The best indoor playgrounds in Iowa
Ranked by the people who actually chase toddlers through them — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 35,908 reviews of Iowa venues. Minimum 25 reviews to qualify, dedicated play venues only, one location per chain, and nobody pays for a spot. Updated 2026.
#1 The Slime Kitchen Des Moines
5 ★★★★★ 638 reviews · Des Moines, IA
“Absolutely fun ..grandkids had a great time & made very cool slime ..highly recommend!! And staff is friendly & involved . Also educational about the making of slime many varieties…” — Tracey
#2 DEFY Iowa City
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,079 reviews · Iowa City, IA
Amusement park with trampolines, a ninja course, a zip line, a trapeze, and massage chairs.
“"DEFY Iowa City is an exciting indoor trampoline park for kids, teens, and adults alike. This was our family’s second visit, and with our recent purchase of the Elite monthly membe…” — Food
#3 Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 876 reviews · Ankeny, IA
Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.
“Very fun place but it canbget busy quickly. If your kids are around 8 or older you better get the ultimate pass so they can do the ropes course and then other fun stuff they're goi…” — Jason
#4 Playground For Kids
4.5 ★★★★★ 463 reviews · Ankeny, IA
Over 9,000 sq. ft. of play space with bounce houses and a play structure, plus party options.
“Great place for my daughter to burn off some energy, they have a fully stocked pizza snack bar which makes things a lot easier for us parents, if there's a spill or mess it's handl…” — Vic
#5 Happy Joe's Pizza & Jungle Bungle - W. 50th
3.8 ★★★★☆ 1,283 reviews · Davenport, IA
Kid-friendly pizza chain known for crust choices & Mexican-inspired pies plus oversized sundaes.
“Incredible Family night special. Great service. Fantastic pizza. Great place for. Family gatherings. Pizza was fresh. We ordered 5 specialty pizzas and got them delivered to our ta…” — Sonya
#6 Pump It Up Urbandale Kids Birthdays and More
4.4 ★★★★☆ 395 reviews · Urbandale, IA
Children's amusement center featuring giant inflatables and a variety of activities.
“My daughter just celebrated her 6th birthday at pump it up and had a BLAST! Her and her friends got to play in two awesome private party rooms that had plenty of obstacles and acti…” — Nicole
#7 Drop Zone Family Fun Center
4.1 ★★★★☆ 474 reviews · Sioux City, IA
Large venue providing trampolines, laser tag, arcade games, and a snack bar, plus party rooms.
“My kiddo loves this place and so do I! Especially on rainy days or when it’s too cold to go outside! He always has a blast and burns off so much energy at the drop zone!” — Madison
#8 Kids Empire Merle Hay
4.5 ★★★★★ 263 reviews · Des Moines, IA
Family entertainment center set inside Merle Hay Mall featuring an indoor playground.
“it waa the first time i have been their i took the day off work and took my 8 year old son their he had a blast im 53 it wore me out butt i loved it it made u feel like a kid again…” — Jack
#9 Playgrounds Cafe
4.8 ★★★★★ 117 reviews · Waukee, IA
Family-friendly eatery and play area featuring pastries and speciality drinks, with music classes available.
“Great place for a play date, mini play date birthday party like we were invited to today, and just a place to let the kiddos get their wiggles out when the weather demands indoor p…” — Yana
#10 Rainbow of the Heartland - Des Moines
4.9 ★★★★★ 87 reviews · Grimes, IA
“I brought my kids to Rainbow one afternoon to play and they LOVED it! Tom took good care of us, and we will definitely be going back. They have a great little setup for parties too…” — Lauren