Ankeny, Iowa: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ankeny, Iowa, is a gem in the Greater Des Moines area. It's full of fun experiences for everyone. You'll find family-friendly spots, lively events, outdoor fun, and a rich cultural scene. This guide will show you the best things to do in Ankeny for a memorable trip.

So, what makes Ankeny, Iowa, a top spot to visit? What special things and experiences await you there? Let's explore the best of Ankeny together.

Key Takeaways

• Ankeny, Iowa is a vibrant city that offers a wealth of exciting experiences for visitors.
• From family-friendly activities to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, Ankeny delivers an unparalleled blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities.
• This guide will showcase the top picks for things to do in Ankeny, helping you plan an unforgettable visit.
• Ankeny is home to a variety of attractions, events, and community offerings that cater to diverse interests and age groups.
• Discover the hidden gems and unique experiences that make Ankeny a must-visit destination in Iowa.

Discover Ankeny: A Family-Friendly Oasis

Ankeny, Iowa, is a top spot for families, known for its great quality of life. It's been named one of the "Best Places to Raise Kids" by Bloomberg Businessweek. It's also on the "Top 10 Best Towns for Families" list by Family Circle Magazine and among the "Top 100 Places to Live" by CNN and Money Magazine.

This city has been given the Playful Cities USA award for six years in a row. It shows Ankeny's strong focus on fun activities for all ages.

Accolades and Awards Showcasing Ankeny's Appeal

Ankeny has won many awards for being a great place for families. It's known for its excellent schools, parks, trails, and community events. These make it perfect for families to live and grow.

Lifestyle and Community Amenities

Ankeny stands out as a top family-friendly oasis in Iowa. It has great schools, lots of parks and trails, and fun community events. People here enjoy many activities, like hiking and joining in on festivals.

Ankeny works hard to make life better for its people. It has won many Ankeny accolades and awards over the years.

"Ankeny is a truly remarkable city that offers families an unparalleled quality of life. From its top-notch schools to its vibrant community events, it's no wonder the city has been recognized as one of the best places to raise a family."

Ankeny's Vibrant Events and Festivities

Ankeny is known for its lively events and festivals that unite the community all year. Summerfest is a highlight, with a carnival, parades, and fireworks that thrill everyone. The Summer Sounds concert series and Ankeny Unplugged music events offer great live music and fun times.

The "play at any age" spirit shines at the All-City Play Day. Hundreds join in for sports, arts, and fun. Ankeny's events bring people together, building a strong community feel all year.

• Many ways were used to get people involved, like workshops, booths, surveys, and online feedback. This led to big crowds at meetings and lots of online responses.
• At SummerFest, people wanted a bowling alley, arcade, Trader Joe's, and more fun spots. They also asked for outdoor concert halls, skating rinks, and new movie theaters.
• At the Ankeny Farmer's Market, ideas ranged from a recreation lake to sidewalks and an IKEA store. These ideas show a mix of desires for parks, movie theaters, and community spaces.

Ankeny keeps making its events better by listening to what people want. This keeps its events exciting for both locals and visitors.

Outdoor Adventures Await in Ankeny

Ankeny, Iowa, is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. It has many trails for walking and biking that show off beautiful views and connect us to the area's history. The city boasts a 25-mile trail system, including a stunning half-mile bridge that takes you high above the ground.

But there's more to do in Ankeny. You can find picnic spots, great parks, and lakes like Saylorville and Big Creek. These places are perfect for activities like canoeing, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching.

Trails, Parks, and Natural Escapes

Check out Ankeny's vast network of Ankeny trails and parks. Whether you want a calm walk, a fun bike ride, or a day in nature, Ankeny has it all. It's a place where Ankeny outdoor activities come alive.

• Sleepy Hollow Sports Park: Offering tickets for $18 each and a season pass for $125, visitors can enjoy 2-hour access to the Snowflex run, 2-hour lift pass, 1 tube rental, and 1 helmet rental.
• PLAYgrounds Cafe in Waukee: Providing single play passes for children aged 6 months to 6 years at a cost of $13.99 per child.
• Athene North Shore Recreation Area at Easter Lake: Offering recreational equipment rentals from 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and weekends.

Ankeny is a place where nature and adventure meet. Ankeny trails and parks and Ankeny nature offer an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Embrace the Local Art and Cultural Scene

Ankeny's art and culture scene shows the city's love for its heritage and creativity. The Ankeny Art Center, Ankeny Historical Society, and local theater groups bring events and shows all year. They offer a wide range of cultural experiences.

The city has a community band and chorus for arts immersion. A new, modern 50,000-square-foot library is coming to Ankeny's Town Center. It will boost the city's arts and education efforts.

Local Festivals and Performances

Ankeny's art and culture scene is buzzing with festivals and performances all year:

• The Ankeny Art Festival is on May 11, with art, demos, and live music.
• The Valley Junction Arts Festival is on May 19, with artist demos and fun.
• The Des Moines Art Week celebrates local artists from June 9 to June 15.
• The DMACC Ankeny Theatre presents "As You Like It" from July 19-20 and 25-27.

Outside Ankeny, there are more shows at places like the Des Moines Civic Center, Hoyt Sherman Place, and Wells Fargo Arena.

Ankeny offers a rich mix of cultural events and performances. It's a place where art and culture come alive for everyone to enjoy.

Ankeny, Iowa: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ankeny, Iowa, is a place with something for everyone. It has family-friendly spots, lively events, and lots of outdoor and cultural activities. This city is perfect for a day trip, a weekend away, or a longer visit. It will amaze you with its variety and friendly vibe.

Begin your journey by trying out the local food scene. Enjoy pumpkin pancakes at Drake Diner, a meatloaf sandwich at Mars Café, or chicken and waffles at The Dam Pub. For something different, try specialty burgers and spiked milkshakes at Zombie Burger or an Oktoberfest beer at a beer hall.

Outdoor lovers will love Ankeny's nature spots. Check out the trails and views at Jester Park, see the plants at Brenton Arboretum, or find peace at Ledges State Park. Don't miss the pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and haunted houses in the fall.

Get into Ankeny's arts and culture. Find unique items at West End Architectural Salvage, try an escape room, or visit the Living History Farms. Watch a movie at the Palms Theater and IMAX or see the beautiful gardens at the Des Moines Botanical Garden.

Ankeny has cool murals, specialty shops, and historic dinners at the Flynn Mansion. It's a place with lots of things to do for all kinds of interests. Start planning your trip to Ankeny, Iowa and see what makes it special!

Educational Opportunities in Ankeny

Ankeny, Iowa, is proud of its top-notch education. It has a thriving school district and well-known colleges for higher education. This makes it a great place for learning at all levels.

Excellent Schools and Higher Education

The Ankeny Community School District is growing fast, with 12,671 students now. It's known for its strong academics and modern facilities. Ankeny is building a new center for 9-12 students. This will help them explore careers and learn on their own.

Ankeny also has many colleges for higher education. You can find branches of three Iowa colleges, Des Moines Area Community College, and Faith Baptist College here. They offer programs from associate's to master's degrees for all kinds of students. In fact, 38% of students in Ankeny are over 25, showing the city's support for lifelong learning.

If you want a great Ankeny education for your kids or to advance your own Ankeny higher education, you'll find many excellent options. Ankeny has everything you need to achieve your goals.

Shopping, Dining, and Hospitality Highlights

Ankeny, Iowa, is a lively community with great shopping, dining, and hospitality. It has a mix of local shops, boutiques, and well-known stores for all tastes and budgets. This makes Ankeny shopping a fun experience.

The city's food scene is also top-notch, with many restaurants serving food from around the world. You can find everything from authentic Italian at Centro to creative burgers at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab. Ankeny's Ankeny dining spots are sure to impress.

Ankeny also has 21 churches and 12 Ankeny hotels, lodges, and inns. These places offer cozy stays for those visiting the area.

"Ankeny is a thriving community that offers something for everyone, from its vibrant shopping and dining scene to its welcoming hospitality."

Business and Employment Prospects in Ankeny

Ankeny, Iowa, is a growing center for businesses and job opportunities. It draws a skilled and educated workforce. Companies like Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Darling International, and Monsanto Company have set up shop here. They are drawn by Ankeny's great location, strong infrastructure, and skilled workers.

Major Companies and Job Opportunities

Ankeny is not just about big names; it also offers a wide range of jobs across different fields. This makes it a great place for professionals and job seekers. Some of the notable job openings in the Ankeny area include:

• Job for a Telehealth Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) available 15 miles from Ankeny with a starting salary of $75,000 per year.
• RN Home Health Case Manager job 9 miles from Ankeny offering a pay range of $65,000 to $75,000 per year with benefits like Health, Dental, STD/LTD Insurance, and 401K with corporate match.
• Hair Stylist position in Ankeny with a salary range of $45,000 to $100,000 per year, offering benefits such as health, vision, dental insurance, 401k, product commission, and full-service commission.
• MDS Coordinator opportunity located 9 miles from Ankeny, offering an engaging leadership role in long-term and skilled care centers with responsibilities including preparing statistical reports and coordinating MDS assessments.

These examples show the diverse job opportunities in Ankeny. They highlight the city's strong business scene and its ability to draw various industries and jobs.

Nearby Attractions in Des Moines

Ankeny has lots to do, but there's more to see in Des Moines, just a short drive away. Des Moines has many popular spots like the Blank Park Zoo, the Science Center, and the Living History Farms. Sports fans can catch games by the Des Moines Menace, Iowa Barnstormers, Iowa Energy, Iowa Cubs, and Iowa Chops.

The Des Moines Arts Festival and the Downtown Farmer's Market are great for culture and food lovers. Des Moines has lots to offer, from nature to entertainment, just a short drive from Ankeny.

Attractions for Families with Children

Des Moines is great for families, with fun and learning activities. Top spots for kids include:

• Des Moines Children's Museum (located inside Valley West Mall)
• JouJou play space
• Science Center of Iowa's Small Discoveries Room
• Valley Community Center's Tot Town

Sports fans can join kids' clubs with the Des Moines Buccaneers, Iowa Barnstormers, Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wild, and Iowa Wolves.

For outdoor fun, Des Moines has pools and splash pads. There are also great child care and healthcare options for families.

"Des Moines is a vibrant city with something for everyone, from world-class attractions to lively cultural events. Whether you're a sports fan, an art enthusiast, or a nature lover, there's no shortage of ways to explore and enjoy all that the area has to offer."

Plan Your Perfect Summer in Ankeny

Ankeny, Iowa, is a great place for making summer memories. It has outdoor adventures, family fun, and a lively cultural scene. There's something for everyone, no matter your age or interests.

Start your summer by hitting the trails in Ankeny. Put on your hiking boots and check out the Oralabor Gateway Trail. It's surrounded by greenery and has peaceful ponds. Or, hop on your bike for the 26-mile High Trestle Trail. This trail offers stunning views of the Des Moines River valley.

Don't miss the Downtown Farmers' Market every Saturday from May to October. It's full of fresh produce, crafts, and live music. Also, the Covered Bridges Festival in nearby Winterset is a must-see. It features a parade, vendor booths, and tours of beautiful covered bridges.

Kids will love Ankeny's family-friendly spots. The Science Center of Iowa is perfect for curious young minds with its interactive exhibits. For more fun, head to Adventureland Park for exciting rides and water slides.

As the day ends, dive into Ankeny's cultural scene. Enjoy a show at the Hoyt Sherman Place or taste wines at WineStyles. For something special, try the summer concert series at Jasper Winery. You can enjoy local wines and live music there.

Ankeny's summer is all about making memories with your family. Plan your trip and see what this place has to offer. It's perfect for Ankeny summer activities, Ankeny tourism, Ankeny family-friendly, and Ankeny outdoor adventures.

"Ankeny is a hidden gem that offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventures, vibrant events, and family-friendly attractions. It's the ideal destination for an unforgettable summer getaway." - John Doe, Travel Enthusiast

Explore Ankeny's Vibrant Events and Festivities

• Attend the Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market every Saturday from May to October
• Participate in Brunch Bingo at Smash Park in West Des Moines every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Enjoy the Summer Concert Series at Jasper Winery on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Discover the Covered Bridges Festival in Winterset, featuring a parade, vendors, and tours of picturesque covered bridges

Immerse Yourself in Ankeny's Cultural Scene

1. Explore the Iowa Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame at Hoyt Sherman Place for live performances and concerts
2. Indulge in wine tastings at WineStyles, a local wine tasting room
3. Experience the vibrant arts and entertainment offerings at the Des Moines Performing Arts Center

Conclusion

Ankeny, Iowa, is a lively and exciting place full of things to do for travelers. It has a mix of family-friendly vibes and big-city comforts. This city is perfect for those who love outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

There's something for everyone in Ankeny, from the famous Iowa's Best Burger Contest to its great food and shopping spots. The city also offers educational chances for those interested in learning more. This guide has shown why Ankeny is a top choice for travelers.

Planning a summer trip to Ankeny means diving into a community that values its past and looks forward to the future. The city's attractions and friendly people make it a place you'll want to visit again and again.