Summer camps are a great way to keep kids active and learning while school is out of session, but they can be expensive. Fortunately, Des Moines has some organizations with missions to assist families and give kids an unforgettable and affordable summer camp experience. We’ve created a list of local summer camps that are available for Des Moines families often at little to no cost.
To see a comprehensive list of other summer camps offered throughout the Des Moines metro and beyond, be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide.
Note: This is a working list, so check back often for new listings. If you know of a summer camp or class that you would like to have included to this guide, please email the listing information to nicole@dsm4kids.com or leave a comment below.
dsm4kids does NOT host any summer camps. Please contact the specific venue or organization hosting the camp for additional information and to register.
Read on to discover FREE and budget friendly summer day camps and classes happening in the Des Moines area:
Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa
The Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa provide kids with affordable and fun summer experiences. Their summer camps are safe, inclusive, engaging, and fun. Each week has a different theme, where kids will get to participate in a variety of activities, field trips (if safe), and make lasting friendships. Visit their website to sign up at the Club location closest to you.
Camp Fire Heart of Iowa
Camp Fire Heart of Iowa offers a wide variety of day and overnight camp programs throughout central Iowa. Camp Fire offers “Camperships” that are available on a financial need basis for their summer programming. You can apply by filling out a Campership Application and providing proof of income. 2024 Registration is open.
Camp Tanager
Located in Mount Vernon, IA Camp Tanager provides several overnight camp programs including a Free Campership Program, which offers 100% free scholarships to families that may otherwise be unable to afford the cost of summer camp. To be eligible for a camp scholarship, campers should also be eligible for free and/or reduced school meals. 2024 Registration is open.
Can Play
Can Play’s is dedicate to bringing adapted and no cost recreational programs to central Iowa communities by removing barriers to play. They offer a range of no-cost athletic leagues and camps throughout the year for youth in central Iowa. Can Play partners with local schools and parks and recreation departments across the Des Moines Metro to broaden their impact. For updates on their Summer 2024 programs and registration, visit their website.
Children & Family Urban Movement (CFUM)
During the summer kids in Kindergarten through 5th Grade can participate in CFUM’s Awesome Summer Days program. Campers are provided breakfast, lunch and a snack and enjoy structured time in the morning reading, writing and reviewing computer and math skills. Afternoon activities include art and cultural activities, field trips, and recreational time. Visit their website to learn more about the program.
Construction Camp for Girls
The 2024 Construction Camp for Girls is scheduled for July 18 & 25. This event welcomes students aged 14-18 (current school year). The camp features morning presentations by female experts in the construction industry, followed by afternoon field trips with hands-on activities related to construction and industry occupations. Stay tuned for further details about the 2024 camps, coming soon!
Des Moines Parks and Recreation
The City of Des Moines offers a plethora of camps and classes to kids and families all summer long. You’ll find a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities that range from youth sports to nature programs. Prices vary by class, some are FREE, others have low-cost registration fees. You can also inquire about financial assistance, if needed.
Polk County Youth Services – Norwoodville Summer Day Camp
This summer day camp program is housed at the Norwoodville Community Center located at 3077 NE 46th Avenue in Des Moines and provides supervised recreational and educational activities for youth ages 5 through 13. Fees are assessed on a sliding scale according to a family’s gross household income. All fees charged cover morning and afternoon activities. Registration typically opens the beginning of May.
Salvation Army
During the summer, the Salvation Army offers day camp to kids ages 5-12 at their downtown location. Campers enjoy crafts, music, library visits, field trips and swimming. An enhanced reading program also helps kids develop and maintain strong literacy skills during the summer. The organization also manages the Western Plains Camp, located near South Sioux City, NE which offers a number of overnight camp opportunities for kids and teens in first through 12th grade. Both camps are offered at no cost.
The First Tee of Central Iowa
First Tee is an international youth development organization teaching life skills and healthy habits to young people through the game of golf. Golfers are grouped by age and experience level. Golf equipment (starter set of clubs with bag) is provided, if needed, as long as supplies last and scholarships are available to help cover program costs. Each lesson covers: life skills, rules and etiquette, full swing, short game and putting.
Wildwood Hills Ranch
Located just south of Des Moines in St. Charles, Wildwood Hills Ranch provide at risk youth with a 100% full scholarship summer program and year-round leadership development for older students. They also serve families and veterans through their equestrian therapy program. Visit their website for more information and to register.
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Des Moines area Ys offer day camps, as well as overnight programs for thousands of kids and families every summer. Prices vary depending on location and type of camp, but most have options to adjust fees based on income. 2024 Registration is open.
Other Ways to Save on Traditional Summer Camps
If your child is interested in attending a summer camp that seems out of your price range, there are various ways to make it more affordable. Be sure to check to see if there are scholarships, grants or other discounted payment options. Most camps, even more traditional ones, offer some form of financial assistance. And, if you don’t see those options listed, be sure to contact the camp directly and ask about opportunities for reduced rates.
What are your family’s favorite low-cost summer camps for Des Moines kids? We’d love to hear!
