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Zoos & Aquariums

🦁 Zoos & Aquariums for Kids in Des Moines, IA

2 zoos, aquariums, and animal encounters rated and reviewed by families.

Activities & Venues in Des Moines

2 of 2
Blank Park Zoo zoo in Des Moines, IA🦁 Zoo
Photo: Blank Park Zoo
4.5(6,577)$$

Blank Park Zoo offers an intimate, manageable zoo experience perfect for families with young children. With 100 acres of well-maintained exhibits featuring crowd favorites like giraffes, African lions, and penguins, plus interactive animal encounters throughout the day, it's sized just right for little legs to explore without overwhelming them. The shaded walkways and numerous picnic areas make it comfortable to spend a full morning or afternoon discovering wildlife together.

🕑 2.5-3.5 hours
Bison Paddock zoo in Des Moines, IA🧗 Adventure
Photo: Jeroen Stein
4.5(1,362)Free

The Bison Paddock offers a rare opportunity for kids to see majestic American bison roaming in a natural prairie habitat right in Golden Gate Park. This unique wildlife experience combines an easy scenic walk with the thrill of spotting these impressive animals,some weighing over 2,000 pounds,while learning about an important piece of American history and conservation.

🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

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