Make the most of spring break in Des Moines! Keep the kids busy at camps and classes or take the whole family out for an activity. Find something for one special day or fill the week up, either way, our Spring Break Guide has an option for you.
And if you need a quick idea of what to do, check out our guide to Indoor Play.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored guide, presented by our valued local partners. While we love sharing these resources with our readers, we have not personally vetted each individual business represented here and encourage our readers to do their own research to find the best fit for their family.
Climb Iowa
Climb Iowa offers a unique and engaging experience for climbers of all ages. Climbing fosters physical movement, confidence, and brings a unique experience by facilitating a fun indoor and adventurous activity.
Des Moines Playhouse
The Playhouse creates extraordinary shared experiences through live theatre. Spring break finds students in grades 3-4 participating in Making a Play, auditioning, rehearsing, creating props and scenery, and performing for family on the final day. Students in grades 1-2 will use favorite books such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Junie B. Jones to create scenes to share, while the youngest will use their imaginations and pretend play to bring a story to life each day.
Warrior Lanes
Kids Bowl Free registration for summer 2026 opens on March 1. While the summer program runs May 1- September 1, 2025 members and those who register for 2026 before spring break will get a special bonus this year! 2025 and early 2026 registered members will get 2 free games of open bowling every day, March 16-19, between noon and 8 pm, and March 20 from noon to 6 pm!
Other Spring Break Activities in Des Moines
Go to the Science Center
Check out the special exhibit Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine at the Science Center. It explores the fascinating and fast-changing world of AI and shows how smart machines work, how they “think,” and how they’re shaping the way we live, learn, and connect.
Go to a Park
The park scene in Des Moines is top-notch. Check out some new updates to area parks. Or head to Raccoon River Park, Painted Woods West Park, or Colby Park. They all have tons of options for all ages.
Get Your Wiggles Out
Kids always need a way to be active and Urban Air in Ankeny is just the place to do it! Check out their trampolines, rock climbing walls, or zipline. There is something fun for everyone.
Think Spring
Get that tropical feeling right here in Iowa and spend an afternoon at the Des Moines Botanical Center. They also have day camps for students to create, explore, and discover. Similarly, get inspired to start your own garden and check out some of the greenhouses and garden centers around town like Canoyer, Goode, and Earl May.
Enjoy a Staycation
See Des Moines from the lens of a tourist! Book a hotel (here are our favorites with indoor pools) and check out some shops and restaurants you’ve never been to. For tips and ideas, check out Plan a Staycation in Des Moines for one family’s adventure throughout the Des Moines metro.
Hit up the Library
A library is always a great option when kids have some extra time. Des Moines Public Library has various events during the week of Spring Break. Check out your local library around the metro for their events. Or just check out some books and create your own reading challenge!
Take a Day Trip
Another great thing about Des Moines? It’s centrally located! So you don’t have to go far to get away. We’ve compiled a list of places near and not too far to check out, 10 Family Day Trips in Central Iowa. The Omaha Zoo and Kansas City are two other fun day trips.
