Ideas for Kids and Families Over Winter Break in Downtown Des Moines

Winter break is just around the corner, but don’t fret! It’s never too late to make plans for fun and engaging activities for kids and families while school is out over the holidays. Take a look at these day camps, activities and events coming up in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) for ideas on how to stay busy during winter break. 

Winter Break Activities 

Sign your kiddos up for a day camp or hands-on class in Downtown DSM, with several unique, interactive options to choose from:   

Day Camps at Science Center of Iowa

Date options: Monday, Dec. 22, Tuesday, Dec. 23, Friday, Dec. 26, Monday, Dec. 29 & Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025
SCI’s School’s Out @ SCI Day Camps offer a one-day STEM adventure for kids in Kindergarten–5th grade. Camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include hands-on activities and exploration throughout the Science Center. Camps are $75 for non-members and $65 for members, and campers should bring a sack lunch. See SCI’s website for available dates, details and registration.

Day Camps at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Date options: Monday, Dec. 22 & Tuesday, Dec. 23, Monday, Dec. 29 & Tuesday, Dec. 30 and Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
The Botanical Garden’s School Break Day Camps offer hands-on botanical, artistic and scientific activities for students in first through fifth grade. This year’s Winter Break themes are Dragons in the Garden and ARTrageous, with camps running 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Sessions fill quickly, so check the Day Camp page for available dates, details and pricing.

Events + Programming at the State Historical Museum of Iowa

Date options: Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025
On Saturday, Dec. 27, families can celebrate at the Goldie’s Birthday Bash, a fun-filled event with activities for kids of all ages. Don’t miss a special Butter Sculpting demonstration with Iowa State Fair butter sculptor Sarah Pratt, offering an up-close look at this iconic Iowa art form. Learn more about both events on the State Historical Museum of Iowa’s website.

Programming at Des Moines Public Library

Date options: Monday, Dec. 22 – Wednesday, Dec. 24 & Saturday, Dec. 27 – Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Check out the I Spy: KPop Demon Hunters scavenger hunt at Central Library! Kids can search for their favorite characters in the Central Youth area and then stop by the Youth Desk to claim a prize. Plus, on Tuesday, Dec. 30, enjoy a Mary Poppins movie and hot cocoa bar from 2–4 p.m., and on Wednesday, Dec. 31, swing by the Youth Desk for New Year’s Eve goodie bags from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. See the Des Moines Public Library website for more details.

Art Classes at Mainframe Studios

Date option: Saturday, Dec. 20 – Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Art educator, Jess Quinn, will teach several classes throughout winter break with options based on the students’ age (classes range for students aged 5 to 10, 9 to 17 and teens/adults aged 16 and older). Each class is tailored to age and ability; learn more and reserve a spot on Mainframe Studios’ website.   

Seek Adventure and Stay Active

Give the kiddos a chance to try their hand (and their feet!) at bouldering indoors at Climb Iowa in the Historic East Village. Enjoy the outdoors, twinkling lights and Downtown DSM skyline views while ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza (open daily in December, weather-permitting).   

Check out a family-friendly event in Downtown DSM to continue the holiday spirit and beat cabin fever! Here’s a look at what’s taking place over winter break, perfect for kids and adults.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025  | Des Moines Civic Center
GET TICKETS   

Iowa Wild Hockey

Friday, Dec. 19, Saturday, Dec. 27, Tuesday, Dec. 30 & Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025  | Casey's Center
Catch an Iowa Wild home game over winter break, including the Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 New Year’s Eve Celebration presented by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, complete with post-game fireworks.
GET TICKETS

The Finesse Holiday Special

Sunday, Dec. 21 – Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 | Temple Theater
GET TICKETS   

Snowglobe Des Moines Festive Dining Experience

Now – Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 | Exile Brewing Co.
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Make it one epic winter in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) by exploring, experiencing and enjoying what Downtown DSM has to offer. Plan your visit to Downtown DSM with these tips for parking and navigation.