Aquatics

Des Moines Parks and Recreation swimming pools, aquatic centers, and spraygrounds are closed. We look forward to you joining us in 2021!
Now Hiring for the 2021 Summer Season!
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2021 Season Information
Rent one of our aquatic facilities for your next event. Rentals are available to all persons, organizations, clubs and youth groups.
Reservations are arranged on a first-come, first-serve basis and depends on the availability of staff. Rates are set according to the number of people in your group.
- Rental requests must be made online at least 10 days prior to the date of facility use
- All facilities are available for private rental from June - August
- Private pool rental are for events with no admission charge
- Program Times:
- Before or after regular hours (mornings or evenings; dependent on programming)
- Registration Begins:
- April 1, 2021
- Registration Ends:
- July 22, 2021
- Cost:
- Rates set according to number of people in your group
- Ages:
- All Ages
- Locations:
- All Pools
Aquatic Locations
City of Des Moines swimming pools and aquatics centers are closed for the season.
Pool & Aquatic Center Locations (find details in our Parks Directory):
- Ashworth Swimming Pool
- Birdland Swimming Pool
- Nahas Family Aquatic Center
- Northwest Family Aquatic Center
- Teachout Family Aquatic Center
All splash pools are closed for the season.
There are four splash pools operated across Des Moines. A splash pool is a splash pad with standing water and spray features; offering water play specifically aimed at children ages 10 and under. City of Des Moines splash pools are staffed; however, parental supervision is strongly encouraged.
There are 11 spraygrounds operating daily 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. from June 16 through September 30, free of charge.
A sprayground is a splash pad with spray features without standing water. Spraygrounds offer unsupervised water play. Staff is not provided at spraygrounds, so parental supervision is required.
- Columbus Park Sprayground
- Drake Park Sprayground
- Evelyn K. Davis Park Sprayground
- Fairmont Park Sprayground
- Good Park Sprayground
- Grandview Park Sprayground
- Greenwood Park Sprayground
- McHenry Park Sprayground
- Sargent Park Sprayground
- Woodlawn Park Sprayground
- Tower Park Sprayground
- Sheridan Park Sprayground
All wading pools are closed for the season.
Our wading pool season extends from June 1 through August 11. The days and hours of operation vary by facility. These water facilities are specifically aimed at children ages 10 and under. The wading pools are dispersed throughout the city and offer supervised water play. It is a great opportunity for children to meet other children, have fun, and build water confidence. Parental supervision is required.
Aquatic Events
Fitness Hour welcomes patrons to participate in a variety of activities including: lap swim, water walking, utilize the Aqua Bike/Treadmill or participate in Total Body Aqua or Aqua Zumba.
- Program Times:
- Monday - Friday 8 - 9 a.m. and 12 - 1 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday 12 - 1 p.m. - Cost:
- Regular admission applies
- Ages:
- Adult
- Locations:
- Ashworth and Birdland Swimming Pool
What is Total Body Aqua?
Total Body Aqua is a class that combines cardiovascular exercise with core, strength, and stretching to give students of all fitness levels a total body workout.
Ashworth: Tuesday/Thursday: 12 - 12:45 p.m.
What is Aqua Zumba?
Aqua Zumba blends the Zumba philosophy with water resistance, for one pool party you shouldn’t miss!
Birdland: Monday/Wednesday: 12 - 12:45 p.m.
Make a splash at the pool Monday – Thursday from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. throughout the summer. Half-price of daily admission applies.
- When:
- Monday – Thursday in June, July, and August
- Program Times:
- 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Cost:
- Half-price of daily admission
- Ages:
- All Ages
- Locations:
- All Pools
Grab the family and jump into the pool. Enjoy Family Day at all City of Des Moines aquatic facilities.
- When:
- Second Friday of each month in June, July and August
- Program Times:
- Regular Hours
- Cost:
- $5 per family
- Ages:
- All Ages
- Location:
- All Pools
Make a splash on Father's Day, as we honor fathers and celebrate fatherhood with complimentary admission for fathers.
- When:
- Sunday, June 20
- Program Times:
- Regular Hours
- Cost:
- Free admission for fathers (adult) with paid youth admission
- Ages:
- All Ages
- Location:
- All Pools
Grab your goggles and jump into one of the aquatic facilities and swim a lap or two. Celebrate the sport of swimming with the City of Des Moines.
- When:
- Wednesday, June 24
- Program Times:
- Regular hours
- Cost:
- Half-price admission all day
- Ages:
- All Ages
- Location:
- All Pools
Celebrate our nation's independence with the City of Des Moines. For those who serve or have served our country, receive free admission to our aquatic facilities.
Thank you for your service!
- Program Times:
- Regular Hours
- Cost:
- • Free admission for active duty, retired and veteran military with military identification card
• Immediate family members with military personnel receive half-price admission - Ages:
- All Ages
- Location:
- All Pools
Des Moines is a Home Base Iowa community. Learn more about available benefits
Join us for this "Royal" event. Meet and Greet with Princesses and Mermaids throughout the aquatic center while swimming. Each paying participant will get to enjoy an ice cream sundae and make a sand art necklace. Characters will depend on availability. Pre-registration is required. Each participant must be accompanied by one adult 18+.
- When:
- Tuesday, July 6
- Program Times:
- 6:30 - 8 p.m.
- Cost:
- $15
- Ages:
- 0 - 12
- Location:
- Northwest Family Aquatic Center
National Parents' Day is a day to honor all parents. Stop by the aquatic centers and make a splash with your kids.
- When:
- Sunday, July 25
- Program Times:
- Regular hours
- Cost:
- Free admission for parents (adult admission) with a paid youth admission
- Ages:
- All Ages
- Location:
- All Pools