Tour Des Moines: Playgrounds

06/03/2026

Inis Grove Park: in Ames has TWO playgrounds. This one is located up on a hill, beyond the sand volleyball pits.
• unique climbing structure suitable for older kids
• big kid + baby bucket swings
• wooden mulch ground cover
• lots of lawn space for play
• trail access
• sand volleyball nearby
• shade trees
• bench available
• large picnic pavilion with tables
• bathrooms + drinking fountain south of playground, near parking lot
• large parking lot available
•📍2500 Duff Ave, Ames (use the 24th St. parking lot)
• Added Bonus: this is just one of two playgrounds at Inis Grove Park; the infamous inclusive playground is an easy walk to the southwest side of the park (past the tennis courts and ball field)!

06/02/2026

Inis Grove Park: in Ames has an all-inclusive playground that kids (and adults!) of all ages + abilities can enjoy!
• large, accessible playground structure
• many accessible features, including slides, a roller slide, we-saw, we-go-round, and more!
• orbit spinner
• multiple play features for younger kids to explore
• musical elements
• sensory panels
• big kid + baby bucket + inclusive + saucer swings
• grass field for play
• baseball field + tennis courts + sand volley ball
• rubber turf + faux grass turf ground cover
• shade trees throughout
• partially fenced play space!
• several benches available
• large picnic pavilion + tables
• restroom + drinking fountain
• multiple parking lots (one off Duff, another off 24th St)
•📍2500 Duff Ave, Ames
• Added Bonus: there is a second playground down and around the back of the grove, behind the sand volleyball!

05/18/2026

Doanes Park Playground: in Pleasant Hill has multiple accessible playgrounds for kids of all ages & abilities to enjoy, including this NEW update play area!
• separate play spaces for big + little kids, including a large climbing structure with multiple levels & slides, and a smaller “playhouse” for littles to enjoy
• baby bucket swing + big kid swings + expression swing
• inclusive turnabout spinner
• multiple accessible sensory panels
• musical elements
• seat spinners
• a mix of ground cover, including rubber turf, faux grass turf, and wood chips (under swings)
• small nature trail for exploring
• large trees surrounding provide lots of shade
• large picnic pavilion with multiple tables
• drinking fountain + bathrooms
• large parking lot
• Added Bonus: splash pad 💦 + a second, spherical playground climbing structure, and basketball courts at Doanes Park can be located just down the hill, nearby!
• 📍Address: 4900 Doanes Park Rd., Pleasant Hill

05/15/2026

Attention Des Moines area park-goers! Another local park has a fun, NEW playground update you’ll want to add to your summer bucket list!
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• Featured: Doanes Park Playground in Pleasant Hill

05/11/2026

Boulder Brook Park: in Ankeny is a cute little neighborhood pocket park
• small playground structure for kids of all ages
• big kid + baby swings
• wooden mulch ground cover
• trail access
• one park bench
• a picnic pavilion with several tables
• no bathroom or drinking fountain
• several shade trees
• street parking only
• 📍Address: 3333 NW Boulder Point Place, Ankeny

05/08/2026

Coming soon! 🛝

05/07/2026

Mary Frances Rodish Softball Complex: at Holiday Park in West Des Moines added a NEW playground those sideline siblings will love playing at!
• a fun playground structure kiddos of all ages can enjoy while games are being played!
• accessible We-Saw
• accessible sensory panel + spinning seat
• faux grass turf
• large shade canopy over playground + large shade trees
• no swings
• fully fenced in space
• seasonal bathrooms + drinking fountain
• Holiday Park Trail Access
• parking lot
• Worth Noting: this playground is right next to the West Des Moines softball fields at Holiday Park. You do not need to be in attendance of a game to enjoy the playground but be aware the playground is only open when softball games are being played (otherwise it’s locked, which is slightly unfortunate because it’s well shaded and right off Holiday Park Trail, but understandable due to maintaining the space).
•📍Address: 1701 Railroad Ave, West Des Moines

05/05/2026

Fun fun FUN! 🏄🏽‍♂️🏄🏼‍♀️🏄🏾

🌊 Grand Opening at the RecPlex – BrushBoard Experience! 🌊
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
🎟️ FREE Admission

Be among the first to experience BrushBoarding — a one-of-a-kind, surf-inspired attraction where you ride across a wave of rotating brushes… no water required!

Join us for the official grand opening and see why this innovative activity is making waves:

🎉 Event Highlights:
✔️ Live demonstrations
✔️ Open riding opportunities
✔️ Photo & video moments

Whether you’re looking to try something new or just want to stop by and watch the action, this is a fun, interactive experience for all ages.

Come check it out and see what’s new at the RecPlex!