Swimming Pools and Aquatic Centers
All Aquatic facilities will open on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13. We will close the pools on Monday, June 14 and Tuesday, June 15. They will open again on June 16 for the season. Ashworth, Birdland, Northwest and Teachout will close for the season on August 23. Nahas Aquatic Center will remain open August 23, 24, 25 and weekends through Labor Day, September 6.
Season swim tags will go on sale April 1 at the City Hall Information Center, 400 Robert D Ray Drive. During the month of April you can purchase your season tags at the Early-Bird rates. Season swim tags can be purchased at City Hall throughout the summer season and also at the pools and aquatic centers when they open to the public on June 12 at the regular rates. So, save yourself some money and stop in to see us at City Hall during the month of April!
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday 12:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 12:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Private Party Rentals:
The fee for private reservations is $110 per hour and includes admission for 50 people. After 50 people, add $1.00 per person. You can reserve your party after April 1 and prior to the opening date of the swim season by calling (515) 237-1386 (press 1). After the pools open for the season, contact the pool manager at the facility to reserve your private party.
| Fees | Early Bird Rates | Regular Rates |
| Season Pass | ||
| Individual | $40.00 | $45.00 |
| First two in family | $75.00 | $80.00 |
| Each additional family member | $25.00 | $30.00 |
| Family Maximum | $120.00 | $140.00 |
| Replacement Tags | $3.00 | $3.00 |
| Daily Admission | ||
| Less than 3 years | Free | Free |
| 3 - 20 years | $2.00 | $2.00 |
| 21 and over | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| * ˝ price daily admission after 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday | ||
Lap Swim Program
June 20 – August 23
Want to just hop in the pool and swim laps? We have just the program for you. Beginning Saturday, June 20, lap lanes will be available for the purpose of doing just that! Come on in – the water’s fine and the price is just right!
| $2.00 | Ages 3-20 |
| $4.00 | Ages 21 and Over |
| $45.00 | Single Season Pass |
- Lap Swim Schedule
- City of Des Moines Swimming Lesson Program
- Swimming Pool and Aquatic Center locations and hours
Cardboard Boat Races
Friday, July 9
Northwest Pool
Friday, July 30
Nahas Pool
Regular admission prices apply.
Before the Floatin’ Free Flicks, bring your own cardboard boat and test your skills as a captain. Cardboard and Duct Tape are the only materials you may use. You may row/test your boat across the deep end with one person or as many as you would like.
Ages Categories
10 and under
11 – 16
16 and over
We will also have a family race requiring at least one adult and one child in a boat.
Doggie Dive
Sunday, August 22
Ashworth, Birdland, Northwest and Teachout
Monday, September 7
Nahas Pool
3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Fee: $4.00 per dog – regular admission fees apply for dog owners and family members
As these are the last days these pools will be open for the season, dogs and their owners can celebrate together. Dogs must be accompanied by their owners at all times.
Water Exercise Class “Wet & Wild”
Birdland Pool
Mondays and Wednesdays from June 21 to August 11
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Fee: $35
Pre-register at Birdland Pool
City of Des Moines, Iowa
Parks and Recreation
- Capitol Center I, Suite 200
- 600 East Court Avenue
- Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- Phone: (515) 237-1386
- E-mail: Information Center
- Web Site: http://www.dmgov.org