Blank Park Zoo Tours

Things to do near Blank Park Zoo

At Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as exploring wildlife exhibits, participating in seasonal festivals, and enjoying outdoor adventures. Nearby, you’ll find picnic spots perfect for a leisurely meal, as well as event venues for gatherings. Don't miss the amusement park attractions and sports activities that add to the fun, making it an ideal destination for family-friendly entertainment.

Shopping

Southridge Mall, only 1 mile from Blank Park Zoo, offers a lively shopping experience with various stores and entertainment. For a local charm, visit Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market, 5 miles away, featuring fresh produce and unique crafts. If you're up for a drive, Merle Hay Mall is 9 miles away, with more family-friendly shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Principal Park, a lively venue for sports events just 4 miles away. For entertainment, head to Val Air Ballroom, located 6 miles away, offering a vibrant music scene. Enjoy a round of golf at A. H. Blank Golf Course, only 0.5 miles from the zoo.

Adventure

Experience excitement at Air Lanes Bowling Center, located 2 miles from Blank Park Zoo, where you can enjoy bowling with friends. For a scenic adventure, hike the Greenbelt Trail, situated 9 miles away, offering beautiful outdoor views. Feel the thrill of karting at Pole Position Raceway, located 14 miles from the zoo.

Nightlife

At Blank Park Zoo, nightlife thrives with Hoyt Sherman Place offering cultural performances and romantic vibes just 5 miles away. Lauridsen Amphitheater, 4 miles away, hosts engaging shows for families, while Pump It Up, 11 miles out, promises adventure-filled arcade fun for all ages.

Find the best attractions near Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines offers a range of exciting attractions for visitors, including event venues, entertainment facilities, and fairgrounds. Families can enjoy various cultural and outdoor experiences, with top nearby attractions highlighting the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're looking for engaging activities or relaxing moments in nature, there's something for everyone to explore around the zoo.

• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Located 6 miles from Blank Park Zoo, the Iowa State Fairgrounds offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with outdoor family fun. This iconic venue hosts the annual Iowa State Fair, showcasing local agriculture, crafts, and entertainment, making it a must-visit for a taste of local culture.
• Wells Fargo Arena: Just 5 miles away, Wells Fargo Arena is the heart of entertainment in Des Moines. With its lively atmosphere, it hosts concerts, sports events, and family shows, providing a dynamic experience for visitors looking to enjoy exciting performances and events.
• Drake University: Situated 6 miles from the zoo, Drake University boasts a beautiful campus with a lively city vibe. Visitors can explore its historic buildings, lush green spaces, and engaging community events, offering a glimpse into local academic life.

Best time to go to Blank Park Zoo

The best time to visit Blank Park Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Blank Park Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Blank Park Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Blank Park Zoo

To save on your visit to Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, consider traveling between November and January for lower hotel rates. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to book, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s tools to filter for budget-friendly, eco-certified accommodations and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays. Additionally, look for free local activities to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Blank Park Zoo are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Blank Park Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Blank Park Zoo is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Explore Expedia’s user-friendly search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Blank Park Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
• Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.