Visit the Zoo
Hours:
November - April: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
May - September: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Zoo will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Closed exhibits
All exhibits are currently open except the jellyfish, Africa (giraffe, kudu, ostrich, guinea fowl and serval), Japanese macaque, camel ride, tortoise, white handed gibbons, gouldian finches and the Australian aviary. The Safari Grill is closed for the winter. Weather, minor maintenance or animal health issues may cause a change from day to day, so if you are coming to see a specific animal, please call 515-974-2501 in advance to verify it is on exhibit.
Location of Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-285-4722
GPS Coordinates: latitude: 41.520430, longitude: -93.624638
Zoo Admission
Summer Rates:
Children (2 years and under) - Free
Children (3 – 12 years) - $6.00
Adults (13 – 64 years) - $11.00
Senior Citizens (65+ years) - $9.00
Winter Rates (now in effect):
Children (2 years and under) - Free
Children (3 – 12 years) - $3.00
Adults (13 – 64 years) - $7.00
Senior Citizens (65+ years) - $5.00
Group Rate and Motor Coach Tours
Available for groups of 20 or more by calling (515) 285-4722 in advance to your visit.
Children (2 years and under) - Free
Children (3 – 12 years) - $4.00
Adults (13– 64 years) - $8.00
Senior Citizens (65+ years) - $6.00
Please click here for the Group Reservation Form.
Strollers & Wheelchairs
For your convenience the following amenities are available:
Wheelchairs Free
Single Strollers $4.00
Double Strollers $6.00
Wheelchairs and strollers are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Outside Food
For the safety of the animals, no outside food or drink is allowed in the Zoo. Picnic grounds are available at Blank Park, just north of the parking lot. Concessions inside the Zoo are operated by Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, April 1- Sept 30.
Photography
Photography of the animals is permitted (and encouraged) at the Blank Park Zoo. Commercial photography, that is photography for publication or for economic or other gain needs prior written consent of the Blank Park Zoo Foundation. Call 515-285-4722 for more information.
Field Trips
Find out all the information on taking a field trip to the Zoo!
Zoo Membership
Become a member and get free or reduced-rate admission at over 160 zoos from around the country.
Directions
The Zoo is in a convenient south Des Moines location, about 1 mile North of the Hwy 65 bypass and about 2 miles east of the Des Moines International Airport.
Accommodations
Accommodations withing five minutes of the Zoo. Several hotels offer packages that include the Blank Park Zoo.
Zoo Map
The Blank Park Zoo is the only accredited zoo in the state of Iowa. Bring your family to see more than 1,000 furry, finned, and feathered friends. Click here for map of the Zoo grounds.
Zoo Weather
For current weather conditions, check out our weather station - it is part of KCCI-TV's SchooNet 8 program.
Zoo Calendar
There is always something happening at the Zoo. Learn of upcoming events, promotions, and education programs.
Wildthings Gift Shop
Looking for that perfect souvenir or a unique gift for that special someone, visit the zoo's gift shop featuring stuffed animals, children's toys, baby collection, apparel, and decorative housewares.
Behind the Scenes Tours
Enjoy an exclusive tour with Zoo staff behind the scenes. Tours are offered November – March in the afternoons for guests ages 13 and older. All tours must be prearranged...
