Looking for ways to keep your kids AND yourself cool during the dog days of summer? We are too, and today we’ve picked our top 3 places to cool off this week.

Today until Friday, take your family to the Blank Park Zoo to cool off with “Safari Splash”. Every day from noon to 4 pm, kids of all ages  can head to the zoo’s SplashPad to play around and cool off. The SplashPad has wading pools, a wild palm tree sprinkler, mini Slip N’ Slides and a large inflatable slip n’ slide! Kids can also get some education in, and see how, some of the animals keep cool when its so hot. All activities are free with regular zoo admission and of course free for zoo members. Keep in mind swimsuits are encouraged.

If the zoo isn’t your thing, then Adventureland’s new water park Adventure Bay is another great way to keep your kids cool with Iowa’s largest lazy river, lots of fun waterslides, and a wave pool. Kokomo Kove in Adventure Bay is the PERFECT place for the younger ones, with mini-slides, lots of water spray toys and even a giant splash bucket!! Adventure Bay is included in Adventureland Park admission.

If you prefer the lake to the pool, Gray’s Lake is another great place to take your family. With beaches, paddle boat rentals and a concession stand, Gray’s Lake offers a great place for you to rest in the shade or in the water, and best of all, park admission is FREE!

So if you’re tired of being cooped up inside and want your kids to run around without overheating, take them to one of these places, and enjoy some cool time off for yourself.

When people think about the landscape of Iowa they tend to think about farms, corn, pigs and cows. Although there are plenty of those things in the state there are also a number of places that visitors and residents alike can explore to give them a taste of nature from around the world. In this post we would like to share with you three of our favorite places in Central Iowa that will make you feel like you are on a wild safari.
The Blank Park Zoo
Each year, over 300,000 people visit this amazing venue. With over 1,500 animals to view it’s almost impossible to see everything in just one visit. Education, conservation, and recreation are the cornerstones of this staple of the Des Moines area.

The Des Moines Botanical Center
The Botanical Center is another must see for residents and visitors. Even when it’s 20 below zero outside the weather is always great inside. Built in 1979 the Botanical Center is not only a great place to bring kids to learn about nature and see some beautiful plants and butterflies, but it’s also a great place to hold special events. There is always something going on and you can find a list of events HERE.
The Great Ape Trust of Iowa

Photo Courtesy of Great Ape Trust of Iowa

The Great Ape Trust, committed to conservation and education, provides a rare look into the habits and intelligence of Apes. Although not generally open to public viewing, there are a great number of ways to get involved with the Great Ape Trust of Iowa and if you are one of the lucky few to be allowed to visit, I am sure you will not be disappointed.
@dsmhomes