Blank Park Zoo
4.5(6.7K)google
4.0(87)yelp
WildlifeFamilyKidsEducationalOutdoor
Overview
Blank Park Zoo is a 49-acre zoological park on the south side of Des Moines, Iowa, United States, near historic Fort Des Moines. The zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeThe spring and summer seasons from May to September are the prime window for peak animal activity. Arriving at 9:00 AM sharp upon opening is highly recommended; early morning brings comfortable temperatures and finds African lions, rhinos, and giraffes at their most active foraging hours. This beats the intense afternoon sun and lets you catch the popular morning keeper chats.
Getting ThereSituated in the far southern reaches of Des Moines at 7401 SW 9th Street. Driving is the absolute best option; from downtown, travel south on SE 14th St (US-69 S), turn right onto E Army Post Road, and then turn right onto SW 9th St. The zoo entrance features acres of sprawling, fully complimentary open-air surface parking for families.
Travel Tips
- Premium interactive modules like the Giraffe Feeding encounters hit structural capacity caps early; online add-on pre-booking 2 weeks out is required as walk-up registries close by 12:00 daily.
- The complimentary surface parking grid hits capacity flags by 10:00 during summer; non-compliant vehicles invading commercial service avenues along 9th Street are aggressively towed at owner's expense.
- Severe Midwestern thunderstorm or hail vectors trigger instant security lockups of all exposed outdoor savannah habitats; review morning weather radars carefully as no climate refunds are granted.
Reviews
Positive
- A beautifully sized, manageable zoo; feeding giraffes and riding the mini-train are incredibly fun and great for young kids.
- Enclosures use low fences and clear glass so toddlers view animals easily; the indoor aviary and rhino zones are visually great.
- ADA ramps are wide and smooth, restrooms are plentiful, and dedicated nursing rooms show family-focused management.
- Ticket and snack prices are quite reasonable compared to national zoos, parking is completely free, and the value is high.
Heads up
- The footprint is relatively compact and lacks mega-star animals like pandas, elephants, or polar bears, underwhelming older youth.
- In roasting summer afternoons, animals hide in indoor dens or sleep away from view, leaving outdoor habitats looking empty.
- Sunny weekends spark extreme crowd density packed with strollers, causing walkway traffic jams and a highly chaotic noise level.
- The single main fast-food eatery suffers from chaotic, slow line management and serves an uninspired menu of just burgers and fries.