Spring Break in Des Moines 2025

Spring Break Des Moines 2025 is just around the corner and we are here to help you create a memorable Spring Break. Whether the entire family is staying in the Des Moines area to explore, or you need to find a fun camp or workshop there are enough ways to have fun all week long. 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. 

​Bookmark these other resources to help plan your time in Des Moines, Iowa: 

AEC Creativeworks

Spring Break Kids’ Clay Classes

These 3-hour sessions are a fantastic way for kids to get hands-on with clay, designing and shaping their own unique pieces before returning later to glaze them. Spots are filling up quickly, so be sure to sign up soon if your child would like to join in on the fun!

Blank Park Zoo

March 17-21

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

$75; Members save 20%(Students must register for each day separately)

​Spring Safari Day Camps are daily, drop-off, in-person camps for children in grades kindergarten-5th grade. During camp, children will participate in hands-on learning activities, enjoy the outdoors and explore the Zoo. Children must be registered for each day separately.

Theme: Water Wonders – Come discover some zoo animals that live a wonderous life in water. From icy waters to warm beaches, humans and animals alike can enjoy water in all its forms. Learn more and register here.

Camp Hatesa: Spring Break Overnight Camp

March 17-21 

​Join Camp Hatesa for a mini-week session that is sure to entertain! This action-packed mini-week will include some of their favorite camp games and activities. This session is perfect for both veteran campers and campers ready to try overnight camp for the first time. Learn more and register here. 

Cirque Wonderland

Spring Break Day Camp

Ages: 7-13
Date: 3/17 – 3/21
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $212.93

Students will be grouped with peers by age and other factors to ensure the best experience. All students will learn a variety of circus and aerial arts skills at levels appropriate for them. Your kiddos may spend the week spinning and swinging in aerial or may learn dozens of new tricks, every child is different and we are here to ensure they all have a wonderful and safe experience no matter what.

Circus Camp is the place to be for kids who love to have fun and learn new skills. Our professional circus artists from Cirque Wonderland will teach your kids everything from levi-wand tricks to aerial acrobatics! Plus, they’ll work on their balance, flexibility, and coordination in a supportive and safe environment. By the end of the week, your kids will be ready to show off their new skills in a special performance just for parents. Kids should bring a water bottle and snack during this class.

Climb Iowa 

Camp Dates: March 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cost: $95for non-members; $85 for members

Camps are located at the Grimes locations  

Sign up now for their spring break camp! Their camps engage kids in activities designed for learning climbing basics, promoting fitness and movement, and cultivating an environment of teamwork and respect. Climbers will participate in both climbing and non-climbing activities. Learn more and register here. 

Des Moines Art Center

4700 Grand Avenue in Des Moines, IA 50312

Think spring at the Des Moines Art Center! They offer several classes and workshops all year round including Spring Break week where children of all ages may use watercolor pencils, air dry clay, and practice other artistic skills. Take a look at all the class offerings and register today before they fill up.

** Do not forget to SAVE THE DATE for Entirely Kids Day which will be held on Saturday, March 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event’s theme is Art of Illusions. Learn more about this FREE event for the whole family. 

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Des Moines Playhouse

Various times

The Des Moines Playhouse is offering several options for spring break. You can find a spring break workshop for all age levels, times, and more. A great option for those littles interested in creative drama. 

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is always a great place to warm up and immerse yourself in the botanical world. You never know what spring will be like in Iowa! This year join the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for ‘Guardians of the Garden’. Team up with the best gardeners in the galaxy as we dig up secrets about the awesome power of plants from all corners of the globe. From medicine and food to engineering and building materials, plants might just be the heroes this world needs.  

All camps run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Tuesday, March 18 & Wednesday, March, 19. Register here.
  • Thursday, March 20 & Friday, March 21. Register here.

Other fun activities happening:

  • Dome After Dark Extra Nights: Friday & Saturday, Mar 14 & 15, and Mar 21 & 22 from 6 to 10 p.m.
  • Air Plant Homes drop-in activity: Learn about these plants that do not require soil to grow, then decorate a glass orb with natural materials to house your air plant. This self-guided activity allows you to work at your own pace. $10 per project. Walk-up registration only. Available while supplies last. March 18 through 22. Learn more here.
  • Story Sprouts: Join the Botanical Garden for a fun, interactive storytime that explores nature and plants. Geared toward children ages 2-5 years old. Included with general admission. March 21 from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
  • Botanical Blues:Live concert series in the dome featuring The Blue Two: Bob Dorr & Jeff Petersen. Included with general admission. Free to members. Mar 23 shows at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
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Grimes Public Library – Spring Break Kits

Pick up a take-home kit with 6 art-themed activities for your child to do each weekday of spring break. This kit will contain 6 guided activities, and most supplies needed for each activity. Scissors, glue, tape, and markers or crayons will be needed from home. They will have kits curated for ages 3-6 and ages 7-11. Available while supplies last.

Jester Park Equestrian

March 17-21

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 they will have activities and education designed for the age groups listed below. Make sure you snag a spot before they all fill up! 

  • Monday, March 17: Ages 5-7
  • Tuesday, March 18: Ages 5-7
  • Wednesday, March 19: Ages 8-12
  • Friday, March 21: Ages 8-12

Kids Create

119 S 2nd Street in Polk City, IA 50226

Kids Create offers fun camps and workshops for all ages. Young artists will have fun creating unique art projects with a variety of art mediums, meeting furry friends, reading stories, and so much more. Take a look at the Kids Create website for an entire list of offerings and register! 

Living History Farms 

March 17-21

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 Flourishing Farmers, Steampunk: Farm Edition, and more (depending on age). 

​Play at the Local Library

We love our local library and central Iowa has many to explore. Remember they are much more than books! Many are offering special events, storytimes, and programming during the week of Spring Break. Whether you visit the Des Moines Public Library located in the heart of Downtown Des Moines or the NEW Grimes Public Library, there is no better place to be. Many offer board games, puzzles, and more to play with while visiting. 

Park Exploration!

Spring is the perfect time to get out and check out the parks. Pack a picnic lunch before you go. Before you know it the 2025 Trek the Parks Challenge will be on its way. Get some practice in now! Check out some of our favorite parks below. 

Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center 

2100 SE 5th Street in Des Moines, Iowa

The Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center offers Imagination Playschool every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for children ages 1 to 7 years old. An indoor play area offering playhouses, big wheel bikes, safety mats, foam building blocks, and more during the cold weather months.  $1.50 per child. 

Polk County Conservation

Polk County Conservation is offering several programming opportunities over Spring Break at the Jester Park Nature Center. Jester Park is a wonderful place to play and explore all year round from the Jester Park Natural Playscape {probably not open quite yet} to hiking to see the elk and bison. Take a look at some special events they have planned: DETAILS COMING SOON!  

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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 which includes ESports, arts and crafts, different sports, activities, and more. Register here. 

Reiman Gardens

Ages 6-10. Looking for a way to keep those kids busy and mentally sharp over spring break? Adventure is always blooming at Reiman Gardens! Discover, play, and grow at youth day camps!

Campers will dive into the world of insects, participate in crafts, stay active with a day of movement, learn about dinosaurs, and immerse themselves into a day of toys, games, and the outdoors. Learn more and register here.

​Science Center of Iowa 

​If you are planning a Des Moines Staycation the Science Center of Iowa is a must-stop. They offer tons of exhibits with lots of hands-on activities for children and adults to wander and learn something new. Before you go make sure you take a look at their event calendar to see what special programming they have scheduled throughout the day! 

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park’s “Kids Go Wild” Spring Break

Join Sleepy Hollow Sports Park for fun-filled activities for families this spring break at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park’s “Kids Go Wild” Spring Break. During the event times, they will have $5 sack lunches (Pre-order required 1 day in advance to reserve), games, and themed crafts. Participants will receive a special promotion to use when our SnowFlex Tubing Hill re-opens on Memorial Day- Labor Day 2025. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram as we update our activity list!

Monday, March 17th: Luck of the Reptiles

Join a Polk County Conservation Naturalist on St. Patty’s Day to discover what makes a reptile a reptile. Find out how reptiles use their senses and adaptations to survive. We’ll also learn their connection to the legend of Saint Patrick in Ireland. And, of course, we’ll meet a live reptile or two!

TIME: 10:30-11:30 am     

REGISTRATION: None

COST: Free

AGES: All Ages

Wednesday, March 19th: Des Moines Public Library hosts Rosie Reader “Rosie Goes Wild”

Join Rosie Reader to learn more about the outdoors. Rosie will have nature-themed books and activities to bring out your wild side!

TIME: 9:00-11:00 AM

REGISTRATION: None

COST: Free

AGES: Elementary-focused

Thursday, March 20th: Geocaching at Sleepy Hollow

Celebrate the first day of spring with a geocaching adventure at Sleepy Hollow Park! Join us for a fun-filled morning of treasure hunting on the Renaissance Fairgrounds. Families will use GPS devices provided by a naturalist to find hidden caches throughout the park. This is a great way to get outdoors, explore nature, and learn about geocaching.

TIME: 10:00-11:30 AM

REGISTRATION: Required by Mar. 17

COST: $5/family

AGES: All ages

Pony Visits at Sleepy Hollow

Stop by and say hi to the ponies visiting Sleepy Hollow from Jester Park Equestrian Center. Equestrian Center staff will answer questions and share all the incredible programs they offer featuring our equine friends!

TIME: 10:00-11:30 AM

REGISTRATION: None

COST: Free

AGES: All ages

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!

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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.