Scientific concepts come to life at this hands-on facility in downtown Des Moines. Dozens of interactive displays, high-tech dioramas and ongoing educational programs draw thousands of visitors each year. The site is also the home of the Blank IMAX Dome Theater.

Parking and public transportation to the Science Center of Iowa
Access the site from Interstate Highway 235 by taking the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway exit and heading south. The parkway will turn east, along the south side of downtown. There is no free parking at the site, but spaces adjacent to the center run a few dollars per hour. The site is easy to reach by bus, as the local transit company's main station is just a few blocks away.

Best times to go to the Science Center of Iowa
Several special events and classes throughout the year offer additional activities along with access to the exhibits. The center is also open late two Fridays of every month, with one event series for families and another aimed at the 21-and-up crowd. Hollywood blockbusters are screened at the IMAX theater along with educational programs, so plan to take in a movie and receive a discount on science center admission for the same visit.

Admission to the Science Center of Iowa
Expect to pay an average of $10 per visitor for general admission, with prices a bit higher for teens/adults and a bit less for children. IMAX theater tickets are under $10 for all ages. Packages are available for site admission and a movie. Group rates and military discounts are available. The center is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, and closed on Mondays the rest of the year.

Must see/do at the Science Center of Iowa
The Small Discoveries area lets visitors ages 7 and younger explore basic science concepts through creative activities such as making bubbles and playing with puppets. The Foucault Pendulum's 235-pound brass ball marks time while serving as a focal point of the facility. Other sections allow visitors to make their own rockets, tackle a domino obstacle course and learn about Iowa's ever-changing weather.

Other places to visit near the Science Center of Iowa
Take the family to see the animals at Blank Park Zoo. Learn about the state's past at the Iowa State Historical Museum. Enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Heritage Carousel at Union Park.

Insider tip for visitors to the Science Center of Iowa
Purchasing a membership package can really pay off. Members not only receive free general admission, but discounts for the IMAX movie theater and the center's café and gift shop.

Author's bio: Melanie Lageschulte is a freelance writer and editor. She is an Iowa native and has lived in Des Moines for 15 years.