Activity Overview
Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center was originally constructed in 1997 and can be found in Ankeny, Iowa, around 19 minutes north from Des Moines. It is easily accessible via Interstate I-35 or Highway 415. The park is maintained by the City of Ankeny, making the entrance fees very affordable. Check their website to know more when the season starts & ends as it may change year on year so you can plan accordingly.
Things to Do
- Enjoy the pools and the slides in the aquatic center. There are two slides, but have height requirements (need to be 48" or taller to do it), the pools are heated so your family won't have to worry about freezing or cold conditions. There is a zero depth entry and a splash area for the little ones, while a big lap pool is also available for the more active kids who want to practice their swimming or just do it for the exercise!
- Have a picnic - you can pretend to be in a resort for your staycation and bring food in while the kids splash around the pool for the day. It's a nice cost-effective way to spend the summer. Don't forget to bring your sunscreen though!
- Host an event - the aquatic center is available for rent on non-public hours, for a small fee.
Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center Insider Tips
- Even though the aquatic center has heated pools, it is only open during the summer months. The operating hours vary depending on the month you go (August generally has later closing hours compared to June or July).
- On some days, the park offers free admission to the splash park, or a discounted ticket to the lap swim. You can also avail of a membership if you feel you will come back multiple times to get even more savings!
