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. Pickleball, construction, and fire safety 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.
Introduction to Robotics and Programming with LEGO SPIKE Prime
Address: West Des Moines Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265
When: Monday, June 5th, 4:30 PM-6:00 PM
Do you have a child who would love to learn more about robotics? Then check out this class at the West Des Moines Library. This hands-on session is led by students and coaches of the C3 Robotics team with a wide variety of knowledge. Children ages 9-13 will learn about robotics, programming concepts, and terminology focused on the introduction to coding. Registration required.
Pickleball Clinic
Address: Fox Creek Park, 522 NE Westgate Dr, Waukee, IA 50263
When: Wednesday, June 7th, 5:00 PM-6:30 PM and Wednesday, June 14th, 5:00 PM- 6:30
This free clinic, run by the Des Moines Metro Pickleball Club, will help participants gain an understanding of how to play pickleball. One of the newest outdoor activities everyone loves to learn! Participants must be 14 years or older. Visit this link for more information. (Search pickleball clinic to find the correct page).
Take a look at our complete guide to Pickleball in Des Moines and play anywhere with friends and family!
Soccer Shots
Address: Ridge Pointe Park, 655 SE Legacy Pointe Blvd, Waukee, IA 50263
When: Thursday, June 8th, 5:15 PM-5:45 PM (age 2), 6:00 PM-6:30 PM (ages 3-5), 6:45 PM-7:30 PM (ages 6-8)
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 and a great way to encourage some physical activity. Register here.
Dance Sampler with Iowa Ballet Academy
Address: Clive Public Library, 1900 NW 114th St, Clive, IA 50325
When: Saturday, June 10th, 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Head to the Clive Public Library for a sample dance class. Learn some basic moves, learn about the history behind the dance, and see a few performances by Yaro Dance Company. Contact the Clive Public Library for more information.
Tween and Teen Ukulele Camp
Address: North Side Library, 3516 Fifth Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313
When: June 13th, June 14th, and June 15th at 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Learn to play a few tunes at this 3-day Ukulele camp by Natalie Steenson. Camp is held through the Des Moines Public Library at the North Side Branch. Children 8-18 will learn ukulele basics, chords, and strumming patterns. Bring your own ukulele or borrow one from the library. Sign up here! Registration is required and space is limited.
Kid’s Fire Academy
Address: 3927 121st St, Urbandale, IA 50323
When: Thursday, June 15th and Friday June 16th, 12:30 PM-4:30 PM
The Kid’s Fire Academy is for children in the 8-15 years age group to learn about fire prevention, the duties of firefighters, and the requirements for becoming a firefighter. This is such a fun camp option! Children must live or go to school in Urbandale to participate. Registration must be received by Thursday, May 18th.
Tippi Toes-Toddler & Me
Address: Valley Junction Activity Center, 217 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
When: Tuesday, July 11th, 9:30 AM-10:00 AM
Register here. Go to youth programs->arts->Tippi Toes-Toddler & Me
Have a child between the ages of 1 and ½-3? Then take a Tippi Toes demo class with your toddler and see if dance is right for them! Each class will involve a mix of music and movement. Practice balance and learn basic dance steps. Parents are asked to participate with their children.
Tippi Toes-Baby Ballet
Address: Valley Junction Activity Center, 217 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
When: June 17th, 9:00 AM-9:30 AM, AND July 11th, 10:15 AM-10:45 AM
Register here. Go to youth programs->arts->Tippi Toes-Baby Ballet
For those ages 2-3, come try Tippi Toes Baby Ballet Class. This class is a mix of music and movement. Children will practice their balance and learn basic dance steps. Parents are asked to stay but do not have to participate.
Construction Camp for Girls
Address: DMPS Central Campus, 1800 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Monday, July 10th-Friday, July 14th
The Iowa Department of Education invites girls ages 14-18 to construction camp this summer. Campers will get a chance to learn construction skills and go on construction-related field trips. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Visit here to register.
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.
Kick It Forward Soccer
Kick It Forward Soccer offers free soccer clinics for children 3-8 years old. Players will learn a variety of soccer skills and develop a love for the game. Summer clinics haven’t been finalized yet, but follow on social media to get the latest updates.
