Winter Camps for Kids in Des Moines 2024

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. 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:

Camp Hantesa

Winter Break Overnight Camp

December 20 – 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 27 & 28; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Daily horseback riding, games on and off the horses crafts, pizza, hot cocoa and marshmallows, s’mores, drinks, snacks, more food, and the scavenger hunt for gifts from the horses. The cost is $225. Learn more and register.

Circus Camp

Cirque Wonderland

December 30; 8:30 a.m. to Noon

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 26 – December 31; 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. Register for ARTrageous! Campers will spend two days of their school break enjoying our warm tropical oasis while exploring a variety of art mediums and using the tropical flora as inspiration. Register for one of the 2-day options 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!

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 26-31

Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are offered as a 2-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 two-day camp which is a full day of fun, before slots fill up!

Science Center of Iowa

Winter Camps 2024

December 23, 26 & 27

2024 Winter Camps will run from December 26th – December 29th 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

Skateland

Skate your winter break away! Head to Skateland during Winter Break from 1 to 9 p.m. for Open Skate.

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.