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Adventureland Park Tickets Des Moines, IA

3200 Adventureland Drive • Altoona, IA 50009

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Two people laughing and riding a green inflatable tube in a water slide, with colorful lights and splashes of water around them.

Colorful swing ride with people seated, spinning under a clear blue sky. Trees and a yellow building are in the background.

People smiling and enjoying a ride on a spinning attraction at an amusement park with water and trees in the background.

A wooden roller coaster filled with people descends a steep drop. Riders display a mix of excitement and fear, with trees partially framing the scene.

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Based on 734 reviews

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About Adventureland Park

Overview

The Adventureland Iowa park, just 20 minutes from Des Moines, features over 100 rides and attractions for all ages. Catch live shows, join seasonal events like Phantom Fall Fest, and splash into summer fun at Adventure Bay water park.

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Good To Know

Located in Altoona, 20 minutes north of Des Moines.
Family-friendly park with rides, attractions and live entertainment.
Features thrilling coasters like Dragon Slayer, Tornado, and Outlaw.
Kiddie rides available; ages 3 and under enter free.
Accepts cashless payments only; cash-to-card kiosks available.
Wheelchairs and electric scooters for rent at Main Street Marketplace.
Seasonal events include Phantom Fall Fest and Oktoberfest.
Minors need an adult (age 21+) with ID after 4:00 PM.

Promotional Images (19)

Boat splashes down in a log flume ride, creating a large water spray. Two riders, wearing casual clothes and sunglasses, hold onto the wooden frame. Blue track and support structures are visible.

Ferris wheel with red and blue gondolas against a blue sky, framed by red, white, and purple flowers in the foreground and American flags on either side.

People ride a vertical drop tower amusement park ride against a blue sky.

People are riding a green roller coaster with a dragon design, hanging upside down against a clear blue sky.

People riding a green roller coaster with a dragon face on the front, against a clear blue sky.

Description

Adventureland Park in Altoona, Iowa features more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions ranging from gentle family rides to high-thrill coasters and refreshing water experiences. As Iowa's largest amusement park, the destination blends classic charm with modern attractions, giving you a full day of excitement near Des Moines.

Take on classic wooden coasters like Tornado and Outlaw, along with The Monster, a steel infinity coaster known for its beyond-vertical drop and five inversions. Newer additions such as Flying Viking and Draken Falls bring fresh experiences to the park's lineup, combining a family-friendly coaster and an adventurous flume ride that wind through the same themed area. During the summer season, Adventure Bay offers twisting slides, a lazy river, wave pools, and splash areas—all included with your Adventureland tickets.

Adventure Bay's newest standout is Hyperlight, the multi-story waterslide added in 2025. This redesigned version of the former Typhoon surrounds you in shifting light and sound effects as you race through enclosed tunnels before hitting an open-air splashdown. The slide enhances the park's growing lineup of sensory-driven water attractions and brings a bold new element to the 2026 season.

Seasonal entertainment adds even more variety to your visit. Fan-favorite events such as Oktoberfest and Phantom Fall Fest bring live shows, themed food, and after-dark experiences to the park. Dining ranges from sit-down spots like Doc & Leone's Diner to quick-service locations throughout the midway, giving you plenty of choices whenever you're ready for a break.

Phantom Fall Fest returns on select dates in September and October 2026 with a mix of family-friendly daytime activities and intense nighttime scares. Early in the day, you can enjoy rides, themed treats, and festive fall décor. After sundown, haunted houses and scare zones take over the park, transforming Adventureland into Iowa's seasonal thrill capital.

Adventureland Park Reviews

Based on 734 reviews

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giselebO5398TH

"Do not come to Adventureland"

Reviewed January 04, 2026 NEW

Adventureland has become an incredibly trashy experience with rude workers and even worse management. Definitely not the fun Adventureland people would have came to as a kid anymore.

V2077VEpaiged

"Don’t come here"

Reviewed October 21, 2025

Did not let me come into the park because I was wearing black attire. Do not wear black when you come here, or any alternative makeup.

B6950UDjohnr

"My worst visit to this park ever"

Reviewed September 11, 2025

I found out the policy of this water park the hard way. My grandson (11 years old) were in the wave pool. I lost site of him, (as he's has passed a swimming test) I could not find him I looked everywhere I also asked the three life guards to help me find him as the panic fueled. They asked what he looked like plus what he where wearing. I explained to them everything. I asked if they would move people to the side so we could find him. They would not answer me. I asked again. then a complete no response. Then other older parents started asking what he looked like & his apparel. My wife & I were frantic. I thought he had drowned with no help coming our way from the life guards. Another parent helped us find him outside of the pool. we were so relieved. I then started to feel at peace but angry about the non-assistance from the "Life Guards" I went to management, now is where the real horror comes. The 20 something person told me it's not there job to watch my children. There job is to keep the rules enforced. I was so upset at this point, I asked then the roll of the life guards are what? They are not there to watch for my child, but it's the water (I said). Same answer. I have to get out the water a security person to locate them. I said by that time my grandson could have drowned. She explained we are not there to watch over & locate your child. They would not move people out of the way to find or at least eliminate that possible scenario. I hope no one else has to ever go through this. Just to know they will not look or save your child or your person. You have to find security 1st. The life guards are there to enforce the rules. Be very careful if you go. Could be a life changing moment in a flash

burdsa

"Fun Familly Getaway"

Reviewed September 01, 2025

I visit Adventureland annually with grandchildren and their moms for a cousins' getaway. The park had a two day pass this year for the price of one day, which was perfect, allowing us to focus one hot day at the water park and the second overcast day at the theme park. Our seven kids are aged 22 months through 13 and there is plenty for EVERYONE to enjoy. We rented a cabana at the waterpark and it was a perfect spot to gather, relax and reunite everyone in the shade. Would definitely recommend. All park staff are very safety conscious and kind to the kids, and lines were minimal, even at the biggest roller coasters. Good value, easy to get to, and will continue to make this an annual event. We miss staying on premises, but the Holiday Inn Express near Adventureland was great. We didn't get time to use their pool though, as we hit Adventureland from park open to close each day.

johnrY7461GF

Des Moines, Iowa

"My worst visit to this park ever"

Reviewed August 30, 2025

I had the scare of my life! I & my grandson were at the wave pool when I lost site of him after the waves started. The waves stopped but I still could not see or find him. I asked the life guards to help me. I gave a description plus his what he was wearing. I wanted them to clear out the people so we could locate him. They would not or would they help me. Long story he got out & was waiting outside the pool. I was told by the manger of the life guards that it is not their responsibility to watch our children nor shut down the pool to look for them. She told me I had to contact security, I was appalled by the answers. They will not shut down the pool move people out or to the side. The life guards are there for enforcing the rules. Be very careful if you think they will save your child think again.

View all 734 Tripadvisor Reviews

Adventureland Park is located at 3200 Adventureland Drive • Altoona, IA 50009

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Frequently Asked Questions about Adventureland Park

Where is Adventureland?

Adventureland is located about 11 miles northeast of downtown Des Moines at 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona, IA 50009.

Do you have to pay for parking at Adventureland?

Yes, Adventureland has a pay-to-park system for standard and preferred parking.

Does Adventureland have a water park?

Yes, Adventure Bay is a gigantic water park located within Adventureland Resort.

When does Adventureland open?

Adventureland Iowa's season runs May through October. Operating days and hours vary throughout the season. Please check the park's operating calendar in the ticket section above for operating hours during your travel date range. Please note that inclement weather can cause the park to adjust operating hours for the safety of guests and staff.

Can I leave and come back the same day at no charge?

Yes! Don’t forget your hand stamp before you leave at the main gate. As for parking, be sure to keep your parking ticket receipt that you received upon arrival. Show it to the parking lot attendant when you return. Your parking lot ticket/receipt is valid for one day only.

Can I bring my own stroller to Adventureland?

Yes, of course! Strollers and wagons are both allowed in Adventureland. Strollers are also available for rent at the Old Fire Station located on Main Street, just past the park entrance.

Where can I store my items while on a ride?

Loose items not permitted on rides should always be left with a non-rider or in your car. Select rides offer designated areas to leave your belongings while you are on the ride. Please note that Adventureland assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Are there lockers available for rent?

Yes, lockers are available for rent in Adventure Bay. All lockers are electronic, and you’ll have three (3) different sizes to choose from. No security deposit is required, and locker rentals are available on a single-day basis only.

What types of payment does Adventureland accept?

Adventureland only accepts card payments, Apple Pay and Google Pay. These include all major credit and debit card providers (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover) and prepaid cards. Cash is not accepted. Guests can convert cash into a prepaid card at cash-to-card kiosks conveniently located throughout Adventureland (Front Gate, Guest Services, by the Lighthouse, and the Kokomo store).

What is the chaperone policy?

Guests ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult at least age 21 with a valid ID to enter the park after 4:00 PM. Minors must be under the supervision of adults at all times. The park does not assume any responsibility or liability for unattended minors.

What is the bag policy?

Each guest is only allowed to bring one (1) bag with a maximum size of 15” x 15” x 15” (summer season) and 8" x 5" x 2" (fall season) into the park.

Can I bring food or drinks?

Only unopened bottled water and sports drinks, and soft-sided coolers from outside are permitted into the park. Outside food, alcohol, hard coolers, and glass containers are not allowed to be brought inside. Food and alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

Can I bring a pet?

Only ADA-defined service animals are allowed in the park. They must remain leashed and with their owner at all times. Service animals may be restricted from most rides.