It’s a Trip. Make It Curious.
For 55 years, the Science Center of Iowa has been turning big questions into hands-on experiences. And this year, there’s even more to discover. Visiting with curious kids? Planning a grown-up night out that feels a little different? However you’re showing up, the Science Center of Iowa makes it easy to build a visit that fits. One stop, plenty of ways to experience it.
PATH ONE: CURIOUS KIDS, BIG WONDER
Little lab coats, big imaginations, and exhibits that reward touching everything. The Science Center of Iowa is designed for families who want fun that sticks and learning that sneaks in while everyone’s busy playing.
Small Discoveries
Small Discoveries, a newly renovated exhibit that just opened in December, is designed specifically for preschoolers and early learners. Think scaled-down science, hands-on exploration, and plenty of room to move.
Highlights include:
- Interactive Water Table
- Make-Your-Own Mural Station
- Sensory Space with calming light, sound, and textures
Family Programs
There’s always something extra happening beyond the exhibits. Family-friendly programs range from live science demonstrations to large-scale events that turn the entire building into a playground for ideas.
Highlights include:
- Star Parties with hands-on activities, telescopes and other ways to explore the wonders of the universe.
- Innovation Lab with STEM learning experiences like robotics, laser cutting, coding, and more.
- Sensory-Friendly Hours and sensory backpacks (available during regular hours), featuring noise-reducing headphones, fidgets, stuffed animals, and more.
Des Moines Mini Maker Faire
Catch the excitement on Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. This year’s Faire is all about Empowered Tools, exploring how everything from handcrafted classics to cutting‑edge tech helps makers bring bold ideas to life, with booths, demos, workshops, and robotics teams ready to inspire.
Highlights include:
- Interactive exhibits that let kids build, invent, and explore tools big and small.
- Demos from local robotics teams and creative makers from across Iowa.
- Advanced Workshops are available for a small extra fee and all other activities included with general admission.
PATH TWO: NOT JUST FOR KIDS
Turns out science gets even more interesting when you add music, cocktails, and the freedom to stay out past bedtime. The Science Center of Iowa’s adult programming proves curiosity does not have an expiration date.
Happening monthly through March, Mixology brings adults into the Science Center after hours for a night that blends chemistry, cocktails, and hands-on experimentation.
Highlights include:
- Different themes for each month’s mixer – February is Artificial Intelligence and March is Planetary Prom.
- $10 tickets for members, $20 for non-members.
- For an additional $10, you can add on a showing of Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon inside the planetarium.
Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon in the Planetarium
This is not a concert, and it is definitely not a regular movie. The Science Center’s planetarium syncs Pink Floyd’s iconic album with immersive, full-dome visuals for a truly transportive experience.
Highlights include:
- Watch as the 1973 iconic album comes to life on the 50-foot planetarium dome.
- Runs on select dates through April and open to all ages.
- Tickets are selling out fast, so get yours today!
Traveling Exhibit: Artificial Intelligence
Running January through April, this traveling exhibit explores artificial intelligence in a way that is accessible, interactive, and surprisingly human. Hosted by the Science Center of Iowa as a welcoming space for learning and conversation, the exhibit invites visitors to ask questions, build understanding, and explore AI at their own pace—without being told what or how to think. If you’ve ever wondered how AI actually works, or worried you already missed the memo, this exhibit meets you right where you are.
Highlights include:
- Family-friendly hands-on experiences that make AI approachable regardless of age.
- Helps to demystify AI by exploring questions like “How does this work?” and “What does this mean for me?” in a safe, judgement-free environment
- Educator tailored AI workshops with ready-to-use materials and space-themed content.
For more information check out the Science Center of Iowa website here.
Address: 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: $20 non-member, $15 children 2-12, $15 Seniors 65+, members FREE
Parking: Covered ramp parking is available across the street from the main entrance at 4th and Market Street. Hourly rate is $4 for the first hour, $1 for each additional hour.
And check out our awesome Des Best video on the Science Center here!
