By Sofia Legaspi Dickens

No offense to you, Midwest winters, but some activities are best enjoyed in warm weather. Here are some of the best attractions to visit when the sun comes out.

ADVENTURELAND PARK
3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona
adventurelandresort.com 
Opening for the season on Memorial Day Weekend, Iowa’s most popular amusement park has rides, shows, games, food and attractions by the dozens. With nine new rides — and new ownership — this year, you might need more than one day to fully enjoy everything Adventureland has to offer. Conveniently, the park borders Adventureland Inn and Adventureland Campground.

BLANK PARK ZOO
7401 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines
blankparkzoo.com 
Penguins and rhinos and snakes — oh my! Do the Blank Park Zoo this summer and experience a Des Moines metro staple that’s been around since 1963. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plus, in May, register to visit the “Wild Lights Festival” between 7:30 and 10 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays plus Memorial Day.

LAURIDSEN SKATEPARK
901 Second Ave., Des Moines
dsmskatepark.com 
Barely one year old, our humble local skatepark is actually the largest open park in the United States. Even if the prospect of wheels underfoot may terrify you, it’s just plain fun to visit and watch. Who knows? You could be watching a future Olympian — Lauridsen Skatepark hosted North America’s only Olympic skateboarding qualifying event for the 2021 Games. The Dew Tour returns to Des Moines July 29-30. Skatepark open daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

WEST GRAND GOLF
6450 Raccoon River Drive, West Des Moines
westgrandgolf.com 
Voted CITYVIEW’s Best Miniature Golf Course in 2019 — the last year that category was up for grabs. Their 18-hole miniature golf course features waterfalls, ponds and flower gardens for a serene but challenging outing. If you’re more of a full-sized golf type of person, West Grand Golf also has a driving range.

SAYLORVILLE LAKE MARINA
6170 N.W. Polk City Drive, Polk City
saylorvillelakemarina.com 
No boat? No problem! The Saylorville Marina rents out pontoons and other boats accommodating up to 12 passengers. Spend an afternoon out on the lake, then return to Fleetwood at Saylorville, Iowa’s only floating bar and restaurant, or a newer restaurant called The Lodge.

NEAL SMITH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
9981 Pacific St., Prairie City
fws.gov/refuge/neal-smith 
Crazy summer activities not your style? If you prefer to take it slow and enjoy the simpler things, here’s a great place to do that. The refuge covers more than 6,000 acres of restored tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and sedge meadow ecosystems. Take in the rolling hills, beautiful flowers, and sounds and sights of wildlife via an auto tour, bike ride, picnic or hike along six different trails. Don’t forget to stop by the Prairie Learning and Visitor Center.

TIP: Many public libraries offer Iowa Adventure Passes. This program allows library card-holders to visit local attractions and museums free of charge. Check with your local library for specific offerings and guidelines.