Quick Guide to Blank Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa, is a family-friendly, conservation-focused zoo featuring lions, giraffes, rhinos, red pandas, and interactive exhibits.
Expect to spend 3 to 5 hours exploring. Adult tickets typically range around $22 to $25, with discounts for children and seniors. It holds strong public ratings around 4.5 out of 5 across major review platforms.
Jump directly to details:
Tickets & Prices |
Opening Hours |
Top Things to See |
Typical Budget |
FAQ
Official Website: https://www.blankparkzoo.com/
Phone: +1 515 285 3000
Email: info@blankparkzoo.org
Location: 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
Is Blank Park Zoo Worth Visiting?
Yes. Blank Park Zoo is absolutely worth visiting if you are in Des Moines or traveling through Iowa. I found it surprisingly engaging for its size, well maintained, and easy to explore in half a day without feeling rushed.
Families with kids, couples, and even solo travelers who enjoy wildlife conservation will appreciate its layout and educational focus.
Blank Park Zoo Ratings and Visitor Reviews
Overall Public Rating
Average rating: approximately 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews.
Visitors consistently praise the zoo’s cleanliness, manageable size, and interactive exhibits.
Authentic Visitor Feedback
One parent shared on Google Reviews that it is “the perfect size for young kids, not overwhelming but still packed with animals.”
I personally appreciated how close you can get to giraffes and how staff members were willing to answer detailed questions about conservation programs.
Opening Hours at Blank Park Zoo
Typical Operating Hours
Open daily, usually from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM depending on the season.
Summer hours are typically extended. Always confirm on the official website before visiting.
Tickets, Entry Fees, and Membership Options
Standard Admission Prices
Adults: Around $22 to $25
Children: Around $15 to $18
Seniors: Discounted rates available
Children under two often enter free
Parking is typically free on site.
Money-Saving Tip
If you plan multiple visits, consider a membership. It often pays for itself after two or three visits and includes reciprocal zoo access nationwide.
Top Things to See and Do at Blank Park Zoo
African Boardwalk and Safari Area
This area features giraffes, rhinos, and lions. “Watching the giraffes from the elevated platform felt immersive and surprisingly intimate,” I wrote in my travel notes.
Discovery Center
An indoor area perfect for winter visits. It includes reptiles and smaller animals. Ideal if weather shifts unexpectedly.
Red Panda Exhibit
One of the most photographed areas. Visit early in the day when they are most active.
Giraffe Feeding Experience
Seasonal and highly popular. Arrive early and check times at entry. It adds a memorable interactive layer to your visit.
How Long Should You Spend at Blank Park Zoo?
Plan for 3 to 5 hours. Families with small children may stay longer due to playground and rest breaks. If you enjoy reading every educational panel, budget closer to 5 hours.
Typical Costs and Suggested Budget
Budget Breakdown for a Family of Four
Tickets: Around $70 to $90 total
Snacks or lunch: $30 to $50
Souvenirs: Optional $20 to $40
Total estimated spend: $120 to $180 for a full visit day
Where to Stay Near Blank Park Zoo
Consider staying in Des Moines for easy access. Compare prices and availability through:
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How to Get to Blank Park Zoo
The zoo is located in Des Moines, Iowa, about 15 minutes south of downtown.
By Air
Fly into Des Moines International Airport, about 10 minutes away by car.
By Car
Easily accessible via Interstate 35. Free parking is available.
Safety Tips and Emergency Information
Emergency number in the United States: 911
Zoo Contact: +1 515 285 3000
Stay hydrated during summer. Iowa summers can be humid and hot.
Follow posted rules regarding animal barriers and feeding.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Blank Park Zoo
Pros
Compact and easy to explore
Strong conservation programs
Family-friendly layout
Interactive experiences available
Cons
Smaller than major metropolitan zoos
Limited indoor space during extreme weather
Peak summer days can be crowded
Best Time to Visit Blank Park Zoo
Spring and early fall offer the best weather and active animals. Summer provides longer hours but higher temperatures. Winter visits are quieter but more limited outdoors.
Key Takeaways
- Ideal half-day attraction in Des Moines
- Affordable family activity with educational value
- Best visited in spring or fall for comfort
- Plan 3 to 5 hours for a relaxed experience
Frequently Asked Questions About Blank Park Zoo
How much does it cost to visit Blank Park Zoo?
Adult tickets usually range between $22 and $25. Children and seniors receive discounts.
Is Blank Park Zoo good for toddlers?
Yes. The layout is manageable and includes play areas and interactive exhibits suitable for young children.
Can you bring your own food?
Policies may vary. Check the official website for updated guidelines before packing outside food.
Final Travel Tip
Arrive early in the morning when animals are most active. I found that the first two hours after opening provided the best photography opportunities and fewer crowds.
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details. Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.