Have a memorable spring break without leaving the metro. 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.
Science Center of Iowa
Imagine, experiment, and play at the Science Center of Iowa! Catch science in action in When Things Get Moving, meet Iowa’s native cold-blooded critters in What On Earth?, or make a splash in Bubble Bay. Live science demonstrations and planetarium programs mean there’s something new to explore each time you visit. Special early childhood classes are offered throughout the month.
Climb Iowa
Send your kids on a climbing adventure over spring break! Join us for a two-day Spring Break Camp alongside other young adventurers or come in with Day Passes and enjoy climbing with the whole family!
Warrior Lanes
Warrior Lanes is open at noon every day to put the SPRING in your spring break. Accessible bowling for all ages and abilities and an arcade full of affordable fun. Walk-in & online reservations are available!
Other Spring Break Activities in Des Moines
Horseback Ride with Polk County Conservation
Jester Park Equestrian Center is offering Spring Break Camps. Campers will enjoy horseback riding, activities, and equine education each day. The day camps are tailored to the abilities and needs of kids as young as five and as old as 14. Check their website for dates and details. Polk County Conservation is also your go-to for parks, trails, and campgrounds to explore.
Experience History at Living History Farms
Living History Farms’ camps are always a big hit. Sign up for a Spring Break Camp full of hands-on, interactive activities, and visits to historic sites around the museum.
Check out a New Park
The park scene in Des Moines is top-notch. Check out some new updates to area parks. Or head to Raccoon River Park which reopened last fall and has tons of options for all ages.
Join the Circus at Cirque Wonderland
Professional circus artists from Cirque Wonderland will teach your kids everything from levi-wand tricks to aerial acrobatics!
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.
Take 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.