Des Moines Family Parks, Spray Grounds and Splash Pads Guide: Summer 2026
Splash Pads & Spray Grounds
The Des Moines metro has splash pads, spray grounds and family parks spread across multiple cities and most are FREE. The city of Des Moines spray grounds generally run May 1 through September 30. Suburban splash pads often open Memorial Day weekend. No lifeguards on duty; parental supervision required at all locations.
City of Des Moines Spraygrounds
Open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., May 1 through September 30. Free of charge. No lifeguard. *Always check their website, due to changing nitrate levels in the water, operating hours may vary
Greenwood/Ashworth Park
Address | 100 45th St, Des Moines, IA 50312 |
Highlights | New playground, splash pad, beautiful pond, observation tower, fishing docks, trails |
Best For | All ages, great for a half-day family outing |
Notes | Located off Grand Avenue. Large, well-kept park with shade. |
Ashby Park
Address | 3200 38th St, Des Moines, IA 50310 |
Highlights | Staffed splash pool, playground, tennis/pickleball, nature trail, restrooms |
Best For | Young kids, staffed splash pool is a cut above standard spraygrounds |
Notes | One of DSM most popular splash pools. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays and 12 p.m.–6 p.m. weekends |
Union Park
Address | 2009 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313 |
Highlights | Splash pool, historic Heritage Carousel, floral gardens, large play area |
Best For | Families wanting a full afternoon, carousel is a bonus for young kids |
Notes | Splash pool historically runs through early August only, confirm dates before visiting |
Tip: Visit DSM.city/Parks to search by neighborhood and amenity to find the closest sprayground to you.
Suburban Splash Pads
Hours and season dates vary. Most are free. Always call ahead or check the city's website before visiting.
American Legion Park — West Des Moines
Address | 301 Vine St, West Des Moines, IA |
Hours | Daily 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend |
Highlights | Splash pad, playground |
Best For | All ages |
Johnston Town Center Splash Pad — Johnston
Address | 6245 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131 |
Hours | Typically 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
Highlights | Interactive sensor-activated water elements, kids step on sensors to trigger jets |
Best For | Curious kids who love interactive play; great for ages 3–10 |
Notes | Free. Adult supervision required. Runs through Labor Day weekend. |
Lions Park Splash Pad — Urbandale
Address | 72nd Street and, NW Aurora Ave., Urbandale, IA 50322 |
Hours | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
Highlights | Newer facility with playground |
Best For | All ages |
Fox Creek Park — Waukee
Address | 522 NE Westgate Dr, Waukee, IA 50263 |
Hours | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
Highlights | Splash pad with playground |
Best For | All ages |
Westown Meadows — Waukee
Address | 2445 SE Willowbrook Dr, Waukee, IA 50263 |
Hours | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
Highlights | Neighborhood splash pad with playground |
Best For | Young kids and toddlers |
Doanes Park — Pleasant Hill
Address | 4900 Doanes Park Rd, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 |
Hours | 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
Highlights | Two playgrounds plus splash pad |
Best For | All ages — dual playgrounds make this a great stop |
Colby Park — Windsor Heights
Address | 6900 School St, Windsor Heights, IA 50324 |
Hours | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
Highlights | Newer splash pad with playground |
Best For | All ages |
Waterworks Park — Grimes
Address | 100 N James St, Grimes, IA 50111 |
Hours | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
Highlights | Splash pad with playground |
Best For | All ages |
Easter Lake Park — Des Moines (Polk County Conservation)
Address | 2830 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA 50320 |
Hours | 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. April 1 - October 31 |
Highlights | Splash pad (opened 2024), playground, beach access nearby |
Best For | Great combo day, splash pad PLUS beach/lake activities |
Top Parks for Families
These parks stand out for their size, amenities, or unique features and are great for half-day and full-day family outings.
Ewing Park — Des Moines (Ashley Okland Star Playground)
Address | 5300 Indianola Ave, Des Moines, IA 50320 |
Highlights | 50+ play elements, all-inclusive/adaptive playground, disc golf, trails, pond, lilac arboretum, Children's Forest, open-air shelters |
Best For | All ages including children with disabilities, one of the most inclusive playgrounds in the metro |
Notes | Des Moines' largest park. Lots of shade. Restrooms on site. |
Gray's Lake Park — Des Moines
Address | 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315 |
Highlights | Brand new playground & sprayground (open spring 2026), paddleboat/kayak rentals, 1.5-mile lake loop trail, bouldering area, basketball, interactive ball wall |
Best For | All ages — trail loop is excellent for strollers; water rentals appeal to older kids |
Notes | Major renovation completed spring 2026. Sprayground is now open — check DSM.city for current hours as changing nitrate levels in the water may affect sprayground hours. |
Waterworks Park — Des Moines
Address | 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321 |
Highlights | Large open green space, picnic areas, bike paths, walking trails, fishing, natural play areas. Adjacent to Gray's Lake. |
Best For | Families who want open space and trails — pairs perfectly with a Gray's Lake visit |
Notes | Popular for kite flying, family picnics, and biking. Free parking. |
Terra Park — Johnston
Address | 6400 Pioneer Pkwy, Johnston, IA 50131 |
Highlights | 200-acre park, large wheelchair-accessible playground, 8-acre stocked fishing lake with accessible fishing pier, trails, open space |
Best For | Older kids + fishing families. Great for a full day. |
Notes | Mix of play and outdoor education. Most of the playground is wheelchair accessible. |
Iowa State Fairgrounds — Fun Forest Playground
Address | 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317 |
Highlights | Fully inclusive playground opened August 2025 — rubberized surface, adaptive swings, wheelchair ramps, equipment for ages infant–12 |
Best For | All abilities — great for families with children of mixed abilities |
Notes | Open year-round. Free outside of State Fair dates. Verify access hours with the Iowa State Fair. |
QUICK REFERENCE: WHAT TO LOOK FOR
If You Want... | Go To... |
A splash pad + beach combo | Easter Lake Park |
The most inclusive playground in the metro | Ashley Okland Star Playground at Ewing Park |
A brand new splash pad + trail loop | Gray's Lake Park |
Sensor-activated interactive splash pad | Johnston Town Center |
Staffed splash pool (supervised) | Ashby Park or Union Park (City of DSM) |
A massive nature park + fishing | Terra Park (Johnston) |
Splash pad closest to West Des Moines | American Legion Park (WDM) or Fox Creek/Westown Meadows (Waukee) |
A full day with lots of amenities | Ewing Park + Waterworks + Gray's Lake (all near each other) |
TIPS FOR A GREAT VISIT
Bring towels and a change of clothes - even "dry" parks near splash pads get wet
Water shoes are handy at spraygrounds - surfaces get hot in summer sun
Most splash pads have no shade directly over them - bring sunscreen and hats
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekend afternoons
Most Des Moines city spraygrounds have NO lifeguards - never leave kids unattended
Pack snacks and water - not all parks have concessions
Check for park shelter reservations if you're planning a group event - book early
The City of Des Moines Parks site (DSM.city) is your best source for current hours
⚠ Before You Go - Always Verify:
Hours, opening dates, and water feature availability change each season. Always check with the city or park directly before making the trip. Water features are unsupervised at most locations so adult supervision is required.
A community resource brought to you by:
Steven Bunting, REALTOR®
515.708.4572
