Spring Break in Des Moines 2026
Spring Break Des Moines 2026 is just around the corner, and we are here to help you create a memorable Spring Break. Whether the entire family is staying in the Des Moines area to explore or you need to find a fun camp or workshop, there are enough ways to have fun all week long. There are several classes, workshops, and activities happening all over Des Moines, virtually or in person. If you are looking to fill the week off from school with fun activities, check out this great list below and register quickly. These can fill up super fast. If I am missing your class or workshop, let us know.
Bookmark these other resources to help plan your time in Des Moines, Iowa:
- Indoor Play in Des Moines
- Des Moines Parent Event Calendar
- FREE Things to do in Downtown Des Moines
- Spring Break in the Midwest – Take a fun road trip with the family!
- St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Des Moines
- 2026 Summer Camp Guide
Blank Park Zoo
March 13, 16-20
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$75; Members save 20% (Students must register for each day separately)
School’s Out Safari Camps are single-day camps that take place throughout the school year on days when metro schools are out for holidays or teacher professional development, including winter and spring breaks. During these camps, campers will explore the Zoo, meet some animals, and participate in hands-on STEM learning. Possible topics include animal adaptations, habitats, conservation, animal care, and ecosystem dynamics. Register here.
Camp Hatesa: Spring Break
March 16-18
School Day Off camps bring all the fun of summer camp into one action-packed day! Each day includes transportation from designated community sites listed below to and from Camp Hantesa, a hot lunch, and a full day of counselor-led activities! Register here.
Cirque Wonderland
Spring Break Day Camp
Ages: 7-14
Date: March 16-20
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $239+ tax
Register here.
Students will be grouped with peers by age and other factors to ensure the best experience. All students will learn a variety of circus and aerial arts skills at levels appropriate for them. Your kiddos may spend the week spinning and swinging in aerial or may learn dozens of new tricks. Every child is different, and we are here to ensure they all have a wonderful and safe experience no matter what.
Circus Camp is the place to be for kids who love to have fun and learn new skills. Our professional circus artists from Cirque Wonderland will teach your kids everything from levi-wand tricks to aerial acrobatics! Plus, they’ll work on their balance, flexibility, and coordination in a supportive and safe environment. By the end of the week, your kids will be ready to show off their new skills in a special performance just for parents. Kids should bring a water bottle and a snack during this class.
Creative Connection
1450 SW Vintage Pkwy #110 in Ankeny
Creative Connection is an art studio for kids who love to create. They offer many classes and workshops throughout the year, including Spring Break! Take a look at their full calendar and register today.
Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand Avenue in Des Moines, IA 50312
Think spring at the Des Moines Art Center! They offer several classes and workshops all year round, including Spring Break week, where children of all ages may use watercolor pencils, air-dry clay, and practice other artistic skills. Take a look at all the class offerings and register today before they fill up.
** Do not forget to SAVE THE DATE for Entirely Kids Day, which will be held on Saturday, March 14 this year! Learn more here.
Des Moines Playhouse
Various times
The Des Moines Playhouse is offering several options for spring break. You can find a spring break workshop for all age levels, times, and more. A great option for those littles interested in creative drama.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Join the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for some Spring Break fun! This year’s theme is Garden Rebels. Buckle up, secure your goggles, and dive into the wacky world of plants that break the rules. Dissect, experiment, and explore while investigating the most unusual and rebellious plant species around the globe. Learn more and register here.
Dates: March 17 & 18 or March 19 & 20
Other fun activities happening:
- Dome After Dark Extra Nights: Friday & Saturday, Mar 13 & 14, and Mar 20 from 6 to 10 p.m.
- Air Plant Homes drop-in activity: Learn about these plants that do not require soil to grow, then decorate a glass orb with natural materials to house your air plant. This self-guided activity allows you to work at your own pace. $10 per project. Walk-up registration only. Available while supplies last. March 17 through 21. Learn more here.
- Story Sprouts: Join the Botanical Garden for a fun, interactive storytime that explores nature and plants. Geared toward children ages 2-5 years old. Included with general admission. March 13 & 20 from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
- Botanical Blues: Live concert series in the dome. Included with general admission. Free to members. Every Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m.
Grimes Public Library – Spring Break Kits
March 12
Pick up a take-home kit with math-themed activities for your child to do each weekday of spring break. This kit will contain 6 guided activities and most supplies needed for each activity. Scissors, glue, tape, and markers or crayons may be needed from home. We will have kits curated for ages 3-6 and 7-11. Available supplies last.
Kids Create
119 S 2nd Street in Polk City, IA 50226
315 SW Maple Street Suite F in Ankeny, IA
Kids Create offers fun camps and workshops for all ages. Young artists will have fun creating unique art projects with a variety of art mediums, meeting furry friends, reading stories, and so much more. Take a look at the Kids Create website for an entire list of offerings and register!
Living History Farms
March 16-20
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day
Enjoy a special Spring Break without the hassles of traveling a long distance! Sign up for a camp full of hands-on, interactive activities and visits to historic sites around the museum. You can choose from Flourishing Farmers, Steampunk: Farm Edition, and more (depending on age).
Play at the Local Library
We love our local library, and central Iowa has many to explore. Remember, they are much more than books! Many are offering special events, storytimes, and programming during the week of Spring Break. Whether you visit the Des Moines Public Library, located in the heart of Downtown Des Moines, or the Grimes Public Library, there is no better place to be. Many offer board games, puzzles, and more to play with while visiting.
Park Exploration!
Spring is the perfect time to get out and check out the parks. Pack a picnic lunch before you go. Before you know it, the 2026 Trek the Parks Challenge will be on its way. Get some practice in now! Check out some of our favorite parks below.
- American Legion Park
- Ledges State Park
- Ride along your scooter or skateboard through Pappa John Sculpture Park
- Raccoon River Park
- Union Park
Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center
2100 SE 5th Street in Des Moines, Iowa
The Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center offers Imagination Playschool every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for children ages 1 to 7 years old. An indoor play area offering playhouses, big wheel bikes, safety mats, foam building blocks, and more during the cold weather months. $1.50 per child.
Polk County Conservation
Polk County Conservation is offering several programming opportunities over Spring Break at the Jester Park Nature Center. Jester Park is a wonderful place to play and explore all year round, from the Jester Park Natural Playscape (probably not open quite yet) to hiking to see the elk and bison. Take a look at some special events they have planned here!
RecPlex – West Des Moines Parks & Recreation
The new MidAmerican Energy RecPlex and West Des Moines Parks & Recreation are offering various camps and classes during Spring Break week, which include ESports, arts and crafts, different sports, activities, and more. Register here.
Reiman Gardens
Ages 6-10. Looking for a way to keep those kids busy and mentally sharp over spring break? Adventure is always blooming at Reiman Gardens! Discover, play, and grow at youth day camps!
Campers will dive into the world of insects, participate in crafts, stay active with a day of movement, learn about dinosaurs, and immerse themselves in a day of toys, games, and the outdoors. Learn more and register here.
Science Center of Iowa
If you are planning a Des Moines Staycation, the Science Center of Iowa is a must-stop. They offer tons of exhibits with lots of hands-on activities for children and adults to wander and learn something new. Before you go, make sure you take a look at their event calendar to see what special programming they have scheduled throughout the day!
Skateland Des Moines – Learn to Skate
March 16-20
Give your kids something fun to look forward to this spring break! Our Spring Break Skate School is perfect for beginner skaters ages 5–12 and runs March 16–20 from 11:45–12:45. For $75, kids get daily instruction, skate rental (your choice of roller skates or rollerblades), and admission to open skate after each lesson from 1–8. Be sure to register by March 13. Parents, join us at 12:30 on the final day for a special showcase to see what your kids have learned. Register here!
State Historical Museum
The State Historical Museum of Iowa has a wide offering of fun activities for all ages to learn about Iowa history during spring break. Head to the museum to explore the exhibits, attend the family day camp, or register to attend one of the many different engaging programs offered throughout the week. Learn more and register for a spot!
Triad Kids Campus
2202 SE Creekview Drive in Ankeny
Triad has a ton of fun events and open gyms scheduled over spring break! Take a look at all the fun, including some St. Patrick’s Day-themed events here.
Valley Community Center
Enjoy spring break at the Valley Community Center. They offer an indoor playground, open gym, Movie Monday, free (and small fee) programming, and tons more. Spend an entire day making friends and having fun. Take a look at the event calendar to plan out your visit.
This is amazing! Thank you!!!