Spring Break in Des Moines 2022
Spring Break Des Moines 2022 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 me 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 14 – Wednesday, March 16
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$117 members; $156 non-members
Imagine life in the mountains…slopes too steep to climb and heights and views that take your breath away. Who is the ghost of the mountain and the firefox? Join us to learn about the wildlife that calls the mountains home.
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.
The Brenton Arboretum
Monday, March 14 – Friday, March 18
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
There’s something for everyone this week! Make potions on Monday, use natural dyes on Tuesday, build a den for your favorite stuffed animal on Wednesday, and celebrate the Lorax on Friday. Sign up for one class or all four! Class sizes are limited to 10 children. Best for ages 5-12. Take a look at the schedule and register.
Fee: Members $5 per child; Non-members $10 per child. Meet at the Vista Room. Pre-registration is required by March 11.
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 Children’s Museum
Take a look at hours and pricing here.
If you are looking for indoor fun head to the Des Moines Children’s Museum for hours of fun. Each week they offer a special theme of activities, plus storytime on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
Des Moines Playhouse
March 14 – 18
Various times
The Des Moines Playhouse is offering several options for spring break. You can find something for all age levels, times, and more.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
March 15, 16 & 17
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is offering three different day camps this Spring Break. Each camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes themes such as ARTrageous!, Mad Scientists, and Adaptation Investigation. Learn more and register here.
Jester Park Equestrian
March 15 – March 17
Noon to 3 p.m.
Just can’t wait until summer to go back to camp? Join us for a morning 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.
- March 15 | 12pm-3pm | Ages 8-12
- March 16 | 12pm-3pm | Ages 5-7
- March 17 | 12pm-3pm| Ages 10-14
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 14
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. Camps are a 1-day experience. You can choose from Farms and Gardens and People of the Prairie (depending on age).
Natavi Swim
Monday 11:00am-12:00pm
Tuesday 9:00-10:00am
Wednesday 3:00-4:00pm
Thursday 11:00am-12:00pm
Friday 5:30-6:30pm
Saturday 1:15-2:15pm
Natavi has blocks of time every day, or nearly every day for a family open swim. A lifeguard is on duty during this time. Families are welcome to come to utilize the pools during these time frames. $6 person beginning in February.
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.
- 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 necessary. All classes are introductory level. All equipment and snack provided. Bring a filled water bottle, wear old clothes, and sturdy close-toed shoes. Register here. $10 per person.
Monday, March 14 – Archery
Tuesday, March 15 – Bouldering (rock climbing)
Wednesday, March 16 – Air Rifle
Thursday, March 17 – Survival Skills
Friday, March 18 – Geocaching
- Geology Rocks – March 15 at 1 p.m.
Come learn the basics of geology as we explore the three categories of rocks and how they are formed. This fast pace, fun, interactive program is a “rocking” good time for all ages. A large rock and mineral collection will be on display. Registration is not required. All ages welcome.
- Knee-High Naturalists – March 16 at 10 a.m.
Are you ready to get outside and explore? Come and hear a story followed by some outdoor fun! As naturalists, we will hike, investigate, and navigate through the trails and grounds of Jester Park as we learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place. Please come dressed to be outside. Registration is required. Free program.
- Critter Club – March 16 at 1 p.m.
Come visit Jester Park Nature Center’s resident turtles, snakes, and salamanders to learn about these misunderstood animals. You may even get to touch a turtle or snake. This is an open house program, so come anytime between 1-2:30 p.m. Registration is not required.
- Geocache Leprechaun Hunt – March 17 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Learn to use a GPS and go search the woods to find the hidden pots of gold, collecting candy and prizes along the way. Keep an eye out for leprechauns along the way! Registration is required for each family. $5 per family.
- Wild Night Life & Hike – March 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Join a naturalist on a hike without flashlights as we search for nocturnal creatures that call the park home. Registration is required. Free event.
- Moths vs Butterflies – March 18 at 1 p.m.
Both of these fluttering insects share the same classification (Lepidoptera), but butterflies and moths have several differences that make them each unique. Join one of our naturalists as we learn what makes a moth a moth, and what makes a butterfly a butterfly! Registration required. Free event.
- Full Moon Hike – March 18 at 8 p.m.
Explore the wonder and beauty of Thomas Mitchell Park at night under a full moon. Registration is required. Free event.
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.
State Historical Museum
The State Historical Museum offers seasonal break programs throughout the year with Goldie’s Kids Club. Check their page with tons of fun resources!
Innovative Iowans Day Camp – Spring Break
Based on the museum’s popular Innovative Iowans program, this new day camp allows young historians (entering 4th through 6th grade) to learn about historically significant Iowans through interactive activities. Become a detective and investigate Iowa’s past through engaging activities connected to STEAM education – science, technology, engineering, art, and math – while at the State Historical Museum of Iowa.
March 16, 2022
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
State Historical Museum of Iowa, Des Moines
Grades 4-6 (must be entering 4th grade)
Limited to 10 participants
$50 per person. 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.
This is amazing! Thank you!!!