Slick City Action Park in Des Moines: Everything Families Need to Know

Looking for a brand-new indoor activity in Des Moines that the entire family can enjoy? Slick City Action Park has officially opened in the Des Moines metro, bringing giant dry slides, air courts, a zipline, toddler play areas, an arcade, and plenty of high-energy fun to Clive.

Located at 9999 University Avenue in Clive, near Valley West Mall, Slick City is a massive indoor action park designed for toddlers, elementary-aged kids, teens, and even adults.

One of the first things you notice when you walk inside is how bright and colorful the space is. Neon colors fill the park, and we loved spotting the fun nods to Des Moines incorporated into murals throughout the building. It feels energetic from the moment you walk through the doors.

Whether you need to escape a rainy day, burn energy during an Iowa winter, plan a birthday party, or find somewhere that kids of several different ages can enjoy together, here is everything families should know before visiting Slick City Action Park in Des Moines.

What Is Slick City Action Park?

Slick City isn’t your typical trampoline park or indoor playground. The main attractions are giant indoor dry slides designed to create the thrills of a water slide, without the water!

Kids and adults can experience extreme drops, twists, turns, launches, and half-pipe-style rides on attractions like the Mega Launch and Big Wave. The park features several different attractions, including:

  • Mega Launch
  • Big Wave
  • Royal Flush
  • Rush
  • Fast Lane racing slides
  • Python
  • Cowabunga
  • Zipline
  • Sport Air Courts
  • Junior Jungle
  • Arcade

If it is your first visit, make sure to pay attention to the slide demonstrations and instructions before jumping in. Knowing how to properly position yourself and ride each attraction makes the experience safer and helps everyone feel more confident, especially kids trying the bigger slides for the first time.

Because the entire park is indoors and climate-controlled, Slick City is a fantastic option for things to do indoors with kids in Des Moines, whether you are escaping summer heat, rain, snow, or simply looking for somewhere new to explore.

Slick City for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Have a toddler who wants to join the adventure? Slick City has a space specifically designed for younger visitors. The Junior Jungle is a soft-play area where little ones can climb, crawl, slide, and explore at their own pace. This gives families with children of different ages an option where younger siblings can still be part of the fun.

Junior admission is available for younger children, making this a great option for families who may have a toddler tagging along with older siblings.

At the time of our visit, pricing included:

  • 120-minute Junior admission, ages 3 and under: $16.99
  • 90-minute Junior admission, ages 3 and under: $14.99
  • Slick City socks are required and sold separately.

Always double-check current ages, pricing, and attraction requirements before visiting, as these can change.

Elementary Kids Will LOVE the Slides

Elementary-aged kids are probably going to have a hard time deciding what to try first. There are slides for different comfort and thrill levels, which is great if you have one child who wants to fly through the air and another who prefers to work their way up to the bigger attractions. Kids can race each other, tackle twisting slides, experience huge drops, play on the air courts, and try the zipline.

Some of the biggest attractions include the Mega Launch, Slick City’s signature thrill experience; Big Wave, which gives riders a giant half-pipe-style experience; and Fast Lane, where you can race friends and family. Our recommendation? Give yourself enough time to explore. There is a LOT to do, and kids will definitely want to repeat their favorites.

Tweens and Teens Will Actually Want to Hang Out Here

Finding activities for tweens and teens can sometimes be tricky. Slick City is one of those rare places where older kids can have just as much fun as younger siblings. The larger slides offer plenty of adrenaline, while the Sport Air Courts, zipline, arcade, and other attractions give them different ways to stay entertained.

It also makes a fun option for groups of friends, teen birthday parties, school breaks, or those days when your tween or teen claims there is “nothing to do.” If you have kids spanning several ages, this is one of the biggest perks of Slick City. Everyone can find something that fits their level of adventure.

Yes, Adults Can Slide Too!

One of our favorite things about Slick City is that parents do not have to stand on the sidelines. Adults can purchase admission and join the fun. Race your kids down the slides, challenge them on the air courts, tackle the zipline, or find out who in the family is brave enough to take on the biggest attractions. This makes Slick City feel much more like a family experience rather than somewhere you simply drop the kids off to play.

Of course, participating is completely optional! If sliding isn’t your thing, spectator admission is free, and there are lots of seating options throughout the facility.

Honestly, this could also be a great place to bring your laptop and get a little work done while older, independent kids play. Grab a seat, connect to available Wi-Fi if offered, and let them burn some energy while you knock a few things off your to-do list. Just make sure your children meet any supervision requirements for their ages.

Slick City Des Moines Admission and Pricing

At the time of our visit, general admission pricing included:

  • 120 minutes: $31.99
  • 90 minutes: $26.99
  • 120-minute Junior admission: $16.99
  • 90-minute Junior admission: $14.99
  • Spectators: Free
  • Required Slick City socks: $4.99

One important thing to know before visiting: you must purchase Slick City socks to participate. The good news? Save them! Bring your Slick City socks back on future visits so you don’t have to purchase another pair each time.

Pricing, age requirements, hours, and admission options can change, so we always recommend checking Slick City’s website before heading out.

Grab a Snack at City Café

All that activity can also work up an appetite. The City Café offers concession-style food, drinks, and snacks, making it easy to refuel without leaving the park. Options include items such as:

  • Pizza
  • Chicken strips
  • Candy
  • ICEEs
  • Pop
  • Other concession-style snacks and food

This can be especially helpful if you are planning a longer visit or have kids who inevitably announce they are starving five minutes after arriving anywhere.

Don’t Skip the Arcade

Need a break from sliding? Slick City also has an arcade, giving kids another activity to enjoy during their visit.

The arcade is a nice addition, especially for older kids and teens or anyone who wants to take a break between rounds on the slides. Keep in mind that arcade games may be an additional cost beyond regular park admission, so plan accordingly.

Birthday Parties at Slick City Des Moines

If your child’s first thought after walking inside is, “Can I have my birthday party here?” … the answer is yes!

Slick City offers several different birthday party packages, making it easy to choose an option based on your group size, budget, and celebration. Depending on the package selected, parties may include reserved party space, attraction time, food and drinks, and other party perks or add-ons.

The best part for parents? It is completely indoors. No checking the radar. No backup rain plan. No worrying about an Iowa birthday in January or a 95-degree afternoon in July.

Because party packages, inclusions, and pricing can change, check current options and reserve directly through Slick City when planning your celebration.

Tips to Know Before Visiting Slick City

A little planning can make your first visit even easier.

  • Reserve your time slot. Slick City can get busy, especially since it is a new attraction in the Des Moines metro. We highly recommend booking ahead.
  • Bring water bottles. A drinking fountain and bottle filling station are conveniently located near the restrooms.
  • Save your Slick City socks. Socks are required and cost $4.99 at the time of our visit. Hang onto them and bring them back for your next adventure.
  • Watch the slide demonstrations. Take a minute to learn the proper riding position and rules before heading down the slides.
  • Choose your session length wisely. You can select a 90- or 120-minute session. If your kids are the type who never want to leave an indoor play place, you may appreciate having the extra time.
  • Spectators are free. You don’t have to purchase a participant ticket if you plan to watch rather than slide.
  • Plan for arcade spending. If your kids love arcade games, you may want to budget a little extra beyond admission.
  • Check height, age, and attraction requirements. Not every attraction is appropriate for every age or size, so review current rules before visiting.