Des Moines Free Summer Camps and Clinics
The Des Moines community is filled with a ton of summer programs but it can be very costly to register multiple children (or even one child) for several summer camps. Sometimes financial assistance is available, but not always. Luckily, there are some great options for FREE summer camps and clinics in Des Moines. BMX, dance and cooking are some of the free summer camps available this summer. Summer camps and clinics are a great way for children to learn new skills and be introduced to new interests in a safe environment for kids of all ages.
- Bookmark this fun page full of Summer activities to keep your family busy all summer long.
- Take a look at our full Summer Camp Guide in Des Moines including summer day camps, nature camps, overnight camp experience, specialty camps, sports camps, and much more.
- Need to sign your child up for swim lessons? We have you covered in our Swim Lessons in Des Moines guide.
Adapted Coed Baseball
Where: Location TBD
When: Mondays, June 2-June 23
Who:
- Ages 7-10, 5:30 PM-6:15 PM
- Ages 11-16, 6:30 PM-7:15 PM
Adapted Coed Baseball is a partnership between Des Moines Parks & Recreation and Can Play. This program is designed to accommodate individual needs and abilities to be able to learn the skills of baseball.
Adapted Youth Kayak Camp
Where: Nahas Aquatic Center and Grays Lake
When: June 5-6 and August 5-6
Who: Ages 10-16
At Adapted Youth Kayak Camp, campers will learn the fundamentals of kayaking. On day one, they will meet at Nahas Aquatic Center and on day two they will meet at Grays Lake to test out their new skills on the water.
Adapted Summer Camp
Where: Location TBD
When: June 23-June 27, 10:30 AM-11:45 AM
Who: Ages 7-15
Adapted Summer Camp is a four day summer camp. Participants will explore activities designed around adaptability, fostering confidence and learning new skills.
Adapted Coed Soccer
Where: Tower Park, 4900 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
When: Tuesdays, July 1-July 22
Who:
- Ages 7-10, 5:30 PM-6:15 PM
- Ages 11-16, 6:30 PM-7:15 PM
Adapted Coed Soccer is designed to create an inclusive environment where everyone can learn the skills of the game.
ASAP Mondays: Adventures in Painting
Where: Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
When: Mondays in June, 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Who: Children under 10 must have an adult
Join Artist Courtney Work for ASAP Mondays: Adventures in Painting. Each week will focus on a new theme or skill. Snacks will be provided for all participants.
ASAP Tuesdays: Nature’s Palette
Where: East Side Library, 2559 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
When: Tuesdays in June, 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Who: Children under 10 must have an adult
Discover your artistic side with Artist Holly Rozenboom at ASAP Tuesdays: Nature’s Palette. Children will get to explore the wonders, colors and textures of nature in this summer art class. Snacks will be provided for all participants.
ASAP Wednesdays: Cookie and Cupcake Decorating
Where: North Side Library, 3516 Fifth Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313
When: Wednesdays in June, 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Who: Children under 10 must have an adult
Get creative in the kitchen with a professional baker at ASAP Wednesdays: Cookie and Cupcake Decorating. Turn cookies and cupcakes into edible art. Supplies are provided. Snacks will be provided for all participants.
ASAP Thursdays: STEAM
Where: South Side Library, 1111 Porter Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315
When: Thursday in June, 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Who: Children under 10 must be with an adult
Turn STEM into STEAM with Teaching Artist Amy Tingstrom at ASAP Thursdays: STEAM. Each week explore a new project that incorporates science, technology, engineering and math with the arts. Snacks will be provided for all participants.
Bedtime Yoga with Happy Heart Yoga
Where: Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131
When: Monday, June 9, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM
Who: Ages 2-12
Relax at Bedtime Yoga with Happy Heart Yoga at the Johnston Public Library. Bring your own yoga mat or blanket.
Beginner’s Ukulele Camp
Where: North Side Library, 3516 Fifth Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313
When: Tuesday, June 10-Thursday, June 12, 1:30 PM-2:30 PM
Who: Ages 8-18
Have a child that wants to try an instrument? How about the Ukulele! At this three day Beginner’s Ukulele Camp, children will learn ukulele basics, chords, and strumming patterns. Bring your own ukulele or borrow one from the library.
Breakdancing
Where: Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131
When: Wednesday, June 25, 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Who: Children in 2nd-5th grade
A teaching artist from ASAP (After School Arts Program) will lead this Intro to Breakdancing. Learn all the basic moves and have fun putting them together to show your own individuality and self-expression.
Des Moines Public Schools
Des Moines Public Schools are offering free camps this summer. They do require a $5 deposit but if you attend the camp, you get the deposit back! There are so many to choose from including football, wrestling, track, volleyball, rugby and so many more. See the full list here.
Des Moines BMX League Free Night
Where: 1701 E McKinley Ave, Des Moines, IA 50320
When: Monday, June 2, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
Who: Ages 4-15
Des Moines BMX is hosting a free Beginner’s-Only “Give it a Try” Open House at the 80/35 BMX track. Register here.
Fiber Arts Mini Camp
Where: Grimes Library, 200 NE Beaverbrooke Blvd, Grimes, IA 50111
When: Wednesday, June 18-Friday June 20, 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Who: Ages 7+
Head to Grimes Library for Fiber Arts Mini Camp. Spend 3 days exploring fiber arts. Projects will include sewing, embroidery, knitting and weaving.
Free Fishing
Where: MacRae Park, 1021 Davis Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315
When: Friday, June 6, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Who: All ages
Join Des Moines Parks & Recreation for Free Fishing at MacRae Park. Supplies will be provided but register to save your spot.
Intermediate Ukulele Camp
Where: North Side Library, 3516 5th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
When: Tuesday, June 24-Thursday, June 26, 1:30 PM-2:30 PM
Who: Ages 8-18
Children can have another chance to practice their ukulele skills at Intermediate Ukulele Camp. At this three day camp, children will learn more about chords, strumming patterns and songs.
Love You DSM Sports Clinics
The Valley Community Center will be hosting their Love You DSM Days from July 26-August 3. Throughout the ten days, there will be sports clinics including futbol, soccer, dance, cheerleading and so much more. Check out the full list of clinics here.
Pickleball Clinic
Where: Fox Creek Park, 522 NE Westgate Dr, Waukee, IA 50263
When: Wednesday, June 4 and June 11, 5:00 PM-6:30 PM
Register here (search pickleball to find the correct page)
This free clinic is run by the Des Moines Metro Pickleball Club. Participants 14 years and older will gain a basic understanding of the sport and how to play.
Take a look at the complete guide to Pickleball in Des Moines and play anywhere with friends and family.
Tie Your Shoes Bootcamp
Where: Grimes Library, 200 NE Beaverbrooke Blvd, Grimes, IA 50111
When: Friday, July 25, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Who: Children entering 1st or 2nd grade in the fall
Calling all children entering 1st or 2nd grade come learn a new skill at Tie Your Shoes Bootcamp! There will be crafts, group activities and of course lots of practice in tying your shoes. Every kid will leave with a new pair of shoelaces.
TnT Football
Where: Lincoln High School, 2600 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
When: Saturday, June 21, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Who: 7-14 year olds
The IOWA Foundation is partnering with TnT Football and Hoover High School Athletics to host a free football camp. Children will get a chance to learn football fundamentals from former NFL, Iowa Hawkeye, and Iowa Football Legends Tim Dwight, Tavian Banks, and Rodney Filer. Coaches and Players from the Lincoln High School Football team will also be helping with instruction.
Tippi Toes Dance Class
Throughout the summer Tippi Toes Dance Company will be hosting classes at surrounding libraries. At this high energy class children will learn a few new dance skills and have fun doing it. This is a perfect opportunity for your child to try dance. Below is a list of times and locations.
- Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA, 50131
When: Wednesday, June 11, 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
- Des Moines Public Library, Central Library, 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, June 14, 10:30 AM-11:00 AM AND Saturday, July 12, 10:30 AM-11:00 AM
- Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library, 1250 SW District Drive Ankeny, IA 50023
When: Wednesday, June 18, 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Who: Ages 2-6
Yaro Dance Company
The Yaro Dance Company will be visiting libraries throughout the summer.. Children will get a chance to learn basic moves, a little history behind dance, and watch a short performance. Below is a list of times and locations.
- Urbandale Library, 3520 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322
When: Wednesday. June 11, 9:30 AM-10:15 AM AND 10:30 AM-11:15 AM
- Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA, 50131
When: Wednesday, June 18, 2:00 PM-2:45 PM
- Clive Library, 1900 NW 114th St, Clive, IA 50325
When: Thursday, August 8, 6:15 PM-7:00 PM
Can Play Programs
Can Play’s mission is to create adaptive and no-cost recreation programs. There are several camps throughout the summer at locations all over the Des Moines Metro Area. These programs make it possible for children of all skill levels to participate. Some of the programs are baseball, lacrosse, and soccer. Visit this link to learn all about the programs available.
Waukee Community School District’s Picnic & Play
Where: Check here for locations
When: Weekdays from June 9-August 1 (Closed July 4)
Who: For children 18 years old or younger
Throughout summer Waukee Community School District hosts Picnic & Play at different locations in West Des Moines and Waukee. Picnic & Play is an opportunity for children to get a meal and play with their peers. Meals and activities are free to all children 18 years old or younger.
