What to Do in DSM: Winter Style, Part 2 {plus a GIVEAWAY and promo code from the Science Center of Iowa}

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Things to Do in Des Moines Winter Style

I hope Friday’s “Part 1” post gave you a few ideas for FREE things you can do in Des Moines to keep your family busy during these cold winter months. Today, I made you a go-to list for activities in Des Moines that cost. Here are a few of our favorites things to do!

Brenton Skating Plaza

Bundle up and hit the ice. This is fun for kids of all ages! I thought I was going to break my arm but actually didn’t fall down… so if you are nervous about skating… YOU CAN DO IT! They have so many different activities going throughout the winter months; check out their calendar here. I think the Rock the River sounds like a really fun family date night. You can play broomball, learn to skate, or even have a birthday party there! I love that Brenton Skating Plaza is tucked right next to downtown – makes for a really great view of our little city!

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

My boys love exploring all the areas at The Botanical Garden. It is a great way to escape to some balmy weather, even just for a little bit! They have been working to make this space even more beautiful. We can’t wait to check out all the changes! {Open daily 10-5 – $5 for adults, $3 for ages 4-17, 3 & under FREE}

Blank Park Zoo

I always forget about the zoo being open during the winter. I was surprised how many animals are still available for viewing (find that list here). This would be a great outing for a warm winter day. I always feel like we need the fresh air during the cold months! Blank Park Zoo also offers different classes to keep little ones learning. I hope we can check out the Zoo Tots Cooking class. {Open 10-4 for winter hours – $11 for adults, $6 for ages 3-17, 2 & under FREE}

Run and Jump!

Here’s a list of a few places and a little info about each one. (Is there one that you love to visit the most or some that I missed? Let me know!) I am amazed by all of the different options each place has: open jumps, private parties, drop-off events…. Check their websites for more details.

Backyard Adventures {Located in Urbandale – Open Mon-Fri 10-5 – $5 for ages 2 & up} *Currently offering $25 off birthday parties. They are our absolute FAVORITE place to run and jump in town and are a long-time business sponsor of DMMB and treat our readers so well!

Monkey Joes {Located across from Valley West Mall – Open Mon-Sat 10-8, Sun 11-6 – $7.99-$9.99 ages 3-12, 2 & under $5}

Playground for Kids {Located in Ankeny – Open Mon-Fri 10-8 – $8.50 for 2 & up, $5.50 for walkers up to 23 months} *Check website for weekly specials. I love the Two for One admission on Tuesdays!

Pump It Up {Located in Urbandale – Hours vary – Prices vary for different activities}

Sky Zone Des Moines {Located in Grimes – Hours vary, closed Mondays – Prices vary on different jump activities} Angela had a great experience with her son’s Sky Zone birthday party last winter. You can read her review here.

Science Center of Iowa

The Science Center of Iowa is one of our favorite places in Des Moines. Hands down. The SCI has a little something for kids of all SCIages, and I love that it gets the their brains moving in a different way. How does that float? How do I make a bigger bubble? How did that snake lose its skin?… The questions are endless. I know, I know, the constant questions get old sometimes (I mean, if we are being honest!), but that means they are learning, and learning is so good!

SCI has also scheduled programming throughout the day that we usually plan our visit around! We have a membership and it is the best money we spend – or my dad spends – on us each year. Best. Gift. Ever. Thanks, Dad! (Our membership gets us into the Blank Park Zoo, too!) Every time we go back the boys find something new to check out. Maybe they weren’t interested in a certain area during the last visit or maybe they didn’t have the skills. (I see this A LOT with 2-year-old Hutchinson. It is amazing how quickly his skills change.) Please note that you don’t have to have a membership to enjoy the Science Center – it is just as fun if you check it out a few times a year! For daily admission rates, click here.

SCI News:

  • The National Geographic Presents: Earth Explorers exhibit will be on display until February 23rd.
  • $5 Family Night: The second Friday of the month is dedicated to families, with extended hours until 8:00 p.m.! Explore SCI with $5 general admission, documentary IMAX films, and Food Chain Cafe specials. This would make a great family date!
  • Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest Jr. (think Bacon Fest for kids!) on January 26th – what a fun event!
  • SCI offers a $10 membership discount for educators. The offer DOES apply to households that homeschool! {This is for the family of the teacher, not the classroom. This offer cannot be applied to gift memberships.}

GIVEAWAY and Promo Code to SCIence Center of Iowa

Now here’s the best part: The Science Center of Iowa is giving away a ONE-YEAR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP to one lucky DMMB reader as well as a PROMO CODE for all DMMB readers.

Exclusive Promotion for All DMMB Readers

2 free guest passes with the purchase of any SCI membership, including Combo and TRI memberships. Just use the code DMMOM at checkout. If you have been thinking about getting a membership, now is the time to do it! {Promo Code expires: March 31, 2014}

Giveaway

Enter to win a *ONE-YEAR membership to SCI – includes two adults and all children under 18 living in one household.* (Note: If you are already a member and win, the prize will be to extend your current membership for one more year.*)

Contest begins Monday, January 20th, and ends Monday, January 27th, at 11 p.m. (CST).

3 COMMENTS

  1. oh bummer. missed the giveaway. it said it “ends Monday, January 27th, at 11 p.m. (CST).” but its only 9pm 🙁 thanks for the opportunity!!

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