Winter Camps for Kids in Des Moines 2023
There is always a little gap between the holidays and when our children return to school. Not sure what they will do during those days? Check out some of these great winter break camps for kids in Des Moines. Just like during the summer months summer camp fills quickly, winter camp spaces can fill just as fast. Not only are we sharing fun winter break camp ideas, but fun events and fun activities you can do as an entire family during the wintertime. Grab a family member and make new friends this winter!
Take a look at these other fun guides to help keep you busy during Winter Break:
- Des Moines Parent Event Calendar – Loaded with tons of fun!
- New Year’s Eve with Kids in Des Moines
- Indoor Play in Des Moines
- Blank Park Zoo in the Winter
- Your Guide to the Science Center of Iowa
- RecPlex Fun for Everyone!
- Ice Skating in Des Moines
- Sledding in Des Moines
Camp Hantesa
Winter Break Overnight Camp
December 27 – 29
Experience overnight camp in a brand new way! Join Camp Fire Heart of Iowa for a mini-week of winter fun as they explore some of their favorite winter games and activities during the day and explore local attractions in the evening! Learn more and register.
Chasing Laurels
Winter Break Horse Camp
December 29 & 30; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Daily horseback riding, games on and off the horses crafts, pizza, hot cocoa and marshmallows, s’mores, drinks, snacks, more food, and the scavenger hunt for gifts from the horses. The cost is $225. Learn more and register.
Circus Camp
Cirque Wonderland
December 28; 8:30 a.m. to Noon
Spend a day at the circus and discover your inner acrobat! Cirque Wonderland is the perfect place for kids to learn cool tricks, play games, and have a blast while enhancing their balance, flexibility, strength, coordination, and confidence. Led by real circus artists from Cirque Wonderland, this camp is packed with exciting activities like climbing, swinging, flying, dancing, and balancing on aerial and acrobatic equipment. You’ll also get to try your hand at prop manipulation, hula-hooping, stilt walking, and even get a behind-the-scenes tour of our studio. Ages 7 to 14 are welcome. Register here.
Emerge Academy
Winter Break Open Gym
December 27 & 28; 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or Noon to 2 p.m.
Open Gym at Emerge Academy! Have fun while you play in their gymnastics, ninja, and preschool gyms. Head to www.emergedsm.com or The iClasspro App (name of organization: emergeacademy) to create an account through our parent portal and sign up today! Sign-ups done before Friday, December 22nd will cost $20. The walk-in cost then increases to $25. This open gym is for kids up to age 18. Under 6 years old must be accompanied by a parent and can use the preschool area. Over 6 years old, parents can drop off or stay and play! PARENTS ARE FREE with a paying child!
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
December 27 – December 30; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Looking for a fun family experience over winter break? Join the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for some Winter Break Day Camps. Register for Winter in the Woods! Discovery is the name of the game in this exploration-based camp as we dig up hidden secrets kept by Iowa’s winter woodlands and the nature that calls them home. Be sure to bring winter gear and your adventurous curiosity! This camp is offered several times throughout the week and is the same camp. Register for one day!
Also, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is open during normal business hours for families to explore and wander any time during the week.
Holiday Hullabaloo
December 26 – December 30
Just because Christmas is over, does not mean the Holiday fun has to stop! The Holiday Hullabaloo will stay open during Winter Break from December 26 – December 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Jester Park Nature Center
Story Tellabration – Hibernation
December 20 from 10 to 10:30 a.m.
Join volunteer storyteller, Carmen Epstein, for a fun, interactive tale tailored toward children ages 2 to 6 that explores the wonders of the outdoors. During each program, participants enjoy interactive stories and an activity.
Winter Solstice Hike
December 21 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate winter’s official arrival on the shortest day of the year on a hike with a naturalist. Dress for the weather. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED All ages are welcome!
Snow & Ice Science
December 26 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Join Jester Park during winter break for some seasonal fun! Learn about winter weather, and wildlife and even read a few stories by the fire. Each day they will host a different topic and activity led by a naturalist! Registration Required.
Home For The Holidays (Animal Habitats/Winter Behavior)
December 27 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Join Jester Park during winter break for some seasonal fun! Learn about winter weather, and wildlife and even read a few stories by the fire. Each day will host a different topic and activity led by a naturalist! Registration Required.
Critter Club
December 27 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Meet Jester Park Nature Center’s Resident turtles, snakes, and toads to learn about these unique animals. Discover the importance of the ambassador animals and their special role in education. View them close up and touch these unique critters. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Wildlife Tree Decorating
December 28 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Join us during winter break for some seasonal fun! Learn about winter weather, and wildlife and even read a few stories by the fire. Each day will host a different topic and activity led by a naturalist! Registration Required.
Superheroes of Nature
December 28 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Come dressed up as your favorite superhero and have fun as we learn which animals have superpowers like our favorite comic book heroes! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Tails By The Fire (Storytime and Craft)
December 29 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Join Jester Park during winter break for some seasonal fun! Learn about winter weather, and wildlife and even read a few stories by the fire. Each day will host a different topic and activity led by a naturalist! Registration Required.
Kids Create
Kids Create offers many day classes, camps, and more for all ages. Take a look at their full list and register!
Living History Farms
Winter Break Camp
December 26-29
Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are offered as a 1-day experience.
Spend a fun winter break exploring life in the past, visiting Living History Farms’ historic sites, and getting busy with hands-on activities. Choose from camps for kids in grades 2-6, or a camp for the whole family including the popular Flynn Family Camp. Register for a fun one-day camp which is a full day of fun, before slots fill up!
Science Center of Iowa
Winter Camps 2023
December 26-29
2023 Winter Camps will run from December 26th – December 29th and are open to all young scientists in Pre-K through 8th grade. Register for a full-day or half-day camp full of educational activities. Escape the cold and find more ways to explore during Winter Break with SCI Winter Camps! Sci members receive a special discount
West Des Moines Parks & Recreation
The West Des Moines Parks & Recreation Department offers several fun camps, events, and activities during winter break. Take a look at all their offerings plus how to register in their catalog.
