About a month ago, as we were driving to Mason City, IA, we stopped in Des Moines, IA to visit Blank Park Zoo or “Dino” Park Zoo. Everywhere you turn there is a Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Velociraptor, and many more. It is a smaller zoo, but I love that I can start one way and make a full circle. They have a big parking lot with lot of parking spaces available. We were able to apply our AZA membership to get 50% off our admission. I love that it has no hills, so it makes it easier getting around with my son and his stroller. They don’t have sit down cafes as more concessions stands with outside seating. My favorite animals on this visit included baboons, sea lions, penguins, and lions. The baboons exhibit has a little crawl space that you can get up close and personal with them and if you look close enough, you’ll find a baby baboon.  They already have their zoo Christmas lights set up, which makes me excited for my return to see them during the holiday season. Unfortunately, they had no elephants, but I’m glad we to got make the visit even if it was for a short time.