Science Center of Iowa

★★★★★Erik R

Fun place to go and bring a family. My sister visited from out of state and this was a go to visit for her son who is 9. It is more kid oriented but it's a good time for adults too. Not sure how often they change what they show but once our daughter is a little older and can understand things more we will bring her back again.

★★★★★Peter Blankenship

A highly successful field study in childlike wonder. We spent the day at the Science Center of Iowa, and the results were conclusive: curiosity increased, energy remained high, and boredom was nowhere to be found — despite one researcher’s prediction to the contrary. The exhibits kept the kids engaged from start to finish, but the major event horizon of the day was definitely watching the snapping turtle eat a mouse. That moment alone may live in family lore for years. Hand sanitizer stations were strategically positioned throughout the facility, allowing researchers to maintain hygiene protocols between exhibits. In summary: strong atmosphere, excellent activity levels, and a very favorable outcome for family fun. We’ll be back for further research.

★★★★★Zachary Peterson

This place turned out to be an incredible spot to visit with our 3-year-old! 👨‍👩‍👦✨ There were so many fun and interesting things for kids to explore that our little one was excited from the moment we walked in. The nature center was especially fascinating 🐍🐝 — seeing the snakes up close was cool, but the bee display was probably the most impressive part. The glass hive actually connects to the outside, so the bees fly in and out while you can safely watch them working inside. It’s surprisingly mesmerizing! All of the animals seemed healthy and well cared for, which made the experience even better 🐾. We didn’t even manage to see everything because we spent so much time in the “Toying with Science” exhibit. That area is basically a giant hands-on playground where kids can build LEGO cars, launch air rockets, experiment with a ball wall, and even create little water dams 🚀🧱💧. Our little guy had an absolute blast and played until he was completely worn out 😄. If you’re visiting Des Moines with kids, this is easily one of the best ways to spend a few fun and educational hours togeth

★★★★★Mr. Danny Noonan

Our daughters had an exceptional experience at the girls' science day. The event was meticulously organized, with all booths, including those from Corteva, Microsoft, Drake, Vermeer, the Heart Center, and the Iowa DNR, providing engaging and educational setups for attendees. The availability of prizes and treats further enhanced the experience for the girls. We are highly inclined to return, as our daughters were thoroughly captivated by the event. The facility maintained impeccable cleanliness, and the staff demonstrated remarkable friendliness and courtesy. We felt entirely secure allowing our daughters to explore the center independently. We wholeheartedly recommend this facility.

★★★★★VRACER

It’s very good for children 12 and under. Teens may not like much. There is one section where lots of structures are made of Lego. They have unique dome theater as well. Movie selection can improve.