City Provides Great Indoor and Outdoor Activities
Iowa winters can be harsh, but when Mother Nature is playing nice, there are great ways to get out of the house and keep busy in Waukee. City of Waukee departments provide programs, events and amenities to warm up residents of all ages and interests.
The Great Outdoors
Iowa Wild/Wells Fargo Ice Rink
It was announced in May that the Iowa Wild American Hockey League Team and Wells Fargo would donate an ice rink to the City for public use. The rink measures 80 x 40 feet and will be located at Sugar Creek Golf Course at 1505 6th Street. Crews will set it up in late November and will fill it when temperatures drop low enough for a solid freeze. Bring your skates and take part in this new, free activity!
Warrior Park Sledding Hill
Waukee’s terrain is mostly flat, but that doesn’t stop residents from enjoying some downhill fun. The Warrior Park Sledding Hill opened in 2004 and is customized and engineered specifically for sledding. Bundle up and head to the park located at 1050 4th Street.
Trail Exercise
Residents can hit the Waukee trails even when the snow falls. During non-treacherous snow events, Waukee Parks & Recreation crews aim to clear all trails. Snow on trails is removed once the storm has ended, so be ready to the hit the pavement for some winter exercise. Call 515-978-0007 with questions.
Let’s Just Stay Inside
Indoor Youth Sports
Softball and outdoor soccer seasons are over, but Waukee Parks & Recreation offers fantastic indoor sports options. The youth basketball league, TOT basketball handling and dribbling program, and Rounded Minds™ Spanish language immersion indoor soccer and Zumba are sure to help kiddos burn off some energy. Taekwondo and karate opportunities are also offered by Dickey’s Ryukyu Karate. Visit Waukee.org/Registration for details.
Tot Lot
For parents and caretakers home with toddlers on the weekdays, Tot Lot provides hours of play and socializing! This free program is held Mondays from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays from 8-10 a.m. through the end of March. Held at the Waukee Public Works Building at 805 University Avenue, the Parks & Recreation staff provides blocks, tunnels, mats and more. Parents/guardians just provide the supervision!
Adult Programs
Winter fun isn’t just for the kiddos. You can also take in free films at the Waukee Public Library. The December 14 showing will feature A Christmas Story, and the January 11 showing will feature La La Land. All movies start at 10 a.m. Popcorn and lemonade are provided. And, Waukee Parks & Recreation is planning a day trip with InboundIowa to Greenfield on Tuesday, Dec. 5 for some great sight-seeing! Visit Waukee.org/Registration or call 515-978-0007 to learn more.
Community Gatherings
WinterFest
Get a dose of holiday cheer at the annual WinterFest celebration on Friday, Dec. 1. Hundreds pack the Downtown Triangle for business open houses and the beloved tree lighting at 6 p.m. sharp! Kids can visit with Santa, watch an ice sculptor at work, depart on an old-fashioned trolley for the holiday light tour and more. Plus, Parks & Recreation staff will be accepting non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys to be distributed by Waukee Area Christian Services.
FamilyFest
Stay warm at the annual FamilyFest event scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. This free, family-friendly event is held at Lutheran Church of Hope at 305 NE Dartmoor Drive. Check out Waukee area businesses, enjoy games and prizes, and jump on inflatables.
Stories with Santa
Families are invited to attend a special storytime with Santa on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.! Enjoy a sing-a-long, listen to stories, and make a fun craft. Kids are welcome to come in pajamas. Registration is required for this event. Register at WaukeeLibrary.EventBrite.com.
Don’t hibernate this winter—get out and enjoy all that Waukee has to offer! For more information, visit Waukee.org.