5 Things To Do In Johnston Before The Kids Go Back To School

It's hard to believe, but soon summer will be winding down. So before the kids head back to school, why not spend some time as a family enjoying all that our community has to offer?

If you're looking for a place to get started, we've rounded up five fun things to do in the Johnston area before the kids head back to school. Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm hours and access, stay hydrated, and if you're heading outdoors, bring plenty of SPF and bug spray!

1. Walker Johnston Park

Address: 9000 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322
Phone: 515-278-3963
Located in nearby Urbandale, Walker Johnston Park includes a playground, open play fields and a baseball/softball diamond for sports enthusiasts. Kids can enjoy skateboarding, soccer and tennis, as well as explore the trails and fish in the pond. Click here for more info.

2. Operating Room

Address: 1631 SW Main Street #105, Ankeny, IA 50023
Phone: 515-289-0051
The Operating Room in nearby Ankeny is a bar arcade where families can enjoy state-of-the-art arcade games and pinball without the hassle of coins or tokens, thanks to a convenient card system. They can earn tickets and points on their cards to redeem for great prizes while enjoying delicious food (and, for the adults, craft cocktail slushies). Click here for more info.

3. Ankeny Miracle Park

Address: 300 NW School St, Ankeny, IA 50023
Phone: 515-963-3570
Miracle Park, an all-inclusive playground in Ankeny, is 14,000 square feet and designed for kids of all abilities. It features double-wide ramps, Roller Tables, Sway Fun Gliders, a Sensory Play Center and an Omni Spinner, all accessible at wheelchair transfer height. With a rubberized, latex-free surface, the playground promotes inclusive play and interaction among all children. Click here for more info.

4. Blank Park Zoo

Address: 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
Phone: 515-285-4722
Nearby Des Moines is home to “Iowa’s Wildest Adventure,” Blank Park Zoo. Its 22 acres of animal exhibits and facilities house 104 different animal species and over 1,000 animal specimens. Open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Blank Park Zoo is an ideal day trip for wildlife-loving families. Click here for more info.

5. Adventureland Resort

Address: 3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009
Phone: 515-266-2121
In nearby Altoona, Adventureland Resort is celebrating its 50th year of fun. The resort offers theme park attractions, water park adventures, dining options and more. Plus, it’s home to the world’s only indoor wooden roller coaster — a bucket list ride for sure! Click here for more info.

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