Spring Break in Des Moines 2023
Spring Break Des Moines 2023 is just around the corner. 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. We will be updating this page regularly.
Make sure to check out our event calendar to stay up-to-date with events and activities.
Blank Park Zoo
Monday, March 13 – Wednesday, March 15
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$156; Members save 20%
Things with Wings – Soaring with the wind, fluttering around a flower, or sweeping silently through the night, things with wings are pretty amazing. Let’s “fly” around the zoo and check out who has wings and who doesn’t. Don’t let the animals fool you…not all wings are made for flying!
Spring Safari Camp is a three-day 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.
Des Moines Art Center
Think spring at the Des Moines Art Center! They offer several classes and workshops all year round including Spring Break week. Take a look at all the class offerings and register today before they fill up.
Des Moines Playhouse
March 13 – 17
Various times
The Des Moines Playhouse is offering several options for spring break. You can find something for all age levels, times, and more.
Entirely Kids Day at the Des Moines Art Center
Saturday, March 18
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Entirely Kids Day at the Des Moines Art Center! Art is one of humankind’s oldest tools. The art we make says a lot about who we are, and how we live, think, and feel. Come explore the past, present, and future of art through free hands-on, creative activities for all ages.
Have fun hunting for history in the galleries, making your own art inspired by artists today, and imagining the future of art with Des Moines artists, Rachel Buse, Cameron Gray, and Eric Wilkes. Entirely Kids Day will feature live music hits spanning the decades performed by the Keep Moving Dance Band from Ames, Iowa.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
March 14, 15, & 16
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden as you unearth the wild secrets of desert life by getting up close and personal with some of its most famous inhabitants: cacti and succulents. Bring your curiosity, adventurous spirit, and your water bottle as you trek into the driest biome on earth without ever leaving the Garden. Be sure to register before all the spots dry up! For students in first through fifth grade.
This is a one-day camp offered multiple days over spring break. These camps are identical, so there’s no need to register for more than one.
Hop-A-Lot
March 12 – March 17
Hop-A-Lot’s Spring Break camp is going to be an amazing week of learning, fun, and adventure! Every day is a different theme with lots of activities planned. Full-day and half-day options are available. Register here.
Jester Park Equestrian
March 14 – March 17
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 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!
- March 14| 12pm-3pm | Ages 5-7
- March 15 | 12pm-3pm | Ages 8-12
- March 16 | 12pm-3pm| Ages 8-12
- March 17 | 12pm-3pm | Ages 8-12
Kids Create
Kids Create offers fun camps and workshops for all ages. Art, stories, furry friends, and more. Take a look at the Kids Create website for an entire list of offerings and register!
Living History Farms
March 13 – 17
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 Garden Sprouts and Steampunk (depending on age).
Polk County Conservation
Polk County Conservation is offering several programming opportunities over Spring Break. Do not forget to play and explore at the Jester Park Nature Center and Outdoor Recreation Building.
March 12 – Critter Club
Meet Jester Park Nature Center’s resident spider, turtle, or snake to learn about these unique animals. Discover the importance of the ambassador animals and their special role in education. View them close up and live, watch them move, and touch these unique critters. Come and go anytime between 1-2:30 pm. No registration is required.
Spring Break Skills
Spend part of your spring break learning a new outdoor recreational skill. Polk County naturalists will discuss instruction, safety, and technique before giving participants the opportunity to get some hands-on practice. Sign up for one class or the entire series, no prior experience is necessary. All classes are introductory level. All equipment and snack were provided. Bring a filled water bottle, wear old clothes and sturdy close-toed shoes. Registration is required. $10 per class.
- March 13 – Archery
- March 14 – Bouldering
- March 15 – Air Rifle
- March 16 – Survival Skills
- March 17 – Geocaching
March 17 – Family Fun Night
Gather your friends and family together for a night of fun at Jester Park’s Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center. Opportunities will be available for bouldering (age 4+) and archery (age 10+). A variety of games will be available and you are free to bring some of your own family-appropriate games as well. Light snacks will be provided. Come and go as you, please. Registration is required.
QR Code Quest: Spring Break Edition
March 13 – March 17
Johnston Public Library
Come in anytime the library is open for a fun scavenger hunt the whole family can enjoy. Follow the clues hidden throughout the library. Complete the puzzle and win a fun prize. Bring your own device or use one of ours. For all ages.
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 including All Day Sports Camp!, Cirque Camp, open play times, and much more. Take a look and register here.
Spring Break Day Camp
March 13 – March 17
Des Moines Y Camp
Come spend Spring Break Day Camp at Y Camp! Y Camp programming starts at 9 AM Monday- Friday and ends at 4:30 PM. Spend your day doing all sorts of games and activities!
On Thursday Night sign up for the optional overnight stay and stay in our comfortable cabins! (additional fees apply)
Spring Break Sewing School
March 13 – March 17; Various times
Artfull at Valley West Mall
Kids can sew too! Young crafters will quickly be sewing up colorful pillows, potholders, dolls, blankets, and more. These kid-tested projects require only minimal instruction and most can be made using simple hand stitches, so no sewing machine is required. With plenty of encouragement and helpful tips, Sewing School ® helps young sewers develop their skills while sparking a passion that will last a lifetime. Register for a spot 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!
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!!!