Reviews of Science Center of Iowa. (Museum) in Des Moines (Iowa).

Science Center of Iowa

298 Reviews

157 Comments

Museum

Science museum

401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States

Description

Information of Science Center of Iowa, Museum in Des Moines (Iowa)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

Map

Open hours of Science Center of Iowa

Popular times

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Saturday

Reviews of Science Center of Iowa

Benjamin Brown

The Science Center is great for all ages! I'm pretty sure every time I've come to Des Moines, I've come here. There's always new things, like this time new giant dinosaurs and fossils, and an updated space section. But plenty of classics remain, like an area to practice milking a cow, a huge room of various physics interactions like paper rockets, a giant Lego architecture room, and a nature walk room, where they were doing the local news weather broadcast live with kids from the room. Super cool.

Amanda Scott

We used the adventure pass from the library and visited for the first time today. It was very busy but there were enough activities that kids were able to quickly move around and try out each thing. A lot to see and do and activities for all ages.

Dheepak Guruswamy

Science center in Des Moines is a must see for kids to get them interested towards science. Great place, ways end up having fun here.

Kyla Brunetti

We enjoyed coming to visit the science center. We loved the Lego section! The kids really enjoyed making the little rockets and launching them!

Mitchell Lunde

This is a location I wish I could visit more often with my son. It's fun, interactive and provides plenty of creative freedom in terms of activities. As an avid astrophotographer I especially enjoyed the IMAX dome theater with a presentation of the night sky. There are plenty of activities to keep one occupied for an entire day and there should still be something to enjoy next time.

Linda M. Obert

I am a local guide in Carroll Co. But I sure enjoy visiting Des Moines for some culture, activites and restaurents when I can. I visited here in October '18, (2 weeks ago today). My son and I wanted to see the Lego Exhibit, "Brick By Brick" that opened Labor Day weekend. He is an adult Lego enthusiast and member of the local Lego Club in Des Moines. We both really enjoyed our day there. It' s just an amazing display. The Science Center of Iowa made a commitment to accept this as a permanent display with the designer and builder. It is a great addition to the Center. Famous world-known structures have been built to scale with Lego bricks. If you have not seen it,please do!! This is not just for kids! I hope to post some pictures I took from that day.

Edward F

Primarily kid oriented, lots of hands on stuff. Simple science experiments like creating electrical circuits and building/flying paper rockets. 360 degree planetarium theatre with interesting videos. Needs more content but you can kill a couple hours here.

Amanda Gleason

We stopped in while driving between Omaha and the Quad Cities and are glad we did! We enjoyed the Lego exhibit, the live animals, and the hands-on kinetic room. Kind staff and fun things to explore!

Jill Meadows (beantown)

My daughter works at our local science center and wanted to stop here during our vacation to see what Iowa has to offer. What a great place. There is so many things to do and see. We had a great time here.

Blue J

My children and I frequently come to The Science Center. The exhibits are fun interactive and educational. Something to do for all ages.

Mary Elliott

Membership only makes sense if you have younger kids. Older kids would get board of regular visits. Our 2 year old loves making visits. The toddler area gets over run by older kids. We wish they monitored the area a bit to keep the toddlers safe. The build your car area is a favorite for our boys but it's very frustrating the blocks fall apart very easily. Best ending it the stars theater! Always our last and favorite bit. The traveling exhibits have never disappointed!

Adam Frederick

We brought our family here as a little get a way. The crowd levels were very comfortable, as it wasn't too crowded and groups were spaced apart. The shows and exhibits kept us busy for the 3 hours we were there. The whole family enjoyed the visit!

Justine Seek

Very friendly staff. They had lots of live animals, which I wasn't expecting so that was a fun surprise to see. The lego exhibit was neat. The planetarium was the best part, but i wish that there would have been staff inside of the planetarium enforcing quietness, because lots of rude people with loud kids ruined things to the point of not being able to hear the shows. One thing I will say about the science center as a whole is that it was very much geared towards little kids, not much for adults. But still fun to see.

Maria M Pflugradt

Came with my husband, and what a neat little place this is! I enjoyed the nanotechnology and learning about astroisms and the moon. Will come back someday. I had a great time!!

Chad Knipfer

Awesome place to visit. Not too many exhibits to feel overwhelming. Great shows and movies!

J fmdevil

It's been a long time since I've been to the science center, and was actually very pleasantly surprised. Decent amount of stuff to do and explore. And there was some good stuff for my daughter to interact with. We all had fun.

E B

It's a great place to bring the kids on a rainy day. Perfect for my kids ages 3&5. Very hands on and a very easy day out. Don't forget quarters for the lockers because if you do go on a rainy day its nice to be able to put all the wet gear in a locker and not carry it around with you. The dinosaur Attraction they have at the moment is very fun and it's in a great place because the kids have something fun to do while you wait for the imax movie

melissa alto-kintigh

I'm writing this review after hosting a birthday party for my son at the Science Center. Patrick Rice is a stellar employee. I couldn't have asked for a better experience or better communication. He made it so easy for us to just show up and have the party. I recommend the Science Center for kid's birthday parties!

Melissa Reyerson

I went to the old science center as a kid and this is a vast improvement! I do very much miss the laser light shows though that took place at the old science center. Mixology night is super fun for adults. Love the star theater and all of the rotating exhibits. I also very much enjoy the children's bubble area. Cool gift shop as well and easy to bike to with a giant dino bike rack out front.

Cheyenne

This is a great place to take your young ones! I think this place is mostly just for young kids and parents. There really wasn't much to do there for young adults to adults without kids, I thought. Although the star theater was one and it was amazing. Nice environment with friendly employees. The room "When Things Get Moving," had legos everywhere and kids running all over the place with hardly any guardians in sight. It was kind of busy for going during the week but that doesn't really surprise me with school's starting to release for the summer.

Dan Ocheltree

We had an awesome time at the Science Center! Not sure who had more fun, me or the kids, but either way it was a win. The staff was so great working with all the kids and inspiring creativity and learning. If you've never been, I think it's money well spent; our kids (3,5,8) all had a great time!

Doug Jansen

A great place to spend a few hours or the day. We've been members for several years and it is worth the money. Lots of great exhibits, IMAX movies, and events. If the weather is crappy and cold it is even better to come here and let the kids get their energy out while learning.

David Garay

Excelente place to go with kids, a lot of activities and shows, have a nice planetarium. Highly recomendable

aurora deuw

The science center is awesome!! I want to thank them for the sensory-friendly hours they have. We went for the first time and the kids loved it and I got to play with them stress free. I highly recommend the science center, it makes learning fun!

Lauren Kortbein

What an awesome place! Fun for absolutely everyone! The interactive exhibits are designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages. We are both young adults without kids and loved every minute! Definitely worth the admission price, highly recommend!

Jeff Mathias

Just visited June 2021, fun kids play & learning. Cafe closed for summer & center closed at noon hour makes lunch & learning/play days impossible. I wish they had facilities to run summer camps without abandoning regular members.

Linda M. Schultz Obert

The visits I' ve had to the Science Center have been great. Very informative,I learn something new every time I stop in. It really is a facility for all ages. Of course there are the regular staple displays that have been there for some time,which is fine. But in addition to those, there is something new to see and learn. Keep up the great work you do to educate children and adults!! Make sure you stop in and check out something new, and "ENJOY"!!! The only improvement I can suggest,get that IMAX back running. That is a great asset to the facility. I am sorry it is not up and running smoothly. PLEASE BRING BACK IMAX THEATRE!! THANKS!!

Neil Franzen

A good distraction for the youngsters. Dedicated toddler area with some nice activities is often overrun by middle-school kids. Upstairs features native animals, a TV news weather report stage, and a variety of interactive physics and motion activities. IMAX theater is a great place to take in a documentary or the occasional blockbuster movie (Star Wars was great in this format). Nearby parking structure is easily accessible. Word of caution: my nephew recently had his jacket taken from the front coat area, so leave personal belongings at your own risk. The center did find his coat a couple days later and called on the lost-and-found form we filled out. The Science Center, along with Living History Farms and the Blank Park Zoo, is part of the Tri Membership plan, which is a great annual pass program for families.

Jrod K

Fantastic Place for Kids! Lots of hands on exhibits and a permanent Lego exhibit with large Lego models even adults can appreciate! Get your inner architect on with the build centers and test out some structures with the wind tunnel and the earthquake simulator!

Justin Mitchell

An amazing place to bring your kiddos. There is a ton of science themed activities for your children to play with. You can explain as much about each one as you would like. When we went there was a dinosaur exhibit that was too fun. Highly recommend especially on a nonpeak time.

Paul Tong

I love this place. It is/was my favorite place to be when I was a child and perhaps one of the early inspirations that led me to become the engineer that I now am. I would love for this place to grow, as it seems rather smaller than what I remembered as a child. In my honest opinion, the dome theater should be ditched and converted into an exhibit / virtual exhibit.

Jennifer Gauley

My family and I have visited the IMAX which was a great time and would recommend going early to get some seats that are more in the center of the theater. They do have many fun exhibits but I was disappointed to find that there were no exhibits geared towards the human body and how it works. Overall it was a fun experience.

Karli Benson

I see some people giving negative reviews here just about the pricing and I feel the necessity to point out these things. (1) The Science Center's main goal is NOT, in anyway, shape or form, to make money. They strive to spread knowledge and the amazing world of science in every aspect. (2) A LOT of people do not know this so PAY ATTENTION!! The science center offers a completely free preschool that is not like your average preschool. I can remember that my experience with preschool was just playing around and filled with toys. The preschool here is nothing but educational, and sends kids on the most deserving paths they need to succeed in life. The free preschool is offered in aid to Des Moines Schools low income demographic and it really does make a difference (3) They also offer opportunities for students of all ages. My junior year of high school, I was aided by a STEM grant to participate in an internship at the science center. I conducted research and learned more about the science and important of museums than I ever will. Furthermore, the cost is not set high for these reasons. NOT to drain your wallets!

Jim Rudy

Good assortment of exhibits, mostly interactive. Many targeted for younger kids. Clean and spacious. Extensive schedule of public programs and demonstrations. Very reasonable admission price. Inexpensive on-site parking garage, (a BIG plus). Overall, impressive and enjoyable experience.

Matt Guess

Great place to take kids and the young at heart. Bundle with an IMAX show for extra fun. My only complaint is the cafe was slammed and a burger took 45 minuets. They had healthy food options, which is nice.

Kaitlin Woodward

Love it here.. it provides hours of entertainment for my 4 year old. Love that there are some exhibits that always stay the same and some exhibits that they've changed everytime we go. Pricing seems very reasonable.. It's only $20 for the two of us to get in and eating in the cafe is pretty cheap as well. So thankful we have something like this in Des Moines.

La Tasha

I didn't like the way they keep their snakes. The enclosures were very lack luster. No enrichment and not enough hides. For being a "science" center you would think they would keep them in a more naturalistic environment.

Michelle Rae

Had a wonderful time. Staff are very helpful, and they are on top of keeping the place clean and safe for everyone. Many interactive areas. Fun for all ages!

TenderGranny

Clearly meant for younger kids. Not much to do for older guest. Eventhough it's not much fun for kids older than 11 (depends on the child I guess) there are still some interesting things to look at and learn. My little cousins have never had so much fun.

Cate L

We love visiting the science center--the I max theater is the reason for 3 stars. We saw transformers in IMAX at the science center like 8 years ago and I had forgotten about the horrible film conversion until reading these reviews. When we saw Transformers, it was very obvious that they projected regular format--not imax--onto the dome. I know this because there's a scene where a helicopter is descending straight vertical but the projection skews it so much it's dizzying to watch. I hope they fix the issues with the IMAX theater. It has great potential but not worth vomiting over.

Eric Bell

Great place to visit - Lego's were amazing.

Allison J

Great deal for the content. I went on a weekend with my boyfriend and there was plenty of fun stuff for adults to do as well as kids. Sure it's not as big and fancy as some science centers but nor was it anywhere as expensive. Definitely worth the trip.

Cole Mundus

A very fun place to go to. There is a ton to do. It feels like you can never get through it all! The iMax theater is really awesome and super immersive. It's a great place too take you kids and they may learn stuff!

Taylor Vos

Fun for both kids and adults! You also get to learn a lot about the various aspects of science through experimenting and playing. Though it is a little pricey, you can spend hours there having all of the fun.

Bryan S

The IMAX National Parks Adventure was an eye opening experience. Good place for children to learn more about science. Would like to have checked out the planetarium.

C. A. L.

Seriously, tourists or locals, if you have a free day and only ONE place to go, hit the SCIENCE CENTER.. welllll worth it. Got kids? There's plenty for them to amaze and keep them occupied. Admission rates are reasonable too.

Carolyn Riley

Great front door staff and the best volunteers.Warm and very engaging. Answered all our questions. Gave us ideas of where else to visit. Actually said Than you for visiting Iowa😃 …

Anonymous User

Our science loving kids enjoyed this first stop of our family vacation very much! And mom and dad enjoyed the fun pass discount very much. Thank you! Great memories made here.

Richard Gooden II

Well the Science Center was a little high priced admission but really cool now the whole parking thing was ugly.I parked in the garage when I got there I put my credit card in because They would not take cash. Odd but ok well got put my card in it lifted I parked .When leaving 2hr later .Put my card in did have or get a ticket. Put my card back in the gate would not lift. Pushed the help button 5 times 15min later no response .I backed up went though another gate . Put my card back in finally got a ticket "lost" ticket worked cost 25.00 usd. I was furious !! It almost ruined my whole experience with my family. My 10 yr old said she would pay me back out of her piggy bank if I would be happy again and not mad. Realizing this was her spring break day. I calmed down. There must be a better way to fund the parking other then robbing people trying to leave. If you have a HELP button then someone should answer it when pushed. Needless to say we will not be going back to here for a very long time. Thats a shame.

Tony Robinson

The pro: Interactive. The con: Not enough Science. There were things to do for young children. Not much fun for general adults. The room with the "open sky" was the most at keeping attention.

Josh Cardenzana

Fun place to come with the kids. Lots of activities for them to do. Also has a planetarium space. The IMAX dome shows some big budget movies as well.

S Chandani

My kids have loved the rocket making exercise at the center for a long time now but the exhibits are the ones that bring us back again and again - the RACE exhibit was one of the best I've seen anywhere.

Peg Gilchrist

We took 3 of our grandchildren, boys ages 7 and 4. They did not enjoy it and have not asked to return. It was very crowded with many schools having a field trip. We waited quite awhile for some activities. Probably will not go again.

Emily Dobberke

I like the place it gives me and my boyfriend a fun time to reminisce on our childhood but I just wish it didn’t close so early so we could actually spend the whole day after work and school is done.

Mike Williams

Mythology is generally a good time for 21+. There's a different theme each month. The IMAX dome is quite unique and makes for an interesting experience.

Taylor Hadley

Being part of the tri membership pass to Living History Farms, Blank Park Zoo, and Sci Cent. of Iowa is a wonderful idea for families. A lot of memories made here, things to learn, camps, clubs, classes, etc.

David Hogan

We have the annual pass. Wonderful outlet for the family during winter months. Kids find their favorite spot and go right to it and play and interact.

Eric Osborn

This is a good place for very young kids, 3-8. It has three main areas earth, space, and a creative space. I expected a lot more from a city this size.

Christopher Reszel

I had an idea for a proposal under the stars . Libby and Justin were helpful , very professional and made it happen. It turned out "perfect" as the future Mrs will tell you.

Mc Brown

Great experience for all kids under 12. Rather clean and mostly everything works. Lots of spots for adults to relax and watch the kids have fun.

Jamie Amble

Great place for children of all ages. We especially like the young discovery area where you can run a supermarket, blow bubbles, milk a cow, and cook dinner.

Nicole Kresowik

Lots of fun, especially for little kids (and adults who wish they were little kids again). Easily accessible off the Skywalk, with a parking garage across the street.

Jeremy Birdnow

This is an excellent place to take your kids for learning and entertainment all in one. We have been coming for years and it's always enjoyable!

Wilson Phillips

Call ahead to be sure the mobile website is correct! Drove 2 hours for certain things on website just to find out it was not updated on mobile site! Kids still had fun but didn't get to see what we went for.. 😣 …

TheSpaghet

Fun for all ages I dont care if your 36, 6 or 14 it's fun and educational And I've made a mosaic Mario here so extra good

Lindsay Hasken (Frost)

Very fun place for kids interested in science or learning. You can easily spend several hours to a whole day there.

Kendra

Love all the hands on science activities! But it does present evolution and big bang as facts, not theories. Be aware and prepared to discuss it if you don't support these theories.

Harrison P

Great place for kids and adults alike. The iMax theater is always showing something new and fascinating exhibits stop here frequently.

Beaty Family

My family goes multiple times a year and the kids are never disappointed. Great for cold or rainy days and I recommend the yearly pass.

Brian Staab

Upstairs section has a some interactive things for the kids to do. Would be nice if there would be announcements before the start of movies in the theaters.

Matthew Haar

Great for wide range of ages! Awesome activities. Only negative was the selection at the cafe, thought it lacked a little.

Saham HSI

One of the few places in the whole country that carries IMAX 70mm projector and they project films perfectly with pure amazing sound system.

Andy Mccoid

Kids I had an excellent time with staff was great a lot of fun and Hands-On learning

Brian Campagna

Their mixology night was a good time.

Nicole Martin

Enjoyed the science center, fun for the kids and clean environment!! Will be back

Jerry Smart

Great place to bring children. Very interesting and informative. Spent 3 hours there and will go back

Danica Wilson

Fun for the whole family. Extremely friendly and interactive. Everyone will learn and enjoy the trip.

Dustin Lindgren

Staff went above and beyond to resolve our issues with the summer camp. I would like to personally thank Rachel McCarl for her help and Paula in the sales office.

Nick Steffensmeier

This place is actually really cool. The movie theater is great, but be forewarned you can not re-enter the theater once movie starts

Rasheed Smith

Took my kid here all the time good family fun, she loved the imax theater

Phyllis McLain

We had a good time. Grandchildren sure enjoyed showing us around.

David K Purdy

Great staff and exhibits with lots to see and do even with social distancing.

Ryan Wiedmaier

Very nice. A ton of things for the kids to do. Was great for our 3 and 5 year olds.

Lucy Jones

Everything about this place is amazing! Kids learn so much and it's fun/interesting for everybody.

Joanna Robinson

Very nice facility!! Lots of fun and educational things for all ages to do!

Haydn Aduddell

Me and my family had fun here! I just don't understand why it closes at 5:30 PM.

Matt Rawson

Great place for children. Had a great time as adults. Staff was helpful and friendly.

Ashley Shoemaker

Changes constantly so it doesn't get old. Mixology Night for adults are very fun!

Ganjina Shukurova

Good place to take your kid out and let them run around. Explore. And learn new stuff

Andrew Chang

Really enjoy the exhibits here, the imax theaters and planetarium here are my favorite.

Peter Swank

Nice facility, clean modern atmosphere lots of family attractions to be part off.

Skittles

Love the omnimax and space part of the museum. The other parts are a bit boring but bearable

Elizabeth Giesking

My daughter and I spent over 4 hours and had a great time.

Ashley Utterback

We love the science center!

Gabby White

Decent for the area, definitely for younger children.

ROY N

Lot's to do love the IMAX good price good food helpful staff

Josh Staple

Great place to catch a planetarium show or a science documentary in the Imax Dome Theater.

Abhinav Sharma

One place we don't get bored.. Lots of things to do and not enough time

Norah Nidey

great exhibits i just get sick from Imax so thats sucks

Jason Mrachina

Small but worth a visit. Great IMAX experience.

Ben Tessman

Great for families. Beautiful IMAX theater as well.

Carla Houghton

No a large place but interesting. The Imax was great.

Kathy Hogue

A great family friendly place,the panda show was a big hit.

yeahboithicc !

Fun place definitely would recommend!

Eric Brown

Good location to take the kids to learn or to go to watch movies at the imax

Michaela Hixenbaugh

Not much to do unless you have small children or are going to an iMax which is extra.

Mary Briggs

Great place to hang out with your kids. Very hands on.

Bruce De Haan

Great place for all ages. Really great addition to DSM

April M.

Great place for the kids to spend the day learning and playing.

Tammy Lodwig

Super fun for all ages!!

Hannah Whitlow

Lots of things to do very entertaining! U should go

Colleen Hilton

Nice place to see the Solar Eclipse. Family oriented.

Josh E.

An exceptional place to learn about science or watch an IMAX film!

Brian Williams

Just an awesome place for young & old alike!

elise r

my favorite part is when you make a rocket ship and fly it!🚀 …

taylor ruehle

Tons of fun!

Jon B

This is an excellent place to bring your kids.

Matthew Gibbon

Absolutely A fun place for the family!

Sara V

Great for big and little kids a like!!

Brandon Heard Sr

Awesome time

Cassandra Anderson

We loved this free dinosaur event!

Jillian

Great interactive experiments for all ages!

Clint Pudenz

Kids love it, we go regularly

Glenda R

Fun filled day for the entire family!

Wil Q

Excellent time, beautiful and educational place.

Andrea Kellor

My Eleven year old didn't want to leave

Brian D. aka BD

Lots of neat things there

Odin The Allfather

We had a lot of fun.

Michael Dirks

Had a blast tinkering at the exhibits.

Maestro BBG

Fun place for kids and adults alike.

Shantelle Gaede

Fun and educational for all ages

Sym S.V.

Always a pleasure going here.

Dixe Hansen

There inactive especially for the young visitors.

Mark Tech

Very interesting place everybody must see

Justin Tallmon

Fantastic place to take the kids

Larry Gutman

Nice place to take the kids.

Tz Y

Great place to learn and explore

Gary Lange

Fun for young and old!

Aaron Tolzmann

Always a fun time.

da stacionis

New exhibits

A.J SMITH

Lots to check out

Nicholas Dias

This place was awesome!

Joe Speights

kids love this place

Jimmy

Fantastic and educational

Larry Carl

Fun for the grandkids

Joe Evans

A must-see.

Francisco Ahlberg

(Translation) I loved many activities for children and adults and the incredible dome theater and at a good price it is worth going (Original) Me encanto muchas actividades para chicos y grandes y el dome theater increible y a un buen precio vale la pena ir

Mark Mankey

Hitoshi Tamura

Francisco Barreto

(Translation) A good place for the family (Original) Un buen lugar para la familia

Teono Jackson

Dr Roy Lubkeman

Michael Malone

OmfgMy namewontfi

Justin Inglesby

Colton Wagner

Yveline Johnson

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