Science Center of Iowa & IMAX Dome

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by Cindy

Wonderful place for the whole family - many hands on activities and things to see and do. We went for a special event on a saturday and had a blast. I also recommend checking out the website for a list of daily activties. sometimes they aren't posted until that day, but it is still worth looking at.

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by Rick L

This new building is certainly an improvement over the old building. There is a lot more space, a lot more activities, a ton more things to do. My kids could spend all day in any one of the rooms. The activities are generally really fun, but some of them aren't designed for kids to easily access them as they are at normal countertop level instead of at kid level. The building is large and nice looking, but they wasted a lot of space when building it that could have been used for more activities. The whole atrium is wide open and there is rarely anything going on in there, and it's open up to the second level. They could have used a lot of that open space for a better purpose.

It's cool that WHO has a weather station there, if you happen to be there during a newscast you can get your kids on TV.

The planetarium is spectacular, you can view pre-load programs on the stars and constellations, or you can use these wireless handhelds to create your own program. It's always packed every time we go there, but there is plenty of space to stretch out on the floor and watch, as there are no chairs in this room.

The IMAX is also very good, it's a nice setup, and we like to sit a little higher in the room, and towards the middle. It seems to be a better view from there. If you have long legs, though, you'll be cramped for the time you're in there, as the space between the rows is designed for someone 5 foot tall and not much larger.

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Tips for Science Center of Iowa & IMAX Dome from foursquare users

chris b.

IMAX is a must see!

9 people have done this

John H.

Check out the Davinci exhibit while it's in town.

7 people have done this

Phil J.

If you have young kids, I highly recommend buying a yearly pass for the Zoo, the Science Center and Living History Farms. Excellent value.

7 people have done this

Andrew S.

Pendelum'll Blow Ur Mind!!

5 people have done this

Laura B.

Great for the young elementary school age child! A must visit anytime we are in Des Moines!

5 people have done this

Christopher W.

Great place for kids and adults. Explore everything.

4 people have done this and 1 other wants to

Christoph T.

kid really enjoyed herself. lots of things to do.

3 people have done this

Lindsay R.

The marketing director is Awesomely awesome.

2 people have done this

Derek B.

Tornado Alley in IMAX is amazing!

1 person has done this

Laura B.

Choose a day with great programs and it's a joy and great value to spend the entire day here!!!

1 person has done this

Phil J.

Bring a picnic lunch and sit outside by the reflecting pool.

1 person has done this

Lindsey S.

Don't wait until the last minute to see a temporary exhibit - it gets really crowded!

1 person has done this

chris b.

Great place to have a birthday party.

1 person has done this
The entrance to the Des Moines Science Center

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SCI opened in October 1970 in Greenwood-Ashworth Park as one of the 1st interactive science centers in the world! #IAMuseumWeek