Need to keep your children entertained during the upcoming holiday break? Check out these great winter break day camps and classes for kids.
Holiday break is approaching fast, which typically means no school for the kids. If you’re needing a break from each other or if you need childcare during the break there are fortunately plenty of local places gearing up for some super-fun day camps and classes to help keep kids occupied.
Looking for even more activities? Check out our Event Calendar, Holiday Fun Guide and sign up for our weekly newsletter!
Winter Break Camps & Classes in Des Moines
Winter Break Day Camps at the Des Moines Playhouse
Have a budding thespian entertaining you daily? Sign ‘em up for a Winter Break Workshop at the Des Moines Playhouse. Younger kids will participate in Creative Drama Classes and older kids will be able to showcase their talent in Acting and Performance classes.
When: December 27-30, 2022. Times vary.
Cost: $230 Subscribers; $240 Non-Subscribers
Ages: Grades K-7
Painting Classes with Painting with a Twist
A super creative way to spend winter break, Painting With a Twist is offering kids’ painting workshops throughout winter break. Each session will feature a different wintery or kid themed painting project.
When: December 23-31, 2022 at various times
Cost: $25-49
Ages: 5+, age requirements differ by class.
Winter Break Camps at Science Center of Iowa
Keep those brains active during winter break at the Science Center of Iowa Winter Camps. Kids will enjoy activities that encourage creative and analytical thinking with hands-on experiments. SCI offers winter break camp experiences ranging in topic from technology to nature.
When: December 26-30, 2022; Half Day and Full Day Camps offered.
Cost: $65-70 Members $75-80 and Non-Members.
Ages: Pre-K – Grade 8
MagiCamp hosted by Ankeny Parks and Recreation
Participants will learn to entertain and amaze friends, family and classmates in this two-day camp with professional magician Lee Cole. All magic materials are provided.
When: December 27 AND December 29, 2022 at 9:00 to 11:45 am
Cost: $45-54
Ages: 7-15
Winter Break Camp at Climb Iowa
Climb Iowa 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.
When: December 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, 2022 at 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Cost: $85 Non-Members; $75 Members
Ages: 8-13
Winter Break All Stars Day Camp hosted by West Des Moines Parks and Recreation
Get away from the cold this winter. This camp will have plenty of fun and activities to
keep your children warm and active. Each day will be comprised of different sports and
activities, arts and crafts, snacks, lunch, and so much more!
When: December 26-30, 2020 at 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: $55/day OR $250/week
Ages: 5 – 12
Winter Safari Camp at Blank Park Zoo
Put your gaming skills to the test! This winter, we’re exploring the connections between a popular trading card game and the animals that inspired the fantasy monsters. Discover why and how zoo animals participate in training and what Blank Park Zoo is doing to save animals in the wild. Campers will participate in hands-on learning activities, enjoy the outdoors and explore the Zoo.
When: December 27-30, 2022 at 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: $52 non-members per day/Zoo members save 20%; participants must register for each day seperately
Ages: 5-9
Holiday Basketball Camp hosted by West Des Moines Parks and Recreation
This camp is designed to emphasize fundamental play. A strong emphasis on ball handling is worked on each day. In addition, we expose campers to the following fundamentals during the six-hour camp: passing, shooting, individual moves, offensive concepts, and defensive concepts. 5-on-5, 4-on-4, and 3-on-3 games are also offered.
When: December 27-28, 2022 at 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Cost: $100
Ages: 9 – 14
Winter Skills Classes hosted by Polk County Conservation
Just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t get outdoors. This series will focus on one of the many fun outdoor skills that will get you out of the house and active. You may sign up for one or all of the classes. A naturalist will provide instructions and all equipment provided. Bring a filled water bottle and dress appropriately. A snack and hot cocoa provided.
When: December 27-30, 2022 at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $10 per class
Ages: 12-16
Lee Cole’s Magicamp hosted by West Des Moines Parks and Recreation
Magicamp is for anyone who likes to have fun. You’ll spend two days learning from professional magician Lee Cole on how to entertain and amaze your friends, family and classmates. You’ll learn tricks that can be done anywhere, at any time, and for the rest of your life. All magic materials are provided.
When: December 28 AND 30, 2022 at 9:00 to 11:45 am
Cost: $49
Ages: 7 – 15
Hoop-Stars Winter Break Basketball Camp with Ankeny Parks and Recreation
Hoop-Stars Winter Break Basketball Camp is a two-day clinic for kids in 2nd-7th grade who want to keep their skills sharp during the winter break. These two clinics will incorporate skills and drills, along with team and individual competition. The instructors for this clinic will be Faith Baptist College players and coaches.
When: December 28-30, 2022
Cost: $54-64
Ages: Grades 2-4 at 9:00 am to 12:00 noon; Grades 5-7 at 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Winter Break Workshops at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
For kids who love to get their hands dirty and discover new things, attending a drop-in Winter Break Day Camp at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is the perfect choice. Each Workshop will explore gardening, the natural world and provide hands-on activities, so your kiddos can put their green thumb to work over winter break.
When: December 27 – 30, 2022 at 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: Members $55 per day/Non-Members $65 per day
Ages: Youth
Winter Break Camp at Living History Farms
Sign up for one or all three days of these history focused winter break day camps at Living History Farms in Urbandale. Kids can choose from two themes: Day in the Life of a Kid for Grades 2 and 3 and Winter Holidays from Then to Now for Grades 4 and 5.
When: December 28 – 30, 2022 at 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: $208 for non-members / $187.20 for members
Ages: Grades 2-5
Winter Break Horse Camp with Chasing Laurels – CHA Certified Riding Instruction, Boarding & Training
Camp activities include fun both on and off the horses. Riding, games, snacks, hot cocoa, a scavenger hunt for presents from the horses, and more.
When: December 30-31, 2022 at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: $200
Ages: School Age
Did we miss your kids’ favorite winter break camp? Tell us in the comments!
