Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo grew from a modest municipal animal park into the state's only zoo accredited by the national Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a standard that reflects its care for animals, its conservation work, and its education programs. The zoo takes its name from the Blank family, longtime Des Moines philanthropists whose support helped it grow.

For many Iowa children, Blank Park Zoo is the place where they first meet a lion, a giraffe, or a shark face to face. That role, as central Iowa's window onto the wider animal world, shapes everything the zoo does, from its family programming to its work in wildlife conservation and species survival efforts.

The zoo's signature area recreates the African plains, with giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and lions ranging across open habitats meant to evoke the savanna. Elsewhere the paths lead to primates, kangaroos and other Australian animals, and creatures of the Americas, so a single loop takes visitors around much of the globe.

Indoors, a tropical aquarium holds sharks, rays, and a colorful coral reef, a surprising slice of ocean life in landlocked Iowa. The walk-through aviary lets visitors stand among free-flying birds, and seasonal features and animal encounters give children hands-on moments with the collection.

As an accredited institution, Blank Park Zoo takes part in coordinated conservation programs that help sustain populations of threatened species, and it supports field conservation efforts around the world. Much of its work is educational, teaching Iowa families about wildlife, habitats, and the choices that affect animals both far away and close to home.

The zoo also highlights the natural world of the Midwest itself, reminding visitors that conservation begins in their own state. Programs and exhibits connect the exotic animals on display to broader lessons about protecting habitat, water, and the diversity of life, making a fun day out also a chance to learn.

The zoo sits within Des Moines, Iowa's capital, a city on the rivers at the center of the state and the ancestral homeland of the Ioway, for whom the state is named, along with the Meskwaki and Sauk peoples who lived and traveled across central Iowa. Their descendants remain part of Iowa today, with the Meskwaki owning their Settlement to the northeast near Tama.

Des Moines makes a natural base for exploring central Iowa, with the gold-domed State Capitol, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Salisbury House, and Living History Farms all within easy reach. Blank Park Zoo fits neatly into a family itinerary of the capital's parks and cultural sites, a green and lively stop in the middle of the state.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Blank Park Zoo, in the city of Des Moines, is Iowa's accredited zoo, a family-friendly destination home to animals from around the world set across naturalistic habitats and exhibits. Visitors can see lions, giraffes, rhinos, primates, penguins, sea lions, kangaroos, and many other creatures, along with interactive experiences like feeding giraffes and walking through aviaries. Focused on conservation and education, the zoo offers a fun, engaging day for all ages amid gardens and shaded paths. With its wide variety of animals, immersive habitats, and hands-on experiences, Blank Park Zoo offers an enjoyable and educational destination in Des Moines, Iowa.

You can see a wide variety of animals from around the world, including lions, giraffes, rhinos, red pandas, primates, penguins, sea lions, kangaroos, tropical birds, reptiles, and many others, displayed in naturalistic habitats across the zoo. Interactive experiences, when offered, may let you feed giraffes, walk through an aviary, or get close to certain animals. The variety and the immersive exhibits make it engaging for all ages. With its diverse animals, from big cats to penguins, and hands-on encounters, Blank Park Zoo offers a fun and educational wildlife experience in Des Moines, Iowa.

Yes, Blank Park Zoo is very family-friendly, with a manageable size, a wide variety of animals, interactive experiences like animal feedings and walk-through aviaries, gardens, shaded paths, and children's play and learning areas that keep kids engaged and delighted. Strollers, plenty of places to rest, and food options make a day easy for families. The mix of exciting animals and hands-on fun appeals to all ages. With its engaging animals, interactive experiences, and kid-friendly design, Blank Park Zoo makes an excellent family destination in Des Moines, Iowa.

Late spring through early fall is the prime time, when the weather is mild, the zoo is fully open, and the animals and gardens are at their most active and lush, with summer the peak season and often extended hours and events, while the zoo may operate on a limited basis or close during the coldest months. Mornings are often best for active animals and smaller crowds. Checking current hours and seasonal schedules before you go is wise. For the fullest experience and most active animals, aim for late spring through early fall at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa.

Blank Park Zoo is in Des Moines, within reach of the Iowa State Capitol grounds, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Salisbury House and Gardens, Living History Farms, the High Trestle Trail Bridge, and the covered bridges of Madison County. That makes Blank Park Zoo a fun family stop to combine with the Des Moines attractions and the other sights of central Iowa on a visit to the state.