Winter Camps for Kids in Des Moines 2025
There is always a little gap between the holidays and when our children return to school. Not sure what they will do during those days? Check out some of these great winter break camps for kids in Des Moines. Just like during the summer months summer camp fills quickly, winter camp spaces can fill just as fast. Not only are we sharing fun winter break camp ideas, but fun events and activities you can do as an entire family during the wintertime. Grab a family member and make new friends this winter!
Have something to add to this list? Let us know!
Take a look at these other fun guides to help keep you busy during Winter Break:
- Des Moines Parent Event Calendar – Loaded with tons of fun!
- New Year’s Eve with Kids in Des Moines
- Indoor Play in Des Moines
- Blank Park Zoo in the Winter
- Your Guide to the Science Center of Iowa
- RecPlex Fun for Everyone!
- Ice Skating in Des Moines
- Sledding in Des Moines
Burn Elite Winter Camp | 2025 Sponsor
December 22-23; 29-31; Two time options available each day! 1 to 1:45 p.m. and 2 to 2:45 p.m.
Located at Burn Boot Camp Waukee.
Give your athlete something fun, active, and empowering to do over winter break. Burn Elite is a 45-minute performance-style camp designed to help kids move better, get stronger, and build lasting confidence … all in a fun, supportive environment led by certified trainers.
Each session focuses on developing proper form, balance, flexibility, and coordination while incorporating speed and agility drills to keep things exciting. Whether your child is new to fitness or already involved in sports, this camp welcomes all levels and emphasizes encouragement, teamwork, and growth.
Camp Hantesa
Winter Break Overnight Camp
December 29 – January 1
Experience overnight camp in a brand new way! Join Camp Fire Heart of Iowa for a mini-week of winter fun as they explore some of their favorite winter games and activities during the day and explore local attractions in the evening! Learn more and register.
Chasing Laurels
Winter Break Horse Camp
December 26 & December 27; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Scavenger hunt for a big bag of presents from the horses! Including 1 personalized gift! Horseback riding, crafts, games on and off the horses. Pizza lunch, fresh-baked horse head cookies, s’mores, & more for snacks…. hot cocoa and marshmallows, warm cider, and more to drink.
There will be lots of warmth! We will be using the heated front room for crafts and lunch. Heated Kitchen for fresh-baked horse cookies and warm-ups. Riding will take place inside the barn or indoor arena. And there will also be a heated picnic table area. Learn more here.
Circus Camp
Cirque Wonderland
December 30
Spend a day at the circus and discover your inner acrobat! Cirque Wonderland is the perfect place for kids to learn cool tricks, play games, and have a blast while enhancing their balance, flexibility, strength, coordination, and confidence. Led by real circus artists from Cirque Wonderland, this camp is packed with exciting activities like climbing, swinging, flying, dancing, and balancing on aerial and acrobatic equipment. You’ll also get to try your hand at prop manipulation, hula-hooping, stilt walking, and even get a behind-the-scenes tour of our studio. Ages 7 to 14 are welcome. Register here.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
December 22 & 23 or December 29 & 30; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enter the world of Dragons in the Garden. Discover plant-like dragons and dragon-like plants, uncovering how they adapt to deserts, mud, rain, and other environments. Create your own dragon and let your imagination soar in this magical camp! Learn more and register here.
Also, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is open during normal business hours for families to explore and wander any time during the week.
Jester Park Nature Center
During Winter Break, the Polk County Conservation offers many special events and workshops. These still have not been released yet! Take a look at their Facebook page to stay up to date.
Johnston Public Library
Winter Break Scavenger Hunt
December 22 – January 2
The library’s feeling extra frosty-fun this winter break! Search high and low for hidden clues around the library and see if you can crack the code to win a cool prize. No snow boots required—just your sharp eyes and curious mind!
Kids Create
Kids Create offers many day classes, camps, and more for all ages. Take a look at their full list and register!
The Little Gym Johnston
Winter Camps
December 22, 23, 29 & 23
The Little Gym is celebrating Winter Break with some fun camps, including Penguin Palooza, Snowman’s Slumber Party, and more. Take a look at all the details and register here.
Living History Farms
Winter Break Camp
December 29-31
Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are offered as a 3-day experience.
Iowa has a birthday on December 28 every year! That day in 1846, Iowa became part of the United States. In honor of the 250th birthday of our country, take a journey with us through different eras. Learn through crafts, games, and visits to our historic sites. Then take what you’ve learned and imagine what the future may hold. End the week with a 250th Birthday Party for America. (Families are invited to attend.) Learn more and register here.
Reiman Gardens
Winter Break Camps
December 22 & 23; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Children will get the chance to explore the Gardens while doing science and STEM experiments, artistic activities, and outdoor discoveries to keep their minds and bodies moving during break. Designed for students in grades 1-5 (Ages 6-10).
Preregistration with prepayment is required by Thursday, December 18. Learn more and register here.
Science Center of Iowa
Winter Camps 2025
December 22, 23, 26 & 29-30
2025 Winter Camps are open to all young scientists in Pre-K through 8th grade. Register for a full-day or half-day camp full of educational activities. Escape the cold and find more ways to explore during Winter Break with SCI Winter Camps! Sci members receive a special discount
West Des Moines Parks & Recreation
The West Des Moines Parks & Recreation Department offers several fun camps, events, and activities during winter break. Take a look at all their offerings plus how to register in their catalog.
