Winter Camps for Kids in Des Moines 2022
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 fun activities you can do as an entire family during the wintertime off. Grab a family member and make new friends this winter!
JouJou Des Moines | 2022 Sponsor
906 42nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa
- Monday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Friday: 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
- Saturday: Closed for private celebrations!
- Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Please Note: Joujou will be closed Thursday, Dec 22 – Tuesday, Dec 27 with popup hours on Wednesday the 28th, Thursday the 29th, and Friday the 30th from 9:30-12:30 pm.
When the thought of taking 20 minutes to bundle up little ones for a 10-minute snow session is too much, stop over at Joujou! Joujou is the spot for your littlest ones, ages 0-5, to get out their wiggles and stretch their minds inside where it’s warm and the coffee and tea are delicious and hot.
Join Joujou for their special pop-up Winter Break Hours from December 28-30! They will be open from 9:30 am-12:30 pm right in the middle of winter break when it seems bedtimes may not be arriving soon enough.
Drop-in play is always welcome, no membership is required. For additional hours outside of winter break, visit www.joujoudsm.com.
Chasing Laurels
Winter Break Horse Camp
December 30 & 31; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Daily horseback riding, games on and off the horse’s crafts, pizza, hot cocoa and marshmallows, s’mores, drinks, snacks, and the scavenger hunt for gifts from the horses.
Each year the horses have provided a bag full of gifts to each child. Usually, this includes 1 very special gift. Sometimes, this is a gift that the parent suggests or an item the child has repetitively mentioned. Like a saddle for their room or a favorite book. This year the horses have come up with 2 personalized gifts. Please register early!
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
December 27 – December 30; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Looking for a fun family experience over winter break? Join the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for some Winter Break Day Camps. Discover the fascinating plants and animals that lurk in the depths of the tropical rainforests using our lush conservatory as a guide. This is a one-day camp offered multiple days over winter break. New this year! They are offering a camp for kids in sixth through eighth grade.
Jester Park Nature Center
Click the title below to be directed to the event.
Winter Skills – Air Rifle
December 27; 9 to 11 a.m.
Just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t get outdoors. This series will focus on one of the many fun outdoor skills that will get you out of the house and active. You may sign up for one or all of the classes. A naturalist will provide instructions and all equipment provided. Bring a filled water bottle and dress appropriately. A snack and hot cocoa provided. $10 per class. Please register!
Winter Break – Snow & Ice
December 27 at 10 a.m.
Join us during winter break for some seasonal fun! Learn about winter weather, and wildlife and even read a few stories by the fire. Each day will host a different topic and activity led by a naturalist! December 27 – Snow & Ice: Learn about how ice and snow form in the winter followed by a naturalist-led hands-on activity. FREE! Register here.
Winter Break – Wildlife Food
December 28 at 10 a.m.
Join us during winter break for some seasonal fun! Learn about winter weather, and wildlife and even read a few stories by the fire. Each day will host a different topic and activity led by a naturalist!
Wildlife food: Winter can be a tough time for some animals to find food, learn about active animals in the winter and make and take your own wildlife food craft. FREE! Register here.
Winter Skills – Bouldering
December 28; 10 a.m. to Noon
Just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t get outdoors. This series will focus on one of the many fun outdoor skills that will get you out of the house and active. You may sign up for one or all of the classes. A naturalist will provide instructions and all equipment provided. Bring a filled water bottle and dress appropriately. A snack and hot cocoa will be provided. $10 per class. For ages 12 to 16 years old. Register here.
Winter Break – Wildlife Tree Decorating
December 29 at 10 a.m.
Join us during winter break for some seasonal fun! Learn about winter weather, and wildlife and even read a few stories by the fire. Each day will host a different topic and activity led by a naturalist!
String popcorn and peanut garland and make pine cone bird feeder ornaments to decorate the trees on a naturalist-led winter hike. FREE! Please register.
Winter Skills – Fire Building
December 29; 10 a.m. to Noon
Just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t get outdoors. This series will focus on one of the many fun outdoor skills that will get you out of the house and active. You may sign up for one or all of the classes. A naturalist will provide instructions and all equipment provided. Bring a filled water bottle and dress appropriately. A snack and hot cocoa provided. $10 per class. For ages 12-16 years old. Please register.
Winter Break – Tails by the Fire
December 30 at 10 a.m.
Join us during winter break for some seasonal fun! Learn about winter weather, and wildlife and even read a few stories by the fire. Each day will host a different topic and activity led by a naturalist!
Enjoy stories by the fire about animals in Iowa, along with a hands-on animal experience led by a naturalist. FREE! Register here.
Winter Skills – Archery
December 30; 10 a.m. to Noon
Just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t get outdoors. This series will focus on one of the many fun outdoor skills that will get you out of the house and active. You may sign up for one or all of the classes. A naturalist will provide instructions and all equipment provided. Bring a filled water bottle and dress appropriately. A snack and hot cocoa provided. $10 per class. For children 12-16 years old. Please register.
Kids Create
Kids Create offers many day classes, camps, and more for all ages. Take a look at their full list and register!
Living History Farms
Winter Break Camp
December 28 – 30
Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are offered as a 1-day experience.
Spend a fun winter break exploring life in the past, visiting Living History Farms’ historic sites, and getting busy with hands-on activities. Choose from camps for kids in grades 2-6, or a camp for the whole family including the popular Flynn Family Camp. Register for a fun one-day camp which is a full day of fun, before slots fill up!
Science Center of Iowa
Winter Camps 2022
December 26-30
2022 Winter Camps will run from December 26th – December 30th and 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.
