Along with sports and activities, the RecPlex hosts a variety of structured programs for people of all ages, from an introduction of sports to nutrition and virtual learning. We have programs for every season, so make sure to check back for new programs throughout the year.
NOTE: RecPlex programs/registration are available through the City of West Des Moines Parks & Recreation Department as part of their overarching programming. When you sign up for one of the programs listed below, you will be directed to the City of WDM website to register. Please scroll below the WDM Parks & Recreation Program Guides to begin registration. If this is the first time you or a family member has signed up for a WDM program, you will be asked to create an account prior to completing the registration process. For assistance with registration, please call 515.222.3444.
Current Youth & Adult Programs
Schools Out! All Sports Day Camp
School may be out for the day…but we’re not! Please join us for a fun filled day with sports, arts & crafts, snacks, lunch, movies and more! Every camp is guided by our recreation staff who are trained to encourage participation, good sportsmanship, and most of all FUN! This is the type of day camp that you will NOT want to miss!
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: School’s Out
3. Scroll down to the “SPORTS” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to the desired course
Court Time Basketball Fall Skills Workout Camp
This camp has been moved to Grand View University, Sisam Arena, 1500 Morton, Des Moines, IA 50316. Please visit https://www.courttimebasketball.com/fall-skill-workouts.cfm for information and registration.
Led by Grand View University Men’s Head Coach Denis Schaefer, these ten (10) 90:00-minute sessions will incorporate skill development that includes shooting, passing, ball handling, small-sided games and finishing work around the basket. You can attend as many nights as you choose – the fee is set at $185.00 regardless of the sessions you attend. The Fall Skill Workout Sessions have sold out the past 15 fall sessions. The last 15 minutes of each session is scheduled for game play, open shooting, or player development.
Healthy Esports Day Camp
Welcome, gamers, to the RecPlex’s Healthy Esports Camp! Join us for these week-long day camps and learn to play age-appropriate games while still having a focus on physical activity. Each day will consist of 2 hours of gameplay, 1 hour of sports activity, and 30 minutes of video-on-demand review to learn more about the game of the day and how to improve!
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: Esports Camp
3. Scroll down to the “TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to your desired course
Parents Night Out
Enjoy a well-deserved night out while your children, ages 5-12, get a fun-filled evening with their peers at our next Parents Night Out. While you go out to dinner or take advantage of an empty house, your children will do crafts, play games, make friends, and enjoy a pizza party in the care of our trained staff.
In addition to our regular Parents Night Out, join us for a special version of Parents Night Out to close out the year 2021! These extended hours (5pm-11pm) will give parents the opportunity to take a little more time to close out the year while their kids are having the time of their life with us! We will be having an early balloon drop, fun NYE themed activities and crafts, glow in the dark dance party, open play time, snacks, and of course a pizza party. Your kids will NOT want to miss out this event!
Download Parents Night Out Packet
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: Parents Night Out
3. Scroll down to the “SPECIAL EVENT” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to your desired date(s)
Start Smart Programs
Start Smart Programs help kids get ready for sports and succeed in life. It is a step-by-step approach that builds confidence and self-esteem and makes sports fun. The Start Smart philosophy is based around the idea that kids and parents will be able to have a positive sports experience together. Start Smart was developed by top motor skill development specialists in the field of youth sports. Also, parents spend quality time together with their child while learning how to properly teach and support them in sports. Please note that this program is not a competitive game setting. Skills are taught in stations each week. All materials needed for participation are included in the registration fee.
At the RecPlex we will be offering Start Smart Soccer (ages 3-4 and ages 5-6), Lacrosse and Football
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: Start Smart
3. Scroll down to the “SPORTS” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to your desired course and age range
Trivia Nights at the RecPlex
Join us on a Wednesday each month for FREE themed trivia. Top two teams will earn prizes!
Wednesday September 15 – The Office
Wednesday October 20 – Wide World of Sports
Wednesday November 17 – 90’s Music
Wednesday December 15 – Marvel Trivia
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: Trivia
3. Scroll down to the “SPECIAL EVENT” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to your desired date
Little Hoopers
Little Hoopers is a co-ed basketball league designed for children four years through first grade. Teams will practice 15-20 minutes followed by a game each week. Participants will be taught the basic fundamentals of basketball while learning the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Volunteer coaches will be needed for these teams.
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: Little Hoopers
3. Scroll down to the “SPORTS” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to your desired course and age range
Winter Break All Stars Day Camp
Get away from the cold this winter and over to the RecPlex for our Winter Break All Stars Day Camp! There will be plenty of fun and activities to keep your children warm and active. Each day will be comprised of different sports and activities, arts and crafts, snacks, lunch, and so much more! This camp will provide children the opportunity to experience many different sports and may walk away with a newfound passion!
You may sign up for the entire week or individual days.
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: Winter Break All Stars Camp
3. Scroll down to the “SPORTS” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to your desired date(s)
Zamboni Driving Experience
Have you always dreamed of driving the Zamboni? The RecPlex Zamboni Driving Experience is a crash course in all things Zamboni, which includes an opportunity to take one for a spin on the ice!
This 1-hour class is designed for adults (18 years and older) with a valid driver’s license to learn fun facts about the Zamboni, how they operate and most importantly how to drive them!
Space is limited so book your Zamboni Driving Experience quickly for your chance to drive our brand new Zamboni and learn how we create and maintain the ice at the RecPlex.
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: Zamboni
3. Scroll down to the “SPECIAL EVENT” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to your desired course, date and time
Halloween Hullabaloo
Calling all goblins, ghosts and ghouls! Head on over to the RecPlex for a spooky good time in a family friendly environment. We will decorate pumpkins and glittery pumpkin mason jars, have fun activities like hula hoop pumpkin toss and monster freeze dance, snacks and more! Space will be limited…don’t miss out!
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: Halloween Hullabaloo
3. Scroll down to the “SPECIAL EVENT” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to your course
Court Time Basketball Holiday Camp
Led by Grand View University Men’s Head Coach Denis Schaefer, The Boys and Girls Holiday camp are designed to emphasize fundamental play in conjunction with games and modified games. A strong emphasis on ball handling is worked on each day. In addition, we expose campers to the following fundamentals during the 6-hour camp: passing, shooting, individual moves, offensive concepts and defensive concepts. In addition to the fundamentals being taught, we offer 5 on 5 games, 4 on 4 games, 3 on 3 games and individual skill.
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: Court Time Basketball
3. Scroll down to the “SPORTS” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to your desired course
Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament
Our amateur Super Smash Bros Ultimate is the perfect way to work on that wavedash and make new friends in the local Smash community and compete! Prizes are awarded to the top 2 players and is played in a double-elimination format with all games taking place only at the Recplex! Tournaments will take place monthly from September – December.
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: Super Smash Bros
3. Scroll down to the “TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to your desired date
Gateway Games
Monopoly, Candy Land, The Game of Life. Those are all great games, but are you ready to graduate to some new, exciting games? There are thousands of great board games out there waiting to be played. If you’ve been wanting to try some, here’s your chance. The Rook Room will be joining West Des Moines Parks and Recreation in helping you to try out and learn to play a few of the most popular “gateway games” like Ticket to Ride, King of Tokyo, Betrayal at House on the Hill, 7 Wonders, and more! Already know how to play some of these? This is a perfect opportunity to bring your friends and get them into the amazing world of board games!
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: The Rook ROom
3. Scroll down to the “SPECIAL EVENT” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to your desired course
How Do I? Play Catan & Catan Tournament
Have you ever wanted to play the uber-popular board game Catan? Or maybe you just want to brush up on your skills. The Rook Room is joining West Des Moines Parks and Recreation with the latest in their “How Do I?” series to teach you Catan. The Rook Room is Iowa’s premier Catan Tournament coordinator, holding multiple tournaments across the state each year and sending winners on to the national tournament at Origins Fair. Their Game Masters will teach you the skills you need to play and maybe even compete! All experience levels are welcome.
Once you’ve learned the game, come and show off your skills at our Catan Tournament hosted by The Rook Room and West Des Moines Parks and Recreation. The tournament will consist of three rounds – qualifying, semi-finals, and finals. The winner will receive a Rook Room Catan prize package and the honor of being one of Iowa’s best!
**Registration Tips**
1. Click the sign up button below
2. From the Booking Page, FILTER by Instructor: The Rook Room
3. Scroll down to the “SPECIAL EVENT” section and “Show Courses”
4. Scroll to your desired course(s)
Find More West Des Moines Programming
Browse a complete list of programs offered through the City of West Des Moines Parks & Recreation Department.
Get in Touch With the RecPlex Team
Have questions about any of our upcoming programs? Our team would be happy to answer those for you.