Blank Park Zoo, located on the south side of Des Moines, Iowa, is a 49-acre zoological park that is dedicated to promoting nature love through conservation, awareness, science, and recreation. As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, it is the only accredited zoo in Iowa, ensuring that it upholds high animal care and welfare standards. Visitors to the zoo will be greeted by the impressive Meredith Alpine Display, which can be accessed from the central guest lobby. Additionally, the Discovery Center Aquarium features aquatic environments from all over the world, offering visitors a chance to learn about a variety of marine life. The zoo manages a total of 49 acres of land, with 22 acres developed into animal exhibits and facilities. The Discovery Center, in particular, is a must-see, with its breathtaking mountainous and tropical habitats.
Best Places To See in Des Moines
Handpicked Top 3 Places To Visit in Des Moines, Iowa. All of our places to see actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!
BLANK PARK ZOO REVIEWS
The kids absolutely love going to the zoo, we've been rain or shine. It's a nice size to be able to walk the whole zoo in a couple hours if you just want a quick walk through, or take your time visiting a little section at a time. The kids especially love that there's a park in the kids zone, where they can get their wiggles out. We've been to soo many different events, and they always do such a nice job at exciting the kids. The animals seem happy in their enclosures. Overall a great experience and definitely worth a family pass.
I had a great time at this zoo. It’s a small zoo easily walked in 1-2hrs. All the animals were out and having fun in the sun. Lots of summer camp kids there today, who would occasional squeeze in too close. I recommend.
Nice little zoo! Don't expect anything near the level of the Henry Doorly Zoo, but there's plenty going on. It's clean, the animals have quality enclosures, and the kids can enjoy playgrounds and other interactive pieces. Great way to spend an afternoon!
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The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a 14-acre botanical garden situated near downtown Des Moines, Iowa, on the east bank of the Des Moines River and north of I-235. This beautiful attraction offers visitors an unforgettable experience through innovative architecture, a variety of programs, and a diverse collection of exhibits. With a goal of exploring, explaining, and celebrating the world of plants, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden inspires and engages visitors through education, experience, and exploration. The garden underwent extensive renovation and expansion after becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2013. Visitors can explore the garden's various collections, including their renowned Bonsai collection, rare plant species like the Corpse Flower, and seven acres of outdoor gardens. Whether you are a gardening enthusiast or a casual observer, there is something of interest for everyone at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
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$Price:
Senior (65+): $9
Military: $9
Youth (4-17): $7
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Working Hours:
Mon: Closed
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GREATER DES MOINES BOTANICAL GARDEN REVIEWS
For a small city botanical center, they have some spectacular specimens. Their lily pad display is stunning. And I have been to Vietnam and Bali so I have photographic memories for comparison. There are a couple of cactus species I have never seen before and I have spent a lot of time in desert environments. My preferred camping areas. At a very reasonable 10$, I was totally satisfied with my visit. Well Done!
We have a fantastic time looking at all the varieties of plants throughout the entire Garden. See you in the actual bananas on the trees with super cool! Lots of fun little spaces to walk through and around. Wonderful views and a very clean well-kept environment.
Beautiful place to relax and unwind. Inside the dome is warm and humid, the outdoor spaces are quaint and inviting. There’s a waterfall with a bench behind it so you can beat the heat. A beautiful sculpture of a leaf that’s gotta be fifteen feet tall made out of steel; a memorial to a major contributor. Inside there’s a “hidden” greenhouse filled with exotic plants sprinkled with places to sit. I totally recommend visiting here.
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The Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater is a science museum that is located in Des Moines, Iowa. It first opened its doors in 1970 as the Des Moines Center of Science and Industry in Greenwood-Ashworth Park. In 1985, it was renamed the Science Center of Iowa, and in 2005, it moved to its current location. The center's noble mission is to engage and inspire Iowans along their lifelong science learning journey. To achieve this, it features special-format theatres and unique programming that attract Iowans and visitors from afar. The center's exceptional programming reaches every county in Iowa through a statewide educational outreach program, encouraging cultural understanding and providing Iowans with unparalleled experiences. With more than 300,000 visitors annually, the Science Center of Iowa is a premier attraction that offers something for everyone. As a center member, visitors can enjoy free admission, making it an accessible and affordable destination for families.
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$Price:
Child (2–12): $15
Adults (13–64): $15
Senior (65+): $13
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Working Hours:
Mon-Wed: Closed
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SCIENCE CENTER OF IOWA & BLANK IMAX DOME THEATER REVIEWS
The Science Center is great for all ages! I'm pretty sure every time I've come to Des Moines, I've come here. There's always new things, like this time new giant dinosaurs and fossils, and an updated space section. But plenty of classics remain, like an area to practice milking a cow, a huge room of various physics interactions like paper rockets, a giant Lego architecture room, and a nature walk room, where they were doing the local news weather broadcast live with kids from the room. Super cool.
Great for the family. Interesting on hands activities, from learning about space, and dinosaurs. To Tour around Toddler Town, we’re a little kids up to five years old can play at a tiny grocery store. I think it’s ever changing so great to check it out when in town also, don’t forget there is a discount, or free admission, if you are a member museums, in your own hometown.
We used the adventure pass from the library and visited for the first time today. It was very busy but there were enough activities that kids were able to quickly move around and try out each thing. A lot to see and do and activities for all ages.
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