A cityscape with a prominent skyscraper, a river, and a bridge.

Ankeny Vacations from $361

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Your Ankeny Vacation

Skip the stress of planning your next big adventure with a Ankeny vacation package. Whether you're here for its cuisine, history, art or something else, this city offers endless possibilities for fun. Saylorville Lake, Des Moines Area Community College and Otter Creek Golf Course are just a few of the many sights you'll want to explore during your trip to Ankeny. Don't delay visiting this city any longer. The ultimate Ankeny vacation is only a few clicks away with Expedia.

The Latest Ankeny Vacation Packages

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
  • Dec 18 - Dec 21

    Cozy Rest Motel + Flight

    Indianola Hills
    3 nights
    2.0 star property
    7.8/10 - Good (692 reviews)
    "Great location and helpful staff."
    Reviewed October 24, 2026
    Roundtrip • Denver (DEN) - Des Moines (DSM)
    DEN - DSM • Nonstop DSM - DEN • Nonstop
    $417
    $361
    per traveler
    found 18 hours ago
    Cozy Rest Motel
  • Dec 15 - Dec 19

    Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA + Flight

    Winterset
    4 nights
    2.5 star property
    9.2/10 - Wonderful (836 reviews)
    Roundtrip • Jacksonville (JAX) - Des Moines (DSM)
    JAX - DSM • 1 stop DSM - JAX • 1 stop
    $621
    $518
    per traveler
    found 1 day ago
    Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA
  • Dec 18 - Dec 21

    Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG + Flight

    Downtown Des Moines
    3 nights
    3.0 star property
    7.6/10 - Good (1,000 reviews)
    "It was ok but our room was on the 8th floor and they wouldn’t turn the air on (our room air conditioner also fell off the wall..?) but our room was 80° because the heat rises. Staff gave us a box fan which helped a little bit we were still sweating in our room"
    Reviewed November 1, 2026
    Roundtrip • Denver (DEN) - Des Moines (DSM)
    DEN - DSM • Nonstop DSM - DEN • Nonstop
    $477
    $407
    per traveler
    found 18 hours ago
    Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
  • Dec 18 - Dec 21

    Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport + Flight

    Greater South Side
    3 nights
    2.5 star property
    8.8/10 - Excellent (1,000 reviews)
    "You will love staying here!"
    Reviewed November 3, 2026
    Roundtrip • Denver (DEN) - Des Moines (DSM)
    DEN - DSM • Nonstop DSM - DEN • Nonstop
    $435
    $397
    per traveler
    found 18 hours ago
    Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
  • Dec 18 - Dec 21

    AC Hotel Des Moines East Village + Flight

    Downtown Des Moines
    3 nights
    3.0 star property
    9.0/10 - Wonderful (449 reviews)
    Roundtrip • Denver (DEN) - Des Moines (DSM)
    DEN - DSM • Nonstop DSM - DEN • Nonstop
    $548
    $502
    per traveler
    found 18 hours ago
    AC Hotel Des Moines East Village

Where to stay in Ankeny

Ankeny offers a delightful travel experience with its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient location. Explore the charming Ankeny districts, enjoy outdoor adventures, and visit nearby attractions like Drake University. This travel guide ensures you discover both established favorites and new ones, perfect for creating lasting memories.

Des Moines

For travelers seeking a vibrant urban experience, Des Moines serves as an excellent base for a stay in Ankeny. This metropolis offers a blend of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and exciting entertainment options, including the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Adventureland amusement park, and Casey's Center arena. With Ankeny located within Des Moines, getting around is easy, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and attractions. Choosing Des Moines for your hotel stay ensures you have access to a diverse range of experiences just a short distance away.

Saylorville

Experience the charm of Saylorville, an excellent hub for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and couples looking for a romantic getaway. With attractions like the scenic lake, the vibrant shopping mall center, and nearby golf courses, Saylorville offers a diverse array of activities to enjoy year-round. Situated around Ankeny, it's an ideal base to explore local landmarks such as Drake University and the Iowa Events Center. Saylorville is a smart choice for your stay, combining comfort with easy access to exciting experiences.

Enterprise

If you are a family traveler or planning a weekend getaway, look no further than Enterprise, a charming neighborhood in Bondurant, Iowa. This area offers easy access to outdoor recreation, urban parks, and attractions like Adventureland and the Iowa State Fairgrounds, making it a delightful spot for fun and relaxation. With its close proximity of about 4 miles from Ankeny, Enterprise is a smart choice for your stay, providing a blend of local experiences and conveniences.

Urbandale

Urbandale stands out as a prime spot for family travelers interested in a vibrant city experience. With attractions like the exciting Iowa Events Center, the fun-filled waterpark, and the engaging arena at Casey's Center, there’s plenty to enjoy for all ages. Located about 9 miles from Ankeny, Urbandale provides easy access to shopping centers and local landmarks, making it an ideal choice for your stay. Choose Urbandale for a memorable vacation filled with activities and entertainment.

Johnston

Travelers visiting the area often choose Johnston, especially those seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and city experiences. With attractions like Casey's Center for entertainment, the scenic lake, and the vibrant Iowa Events Center, there's plenty to explore. Johnston's appeal extends year-round, making it a great option for families and weekend getaways. Located about 7 miles from Ankeny, Johnston offers a smart choice for accommodation with its diverse activities and convenient access to nearby attractions.

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ankeny

Ankeny Hotel Deals

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of vacation packages are available in Ankeny?

Ankeny, an outdoor and nature destination known for its family-friendly attractions, offers vacation packages tailored to several travel styles:

  • Budget: Some hotels in Ankeny fall into the budget tier, offering affordable stays. For example, Super 8 by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines provides clean rooms and is praised by travelers for its reasonable value.
  • Breakfast: Many Ankeny vacation packages include hotels that offer complimentary breakfast. Staybridge Suites Des Moines North Ankeny by IHG, rated 9.4 out of 10 by travelers, is a great choice, with guests often highlighting the decent variety at breakfast.
  • Pet-friendly: If you're traveling with a furry friend, several hotels in Ankeny welcome pets. My Place Hotel - Ankeny/ Des Moines, IA, rated 7.6 out of 10 by travelers, offers pet-friendly accommodations with kitchens or kitchenettes.
  • Family: Ankeny vacation packages are well-suited for families, with hotels offering amenities like family rooms and indoor pools. Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny, rated 8.9 out of 10 by travelers, features family rooms and an indoor pool, with guests often noting the great rooms and overall beautiful property.

How can I save money on a Ankeny vacation package?

When you bundle, you can save up to 30%*. To save money on a Ankeny package, consider traveling during the quieter months or be flexible with your dates to find more options. Bundling your flights and hotel together often unlocks savings compared to booking separately. *Members only. Savings vary.

How much does an Ankeny vacation package cost?

An Ankeny vacation package typically costs around $850 per adult for a weekend trip. Lower-priced options start around $650 per adult, while premium packages can reach up to $2,350.


*Package prices shown are the average total cost per adult across Expedia bookings over the past year and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How do I find cheap Ankeny vacation package deals?

The cheapest Ankeny vacation package deals can be as low as around $540 per adult for weekend trips. Separately, August typically has the lowest average monthly prices, around $1,310 per adult, for a 5-day trip. Bundling flights and hotel together also typically saves money on a weekend trip — most Ankeny vacation package deals include some savings versus booking separately, typically around $15 per adult. Longer, week-long trips can save even more, often around $25 per adult. Browse cheap vacation packages in Ankeny on Expedia for current deals.


*Package prices shown are the average total cost per adult across Expedia bookings over the past year and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

What is the best time to go to Ankeny?

The best time to go for an Ankeny vacation package is during the summer months from June to July, which are the busiest and most popular times to visit. August also sees high demand, offering a lively atmosphere for your trip.


For travelers seeking a quieter experience or potentially lower prices, the months from November to January are typically the quietest. August also tends to be a more affordable month for packages, with a typical trip length of about 5 days.

What's included in an Ankeny vacation package?

An Ankeny vacation package lets you combine round-trip flights, hotel stays, and rental cars. Most hotels here offer airport shuttle service, making transfers to and from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) convenient. Additionally, most properties include free breakfast, providing a great start to your day without extra planning.


Exactly what's included will vary by hotel and package, so it's worth reviewing the details before you confirm your booking.

What's the best vacation package for Ankeny?

For families, an Ankeny vacation package built around a stay at Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny is a strong choice. Rated 8.9 out of 10 by travelers, this hotel offers family rooms, free breakfast, and an indoor pool, with guests often highlighting the great rooms and overall beautiful property.


Couples looking for a comfortable stay might consider the Best Western Premier Des Moines-Ankeny Hotel. Rated 8.1 out of 10 by travelers, this hotel features an indoor pool and free breakfast, with recent travelers appreciating the staff and recently updated rooms. It's about 8 miles from Iowa State Fairgrounds.


Travelers seeking the best value can find cheap Ankeny vacation package deals at properties like Super 8 by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines. This hotel, which costs around $80 per night and is about 9 miles from Iowa State Fairgrounds, is praised by travelers for its super clean rooms and reasonable value, making it a solid option for budget-conscious trips.


*Package availability and prices may change depending on dates and demand.

Is Ankeny a good choice for a family vacation package?

Ankeny is a strong choice for family vacation packages, with some of the bookings being family trips. Many hotels in the area offer family-friendly amenities such as family rooms, indoor pools, and complimentary breakfast, providing a comfortable stay for everyone.


For example, Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny, a family hotel rated 8.9 out of 10 by travelers, provides family rooms, an indoor pool, and kitchens, making it convenient for longer stays. Travelers frequently highlight the great rooms, location, and breakfast, contributing to an overall beautiful stay.


Families can enjoy a day of thrills at Adventureland, an amusement park about 11 miles from central Ankeny, or spend time outdoors at Saylorville Lake, about 10 miles away, which offers various recreational activities.

What is the best time to book an Ankeny vacation package?

Book your Ankeny vacation package around 3 weeks in advance. It gives you time to secure your preferred flights and hotel while rates are still competitive. Most travelers book between 1 and 5 weeks out.


From July to August and in October are the most popular months for Ankeny vacation packages, so booking earlier is advisable if you're traveling during these times.

What are the top things to do in Ankeny?

An Ankeny vacation offers a variety of family-friendly attractions and outdoor activities:


Browse and book things to do in Ankeny on Expedia.

How many days do you need for an Ankeny vacation?

Most Ankeny vacation packages last around 3 days, with many travelers choosing weekend trips. This duration allows you to explore key attractions like the Iowa State Fairgrounds, enjoy a day at Adventureland, or spend time outdoors at Saylorville Lake.


While weekend trips are popular, nearly a third of travelers opt for week-long trips, providing more time to delve deeper into the area's offerings and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Is Ankeny a good destination for a weekend vacation?

Ankeny is a great destination for a weekend vacation package, as most travelers choose weekend trips. In a short 1 to 3-day visit, you can easily enjoy local attractions like the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex or explore exhibits at the Ankeny Art Center. You could also catch an event at Casey's Center, which is about 3 miles from central Ankeny.


While nearly a third of travelers choose week-long trips to experience more of the area, a weekend in Ankeny still offers plenty of family-friendly attractions and outdoor activities to make for a fulfilling getaway.

Do you need to rent a car in Ankeny, or is public transport enough?

For an Ankeny vacation package with flights, renting a car offers the most flexibility, especially since Ankeny is an outdoor and nature destination with attractions spread out. While Ankeny does have a commuter bus service that connects to the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, a car allows for easier access to various family-friendly attractions and outdoor activities.


Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is about 12 miles from central Ankeny, and having a car makes travel to and from the airport, as well as day trips to places like Adventureland or Saylorville Lake, much more convenient.

Are Ankeny vacation package hotels conveniently located?

Ankeny vacation package hotels are generally conveniently located, with many properties situated within easy reach of central Ankeny.


For example, Staybridge Suites Des Moines North Ankeny by IHG is about 2 miles from central Ankeny, offering comfortable stays with amenities like free breakfast and kitchens. Similarly, Sleep Inn & Suites Ankeny - Des Moines and Home2 Suites by Hilton Ankeny are also about 2 miles from central Ankeny, providing easy access to local attractions. These central locations make it simple to explore the area's family-friendly attractions and outdoor activities.

Can I change or cancel my Ankeny vacation package if my plans change?

Yes, you can cancel your vacation package via your itinerary page on Expedia or by contacting customer service. Remember that some packages are fully refundable, but the details vary based on each unique booking. A fully refundable package may depend on how far out from the travel dates you're canceling and what airline you are traveling with.

Do One Key members get extra savings when booking Ankeny vacation packages?

Yes, members who join our free One Key™ travel rewards program can instantly unlock additional savings and save 10% or more on over 500,000 stays worldwide with Member Prices and over 1 million car rentals.

Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Ankeny vacation packages?

Yes, with Expedia's Book Now, Pay Later option, powered by Affirm, you can spread the cost of your Ankeny vacation over 3, 6, or 12 months. With no late payment fees or hidden costs, it's easy to secure your ideal vacation package as soon as you spot it.

How do I find last-minute vacation packages to Ankeny?

To find last-minute vacation packages to Ankeny, explore the last-minute deals section for the latest package offers, including flights, departing in the coming weeks. Being flexible with your travel dates and hotel preferences can help you secure the best prices.

How does free cancellation work on Ankeny vacation packages?

Free cancellation on a Ankeny vacation package depends on the specific hotel and rate combination you book. Many bookings allow free cancellation up to a stated deadline (often a few days before travel) where eligible. Read the cancellation terms carefully when reviewing the package, and visit Expedia help center for further details.

Is it cheaper to book a Ankeny vacation as a package or separately?

Booking flights and hotels together can unlock lower overall prices. Better still, you can tailor your Ankeny getaway to match your exact preference. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.

Why should I book my Ankeny vacation package with Expedia?

Booking your vacation package on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of hotels, you can compare prices, reviews and amenities all in one place, then bundle your hotel with flights which could help you save even more. Flexible booking options on selected stays also make it easier to plan with confidence.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.