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Seasonal & Holidays

Where To Skate, Ski And Sled In And Around Waukee

Feeling inspired by the Winter Games? Here are a few ways to get out, stay active and make the most of the season!

Ready for some winter adventure? From indoor skating to easy day trips for skiing, sledding and tubing, here’s where to find winter fun around Waukee.
Ready for some winter adventure? From indoor skating to easy day trips for skiing, sledding and tubing, here’s where to find winter fun around Waukee. (Shutterstock)

Feeling inspired by the excitement of the Winter Games? You don’t have to travel far to get in on the seasonal spirit. Around Waukee, you’ll find places where families can lace up skates, enjoy indoor winter fun, or plan easy day trips to nearby skiing, tubing or sledding spots. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or head out for a weekend adventure, these ideas can help you make the most of the season. Just be sure to double-check hours, weather conditions and reservation details before heading out.


⛸️ Ice Skating & Indoor Winter Fun

MidAmerican Energy RecPlex

Address: 6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Phone: (515) 440-4820

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Details: The MidAmerican Energy RecPlex features indoor ice rinks offering public skating sessions, figure skating, lessons, and hockey programs throughout the winter season. It’s about a 15 minute drive from Waukee and is one of the most modern and reliable indoor skating facilities in the Des Moines metro.


Brenton Skating Plaza

Address: 520 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309

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Phone: (515) 283-4233

Details: Brenton Skating Plaza is a seasonal outdoor ice rink along the downtown Des Moines Riverwalk with public skating sessions and rentals available in winter. It’s roughly a 20 minute drive from Waukee and offers a festive open-air skating experience when open.


🎿 Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing — Day Trips

Seven Oaks Recreation

Address: 1086 222nd Dr, Boone, IA 50036

Phone: (515) 432-9457

Details: Seven Oaks operates a snow tubing hill and winter recreation area when weather allows, providing a fun tubing experience close to central Iowa. It’s about a 50 minute drive from Waukee and is one of the nearest snow play destinations in the region.


Chestnut Mountain Resort

Address: 8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd, Galena, IL 61036

Phone: (800) 397-1320

Details: Chestnut Mountain Resort features downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing with snowmaking across multiple runs overlooking the Mississippi River. It’s about a 4 hour drive from Waukee, making it better suited for a full winter weekend getaway.


☃️ Outdoor Play & Sledding Spots

When a solid snowfall settles in, neighborhood parks and open hillsides around Waukee turn into favorite places for sledding and winter play. It’s a good idea to check city or park updates before heading out so you know conditions are safe and accessible.

Waukee spots to consider:

  • Centennial Park has open grassy areas and gentle slopes that are commonly used for sledding and snow play when snow sticks. Its location within the community makes it an easy choice for a quick winter outing close to home. (Source: City of Waukee)

Further outdoors:

  • Jester Park — This large county park west of Des Moines features rolling terrain and open natural areas that can work well for sledding and winter exploring when snow accumulates, and it is about a 25 minute drive from Waukee.

Bundle up, stay safe and have fun wherever winter takes you!

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