Welcome to the 2026 ultimate guide to Des Moines summer camps, programs, and activities for kids!
Summer camps are a great way to keep kids busy and engaged during break. From week-long educational camps to day camps exploring nature, there is a camp for every interest and budget. Use this guide to help you plan a fun and stress-free summer for the kids.
The 2026 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
Climb Iowa Summer Camps are an indoor, energy-burning adventure where kids learn to climb, play games, and take on fun challenges while building confidence and making friends. Our trained instructors create a supportive and exciting environment for first-time climbers and returning campers alike. Hosted at our Grimes Gym, our climbing camps are a perfect alternative to traditional camps and a great way to stay active all summer.
Ready to save your spot? Weeks fill fast, so click below to view 2026 dates and register.
Iowa Wolves
Iowa Wolves Summer Clinics are perfect for young athletes who want to improve and expand their basketball skills, no matter their previous experience. These clinics focus on developing teamwork, fundamental basketball skills, and basketball IQ through skill training and competitive games on the Wolves practice court.
Campers will receive lunch and snacks with camp registration, along with two tickets to a 2026-27 Iowa Wolves game, and an exclusive merchandise item.
Choose from clinics in June, July, and August so your kiddos can keep their skills sharp all summer long! Space is limited to 50 total participants, so be sure to register today to secure your spot!
Premiere Dance Project
Premiere’s Summer classes and camps provide an exciting opportunity for your child to grow in confidence, explore creativity, and build friendships through dance. With a variety of options offered at both our Waukee and West Des Moines locations, summer classes focus on quality dance training and skill development, while camps offer a more playful experience that may include movement, music, games, and creative activities—no dance experience required. At Premiere, we are dedicated to nurturing confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships through dance. Get ready to dance, grow, and have fun with us this summer!
School of Rock
School of Rock in Des Moines and Ankeny offers high-energy summer music camps where kids can learn, play, and perform like real rock stars. Camps are designed for ages 8–18 and welcome all experience levels — even beginners who have never picked up an instrument before. Throughout the week, campers build skills, collaborate with other young musicians, and work toward an exciting live performance.
For younger rockers, the Rookies Camp is designed for ages 5–7 and introduces music basics in a fun, supportive environment. Rookies Camp is a half-day program, while all other camps run as full-day experiences packed with music and creativity.
Steve & Kate's Camp
Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s Camp has put kids in charge. Campers choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, stop-motion, coding, sports & recreation, maker crafts, and more. And there are plenty of perks for grown-ups, too. Families can attend for a day, the entire summer, or anything in between. There are no weekly sessions or reservations required. Any unused passes are automatically refunded at summer’s end. Lunch, snacks, & (8 am–6 pm) hours included.
Princeton Academy of Art
Looking for a new creative outlet for your kids this summer? Princeton Academy of Art is opening at 9980 Swanson Blvd. in Clive! It is an art academy for all, with immersive, multidisciplinary art camps for kids and teens. Students will expand their imagination and creativity while learning foundational art techniques. Summer registration is now open, and spots are limited. Register today!
Des Moines
Playhouse
The Playhouse creates extraordinary shared experiences through live theatre, including a full season of shows as well as educational experiences. Theatre arts education at The Playhouse provides students with the opportunity to explore, create, imagine, and express themselves in a safe, nurturing environment. Nearly 50 classes – from pretend play to creative drama to Performance Academy – are offered each summer for preK through high school.
The Little
Gym
Kids ages 4–10 will jump into themed quests filled with high-energy obstacle courses and fun challenges in the gym, plus take-home crafts and themed snacks each day. The Monday–Wednesday, three-hour drop-off camps run all summer long with flexible single-day and discounted package options for 5 and 10-day passes.
Center Grove Orchard Farm Camp
Farm Camp at Center Grove Orchard is a hands-on summer day camp where kids ages 6–11 learn by doing, care for animals, explore the farm, discover how food grows, and enjoy plenty of time to play. Choose from seven sessions offered May 27–July 3, with full-day and half-day options designed to fit your family’s summer schedule. It’s real farm experiences, real learning, and real fun, all in one unforgettable week.
Other Summer Camps
AR Workshop Ankeny: Calling all parents! Register your child for a hands-on crafting experience in one of our youth series! Check out AR Workshop Ankeny’s calendar for individual youth or family-friendly workshops.
Sapphire Gymnastics Academy: From magical kingdoms to outer space, each week of Sapphire Gymnastics Academy’s summer camps is filled with imaginative themes, hands-on activities, games, crafts, and movement.
Des Moines Summer Camps by Category
Academic + Art Camps
GREATER DES MOINES BOTANICAL GARDEN
Hi! My name is Jessie Schnack and I am opening a nonprofit youth dance theatre. I would love to get my summer camps listed if possible and help get the word out about my studio!
Thanks so much!
Jessie
The “2024 Ultimate Guide to Des Moines Summer Camps, Programs, and Activities for Kids” is an outstanding resource for parents looking to keep their children engaged and active during the summer. This comprehensive guide caters to a wide range of interests and budgets, from educational week-long camps to nature exploration day camps, ensuring that every child can find something enjoyable. The addition of a downloadable Summer Planner is a thoughtful feature, making it easier for parents to organize their summer activities. Sponsored by featured programs yet inclusive of all local camps, this guide reflects strong community support and serves as a valuable tool for planning a fun and stress-free summer for kids in Des Moines.