Iowa Adventure Passes: Free Admission to Zoos, Museums, and More
School is out, and libraries are the perfect place to check out books, dive into a summer reading challenge, and make memories that will last beyond the last page. Just in time for summer, Iowa libraries have brought back the Iowa Adventure Pass! The Iowa Adventure Pass gives resident cardholders at more than 70 libraries across Iowa access to explore several area attractions for free.
The Iowa Adventure Pass offers free admission to 17 different destinations throughout Iowa–each participating library contracts with a selection of these destinations (most libraries contract with 3-5 destinations). Check out the Iowa Adventure Pass page, select your local library, and then hit search. All of the locations your local library contracts with will be listed. Some of the larger central Iowa towns are listed below.
Learn more about some of these popular attractions
- NEW! Des Moines Performing Arts is proud to announce its partnership with the Iowa Adventure Pass program for the 2025-26 season, making live theater more accessible to families across the state. Through this initiative, library patrons at participating libraries can enjoy complimentary tickets to upcoming Wellmark Family Series performances, bringing music, storytelling, and unforgettable moments to new and returning audiences
- Enjoy a peaceful escape among vibrant blooms, waterfalls, and tropical plants at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
- Get up close with lions, giraffes, and more at Blank Park Zoo.
- Discover hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and live science demos at the Science Center of Iowa.
- Spark creativity and play at the Des Moines Children’s Museum, where kids can learn through hands-on fun.
- Wander through beautiful gardens, a tropical butterfly wing, and seasonal displays at Reiman Gardens.
- Explore powerful exhibits that celebrate African American history, culture, and contributions at the African American Museum of Iowa.
Des Moines (includes Windsor Heights and Saylorville Township residents)
- Blank Park Zoo
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens
- Science Center of Iowa
- Des Moines Children’s Museum
West Des Moines (includes Cummings residents)
- Blank Park Zoo
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens
- Science Center of Iowa
- Des Moines Children’s Museum
- Reiman Gardens
- Nelson Pioneer and Farm Museum
Ankeny
- Blank Park Zoo
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens
- Science Center of Iowa
- Des Moines Children’s Museum
- Reiman Gardens
Ames (includes Story County residents)
- Blank Park Zoo
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens
- Science Center of Iowa
- Des Moines Children’s Museum
- Reiman Gardens
- Nelson Pioneer and Farm Museum
- Grout Museum (Waterloo)
- African American Museum of Iowa (Cedar Rapids)
Urbandale
- Blank Park Zoo
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens
- Science Center of Iowa
- Des Moines Children’s Museum
- Reiman Gardens
Johnston
- Blank Park Zoo
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens
- Science Center of Iowa
- Des Moines Children’s Museum
- Reiman Gardens
Rules
- You must be a current library cardholder and reside in that library’s service area.
- Your account must be in good standing (minimal outstanding fines and not expired)
- You must be 18 years or older.
- The cardholder must present a photo ID and a copy of the pass printed (some locations, if noted, will take a digital version of the pass).
- One pass per attraction can be reserved once a calendar year.
- It must be canceled the day before to be able to access that attraction again in the calendar year.
- Passes cannot be used for special events such as Zoo Brew or Night Eyes.
- Each pass is good for up to 2 adults and 2 children. Unless noted.
Great list! Do you know if Ankeny offers any of these?
Hey! I have heard in July 2019. We will make sure to update this when we know for sure!