Date: January 10th, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm
Fall in love with animals again Be inspired to care for the Earth they call home Create meaningful, memory-making moments as a familyDate: March 29th, 2026
General Admission: $35 per person
VIP Admission: $85 (includes Event T-Shirt)
Single Event T-Shirts: $25 per shirt
T-Shirt Sizes: Child Small, Child Medium, Child Large
Did you know March 29 is National Mermaid Day?
In honor of the special day, come join us at our event Wish Upon a Starfish! You will have the opportunity to meet and interact with several of our mermaids, play games, take pictures and create amazing memories with your little guppies.
This event is March 29th, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
General Admission tickets are $35 for children (2-12 years old) and $20 for adults. Included:
We are also offering very limited VIP Admission for $85 per child. Included:
Get your tickets before it’s too late!
Date: February 14th, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm
February 14 | Ages 21+ Only
Celebrate love in the sweetest way—surrounded by soft jazz, shimmering tanks, and treats crafted for connection. 💙✨
Sea of Romance is a relaxed, adults-only Valentine’s event designed to delight your senses and spark unforgettable moments with your favorite person.
Enjoy a beautifully curated spread featuring seasonal bites, fresh fruits, cheeses, and crackers—perfect for snacking as you explore the aquarium together.
Light, fresh options to balance out the sweets and sips of the evening.
Sip on sparkling cider or enjoy chilled non-alcoholic beverages throughout the night. Raise a glass to good company and magical memories.
Soft, romantic jazz fills the aquarium, setting the perfect mood for a dreamy Valentine’s experience.
Each couple will receive a pair of movie tickets—because the romance doesn’t have to end when the night does.
Indulge in artisanal chocolates to wrap the evening in sweet perfection.
Stroll hand in hand through glowing exhibits, enjoy delicious treats, and soak up the soft sounds of live jazz. Whether it’s your first Valentine’s together or your fifteenth, Sea of Romance makes it feel special.
Come make memories you’ll treasure long after the night ends.
Your underwater Valentine’s escape awaits. 💙🐠✨
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Event Highlights:
Learn a Trick – Practice silly jokes for trick-or-treating.
Get a Treat – Answer ocean trivia to earn candy.
Mask Crafting – Color or punch out your own creature mask.
Pumpkin Painting – Pumpkins provided (while supplies last).
Annual Passholder Perk:
Candy Bash & Monster Mash Party Room – Exclusive access to music, dancing, games, and festive Halloween fun.
Costumes Encouraged – A memory-making, giggle-filled adventure your family will never forget.
Date: July 20th – 26th
Time: All Day!
SHARK WEEK IS COMING TO BLUE ZOO DES MOINES – JULY 20–26
It’s time to make waves in Des Moines! Join us at Blue Zoo DSM for a FIN-tastic week of shark fun, creative crafts, exciting trivia, shark tattoos, and a birthday bash for our favorite finned friend—Finn the Shark!
Daily Activities – All Week Long:
Kick off your visit with a photo at the Jaws Photo Spot with Finn the Shark
Go exploring on our interactive Shark Scavenger Hunt
Get crafty with popsicle stick shark creations
FREE child admission with any shark-themed shirt
Special Events:
Sunday, July 20
Shark Show + Trivia at 1PM
Free Shark Tattoos
Tuesday, July 22
Shark Trivia Show at 1PM
Wednesday, July 23
Shark Show + Trivia at 1PM
Friday, July 25
Shark Show + Trivia at 1PM
Free Shark Tattoos
Saturday, July 26 – Finn’s Birthday Party
3–5 PM | Annual Passholders only
Join the celebration with:
Games, treats, and shark tattoos
Bubble fun and photo ops with Finn
A festive birthday atmosphere for the whole family
Don’t forget to wish Finn a happy birthday in person!
All Week in the Gift Shop:
Grab a FAHLO shark bracelet and start tracking a real shark in the wild
📍 Blue Zoo Des Moines
🎟️ All activities included with general admission
Let’s make Shark Week a splash in DSM!!
