-site brewed beer like Nebulas Hazy IPA, Lucha Libre Mexican Lager, and seasonal pours, plus push-button, seat-side service for burgers, hand-tossed pizzas, wings, and warm cookies. Treat yourself to a recliner, a pint, and zero compromises this week.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Johnston Splash Pad is the easy, zero-fuss way to let the kids burn energy while you hang out and supervise. The water features pop on with…

6245 Merle Hay Rd (Johnston) · ✓ checked Sep 10

“Johnston Splash Pad is the easy, zero-fuss way to let the kids burn energy while you hang out and supervise. The water features pop on with foot-activated sensors, so even toddlers can make the magic happen, and it’s a breezy go-to when summer afternoons get spicy. Check it out.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 17, 2026

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When the weather or your schedule refuses to cooperate, Birdies Mini Golf & Parties! makes it super easy to grab a quick round, spark a…

2700 University Ave (West Des Moines)

“When the weather or your schedule refuses to cooperate, Birdies Mini Golf & Parties! makes it super easy to grab a quick round, spark a little friendly trash talk, and burn kid energy indoors... perfect for date nights, co-worker challenges, or spontaneous “let’s do something” moods.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 3, 2026

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