Adventureland
Adventureland
4
About
Adventureland Amusement Park and Adventure Bay Waterpark contain over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including some of the country's most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides that can challenge the most avid amusement park enthusiasts. There are also plenty of rides for less adventurous guests including great water rides as well as a full compliment of children's rides spread throughout the park. But the entertainment doesn't stop with rides - Adventureland presents a full array of shows in the park - from thrilling circus acts and magic shows to live music and juggling - there's always something to suit everyone's taste. Simply the most fun you will have all year!
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
714 reviews
Excellent
287
Very good
241
Average
117
Poor
31
Terrible
38
Love_to_eat_out_222
Underwood, IA4 contributions
Jul 2020
Adventure land's response to COVID is irresponsible. None of their employees are wearing masks or gloves, including those who are making and serving the food / drinks and those checking (and touching) everything in your bag when you come in. That includes the employees touching/ handing you a water bottle and the cooks who are cooking your food. NO ONE was wearing a mask or gloves. It would be so easy for a cook/employee to cough or sneeze in a food area and pass it along to hundreds (or more) people.
I sat in the water park for hours on one of the lounge chairs and at no time did anyone come by to sanitize any of chairs or other areas. These are touched by many people, including children. As a company, I can not understand how they would risk someone getting sick at the park.
With Des Moines being a "hot bed" with rising numbers we expected that a company letting thousands of people into their park each day would be more responsible in their response.
July 10th KCCI - "More than one-fifth of Iowa’s COVID-19 cases are in Polk County, leaving county health officials concerned that case trends are heading in the wrong direction."
I spent $250 in tickets and drove over 4 hours to take a chance on my children's and their friends' lives. I should have left the minute we got there and the person going through our bags didn't have gloves on but I truly thought when we got in the park that things would be better.
Don't risk it.
I sat in the water park for hours on one of the lounge chairs and at no time did anyone come by to sanitize any of chairs or other areas. These are touched by many people, including children. As a company, I can not understand how they would risk someone getting sick at the park.
With Des Moines being a "hot bed" with rising numbers we expected that a company letting thousands of people into their park each day would be more responsible in their response.
July 10th KCCI - "More than one-fifth of Iowa’s COVID-19 cases are in Polk County, leaving county health officials concerned that case trends are heading in the wrong direction."
I spent $250 in tickets and drove over 4 hours to take a chance on my children's and their friends' lives. I should have left the minute we got there and the person going through our bags didn't have gloves on but I truly thought when we got in the park that things would be better.
Don't risk it.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy F
1 contribution
Jul 2021
i have taken my grandchildren every year for 16 years. This year the park closed at 6pm (we always stayed till 9pm) Several rides were closed? We have always gone to the circus and this year it was $3 a person. If you ordered a drink they charged $1 for a straw! The cost for parking has gone up by $5! I kept thinking GREED! For 13 years we stayed at Adventureland INN but stopped that 3 years ago due to the continuing high price and declining condition. I will look into a different amusement park in the future.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie
35 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This is not a good place for short children. Most rides my 9 year old couldn’t ride. He was too old for the kiddy rides but not tall enough for the big kid rides. The staff were rude and the cost was way too high. They do not have signs stating what is not allowed in the park. We all know you cannot bring weapons or outside food and drinks. However, you are not allowed to have a pack of cigarettes in your purse either. So after you walk 5 miles to the gate, pay $253 to get in plus parking and wait in line 40 minutes you are told to throw them away or take them back to your car. Really put a sign up so we leave them in our car before we make the long walk to the gate. Also, three waters and one small pop cost $15.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MonicaM269
La Vista, NE37 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
We took our 3 year old for her first visit to an amusement park. It was just what I remember growing up with, quite a few of the same rides and attractions and perfect for young kids. We were impressed with the circus which showcased some great talent for 3 dollars a person. The park seemed to be well maintained, clean, and had beautiful flowers/landscaping. However, what would make this park great would be a universal caring staff. I can imagine that working rides and being a life guard would be somewhat boring. Yet, many of the younger employees were not helpful or friendly. My husband waited at an empty swim up bar for over 10 minutes and the bartender never looked up from his personal cell phone to acknowledge him, so he left frustrated, without getting a beer. When we rented tubes at the water park, we were given wristbands with no explanation of what to do with them (You can return the tubes for partial refund). Some employees were great, personable and gave directions on rides while others said nothing and didn’t even look at us. The lack of care or concern for patrons among some of the younger generation is alarming and dangerous. This park could be so much better if somehow there was a way to create work ethic or value. I can imagine it isn’t easy to fill so many positions these days, but I’d hope that after being open for so long Adventureland would have it together.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meghan C
Kansas City, MO2 contributions
Jan 2021
The park may be fantastic, but the customer service is crap. As a healthcare worker the first time I was able to dig myself out from underneath the workload happened to come in 2021 instead of 2020. There was absolutely zero help offered to refund or reissue tickets purchased from 2020. I know there is a policy for refunds, but as with everything with COVID it would have been nice for a bit of leniency granted to those who could not make it there. No compassion, no understanding, just strictly NO. Like I said, customer focus is not a priority here. We will definitely not be supporting businesses that work/function like this, and unfortunately for the businesses around the area they loose out on much needed support also.
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica W
10 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
My family and I visited Adventureland on July 9th, 2021. The 4 of us had a terrific time. My 8 year loved that she could do the kiddie rides and the big rides and took advantage of the opportunity.
We stayed at the campground. It was clean and the staff curtious. Great rates for full hookup and a trolly you could ride to and from the front gate of the park.
Adventureland was clean and many of the older staff were training new employees. They were friendly. When severe weather hit they informed were to seek shelter. We went back to our R.V.
When the storm cleared we walked back to the park and had a great adventure. Rides with very little lines and employees trying to squeegy the water out of high travel areas. Adventureland in the rain in our opinion was a must! We had a blast.
We had lunch at the park and it was basic theme park food. Priced average.
We stayed at the campground. It was clean and the staff curtious. Great rates for full hookup and a trolly you could ride to and from the front gate of the park.
Adventureland was clean and many of the older staff were training new employees. They were friendly. When severe weather hit they informed were to seek shelter. We went back to our R.V.
When the storm cleared we walked back to the park and had a great adventure. Rides with very little lines and employees trying to squeegy the water out of high travel areas. Adventureland in the rain in our opinion was a must! We had a blast.
We had lunch at the park and it was basic theme park food. Priced average.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juan H
Waterloo, IA4 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
My family and I went here the first weekend of June 2021. As we pulled up from a 2 hour drive we were greeted with traffic back up of about a mile . As we inched through to the gate to park we were greeted by a very rude guy yelling at us patrons. You see the park didnt up the drive in park lanes until it was late ! The park opened at 10 we got there at 12 . It was as if they couldn't see down the street that traffic was backed up . The guy needs to be trained better he did the same thing the very next day ! The park needs better signage for parking a prepaid ticket holders. You would think that for a park that has been operating since the '70's they would have this down pat how to handle a weekend . The lady who took our parking tickets was very nice .
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiley j
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Family
Took my kids there for the first time, it was always my favorite part about summer when my parents would take me! Disappointing to be greeted by a rude woman when we first parked, snarky. They do check bags now, which I suppose Is needed this day and age. All was going well, and then slowly and surely ride after ride was closed? For what purpose??? If you’re going to charge $48 a ticket, and have rides closed, at least disclose it on your Facebook/website and upon entrance. Give a little refund. I do understand things happen, but to have THAT many rides down all day? The food was great, nothing special. But it did trick! The water park is awesome. It’s huge and gives something for everyone in your group to do. My kids really enjoyed it. Some of the employees are too young to be kind as well, sorry but if you don’t want to talk to kids —don’t work at a theme park? All my child was doing was asking if you liked a ride you could’ve smiled instead of ignoring him.. and staring as if his question annoyed you. Not trying to be a Karen, either but it’s irritating. He’s 5.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francisco O
Iowa City, IA133 contributions
Aug 2019
Adventureland is a terrific amusement park that is easily walkable. The rides are in good working order. The staff are courteous and helpful. There are plenty of roller coasters and rides for smaller children.
The Raging River is always the highlight of our visit. I recommend getting in that line early as that line is exceptionally long especially during hot days.
The Raging River is always the highlight of our visit. I recommend getting in that line early as that line is exceptionally long especially during hot days.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
krb105
Sterling, IL39 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Let me begin I did not have the highest expectations for this park. Our family planned on going here for months, so we did not reschedule after we heard news of the tragic accident that happened a few weeks before.
This was the first trip our family has taken since the COVID-19 shut down. In general, “peopling” has been difficult for me and I need to take it in small doses.
I wanted to put that disclaimer out there before I write my opinionated review. :)
Overall, we all had a fun time at Adventureland and Adventure Bay. I would not want to go only for the amusement park. The water park is definitely the perk. We planned for two days and felt we were able to get everything in and didn’t miss out on anything.
Tips and Tricks:
Check the hours of the park on the day you’re going, they change depending on the day.
The whole area is very s p r e a d o u t. Prepare to walk across hot cement to get to anywhere. (I met my step goal really quickly!)
Decide where you want to set up your area— lots of chairs are all over, but get “saved quickly.”
I would NOT set up by the lockers at the water bucket/splash place. It smells sewer-y.
The lifeguards are really young. They aren’t incompetent, just not really strict either.
Adults: there is alcohol served at the park! :) There are two swim up bars by the “not so lazy” river and swimming pool/pirate ship behind the wave pool.
Straws cost $1
Food by the wave pool is better than by the splash pad.
There aren’t tubes to use for free for the lazy river or wave pool. You must rent them. You can use tubes for the slides for free. They stay with the slides.
The Underground doesn’t have a point. It’s creepy and weird.
The Phoenix is a fun coaster.
Make sure you have a chiropractor appointment scheduled after you ride the Outlaw.
Parking looks worse than what it is. It’s 15$ to park.
This was the first trip our family has taken since the COVID-19 shut down. In general, “peopling” has been difficult for me and I need to take it in small doses.
I wanted to put that disclaimer out there before I write my opinionated review. :)
Overall, we all had a fun time at Adventureland and Adventure Bay. I would not want to go only for the amusement park. The water park is definitely the perk. We planned for two days and felt we were able to get everything in and didn’t miss out on anything.
Tips and Tricks:
Check the hours of the park on the day you’re going, they change depending on the day.
The whole area is very s p r e a d o u t. Prepare to walk across hot cement to get to anywhere. (I met my step goal really quickly!)
Decide where you want to set up your area— lots of chairs are all over, but get “saved quickly.”
I would NOT set up by the lockers at the water bucket/splash place. It smells sewer-y.
The lifeguards are really young. They aren’t incompetent, just not really strict either.
Adults: there is alcohol served at the park! :) There are two swim up bars by the “not so lazy” river and swimming pool/pirate ship behind the wave pool.
Straws cost $1
Food by the wave pool is better than by the splash pad.
There aren’t tubes to use for free for the lazy river or wave pool. You must rent them. You can use tubes for the slides for free. They stay with the slides.
The Underground doesn’t have a point. It’s creepy and weird.
The Phoenix is a fun coaster.
Make sure you have a chiropractor appointment scheduled after you ride the Outlaw.
Parking looks worse than what it is. It’s 15$ to park.
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
missa21
Lincoln NE43 contributions
How do you rent a cabbana? I cant find it anywhere on the site. Although they arent open for the year yet, but still curious.
missa21
Lincoln NE43 contributions
How do you rent a cabana at the water park? I cant find it on their website.
TravellingCouple
Fairfax, IA156 contributions
I've never been to an amusement park ever, so this might be a dumb question. Can you take water bottles or a small bag on rides? Or is there a place to store stuff like that?
Thanks!
Jessica W
10 contributions
All rides have an area for stuff to be placed while on a ride. I carried a small purse with me and placed in their bins when riding
Sybrinas
1 contribution
So on the Phoenix you aren't allowed to bring bags on it cause it's a roller coaster (duh) but they don't have a rack for personal belongings like they do on all the other rollercoasters for you to leave your bags. Last time I went I was lucky to have a non rider with and she held our bags, but Adventureland doesn't allow you to leave your bag off the ride anymore without the baskets for personal belongings, so what can I do with my stuff since everyone wants to go on the ride?
Steenie
1 contribution
Do people bring pool noodles into Adventureland Bay?
Cindy1958798
Lena, IL29 contributions
If you were to bring something like that you would have to carry it with you throughout the park. I don’t recall seeing anyone doing that.
Is there a ruler specifically saying I can not bring my skateboard into the park?
Lekesha N
15 contributions
We were told there's no outside bikes, scooter, skateboard allowed
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Claim your listingAdventureland - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Adventureland
- Hotels near Adventureland:
- (0.11 mi) Quality Inn & Suites Altoona - Des Moines
- (0.08 mi) Adventureland Inn
- (0.12 mi) Motel 6 Des Moines East
- (0.39 mi) Prairie Meadows Hotel
- (0.34 mi) My Place Hotel-Altoona/Des Moines, IA
- Restaurants near Adventureland:
- (0.04 mi) McDonald's
- (0.16 mi) Jethro n' Jake's Smokehouse Steaks
- (0.10 mi) Taco Bell
- (0.19 mi) Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
- (0.24 mi) Culver's
- Attractions near Adventureland:
- (0.39 mi) Cinemark Altoona and XD
- (0.43 mi) Prairie Meadows
- (7.22 mi) Capitol Building
- (8.25 mi) Downtown Farmers Market
- (7.77 mi) Iowa State Fairgrounds
Adventureland Information
Excellent Reviews | 287 |
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Very Good Reviews | 241 |
Adventureland Photos | 459 |