Indoor Meet-Ups in Grimes
When the weather is nice, scheduling meet ups with other homeschool friends is easy and convenient due to the abundance of parks and playgrounds in central Iowa. However, I’ve found during these long winter months, we need to get a little more creative with where we go to hang out. Finding time to get out of the house and hang out with friends is something I have prioritized as a homeschool parent. The days when we can hang out with others, experience something together, and learn from each other, tend to be some of our very favorite homeschool days! So here are a few of our favorite indoor activities in the Grimes area.
Bookmark these other fun indoor play guides:
- Indoor Play in Des Moines
- Nature Indoors Around Des Moines
- Free Things To Do in Des Moines
- 20+ Things to See and Do in Grimes, Iowa
Grimes Public Library
Address: 200 NE Beaverbrooke Blvd, Grimes, IA 50111
This library is such a fun FREE place to learn and play! There is a space for everyone toddlers to teens. With a small indoor climbing structure, toys, learning kits, computers, interactive light wall, all the books and a calming sensory space, it is one of our favorite metro libraries.
Natavi Swim School
Address: 275 SW Brookside Dr, Grimes, IA 50111
Natavi has a heated indoor pool and a dedicated hour for families to swim. They provide engaging pool toys so the kids can explore which ones sink/float, toss around a football or just take turns seeing who can swim the farthest. One thing to note if you have little ones, the pool is fairly shallow but is not zero entry and pool wings/floaties are not allowed. Currently, family swim is scheduled from 3-4 pm on M-Th and 1:15 pm on Saturdays. There is a fee of $7 per person and parents are encouraged to get in the pool with their kids, especially if they are not proficient swimmers as there is no lifeguard on duty. This is such a unique, fun opportunity and I like that it gets everyone some exercise and it has a specific start and end time so those playdates aren’t taking up the entire day.
Smokey Row
Address:1701 SE 37th St, Grimes, IA 50111
Smokey Row has an excellent kids menu, whether you need to grab a drink, snack, meal, or dessert they’ve got you covered with plenty of kid friendly options. You can bring your favorite card game, board game, book or play doh kit and hang at the tables while enjoying each other’s company!
Sky Zone
Address: 1300 SE Gateway Dr Suite 103, Grimes, IA 50111
This is a fun way to get some exercise. If you have upper elementary-aged kids, the parents can chill at the tables to chat or co-work while the kids go off to jump. If you have younger kiddos who need more supervision for safety, you might as well join them on the trampoline and get some exercise too! If you want to plan a weekday meet up, Friday is the day they open at 11 a.m. otherwise they open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Learn more here.
Rainbow of the Heartland
Address: 3300 SE Crossroads Dr, Grimes, IA 50111
An exciting place for an indoor playdate when the kids just need to move! There are multiple playground structures with a variety of swings, slides, and climbing walls. There are two indoor trampolines and a basketball hoop. Snacks can be enjoyed in the dedicated snack room and there is a couch for parents to lounge and connect as well. Currently, the price of open play is $7.50/kid cash/check and $8.00/kid credit card.
Don’t let the gloomy gray skies and cold winter weather stop you from getting out and about! Text your homeschool bestie and set up an indoor playdate right now because exploring our community is even better with friends!