Des Moines Free Summer Camps and Clinics
The Des Moines community is filled with a ton of summer programs for young people with a variety of activities. 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. Good thing there are some great options for FREE summer camps and clinics in Des Moines. Drama, crochet, 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.
Take a look at the variety of camps and see if your child would be interested in learning a little more about a new sport or activity in one of these free summer camps and clinics being offered this season in Des Moines, Iowa.
- 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.
ASAP Mondays: Drama Workshop
Where: Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
When: Mondays in June 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Who: Ages 10 and up
Children 10 and up can explore their performing skills at ASAP Mondays: Drama Workshop. This drama/theater workshop will have your child creating/performing skits, working in teams, playing games, and making new friends.
Mind Body Connections
Where: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library, 1250 SW District Drive Ankeny, IA 50023
When: Mondays, June 3-July 15 (no meeting July 1), 9:30 AM-11:00 AM
Who: Ages 13-16
EveryStep is hosting Mind-Body Connections. A workshop for those ages 13-16 to learn skills to relieve stress related to school, peers, etc, and build resilience to face struggles and problems in life.
Crochet 101: The Basics
Where: Central Library, 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Monday, June 5, 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Who: Ages 10 and up
Do you have a child interested in crochet? Join the Des Moines Library at Crochet 101: The Basics. They will learn the basics of crochet. The library will provide all the materials. Participants will get to bring home a starter hook, yarn, and tapestry needle.
Kids in the Kitchen
Where: Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
When: Friday, June 7, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Who: Kindergarten-5th grade
Kids in the Kitchen is a 6-7 week program based on the Department of Agriculture “MyPlate”. Each session will focus on a different food group, and a physical activity, and then they will make a snack. Students will learn about food safety and beginner cooking skills. What a great activity for those aspiring chefs.
Vibrant Music Class
Where: Clive Library, 1900 NW 114th St, Clive, IA 50325
When: Fridays, June 7-June 28, 2:00 PM-2:45 PM
Let your children explore music at the Vibrant Music Class. Help your child learn more about music, creative movement, and finding joy in music.
Love You DSM Sports Clinics
The Valley Community Center will be hosting their Love You DSM Days from June 7-June 16. 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.
Beginner’s Ukulele Camp
Where: NorthSide Library
When: Tuesday, June 11-Thursday, June 13, 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 ukulele or borrow one from the library.
Pickleball Clinic
Where: Fox Creek Park
When: Wednesday, June 12th, 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.
Soccer Shots
Where & When: Variety of times and places, June 17-June 20
Who: Ages 2-8
Give soccer a try with Soccer Shots! This free class will focus on basic skills using creative and imaginative games. What a great opportunity to see if soccer is right for your child.
Intermediate Ukulele Camp
Where: North Side Library, 3516 5th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
When: Tuesday, June 25-Thursday, June 27, 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.
TnT Football
Where: Hoover High School, 4800 NW Aurora Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
When: Saturday, June 22, 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 Hoover 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. In 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: Monday, June 5, 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
- Des Moines Public Library, Central Library, 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309; When: Saturday, June 8, 10:30 AM-11:00 AM AND Saturday, July 13, 10:30 AM-11:00 AM
- Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library, 1250 SW District Drive Ankeny, IA 50023; When: Friday, June 14, 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.
- East Side Library, 2559 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317; When: Thursday, June 13, 5:30 PM-6:30 PM
- Franklin Avenue Library, 5000 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310; When: Tuesday, June 25, 3:00 PM-3:45 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.
