Camps

Get the most out of “no school” days at The Iowa Children’s Museum!

When school is out, elementary-aged campers can participate in exciting learning activities led by skilled museum educators. We currently offer one-day camps during the school year and over summer break. Please be sure to review all details of the camp prior to registering. Our camps are always focused on PLAY as a way to learn, with plenty of opportunities to explore our exhibits.

Each session has different activities. Learn more and sign up below. Registration is required. Members receive a 10% discount!

The health of our guests, staff, and program participants is always our top priority. Facial coverings are optional for summer camps. Social distancing will be a priority when possible

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Tech Trek: Crash Course Camp

June 13, 2022  |  12:30 – 4:00 PM  | 3rd-6th Grade  | $60 per child

Let’s take a crash course in all things technology! From basic programming to computer science fundamentals, participants will walk away with a better understanding of the world of technology through hands-on activities. We make each topic fun and engaging—because playing is the best way to learn! No previous experience is required!

All of our Tech Trek-inspired camps go beyond the screen to provide hands-on opportunities to learn about technology. You can sign up for one session, or all four. 

Extended care (before or after the session) is not available. Our learning environment will include exhibits as well as our classroom space. Caregivers are asked to bring a reusable water bottle for their child. Snacks will not be provided.

Register: Tech Trek Crash Course Camp
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Play Day

June 20, 2022  |  1-4 PM  | K-3rd Grade  | $50 per child

Drop off your child for a summer PLAYcation! This three-hour session gives kids the chance to play in our exhibits and “choose their own adventure” while the museum is closed to the public. Museum educators will provide supervised play opportunities as well as special activities like art-making stations and basic coding challenges with Bee-Bots.

Play Day is open to kids in Kindergarten through 3rd grade, making it a great option for friend/sibling groups!

Extended care (before or after the session) is not available. Our learning environment will include exhibits as well as our classroom space. Caregivers are asked to bring a reusable water bottle for their child. Snacks will not be provided.

Register: Play Day Camp (6/20/22)
Tech Trek: Robotics Camp

June 27, 2022  |  12:30 – 4:00 PM  | 3rd-6th Grade  | $60 per child

Let’s take a deep dive into robotics! From software programming to hardware troubleshooting, participants will learn all about the inner workings of robots and, of course, play with our collection of different robots.

All of our Tech Trek-inspired camps go beyond the screen to provide hands-on opportunities to learn about technology. You can sign up for one session, or all four. 

Extended care (before or after the session) is not available. Our learning environment will include exhibits as well as our classroom space. Caregivers are asked to bring a reusable water bottle for their child. Snacks will not be provided.

Register: Tech Trek Robotics Camp
Tech Trek: 3D Printing Camp

July 11, 2022  |  12:30 – 4:00 PM  | 3rd-6th Grade  | $60 per child

What will you create in our 3D printer? In this camp, we will design objects with the Tinkercad program to then be printed. To successfully use our printer program, basic computer skills (familiar with a keyboard and basic typing, able to open tabs on a browser, comfortable using a mouse) are required. Due to the time it takes to print objects with our 3D printer, participants’ designs will need to be picked up after the program.

All of our Tech Trek-inspired camps go beyond the screen to provide hands-on opportunities to learn about technology. You can sign up for one session, or all four. 

Extended care (before or after the session) is not available. Our learning environment will include exhibits as well as our classroom space. Caregivers are asked to bring a reusable water bottle for their child. Snacks will not be provided.

Register: Tech Trek 3D Printing Camp
Tech Trek: Coding Camp

July 25, 2022  |  12:30 – 4:00 PM  | 3rd-6th Grade  | $60 per child

In this session, we will take a deeper dive into coding and work through several coding programs from Code.org and Scratch. These programs are the building blocks to have participants coding with Python, Javascript and HTML. This session is dependent on a computer program. Basic computer skills (familiar with a keyboard and basic typing, able to open tabs on a browser, comfortable using a mouse) are required.

All of our Tech Trek-inspired camps go beyond the screen to provide hands-on opportunities to learn about technology. You can sign up for one session, or all four. 

Extended care (before or after the session) is not available. Our learning environment will include exhibits as well as our classroom space. Caregivers are asked to bring a reusable water bottle for their child. Snacks will not be provided.

Register: Tech Trek Coding Camp
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Play Day

August 8, 2022  |  1-4 PM  | K-3rd Grade  | $50 per child

Drop off your child for a summer PLAYcation! This three-hour session gives kids the chance to play in our exhibits and “choose their own adventure” while the museum is closed to the public. Museum educators will provide supervised play opportunities as well as special activities like art-making stations and basic coding challenges with Bee-Bots.

Play Day is open to kids in Kindergarten through 3rd grade, making it a great option for friend/sibling groups!

Extended care (before or after the session) is not available. Our learning environment will include exhibits as well as our classroom space. Caregivers are asked to bring a reusable water bottle for their child. Snacks will not be provided.

Register: Play Day Camp (8/8/22)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Our camps are designed to appeal to kids of diverse skill levels and a wide range of ages. See below for common questions regarding our regular camps.

Who can attend?

Day Camps are for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade

What's the schedule?

Each camp is different! Right now, we are only offering one-day camps that are typically in the morning or the afternoon. We are not offering extended care.

When do camps take place?

Day camps typically occur when school is not in session. This means we have three times of year when camps are available: Spring Break, Summer Break, and Winter Break

Is extended care available?

At this time, we are not able to offer supervised play experiences before or after regular camp hours.

What is the class size?

Play Days are a maximum of 24 students, due to the campers having the entire museum to themselves. Smaller camps are between 8 and 12 students.

What is the ratio of adults to children?

Our ratio of adults to children is one adult per six children.

When does camp registration close?

Registration is closed when camp capacity is reached or 3 days prior to the start of camp.  We will maintain waiting lists for all camps at capacity.

What is the refund policy?

If you cancel your registration at least one week prior to the start of camp, we will refund your tuition less a $5 registration fee. If you cancel your registration with less than one week notice, no refund or credit will be given unless it is a medical emergency. If camp is canceled by The Iowa Children’s Museum to address health and safety concerns (i.e., COVID-19 or other community health issues), your payment will be refunded in full.

The Iowa Children’s Museum reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes if the minimum enrollment (5 children) is not met. In this instance, The Iowa Children’s Museum will notify registrants of cancellations at least one week prior to the start of camp and issue a full refund.