by Tracy Briseño

Have you ever visited Blank Park Zoo in the winter? Gone to Reiman Gardens to sit with the butterflies when it is twenty degrees outside? When the cold and snow feel endless and you are trying to figure out what to do, I recommend checking out the library’s Adventure Pass Program. Using your library card, you are able to reserve a time to visit one of six locations. You can reserve a pass to each location once every 365 days.

You can visit Reiman Gardens and explore plants outdoors and inside the indoor conservatory. There’s also a tropical Butterfly Wing that includes up to 800 butterflies!

If you book your ticket and drive to Des Moines you can explore the Science Center of Iowa, Des Moines Botanical Garden, Blank Park Zoo, or Des Moines Children’s Museum.

The Science Center of Iowa has hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and live science demonstrations.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden includes indoor and outdoor gardens. As you explore, check out the art and sculptures included in the gardens.

The Blank Park Zoo is home to more than 800 creatures. Explore outdoor areas visiting the giraffes, rhinos, or sea lions. Or head inside and check out the red pandas and beautiful aquariums.

Head down to the Des Moines Children’s Museum to share some child-led play with the children in your life.

If you want to take a little longer trip, you can also reserve a pass to the Grout Museum District. The Grout Museum District includes the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, Grout Museum of History and Science, Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, and Rensselaer Russell House Museum. Plenty of interesting experiences to keep you busy during a very full day!

Once you are done exploring the attractions of Iowa, come back to the library to expand your knowledge on what you learned. Check out a book on plants or gardening. Read up on your favorite animal. Learn more about unplugged play with your child, or check out a book of easy science activities to do at home. Explore Iowa’s history and learn more about the history of military service in your community.

Beyond Adventure Passes, the library provides other interesting items to check out. You can check out a park pack and explore the animals, birds, pollinators and bugs in your local park. Check out a STEM kit and explore science concepts like coding, building bridges, magnets, and patterns from the comfort of your living room.

Whether you want to stay home or get out and explore the library has fun and engaging opportunities for you!