science center of iowa

I was impressed by the interactive space-related activities available for kids. Astronaut suits, a replica of the rover...The IMAX theatre is expensive but worth visiting at least once.Highly recommended.

This is definitely a place to take the kids. Lots of opportunities to experience scientific principles in a fun atmosphere.

The center has a number of great displays. You might see anything from a complete display of the human body exposing all of the veins, blood vessels, ligaments muscle groups in detail to science displays and even a huge cinema surround dome theater. A great place for children hands on displays for interactivity. Overall a really good experience.

Nice place to visit but I thought Iowa City children's museum was more engaging. Most fun I had was with the spinning table in which you try to spin an objects on the table while the table also spins.

This focuses on science of interest to kids... lots of interactive stations, dinosaurs, and space exploration exhibits. We were disappointed th ific is designed primarily for families at the planetarium was closed during our visit. The IMAX theater has educational films of interest to all ages.

We took our grandchildren, 27 months and almost 5, to the Science Center on a recent Saturday. A dinosaur traveling exhibit is there now, and it was an attention-getter for our five-year-old grandson. Then we explored, and there's lots to see. Special care has been invested in the design of the permanent interactive things. The Rube Goldberg-type ball wall is a winner, as is the fruit and vegetable harvesting with plastic fruits. Our 27-month-old really had fun at the "blow bubbles" area! As other reviewers have mentioned, the use of space here is great; lots of room to move around even when there's a crowd. Very clean and well-maintained. A marvelous way to be with your grandchildren!

Our family has been to many different science museums in other cities and this one is very good. The exhibits are spaced nicely so that they are not over crowded. The dinosaur exhibit was quite interesting and informative but still brief to keep the children's attention. The kids had lots of fun at the hands on exhibits and that's where we spent the most time. My only complaint would be that the giant wall with the plastic balls did not work properly (perhaps some were stuck or jammed which didn't allow the suction to work properly). We did not attend the Imax movie or shop in the gift shop, but what we did see was great and would warrant a second trip when we are back in Des Moines again. We likely could have spent much longer but only spent approximately 3 hours this trip. It was also reasonably priced.

What a great way to spend a day. There are lots of fun exhibits that are mainstays with one large exhibit that is featured and changes. They also have an Imax theater. it's one of the smaller ones but still an Imax movie is like nothing else you'll see. There is parking on the street close by or you can use the parking garage.

The movie was great on the dome, because it was a space movie. I didn't get to see the museum, but it looked great for kids and they do things for adults too.

We like the science center anyway, but the new dinosaur exhibit is great. It is engaging for the kids and for adults. I would encourage anyone to visit and check it out and of course there are all the other excellent exhibits to take a look at as well.

I wouldn't call it a 'must see' if you're visiting Des Moines, but it's definitely a quality family attraction. Personally, after having been there a few times, I'm more likely to go when there is a special exhibit. The permanent exhibits are best for younger children, and there is plenty of hands-on (rocket building, lego car racing, domino building, egg breaking, etc.), but an additional exhibit makes it more worth your while. Of course the IMAX is a nice attraction, though I haven't taken my children.

Each of our 3 grandsons spends 1 wk with us and a visit to the Science Ctr is a request we get by all 3 every year. Parking ramp nearby for easy access. Wish some exhibits would be updated and/or changed out more often.

We all learned something and had a great time. It is very informative and an amazing time for kids and parents to have together.

We had a good afternoon here, even kept the teenagers interest. The IMAX movie was my first and very cool. I would have thought that they would have more exhibits because they did not lack space. And the parking situation could be improved.

As our children are getting older (ages 8 & 9) we have started relying more on Science Centers and less on Children's Museums as a form of hands on fun and education. This facility was large and many exhibits looked brand new so we were initially excited when we walked in. But sadly, it seemed that in about 1 hour we had seen it all. I really think a good Science Center should keep you immersed for at least 2-1/2 to 3 hours. If they still have the newsroom upstairs with the green screen, wrap a child in the green fabric from their waist to just below their chin. All that will show on the TV screen is their head. Then have 2 people play "catch" with the head as the child with the green on runs back and forth between them. Videotape the TV screen and it looks like a floating head being thrown back and forth and being caught. Not very educational but we found it hilarious to watch, especially when the head started twirling as it went from person to person.