Choosing a summer camp is no easy task, especially with the many options for day camps. While some central Iowa summer camps include an art project as part of the day, several specialize in sparking creativity. Below, we’ve rounded up 14 summer art camps to help you explore your options—and your child’s imagination.
If you need even more ideas, check out our Summer Camp Guide for dozens more great camps.
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 for some of our favorite arts related summer day camps that are located in the Des Moines area:
Culinary Arts Camps in Des Moines
Happiness in the Kitchen with Holly
Happiness in the Kitchen with Holly is excited to offer three cooking camps again this summer! Five camps will be held in June at Des Moines Christian Schools for kids ages eight to eighteen. Campers will learn a variety of cooking skills and will get to experience new foods in a fun hand on atmosphere. Registration begins on March 1, 2024.
Real Food 4 Kids
Real Food 4 Kids’ classes and camps are 100% hands-on cooking with a maximum of 6-8 children per class. Campers will make several recipes and enjoy their meal together at the end of class. Class discussion will cover where the ingredients come from and how they work together to create the food we eat. Classes are offered throughout the summer. 2024 registration is now open.
Cinema Camps
The Varsity Cinema
Travel around the world through movies during Varsity Cinema’s Around the World in Movies Summer Camp. Earn a new stamp for your passport each day as you watch a movie from a different country then explore that country’s culture through fun activities. One week camps available for Grades 2-3 (July) and Grades 4-5 (June). 2024 registration is now open.
Music Camps in Des Moines
Central Iowa Music Lab
Set your mini rocker on the path to stardom at Rock ‘N’ Play Camp hosted by Central Iowa Music Lab. The Rock ‘N’ Play Camp is open to anyone from ages 6-14 years old. No previous musical experience is required to participate. Students will be grouped according to age and musical ability. They also offer lessons year-round to all ages and levels; kids can also participate in Rock Band group lessons. Finalized plans and registration for 2024 Summer Camp will be released at a later date.
Des Moines Symphony
The Symphony Academy’s Summer Camps and Workshops are geared to providing a challenging, yet nurturing music learning environment for young musicians at various levels of their musical development. Musicians will gather to make music, improve musicianship and listening skills and work with professional musicians; all while creating lasting friendships. Finalized plans and registration for 2024 Summer Camp will be released at a later date.
Heartland Youth Choir
Heartland Youth Choir provides a performance-based program for youth, emphasizing musical literacy and character development. They are offering SummerSongs and SummerTunes Camp. Activities will include choir rehearsal, musicianship training, folk games and movement activities. 2024 registration is now open.
Theater Camps in Des Moines
Class Act Productions
Youth and young adults entering grades K-12 are invited to CAP in Altoona during their Summer CAmP in 2023! Take center stage and find your light with Class Act Productions. Oh, the places you will go exploring games, dance, activities, projects and design which are specially programmed just for you. Finalized plans and registration for 2024 Summer Camp will be released at a later date.
The Dancer’s Theatre
The Dancer’s Theatre, a nonprofit youth dance theatre and performing arts education center, is thrilled to unveil its exciting lineup of summer camps at various locations throughout the Des Moines metro. Get ready for a summer brimming with creativity and talent as we offer a diverse range of camps that focus on theatre and dance performance. 2024 registration is now open.
Des Moines Performing Arts
Des Moines Performing Arts provides high quality summer theater camps for young artists between the ages of 6 and 19. Each camp opportunity is designed to allow young people to explore their talents and build confidence while working with theater professionals. Summer camps are offered in June and July. 2024 registration is now open.
Des Moines Playhouse
Summer camp and classes at the Des Moines Playhouse are for kids aged four to eighteen+. Summer classes at the Playhouse are a great way for your little thespian to explore the world of theater. Campers experience the joy of expression with a wide variety of exciting theater styles ranging from comedy, improvisation to classical theater. Actors can hone their craft through scene study, cold reading, comedy, drama, creative movement and more. 2024 registration is now open.
Visual Art Camps in Des Moines
Ankeny Art Center
Summer vacation is just around the corner and the Ankeny Art Center has several creative art camps for your child. Plan an awesome summer and introduce your child to the exciting world of art. Classes are taught by experienced and certified teachers that are equipped to accommodate all levels of skill and interests. Classes are designed to challenge students of varying artistic abilities ages 5-15. 2024 Summer Camp Registration will open the week of spring break.
ArtFull Art Studio
ARtfull Art Studio offers a variety of summer camps, featuring a new theme and a fresh array of projects each week designed to inspire your child’s inner artist and encourage them to express their creative flair. Materials used include canvas painting. mixed media, creative cardboard, 3d crafts, clay, and more! 2024 Registration is open.
Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center offers a number of camps and classes throughout the summer for kids ages two to eighteen. They also offer family workshops. The Art Center’s classes are a great way to introduce kids to art techniques, art media and all the Art Center has to offer in a fun way. 2024 Registration is open.
DSM Art Club
Unleash your creativity this summer at DSM Art Club’s Summer Art Camp! The 2024 schedule features exciting themes including Paint Party and Animals and Art, a special collaboration with Blank Park Zoo. Dive into engaging activities such as animal visitors, field trips to Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and endless opportunities for fun and friendship! 2024 Registration is open.
Kids Create
Kids from PK- 9th grade can enroll in Kids Create’s summer camps. There are a variety of fun themes from Cats (where students create cat artworks and spend the week with adoptable kittens) to medium specific camps such as Clay, Painting, Crochet, Sewing, and more! Camps run during the day, evening, and weekends to appeal to different schedules. Students enjoy good tunes, snacks, making new friends, and trips to the park across the street during these playful camps. 2024 Registration is open.
Additional Places to Find Arts-Based Camps in Des Moines
Community Education Departments and Parks & Recreation Departments also offer arts related camps, clinics and classes throughout the summer. Be sure to check out what summer camps and classes that they offer.
Got a favorite summer arts camp for kids in Des Moines? Share it with us in the comments!
