11 Best & Fun Things To Do In Ankeny (Iowa)

There are so many amazing things to do in Ankeny. That is why travelers come from all over the country to enjoy time with their family and friends in the city.

Experience a city with tasty beers, an art center, miles of trails, golf courses, delicious food, parks, and many more.

Ankeny is a small town in Iowa with a total population of 67,887.

It is on the outskirts of West Des Moines, a popular city in Iowa with many historical landmarks.

However, there is a belief among tourists that some outskirts do not worth their time, but certainly not for Ankeny because this is a good place to spend your holiday.

Although it is a small area, this city still features different parks and many hiking trails.

If you are planning to visit Iowa soon or you are already in town, then you need to check out our recommendations of the 11 Best and most fun things to do in Ankeny Iowa.

Things To Do In Ankeny

1. Firetrucker Brewery

Do you love quality beers? If so, then you need to check out Firetrucker Brewery in Ankeny.

Firetrucker Brewery is an amazing place to hang out with friends or to enjoy some free time alone.

The Brewery is popularly known for its production of good, tasty, and healthy beers.

An afternoon spent at the Brewery is the perfect way to spend your afternoon and can also be a romantic place for couples.

Furthermore, the atmosphere is always refreshing; the brewery is always clean and well maintained.

Also, you will be opportune to get a tour of the place and you will get to see the steps of production.

Their staff are friendly, calm and are always ready to get you whatever you order.

They have unique collections of tasty beers that you can try out.

Firetrucker Brewery in Ankeny may not be the best place for a reserved person during the afternoon because it gets really busy quickly.

However, if you want to enjoy some free moments in the Brewery, then you need to visit very early.

Above all, this brewery is one of the most visited by local residents. Therefore, if you are visiting Ankeny, then is a perfect place to check out to get some refreshments.

Make sure you add Firetrucker Brewery to the list of places you intend to visit whenever you are in Ankeny.

Address: 716 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

2. Iowa Culinary Institute At DMACC

Do you love to eat a tasty and delicious meal or do you love to spend some quality time with your friends? Why not check out Iowa Culinary Institute in Ankeny?

Iowa Culinary Institute is a perfect place to relax and enjoy different meals; besides, the place is always clean.

Also, the staff are attentive when taking orders and are really friendly.

The way the food is decorated will give you have an appetite to eat and also leave you salivating.

Furthermore, they have varieties of meals you can order at a very reasonable price.

Your kids will also have a great day at the place. They also offer different seafood cakes.

The chefs are well trained and they ensure that the food is prepared properly.

Indeed, this place should be among the places you would be visiting while in Ankeny.

Address: Building 7 – Culinary Arts / Conference Center, 2006 S Ankeny Blvd Bldg 7, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

3. Ankeny Art Center

Are you a lover of art or do you wish to increase your level of creativity? If that is your area of interest, then you need to check out Ankeny Art Center.

This location is a beautiful place filled with different fun and inspiring art. There are different art in the building and outside the building.

Also, they are always changing the art, therefore you can visit anytime and you will be surprised to see another art different from the ones you’ve seen in the center before.

If you have not visited the Ankeny Art Center, this is the best time to do so because there are lots of things to view in the place.

Also, the center is always clean and well maintained. It is a wonderful place to get different ideas on how to create artwork.

Furthermore, the staff are really nice and friendly towards visitors.

It is a nice place for artists to be; the atmosphere is always cool.

They also offer ceramics classes and open studio ceramics at the Ankeny Art Center.

Besides, the teachers are super nice knowledgeable.

If at all you know nothing about art, you can still visit to get a basic understanding.

They also have a pottery shop. You surely need to check this place out.

Ankeny Art Center is an interesting place that is worth the visit. You are certainly going to love the place.

Make sure you visit whenever you are in Ankeny or add it to your bucket list.

Address: 1520 SW Ordnance Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

4. Ankeny Area Historical Society

Do you love to explore new places or do you wish to know more about Ankeny? Well, to fulfill those wishes, we have a place you need to check out.

Ankeny Area Historical Society is one of the most interesting places in Ankeny. It is filled with lots of old houses.

This house was constructed back in 1905 but is still standing strong.

It is a wonderful and fun place for both kids and adults.

Besides, the buildings are well managed, and it is a safe environment for kids to play.

You can also play scavenger hunt with your friends or kids in the museum.

The volunteers are exceptionally friendly and they have a great desire to share what they know about the place and its surrounding.

Also, each room is filled with beautiful artifacts. Oh yeah, make sure to check out the basement because they have displays of the first and second world wars.

Ankeny Area Historical Society is a museum you need to visit.

There is a small grassy area in front of the museum where kids can safely have a great time as well.

Ensure you add the Ankeny Area Historical Society to the list of places you intend on visiting whenever you are in Iowa.

Address: 301 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

5. The Operating Room Ankeny

How do you feel whenever you visit a new place? Do you love to have fun with your family, friends and partner, or do you choose to spend your time alone?

If so, then you need to visit Operating Room Ankeny.

This is one of the most attractive and fun places in Ankeny. The operating room is filled with lots of play equipment for kids to have a great time.

Also, there are different areas in the room where adults can hang out. There is a bar where you can take a shot as well.

There are different games suitable for both males and females, depending on their area of interest.

Playing games comes with other take-home bonuses, which means if you win, you will get a gift.

However, to have access to those play equipment, you need to pay some fee which is really low compared to the fun you will experience.

There is also a large parking space in front of the operating room where you can safely park your car.

The place is super clean, and it is a comfortable environment, also their staff are really nice and friendly.

It is a perfect place to bond with your family and can also serve as a romantic place for couples to have a date.

Above all, after kids have enjoyed their day in the place, it can also be a nice spot for adults at night but visiting is strictly for adults, 18+ only.

The Operating Room Ankeny is truly an amazing place to spend your free time.

Your fun experience here is certain. Ensure you visit whenever you are in Ankeny.

Address: 1631 SW Main St #105, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

6. The Escape – Ankeny

Are you looking for a place to hang out with your friends or do you want to escape from the busy city?

If that is what you want, then you need to check out The Escape – Ankeny.

This is an amazing place to spend some time alone or with your family and friends.

it is a beautiful place filled with lots of fun activities.

Furthermore, the staff are amazing and they will explain the rules of the game to you before you begin.

However, you need to pay a reasonable fee before you will have access to the fun equipment.

The Escape – Ankeny is a kid-friendly area, that is; both kids and adults can have a great day here.

It is also one of the perfect places to bond with your family and friends because you get to play some games together

Besides, the game ranges from easy to challenging, which is you get to choose the level you desire.

The Escape – Ankeny is indeed an amazing place to spend your time.

Also, the price for each game is relatively cheap compared to the fun you are going to experience.

Ensure you add The Escape – Ankeny to the list of places you intend to visit whenever you are in Iowa.

Address: 1802 SE Delaware Ave Suite 115, Ankeny, IA 50021, United States

Planning a road trip outside of Ankeny? Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Ames, things to do in Des Moines  and things to do in Sioux City!

7. Ankeny Carman’s Flowers

Do you love beautiful flowers or do you wish to spend your day in a beautiful environment? If so, you need to check out Ankeny Carman’s Flowers

This is an amazing place where you get to see different beautiful flowers.

Ankeny Carman’s Flowers is a calm and nice environment perfect for someone that loves a quiet place.

Furthermore, if you want to know how to successfully plant different beautiful flowers, then this is your go spot.

Their staff are really nice, and they are always ready to provide every information you need.

You can also buy the flowers you like at a reasonable price.

You can order beautiful flowers for your event and they will be delivered to you.

This is a perfect place you need to check out to get good and real flowers.

Address: 516 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

8. Uptown Garage Brewing Co.

If you love tasty and healthy beers, you need to check out Uptown Garage Brewing Co in Ankeny.

This is a good place to hang out with your family and friends. They have different collections of beers that you would love to take.

Also, the beers are relatively cheap, and the taste is really good.

Uptown Garage Brewing Co in Ankeny is a good spot to visit after a very long day.

The staff are really welcoming and nice and the atmosphere is always calm and romantic, therefore it is a perfect place for couples.

It is a family-friendly environment because it has different areas where kids can have fun.

There is also a mini stage where you can watch artists play.

As a result, make sure you check out this place whenever you are in Ankeny.    

Address: 305 SW Walnut St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

9. BackSpin Indoor Golf and Bar

This is a nice place to hang out with friends and you can as well visit alone.

They offer a unique and amazing indoor golf experience.

Also features over 90 courses, including Pebble Beach. It is a family-friendly environment, perfect for both kids and adults.

The indoor gulf is sometimes quite perfect for someone that dislikes unpleasant sounds. Also, the place is always clean.

Furthermore, this bar is a perfect place for couples to hang out; you can get some beers to cool off.

To access the gulf course, you need to pay a reasonable fee. The BackSpin Indoor Golf and Bar in Ankeny is worth the visit.

Besides, the staff are really nice and welcoming

Make sure you add the place to the list of places you intend to visit whenever you are in Ankeny because your fun experience is certain.

Address: 106 SW State St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

10. Xoxo Gift & Home

Need a place to get gifts for your family and friends? Well, Xoxo Gift & Home in Ankeny gets you covered.

This is one of the unique gift shops in Ankeny and a nice place to visit before going to a party.

There are different gifts to see at the place, also the parking is perfect.

Also, they have different opinions of gifts depending on the occasion you have. You don’t need to worry about the prices because they are really cheap.

Furthermore, their staff are really helpful, and they will also assist you in picking your gift.

The gift shop is also a perfect place to get kids’ items.

Whenever you need a Gift item, Xoxo Gift & Home in Ankeny is a good place to visit.

Address: 721 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

11. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Are you looking for a beautiful place to hang out with your family, or do you desire to have a great fun experience?

Why not check out Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Ankeny?

This is an amazing place to spend some time with your family and friends.

The park is not only beautiful, but it is also one of the safest places for both kids and adults to have fun.

There have different play equipment in the park, also the place is clean and the staff are friendly.

But to access the fun equipment, you need to pay a reasonable fee.

Furthermore, there are different areas in the park where adults can have a great time alone or with their friends.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is definitely a pleasant place to stop after a long hour of drive.

Ensure you add this place to the list of places you intend on visiting whenever you are in Ankeny.

Address: 2829 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

Final Remarks

Are you thinking or searching for what to do in Ankeny? Well, search no more because above are some of the fun places of interest in the city.

There are other things to do in the city so, don’t feel limited by our recommendations.

Meanwhile, our list of places above will help you to a reasonable extent.

Safe travels.