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    Climb Iowa

    4.3 (23 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    Janet E.

    We arrived knowing nothing about climbing. We had reviewed some info on their website but they mentioned having a balayer and taking an introductory class before starting the climb. Unsure about what we were reading, we just decided to come to Climb Iowa to check things out. John was working the front desk and told us that we could use the auto belay and did not need to have a belayer. He told us that anyone, even people that didnt know how to climb (like us) could do the climb without having to take any introductory class. The only thing we would need to do was go through a 10 minute orientation which was quick and painless. Another employee, also named John, walked us through the facility, told us the rules of what was allowed and not allowed, showed us how to use the auto belay and how to put on our harness and clip on the ropes. We definitely had a fun time doing the climbs on our own and at our own pace. They have about four auto belay ropes, but we were only able to get through two of them (some are more difficult than others). Our only suggestion would be to have the auto belays on a separate wall instead of mixed in with the walls that required a belayer just because it was intimidating for us to be so close to the professional climbers. The cost was very reasonable. It was $15 per person for an all day climb. We were told we could leave the facility to pick up some lunch/dinner and then come back to climb some more without having to pay extra. Approximately $3 for harness rental and $4 for climb shoes. I definitely recommend renting the climbing shoes. They work a lot better than regular tennis shoes because they have pointed toes. You'll have to sign a waiver before doing any climbs because accidents can happen. But Climb Iowa stresses how dangerous climbing can be if you dont pay attention to their rules and guidelines. They have free climbs (bouldering) where there are no ropes. They have some on the first floor and second floor. They are fun but quite challenging though. If you have a backpack or a purse, you can bring that in to the facility with you. They have lockers in the bathroom and cubes on the main floor to put your things in. We definitely recommend Climb Iowa. They are very professional. It is a safe way to learn all about climbing. We would definitely come back (after we've regained strength from our sore arms). Climbing is a great way to work out!

    Krystle T.

    I mean, this apparently is the biggest climbing facility in Iowa. It really isn't that big, but take what you can get, right? My first time climbing was here. I like how they are required to give you a mini orientation rather than just throw you into the wild. I also appreciate the padded floors cause hard floors hurt. I'm not much of a climber (afraid of heights) but I do enjoy bouldering. Less equipment needed too :) Rates are about $15 per visit, but if you don't have shoes or harness, you're going to have to rent them as well. They hold a lot of camps & mini competitions so that's pretty neat too! Their shirts look legit.

    What a fun time and a great challenging workout!
    Rudy P.

    What a fun, challenging, and great workout! This was our first time at a climbing gym and a great experience. We will definitely make this a stop the next time we're in town, which is 4 times a year. Thank you Duncan and Climb Iowa, we're hooked in!

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    3 years ago

    I love this place the staff is nice, there are great climbing routes I love to go here

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    12 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    16 years ago

    Climb Iowa is a great place to go for a fun day or even to become a member & learn all about climbing. The staff is all wonderful too!

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    10 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Worth a visit to Des Moines for this place alone. Friendly Staff and a great facility.

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Great place for birthday parties. Reasonable prices and helpful staff. Would recommend.

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    Ask the Community - Climb Iowa

    Review Highlights - Climb Iowa

    The employee instructed me on the use of the auto belay and helped me clip on my harness and clip.

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    Kids Empire Merle Hay

    Kids Empire Merle Hay

    2.6(11 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    We were visiting some family in Des Moines for the week when my 4 year old began to become stir…read morecrazy after being stuck inside due to weather. We decided to pack up her, my sister and my 8 year old nephew, and head over to Kids Empire at about 1pm on a Friday afternoon. We are definitely not new to Kids Empire, as we frequent two locations in the Chicago suburbs, so we knew what to expect, but I definitely didn't expect this location to be as run down as it was considering it has far less traffic than the locations we typically visit. The spiderweb is down and blocked off due to the webbing being too weakened and a substantial fall risk, and the landing area for the slide that you ride the plastic sleds down had exposed particle board - splinters galore!! The layout also didn't make a ton of sense, as there were random holes to access lower levels in the middle of pads, without a solid way to get around them. This is easy for older kids and adults to maneuver around, but my 4 year old kept having to go down in the hole, then pull herself back up - had I not been there, I could see her getting frustrated, or accidentally injuring herself. I haven't seen this layout at other locations before. The play space is also much smaller than other locations, considering the square footage of this Kids Empire. There is a TON of seating though. The toddler area is pretty well maintained, but I didn't appreciate the two 7-ish year olds who were climbing over the walls and almost trampling my 8 month old nephew. We were told that 3 and over weren't allowed in the toddler area, but that rule definitely was not enforced. I know it isn't staff's job to manage other people's children, but a simple reminder to the parents would have been well appreciated. The cost is $24 for children over the age of 1. This includes to admittance of two adults and one sibling under the age of 1, for open play. Normally, I'd find this reasonable, but maybe not for a space this run down. Socks are also required, but you can bring your own from home - I do appreciate when play places don't require the purchase of their socks, as we already own 12 pairs of sticky socks from other play places. Okay place to visit once, staff was very friendly, but I think we will try our luck somewhere else next time. It is unfortunate that there aren't more indoor play places for kids in the Greater Des Moines Region.

    A littl eoverpriced at 20 bucks a visit, but my kid does really like it here and I like that you…read morecan leave and come back. It's convenient to take him for a little bit, leave to eat a prepacked lunch or run a quick errand while we are out/take a break to cool down, and then return. I wish it were a little cleaner, and we have had issues a few times with older kids being bullies in the play area but that's a problem almost anywhere unfortunately. Overall aa fun place to visit as a special play day.

    Photos
    Kids Empire Merle Hay
    Kids Empire Merle Hay
    Kids Empire Merle Hay

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    Oak Grove Recreation Area - The swim beach at oak grove

    Oak Grove Recreation Area

    4.5(2 reviews)
    6.8 mi

    What can $5 get you? The oak grove beach are is nicely maintained and a lot of beach for…read moreactivities and getting together with friends. Day trips cost $5 for the permit. The are hundreds of parking spots. Tons of big grain sand, not Pensacola sand bit you could imagine it's coquina if you close your eyes. The water at saylorville in July is clear and a little green. Perfect temps for cooling off as you watch all the boat people go by. The dedicated swim area is the size of a football field. So even busy there is room to spread out. The bottom is the heavy sand and comfortable to walk in if you're grossed out by weeds and mud. Overall this is nice spot and only 5 miles outside of Ankeny. The views is nice of the Saylorville lake which is a core of engineers lake along the Des Moines River Basin. There is no lifeguard on duty but also no rip tides. Come enjoy a little 'surf' action as the little waves sweep in and give you that faux beach experience!

    This is a nice small rec area. When you first enter the area you can either go straight or left…read more If you go left it takes you to the picnic area. The picnic area has two shelter areas and a small play area. The play area consists of just a rope structure that kids can climb on. Shelter 2 is a neat shelter that is down a trail and tucked back in to the woods. If you go straight when you first enter it takes you down to the beach. The beach area is very large and has a very large parking lot and there is a bike trail that connects to it. The beach is a great place to take the family.

    Photos
    Oak Grove Recreation Area - Toes in the water!

    Toes in the water!

    Oak Grove Recreation Area - A crappy pano

    A crappy pano

    Oak Grove Recreation Area - Parking Lot

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    Parking Lot

    Club B-FIT - Chillin in T pose is pretty cool - come join me!

    Club B-FIT

    4.5(8 reviews)
    4.4 mi

    Signed up to take a free class. Had a text message the night before after 9pm cancelling the class…read morefor the next day. When i responded asking for assistance, I received no response or follow up on the class. Why too much work and follow up required by me to get engaged with this facility. I was bummed as i was excited to try new workouts.

    I just attended a special workshop (lover's lap dance) here with a friend. It was very reasonably…read morepriced, and was BYOB. We put on something comfortable before heading there, and were greeted by the owner upon entering the space. The owner was very nice, knowledgeable, and fun! The space is really cool. They have a variety of poles, some stationary and some spinning. They have a lot of other equipment as well, so you can tell that they teach a variety of fitness and dance classes there. The owner was there with two other trainers, and they showed us a few moves on the poles while we enjoyed the happy hour social before the workshop started. The workshop itself was very fun! It's a GREAT workout, you feel good about your body, and everyone is extremely body positive and fun to be around. Someone even won a $25 gift card for having the sexiest outfit. It was very fun and my friend and I talked about coming back to try some of their other classes in the future.

    Photos
    Club B-FIT - Such an amazing stretch - need help with flexibility? Let Jen help!

    Such an amazing stretch - need help with flexibility? Let Jen help!

    Club B-FIT - 30+ years of personal & group training and part of Jen's training includes Aerial Yoga, unique to B-FIT since 2014.

    30+ years of personal & group training and part of Jen's training includes Aerial Yoga, unique to B-FIT since 2014.

    Club B-FIT - The new state of the art gym inside Valley West Mall is open and so much fun!

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    The new state of the art gym inside Valley West Mall is open and so much fun!

    Climb Iowa - climbing - Updated August 2026

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