Take a walk on the wild side at Blank Park Zoo, the only accredited zoo in Iowa. The site's 25 acres in Des Moines are home to more than 1,000 animals representing species from around the world. The zoo's extensive layout of outdoor exhibits is complemented by several buildings housing more animals, a large aquarium display, a kids' petting zoo and more.
Parking and public transportation to Blank Park Zoo
Access the zoo from Army Post Road or Iowa Highway 5, turning on Southwest Ninth Street. Free parking is available on the grounds. A local transit route stops at the zoo's entrance.
Best times to go to Blank Park Zoo
Weekdays are the best time to avoid the crowds, although the zoo is a popular field-trip destination for local child-care centers and schools. Special events are held throughout the year, including a summer music series for the 21-and-up crowd, a butterfly festival, and more.
Admission to Blank Park Zoo
The zoo is open daily all year long, except for major holidays. Expect to pay an average of $10 per person, with costs a few dollars more for teens and adults and a little less for kids. Very young children are admitted free and there's a discount for seniors. Groups of 15 or more receive discounted rates, but reservations are required. Members get free admission and additional perks.
Must see/do at Blank Park Zoo
A wide range of species from several continents call the zoo home. Don't miss the red pandas and the Amur tigers. Giraffes and ostriches greet visitors to their habitats. The bald eagle enclosure highlights the majestic birds' increasing numbers in Iowa. Along with the expected small animals in the Kids Kingdom, children can also interact with and feed parakeets.
Other places to visit near Blank Park Zoo
Take the family downtown to experience the hands-on fun at the Science Center of Iowa. Enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Heritage Carousel at Union Park. Walk through the indoor and outdoor displays at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
Insider tip for visitors to Blank Park Zoo
The off-season brings a special opportunity to get a closer look at the animals. Behind-the-scenes tours are offered November through March for teens and adults.
Author's bio: Melanie Lageschulte is a freelance writer and editor. She is an Iowa native and has lived in Des Moines for 15 years.
A sentimental favorite for many Des Moines-area residents is tucked within Union Park on the city's north side. The Heritage Carousel opened in the late 1990s after a group of volunteers decided there was a need for simple, wholesome family entertainment. All the animals on the carousel were hand-carved from wood and hand-painted to replicate the ornate detail of the carousels of yesteryear.
Parking and public transportation to Heritage Carousel
Access the site from the East Sixth Street/Pennsylvania Avenue exit on Interstate Highway 235. Take Pennsylvania Avenue north to Union Park. Parking is available on site. Transit routes stop along East 14th Street, but expect a walk of about six blocks to reach the park.
Best and worst times to go to Heritage Carousel
The carousel is open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays, usually May through August. The site also hosts several special activities throughout the year, such as an Easter egg hunt and a classic car show. Weekend afternoons are often the busiest, so prepare to wait in line.
Admission to Heritage Carousel
The program's volunteers aim to keep costs as low as possible. Expect to pay just 50 cents for a child to ride and $1 for an adult. There is no charge for adults to stand next to a child rider. Multi-ride and season passes are available.
Other places to visit near Heritage Carousel
Union Park also offers several free family activities. A zero-depth-entry splash pool is open for children during the summer months. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a massive rocket slide that has been located in the park for decades. Grills and picnic tables provide space to enjoy a packed lunch or snack.
Insider tip for visitors to Heritage Carousel
The site's vintage charm is maintained by a local nonprofit organization. Patrons can "adopt" one of the carousel's wooden animals for a season. The donation package includes opportunities for free and discounted rides.
Author's bio: Melanie Lageschulte is a freelance writer and editor. She is an Iowa native and has lived in Des Moines for 15 years.