Spring Break in Des Moines 2024
Spring Break Des Moines 2024 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
- 2024 Summer Camp Guide
Blank Park Zoo
Monday, March 11 – Wednesday, March 13
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$75; Members save 20% (Students must register for each day separately)
Theme: Zoo Clues – Take a look and you can find signs of animals everywhere outside! From scat to tracks, animals leave clues all around that we can use to figure out what they have been doing. Pull out the magnifying glasses and tweezers and join us as we become animal detectives and solve mysteries around the Zoo!
Spring Safari Camp is a camp for children ages 5-9 years. During this camp, children will participate in hands-on learning activities, enjoy the outdoors, meet Ambassador Animals, and explore the Zoo. Learn more and register on the Blank Park Zoo website.
If you are visiting with the family, plan on Monday, March 11 when Ruby the Reading Red Panda will do storytime at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Camp Hatesa: Spring Break Overnight Camp
March 13-15
Join Camp Hatesa for a mini-week session that is sure to entertain! This action-packed mini-week will include some of their favorite camp games and activities. This session is perfect for both veteran campers and campers ready to try overnight camp for the first time. Learn more and register here.
Cirque Wonderland
Spring Break Day Camp
Ages: 7-14
Date: 3/11 – 3/15
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $199
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. So don’t wait – sign up for Circus Camp today and let the fun begin! *We recommend bringing water and a light snack. Sign Up Here.
Climb Iowa
Camps offered are two-day camp: Monday, March 11 & Tuesday, March 12 OR Wednesday, March 13 & Thursday, March 14
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $175 for non-members; $160 for members
Camps are located at the Grimes locations
Sign up now for their spring break camp! Their camps engage kids in activities designed for learning climbing basics, promoting fitness and movement, and cultivating an environment of teamwork and respect. Climbers will participate in both climbing and non-climbing activities. Learn more and register here.
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 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event’s theme is Africa. Learn more about this FREE event for the whole family.
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
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is always a great place to warm up and immerse yourself in the botanical world. You never know what spring will be like in Iowa! They do not offer specific spring break camps but will be offering some special events such as Botanical Blues on Sunday and Dome After Dark on Friday. In addition, you can create an air plant home to take with you. This is a drop-in activity. $10 per project and will be offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 12 through March 15. Take a look at their event calendar!
Jester Park Equestrian
March 11 – March 14
Noon to 3 p.m.
Just can’t wait until summer to go back to camp. Join Jester Park Equestrian for an afternoon of horseback riding and equine education. Each day they will have activities and education designed for the age groups listed below. All spring break day camps run from 12 to 3 p.m. Make sure you snag a spot before they all fill up!
- Monday, March 11: Ages 5-7, 12 pm-3 pm
- Tuesday, March 12: Ages 8-12, 12 pm-3 pm
- Wednesday, March 13: Ages 8-12, 12 pm-3 pm
- Thursday, March 14: Ages 8-12, 12 pm-3 pm
Kids Create
119 S 2nd Street in Polk City, IA 50226
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 11-15
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 Tales From the Garden, Food & Farming, Jobs % Trades – Then & Now (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 NEW 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 2024 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:
- Friday, March 8 at 6 p.m. – Night Hike – Learn more and register here.
- Saturday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m. – Mammal Mania – Learn more and register here.
- Monday, March 11 at 10 a.m. – Hooray for Herps! – Learn more and register here.
- Tuesday, March 12 at 10 a.m. – Critter Club – Learn more and register here.
- Wednesday, March 13 at 10 a.m. – Knee-High Naturalists – Learn more and register here.
- Thursday, March 14 at 10 a.m. – Moths vs. Butterflies – Learn more and register 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 includes ESports, arts and crafts, different sports, activities, and more. 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!
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!
Spring Break Riding Camp
March 9 through 16 from 9 a.m. to Noon
Godspeed Equine
$105 per day or $450 for the week (3/11-3/15).
Enjoy fun activities, fun crafts, riding lessons, grooming, and more while making life-long friends. For riders 6 years and older. Register 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.
Warrior Lanes
190 SE Laurel Street in Waukee, IA 50263
Looking to burn off some energy, but staying in Des Moines this Spring Break? Head to Warrior Lanes! They will be opening at Noon every day during Spring Break. Feel free to walk in or make a reservation online.
Y Camp Spring Break
MARCH 11-15, 2024
AGES 6 – 13
$260 FOR THE WEEK. OPTIONS FOR BUS TRANSPORTATION FROM AMES OR BOONE FOR $15
What better way to spend spring break than at Y Camp! Y Camp proudly provides quality day camp programs for the communities of Boone and Ames. We strive to ensure the safest atmosphere while teaching your camper the four Y values; caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Spring Break Day Camp provides your camper with daily lunch, snacks, and activities such as a climbing wall, arts and crafts, archery, and gaga ball just to name a few (weather permitting). Learn more and register here.
All our day camp staff are First Aid and CPR certified.
This is amazing! Thank you!!!