Museum · Des Moines
Science Center of Iowa
Why Scout picked it
The Science Center of Iowa is a great indoor destination for families, offering interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX cinema. Expect to spend 3-4 hours here, with costs around $15-30 per person for admission.
Featured in these outings
- Downtown Science & Playground Fun — Dive into the wonders of science with interactive exhibits perfect for all ages at the Science Center of Iowa. Afterward, enjoy a casual and family-friendly meal, and then let the kids burn off some energy at a nearby park.
- Des Moines Science & Playground Fun — Start your day with a quick coffee before heading to the Science Center of Iowa for hours of interactive exploration. After working up an appetite, enjoy a casual and family-friendly lunch. Conclude your day with some outdoor play at a nearby park, ensuring a full day of fun and learning for the whole family.
While you're nearby
- OutdoorsMacRae Park
Green space on a bluff with dramatic downtown views, tennis courts, a pond & a playground.
- OutdoorsGray's Lake Park
167-acre park featuring a 1.9-mi. lighted walking path around a lake with small boat rentals.
- Nightlife300 Craft & Rooftop
- Food & DrinkThe High Life Lounge
Offbeat homage to the Midwestern beer halls of the 1960s dishing up old-school comfort food.
Scout verified August 2026