Des Moines Summer Camps

Des Moines Mom is delighted to present our 2023 ultimate guide to Des Moines summer camps, programs, and activities for kids!

From full fledge sleep away camps to free activities there is something for every age, budget, and interest this summer in Des Moines. Our goal is to help you plan a fun and stress-free summer for the kids. We even created a FREE summer planner for you to download. 

The 2023 Summer Camp Guide is sponsored by our featured programs, but it is a comprehensive guide to all summer camps in Des Moines. We so appreciate the support of the community and the opportunity to present our readers with valuable resources.

Climb Iowa is Iowa’s largest climbing and training center. With two locations in the Des Moines metro, everyone can find the right fit for them. Send your kids on a climbing adventure. Climb Iowa Grimes camps introduce young adventurers to climbing, but they won’t stop there. Children will learn about trust, teamwork, and problem solving while developing their rock-climbing skills through our interactive activities. Climb Iowa offers kids and families the opportunity to explore new horizons, find an engaging form of fitness, and discover an engaged and close-knit community. 

Premiere offers dance classes for ages 18 months – 18 years in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, acro, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, pointe, and more! The Premiere Family creates an environment where dancers can develop themselves individually, physically, and artistically. Join us to experience a studio with student-centered values, programs for all ages, and classes to fit your schedule and commitment level. We take pride in excellent communication and organization and ensure that each family has a positive, memorable experience.

Devine Dancers offers classes for all ages and ability levels. This summer they are offering the following classes and camps: Fairytale Ball, Storybook Camp, Iowa State Fair Camp, Tumbling, Classical Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Strength and Stretch, and Baton. Devine Dancers is located on Ingersoll Ave in Des Moines, off the 31st exit. They are recognized as one of the most elite dance schools in Iowa. Register and become an angel today!

Inspiring Dance is a community-driven dance studio in Grimes, providing technically sound instruction designed to inspire and build confidence in all dancers. We provide a safe space for dancers to embrace who they are through self-expression and movement. Dancers will connect with others, building a lifetime of memories!

Calling all parents! Register your child for a hands-on crafting experience in one of our Summer Youth Camps! AR Workshop Summer ARt Camps promote creativity and hands-on STEAM learning in a fun and social environment!

Featuring a Mon – Thurs half-day format from 9:30 a.m. -12 p.m.
Ages 7-14 welcome. Check out our 13+ {new this year!} teen specialty camp!

We know you want to ensure your child is prepared for kindergarten, and so do we! That’s why the summer preschool program at New Horizon Academy provides a balance of learning and fun. From participating in engineering challenges to exploring motion, gravity, and energy, your child will have ample opportunities to work on their school-readiness skills, all while having fun. By the time they head off to kindergarten, they will have all the skills necessary to success in school and life!

Kids Create is a children’s studio that encourages a love of learning, creativity, and kindness. Summer opportunities include: Art, Archaeology, STEM, Culinary, LEGO Robotics, Cookie Decorating, Jewelry, Sewing, Craft, and Animal Camps.