The Ankeny Brief

Interactive · Things to do

The Ankeny Things To Do Finder

Every real thing to do in and around Ankeny, in one place. Pick a mood, flip a few filters, and get a shortlist. Or if you genuinely cannot decide, that's the whole point of this thing: hit Decide for us and let it choose. Everything here is local and real, and each idea links to the full guide.

What are you in the mood for?

Narrow it down

Nothing matches that combo. Try dropping a filter.
Never wonder what's on again

The Ankeny Brief is a free weekly email with what's happening in town: events, new places, deals, and the good stuff to do this week. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Form not loading? Subscribe here →

Quick answers

Things to do in Ankeny: FAQ

What is there to do in Ankeny, Iowa?

Plenty, and this finder lists it in one place: the High Trestle Trail and the paved trail network, Saylorville and Big Creek lakes, the Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center, B&B Ankeny 12 movies and bowling, Uptown and Prairie Trail breweries and patios, Otter Creek golf, disc golf and pickleball, the Uptown Farmers Market, live music at the AMP, and easy day trips. Filter by mood, or let it decide for you.

What is there to do in Ankeny tonight or this weekend?

Filter to Nightlife or Food & Drink for brewery patios, live music and food trucks at Beats & Eats in summer, a movie at B&B Ankeny 12, or dinner out. The Saturday Uptown Farmers Market runs May through September.

What are free things to do in Ankeny?

Toggle Free for the trails, Saylorville and Big Creek beaches, city parks and splash pads, disc golf at DMACC and Heritage Park, free pickleball at Greentree Park, shore fishing, the library, and summer events.

What is there to do in Ankeny with kids?

Toggle Kid-friendly for the aquatic centers and splash pads, 40-plus parks, Urban Air Trampoline Park, bowling and the arcade at B&B, the library, shore fishing, and family day trips.

What is there to do indoors on a rainy day?

Toggle Indoor for the movies, bowling and arcade, Urban Air, the library, indoor golf simulators, breweries and cafes, and the escape room.

More from The Ankeny Brief All Ankeny guides · What to eat tonight · Things to do · Restaurants · Events calendar · Moving to Ankeny
Sponsored
HeartlandAncestry
Your Ankeny ancestors are in the record. Search 26.9M+ documented ancestors, free.
All venues, addresses, and details are drawn from The Ankeny Brief's own local guides (linked on each card), which cite City of Ankeny Parks & Recreation, Kirkendall Public Library, the Ankeny Market & Pavilion, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Saylorville & Big Creek), Iowa DNR, Polk County Conservation, Travel Iowa & Catch Des Moines, and the venues themselves. Hours and seasons change, so confirm before you head out. Last reviewed mid-2026.