With so many students learning virtually to start this school year, field trips may seem like a pipe dream. But parents can still take their kids on their own field trips without venturing far from the metro. Check out five places to go that are both enjoyable for kids and adults and educational at the same time. Plus, getting out of the house and out from in front of the computer for a bit makes these field trips a win-win (-win)!
Des Moines Art Center
Reserve a free time slot for a safe field trip to the Des Moines Art Center, where you will have access to all special and permanent exhibits, as well as the Shop at the Art Center. Follow the designated path throughout the museum, ensuring that you’ll be able to access galleries while maintaining social distancing guidelines.
Before you go, download the Art Center’s Entirely Kids Exploring the Museum pamphlet, which gives kids an idea of what to expect in the museum and includes an interactive experience, where they can answer questions and draw pictures as they examine and think about the artwork they encounter. After you return home, check out all of the creative ideas and more at the Virtual Resources page for kids.
Don’t forget you can always wander through the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a 4.4-acre park which just celebrated its 10th anniversary and is located at 1330 Grand Ave. Download and print the Exploration Guide to make the most of the experience with kids. Call (515) 657-8264 for an audio tour.
Location: 4700 Grand Ave.
Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues., Wed., Fri.; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. & Sun.
Admission: Free. Click here to reserve your time slot.
Masks: Required
Contact: (515) 277-4405; desmoinesartcenter.org
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
Perhaps a lesser-known gem in the metro is the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, located at Camp Dodge in Johnston. The museum’s aim is to honor the heroic service of all Iowa veterans and to preserve and showcase artifacts illustrating the story of Iowa’s military past, from statehood to the present.
Wander and explore exhibits from the Spanish-American War up through Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. You can also learn about the history of the Iowa State Patrol and the U.S.S. Iowa. See uniforms, vehicles including tanks, types of weapons used and so much more. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to see video or interact more in-depth with the history.
The Museum is located on the northeast side of the Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center. You must show a valid driver’s license or government photo ID to enter Camp Dodge. Take a “pre-tour” by checking it out virtually. View the award-winning virtual tour on Google here.
Location: Camp Dodge, 7015 NW 70th Ave., Johnston
Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tues. & Thurs with reservations only. Register here. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. & Sun. for walk-ins. No group larger than 10.
Admission: Free
Masks: Required over age 2
Contact: (515) 252-4531; goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov
Jester Park
Although the Jester Park Nature Center remains closed to the public, there are still opportunities for physical education and exploration at Jester Park. Visit the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center and try your hand at archery and air rifle, climb through the Petra Alward Bouldering Room or rent paddling equipment now or show shoes and cross-country skis this winter. Masks must be worn while indoors.
Register for Pony Tales at the Jester Park Equestrian Center, where kids ages 3 and older can listen to a story while ponies also listen nearby. This is followed by a pony meet and greet. Bring a blanket or chair to spread out on the lawn. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Find out more about available dates for this free program here.
Visit the Jester Park Elk & Bison Educational Plaza to learn more about these creatures that once roamed freely across the prairies of Iowa before disappearing by the 1870s. Use the observation deck spotting scope to see the herds that now roam at Jester Park, and check out the educational pods to find out more about these animals. Click here for a brochure to download.
Location: 12130 NW 128th St., Granger
Hours: Sunrise to sundown for park; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. & 12-4 p.m. Sundays and holidays for Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center
Admission: Free.
Masks: Required indoors only
Contact: (515) 323-5338; polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/jester-park/
Pella
Experience Dutch culture by taking a trip to Pella for the day. You can’t miss the Vermeer Windmill downtown, which is the tallest working grain windmill in the country. Ask for a guided tour to learn even more. Then wander through the 22-building Historical Village to see a blacksmith shop; the Werkplatts, where wooden shoes are made; Heritage Hall; the Sod House and more.
While you meander downtown, make sure to stop and gaze at the Klokkenspel, a clock where eight 4-foot figures perform on odd hours to the music of a 147-bell carillon. Then check out Molengracht Plaza, featuring a waterway and working drawbridge.
Don’t leave for home without stopping at In’t Veld’s and Ulrich’s Meat Markets for homemade Pella bologna and other meat treats, as well as Jaarsma and Vander Ploeg Bakeries for Dutch letters and other authentically Dutch pastries.
Location: Downtown Pella, Iowa
Hours: Check here for individual attraction or store hours.
Admission: Free.
Masks: Required inside buildings
Contact: (641) 204-0885; visitpella.com
State Historical Museum of Iowa
The State Historical Museum of Iowa is back open to the public. Take the kids for a trip back through Iowa history and to learn about the rich heritage of our great state. Learn about what life in Iowa was like before it became a state, find out what inspired more than 76,000 Iowans to fight for the Union in the Civil War and explore the state’s rich natural resources.
Kids can also explore the State HIstorical Museum from home by signing up for Goldie’s Kids Club HIstory Mystery series. Register to join museum staff as they bring the thousands of historical objects and artifacts to your own living room. Participants can examine artifacts and historic images to determine how they were used and who might have used them. Check out the calendar at iowaculture.gov to find the next Zoom event.
Location: State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust St.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday
Admission: Free
Masks: Required
Contact: (515) 281-5111; iowaculture.gov
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