1. The Science Center of Iowa

Located in downtown Des Moines, the Science Center is sure to amaze. It features hands-on exhibits, daily science demonstrations, large format theatres and IMAX, which is currently showing “Great White Shark”, “Journey to Space”, “Mysteries of the Unseen World”,  “Living in the Age of Airplanes” and “Island of Lemurs: Madagascar.”

Summer hours for the Science Center are: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. -5 p.m. on Sunday.

2. The Blank Park Zoo

When in Des Moines, be sure to make the Blank Park Zoo one of your destinations. It features over 800 creatures and an indoor Discovery Center. Plus it’s conveniently located close to the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center, which honors the U.S. Army’s first officer candidate class for African American men in 1917 and the establishment of the first Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1942. 

Anyway, the Blank Park Zoo also offers “Zoo Brew” for those age 21+. Every weekday in June, July and August, the zoo opens up Wednesday nights for those of age to enjoy music, drinks and the animals. Each night features a different theme, like “Strut Your Stripes” (features The Array), “Around the World” (featuring The Sheet) and “Christmas in July” (featuring Loose Neutral.)

Doors for Zoo Brew open at 5:30, close at 8:30 and the event is over with at 9:00 p.m. Zoo non-members pay regular admission to enjoy Zoo Brew, and Zoo Members enjoy it for free.

3. Des Moines Art Center and the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Start off your afternoon touring the three buildings of the Des Moines Art Center, located on Grand Avenue. They house a permanent collection of 19^th– , 20^th– and 21^st– century artists.

After that, check out the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Garden, a great downtown Des Moines feature. Some of the works include those done by Louise Bourgeois, Mark di Suvero, Yoshitomo Nara and Jaume Plensa.

4. Beercadium

Located at 102 3^rd Street in Des Moines, this is…well…a bar and an arcade (hence the “beer-“ and “-cadium.”) It’s a great place to get some drinks, play some games and eat some food you probably could have easily prepared at home.

The joint features many specials, and there are games galore, like flip cup, Madden, drunken Mario races on the Nintendo 64, beer pong, Jenga, darts and whatever else.

5. Escape Chambers

Think “The DaVinci Code”, “Saw” and “National Treasure.” You have 60 minutes to escape the walls that are barred by padlocks, puzzles and passcodes. Test your brain and try to escape within the allocated time. You get to decipher codes, look for clues, find the right tools, navigate the complex scenarios and work against the clock.

Check out Escape Chambers DM on 338SW 6^th Street in Des Moines, but be prepared to spend 30 dollars per person, per room.