Sometime living on a budget means cutting back on entertainment expenses. Budget templates generally include some funds devoted to wants (as opposed to needs or savings). Entertainment falls into that category. To stretch your entertainment dollar, here are just a few of the free, discount, and low-cost options in Grinnell, Des Moines, and Iowa City.
If you know of a great deal for students, please email career@grinnell.edu and we’ll add your contribution to this list.
Art & History
- Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, free
- Grinnell College Museum of Art, free
- Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines, free
- John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Des Moines, outdoors, free
- Stanley Museum of Art, Iowa City
- State Historical Museum, free
- World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, Des Moines (select days free)
Dining
- Dining Dollars may be used at McNally’s, Jay’s Deli, Saint’s Rest, and Dari Barn
- Prairie Canary: 20% discount for Grinnell College students Tuesday, Wednesday,
DIY
- Second Mile & Rummaging Around: Selection of craft items
- Stew Makerspace: free for students
Free Clothes
- CLS Career Clothing Closet, so you can dress up for your night on the town
Live Theater & Music
- Civic Center, Des Moines Performing Arts, day-of student prices
- Des Moines Symphony, student tickets
- Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City, student-priced tickets
- Lucky Seat occasionally offers tickets to shows at the Civic Center (see other venues for a city you may be visiting or spending the summer in)
- Summer Concerts in Central Park, Grinnell
Movies
- Harris Cinema events typically free for students
- The Strand3: Get $1 off admission
Online
- A quick reminder that Amazon and Spotify offer student-sized prices.
Outdoors
For a complete list of outdoor facilities in and around town, visit the city’s website. Here are just a few:
- Ahren’s Park
- Arbor Lake
- Bike Trails
- City of Grinnell’s Recreational facilities (map)
- Lake Nyanza at Miller Park offers a free 18-hole disc golf course (purchase disc at Bikes to You)
Head out of town a little further to:
Gear Up
- GORP (Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program) has free equipment rentals and organizes trips nearby for hiking, camping, and canoeing: Learn more.
