Iowa Staycation: 7 Fun Things to Do While Staying Close to Home

Iowa offers a wide variety of attractions for families planning a vacation or staycation. From the Blank Park Zoo to the Iowa State Capitol, there is plenty of great things to see and explore throughout the state.

Here are seven great places to visit for families on vacation or staycation:

1. Iowa State Capitol: Take a 60 minute tour of the entire building featuring a gold-leafed dome, grand staircase, marble and ornate woodwork. The tour also includes a visit to the old Supreme Court chambers, the five story law library, a model of Battleship Iowa and a collection of first-lady dolls.

VOTE NOW: Is Iowa Sen. Jodi Ernst Doing a Good Job?

2. Amana Colonies: The colonies were built and settled by German Pietists in Iowa. This area consist of seven villages and is a major tourist attraction. "Amana Colonies offers visitors the opportunity to step back from today's busy pace, to relish in the comfort of locally crafted foods, furniture, art and more."

3. Blank Park Zoo: The zoo is spread out over 49 acres, but 22 acres have been used for animal exhibits and other facilities. Visitors can enjoy 104 different animal species and 1,484 animal specimens.

4. Des Moines Botanical Center: The site is situated on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River. The botanical garden provides education, as well as botanical exhibits for visitors. Kids can pick up an activity pamphlet at the front desk and try to find specific plants and characteristics while they tour the Dome. The center is home to the koi fish, white catfish, turtles and free flying birds.

VOTE NOW: Should the Government Be Doing More to Promote Tourism in America?

5. Family Museum of Arts and Science: This is a 1,300 square foot hands-on museum with interactive exhibits for everyone. Exhibits include a 10 foot tornado, making a cloud ring and hop through a rabbit hole. You can also explore the workings of the human body in five areas — nutrition and health, exercise and fitness, human physiology, blood donation, and tobacco and alcohol abuse.

6. Lost Island Water Park: This park's rides include the Molokini Crater, Kiwi Koaster, and Tangerine Tempest tube rides. There's also a free fall speed slide called Lost Soul Falls. Little ones can enjoy rides like Blue Iguana Lagoon, Starfish Cove and Tahiti Treehouse.

7. Field of Dreams: The Field of Dreams, located in Dubuque County, is the baseball field created for the movie "Field of Dreams." Here, you can walk on the actual field and even play some ball.

URGENT: Do You Approve of the Job Jodi Ernst Is Doing as an Iowa Senator?

Related Stories:

• Scott Walker Surges to Double-Digit Lead in Iowa Poll

• Iowa History: 8 Events That Shaped the Stae