As summer vacation comes to an end and the school year approaches, many parents and children alike find themselves feeling a bit wistful about bidding farewell to the long, lazy days of summer. However, this transition can be made more enjoyable by exploring the numerous after-school activities available in Des Moines. Engaging in extracurricular activities not only keeps children occupied and productive but also helps them develop new skills and interests. In this blog post, we’ll highlight a variety of after-school activities in Des Moines that cater to different interests, abilities, and schedules, allowing children to make the most of their academic year.
Discover even more extracurricular activity ideas in our Back-to-School Guide.
Explore a few exciting after-school activities in Des Moines:
Ankeny Art Center
Nurturing creativity is essential for every child and enrolling them in an art program can do wonders for their imagination and self-expression. The Ankeny Art Center boasts several art programs that cater to different age groups and skill levels. Whether it’s drawing, painting, sculpting, or mixed media, exploring the world of art can lead to a lifelong passion and a deeper appreciation for aesthetics.
Central Iowa Figure Skating Club
For those who dream of gliding gracefully on ice, figure skating provides an exhilarating and elegant opportunity. Central Iowa Figure Skating offers lessons for beginners and more experienced skaters, and it’s a great way for children to stay physically active while honing their balance and coordination.
Des Moines Symphony Academy
For young musicians and music enthusiasts, the Des Moines Symphony Academy offers an enriching experience. Children can learn to play a variety of musical instruments from experienced instructors. The academy offers an array of exciting programs, including Preludio Strings, Youth Sinfonia, Youth Philharmonic, Youth Symphony, Youth Wind Ensemble, and Youth Jazz Orchestra, as well as a Beginning Strings Program, Honors Ensembles, Zauberflöte, and private lessons. The academy emphasizes not only technical proficiency but also the joy of music-making, fostering a love for music that can last a lifetime.
Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre
For children with a flair for the dramatic and a passion for performing arts, the Des Moines Young Theatre offers an excellent opportunity to explore their talents. This theater group provides young actors with a safe and supportive environment to develop their acting skills, boost self-confidence, and unleash their creativity. Through workshops, rehearsals, and performances, children can experience the joy of storytelling and teamwork while making lasting memories with their peers.
Gateway Dance Theatre
Gateway Dance Theatre is a vibrant and inclusive dance studio that offers a diverse range of dance classes, with a special focus on cultural creative movement. Dancing at Gateway Dance goes beyond just improving physical fitness; it fosters the development of poise, grace, and self-discipline in every dancer. One of the unique highlights of Gateway Dance Theatre is the World Rhythms Dance class, a FREE community class that celebrates the diversity of dance from around the globe.
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa
The Girl Scouts organization empowers young girls to develop leadership skills, self-confidence, and a sense of community through various activities and projects. Joining a local troop in Des Moines allows girls to participate in fun and educational initiatives, build strong friendships, and engage in community service, all while learning essential life skills along the way.
Red Door Fencing
If your child has a fascination with medieval knights and swordplay, Red Door Fencing might be the perfect fit. Fencing is not only an exciting physical activity but also a sport that emphasizes strategy and discipline. Red Door Fencing offers classes for beginners and more experienced fencers alike, making it an inclusive option for children looking to try something new and challenging.
