Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines IA

Very fun. I never thought much of it cause it's so close. But it was a very fun and very cute experience with my Lovie. The otters were my favorite they were very adorable. The guests were friendly and sociable the prices were easily affordable and the highlight was the cheap, short, yet very fun train ride with a friendly funny conductor and a great view of the lions. My only cons are the expensive beverages when it was quite hot out and the hours requiring us to go very early. Overall a very positive experience: >

We love Blank Park Zoo!
HOWEVER, why don’t you have the animal’s names on the info placard? Why are a good chunk of placards/signs missing from each animal’s enclosure? Additionally, we always ask the people working/volunteering and I would guess only 50% or less know the animal’s name. Our kiddos want to know their names and other info about the animal but the signs are just missing Please improve this aspect!

Small zoo, but has a wide variety of animals that are sure to please everyone! From giraffes to red pandas, there is a wide selection. The kids area is a hit with our 3 year old as is the carousel.

Love this zoo. Greatly appreciate the knowledgeable zoo keepers who were willing to explain training processes.

Zoo is enjoyable. But this five star review is for the gentleman working at the Safari Grill on Saturday morning. He is so polite, pleasant, and all around seems happy to help people. Great job, sir!

Great little zoo with nice animal displays. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable! Great place to take kids and learn a lot about animals. Also a great place for adults who love animals!

They fantasize about more animals, the train route is very short and you don't see many animals

Not a horrible experience. Just smaller than I thought and members having to pay for things like the train and carousel separately is a bit of a let down.

I loved the blank park Zoo! They have a lot of amazing animals there. Gift shop to, aquarium and a little place to eat. They also have a train there that goes around the zoo explaining everything. They have giraffes there that you can feed they have long tongues. 100% would recommend. They are open all year including winter the animals love to play in the snow. The zoo is small but still fun. I had a blast.

Went to Zoo Brew, and it was lots of fun! All the animals were out. They get put up close to sun down. Of course, there were different kinds of beer. They also have samples of beer, but you better get there early.

Another great zoo visit! So proud of Blank Park Zoo in their conservation efforts!
Plus a nice way to spend a lovely day. Enjoyed seeing the animals today!

A lot to see. When you go take your time unless you plan to walk around the entire place 3 or 4 times starting early in the morning.

You won't see them all right off. They have certain times for each animal to come out.

Prices are worth $18 / person. We got ours free compliments to the DMPL and free events programs they had going for the last few years.

Hy-vee Safari Grill was a great price for 2 hamburgers 2 fries and 2 drinks.

Take their train was worth it for $6/ rider.

To costly for the amount of animals they have. Not do able for families on a budget. Gift shop overly expensive. $20 to rent an electric scooter is far too expensive.

A relatively small zoo (compared to other Midwest metros), but it has grown in size in recent years. Just the right size for a good healthy walk. The Outback, big cat, and African (especially rhino) wildlife areas definitely stand out. Very friendly staff. Highly recommended.