Blank Park Zoo in the Winter
The Blank Park Zoo is waiting for you to visit this winter. Without the crowds, you get a chance to meander and observe at your own pace, and is a great place to learn! They have a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences as well as winter programs for all ages. Winter is also a great time to take advantage of the Iowa Adventure Pass through your local library.
Location
The Blank Park Zoo is located just minutes from downtown Des Moines at SW 9th St. Follow them on social media to keep tabs on all of the latest news and fun happening at the Blank Park Zoo.
A Unique Experience
One December day, my kids decided not to nap. It was 30 degrees and just days before the Christmas Storm so I figured we should get out of the house while we could and I am so glad we did. We arrived around 2:30 p.m. and stayed until close, at 4 p.m. The first thing we noticed was the lack of crowds or really any other visitors at all, which was great! We took our time observing each animal and getting to have a calmer experience. My kids loved having the zoo to themselves and getting to chat with the zookeepers. If you have a child that feels overwhelmed or has sensory sensitivity, I highly suggest visiting the zoo in the winter and in the afternoon.
Indoor Experiences
We started at the Discovery Center. We took our time seeing the red pandas, snakes, birds, and aquariums. I personally loved the Discovery Center because it felt like a tropical paradise with tropical plants, humidity, and a waterfall. After a walk outside, we checked out the Aldabra tortoises. My 4-year-old loved watching how slowly they move and how they eat. The giraffe building was our favorite because after being outside for a while, the building was nice and toasty! Our last stop was the rhino viewing indoors. We got to see the zookeepers cleaning out the stalls and they even stopped to tell us about how rhinos play.
Outdoor Experiences
Although some animals can’t be out in the cold weather, there are still plenty of animals to see. It’s also fun to see the different ways they act in the winter. The penguins, my two-year-old’s favorite, were thriving in the winter weather, diving and swimming away. The amur tiger was busy playing in the snow. The lions were right up by the glass and fence which made for some great staring contests. The eagles and vultures were out too. The gibbons were teasing us. They would come to say a quick hi and run away. Overall, we enjoyed being outside and nobody complained about being cold! It was a great zoo experience.
Blank Park Zoo Membership
When you purchase a Blank Park Zoo you receive free, unlimited admission on every zoo trip for one year. You can visit all your favorite zoo animals and receive a FREE train ride every Member Monday. The Blank Park Zoo is a part of the association of zoos which means you will receive 50% off admission at other zoos and aquariums across the country such as Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo, Kansas City Zoo, and more. Take a look at all the amazing benefits and purchase your membership to help support this wonderful non-profit organization. Here are our top 8 reasons we love a Blank Park Zoo Membership!
Winter Programs
The zoo has plenty of winter programs and special events for all ages. Some are free with admission and others have a fee. Blank Park Zoo Members receive special pricing. Check them out below.
Kids Night Out
When: January 20 and February 17 @ 5:30 PM- 8:30 PM
What: Parents drop their children off and go for a date night. Children will enjoy animal programs, crafts, games, and pizza!
Age: For children 4-10 years old
Cost: $35 for the first child, $30 each for additional children. Members get a 20% discount.
Discover the Wild Days
When: January 28th and February 19, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
What: Educators have themed activities around the park relating to a specific animal
Age: All Ages
Cost: Free with Zoo membership or Paid Zoo Admission
Storytime with Reading Red Panda
When: January 9th and February 13th @ 11:00 AM
What: Enjoy a story and meet a special live ambassador animal
Age: 2-7-year-olds
Cost: Free with Zoo membership or Paid Zoo Admission
Zoo Tunes
When: February 7, 14, 21, and 28 @ 6:00 PM
What: Music class with animal visitors
Age: 1-2.5-year-olds
Cost: $40 for Four-Class Series, Zoo members save 20%
When: February 6, 13, 20, 27 @ 6:00 PM and February 7, 14, 21, 28 @ 10:15 AM
Polliwogs
What: Free play and hands-on experiences such as sensory bins and tactile stations
Age: 1-2.5-year-olds
Cost: $40 for Four-Class Series, Zoo members save 20%.
Zoo Tots
When: February 1-4, 15-18 @ 10:15 AM
What: Read books, make crafts and enjoy visits from live animals
Age: 2-4-year-olds
Cost: $20 Per Class, Zoo Members Save 20%.
Zoo Tots Cooking
When: February 9-12, 23-25 @ 10:15 AM
What: Make tasty treats and enjoy visits from live animals
Age: 2-4-year-olds
Cost: $20 Per Class, Zoo Members Save 20%.
Zoo Juniors
When: February 4-5 @ 2:00 PM
What: Read books, make crafts and enjoy visits from live animals
Age: 5-6 year-olds with an accompanying adult
Cost: $20 Per Class, Zoo Members Save 20%.
Zoo Chefs
When: February 9, 11,12 @ 2:00 PM
What: Make tasty treats and enjoy visits from live animals
Age: 5-6 year-olds with an accompanying adult
Cost: $20 Per Class, Zoo Members Save 20%.
