Youth Programs (Spring/Summer)

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, we are thrilled to announce our exciting lineup of events and activities for kids this spring and summer. From art classes to sports clinics, our programs are designed to keep children of all ages engaged and active throughout the season. Whether your child is a budding artist or an aspiring athlete, we have something to suit their interests. Our experienced and friendly instructors are committed to providing a fun and safe environment for all participants. Registration is easy and convenient - simply click on the "registration deadline" link after each class description to sign up online. Our programs are open to all, so spread the word and invite your friends and family to join in the fun!

After School Art: Advanced Art (grades 2-8) - $150

Does your child love art? Help them explore and expand their knowledge and skills in our 6-week Advanced Art program. Students will gain mastery of the elements and principles of art, art history, color theory and mixing, famous painters, painting tools, and painting techniques, among other topics. Snack and juice/water provided; all supplies (including an apron they'll personalize and keep!) included. Class size is limited. Registration Deadline: March 28

Arrow Academy Song Writing Sleuths (ages 6-8) - $34

Let your child uncover the song within! Students will learn how to create an original piece of music on the keyboard, new techniques will be explored each class session. (No experience necessary.) Registration Deadlines: May 15, May 31, June 13, July 12

Arrow Academy: Mini Music Makers (ages 6-8) - $25

A creative introduction to the keyboard to explore your child's love of music! Parents attend class with their child, so you and your student will both enjoy exciting activities including singing, listening, movement, rhythm, sound and beginning activities at the keyboard. All sessions are the same content. Registration Deadlines: May 15, May 17, June 14, July 18

Arrow Academy: Performance Pizzazz (ages 6-8) - $34

Students will learn how to perform with confidence in this singing, dancing, and acting class. New song/performance for each class session. Registration Deadlines: May 16, June 6, June 21, July 4, July 19

Arrow Academy: Uke Troop (ages 8-12) - $34

A fun class for your child to learn the very basics of playing the ukulele. We provide the instrument in class and will cover a new song each session. (No experience necessary.) Registration Deadlines: May 31, June 20, July 5, July 18

Arts in the Park (ages 6-11) - $12

Flowerpot Decorating: What a fun way to start the summer! Participants will get a chance to decorate a clay pot with many different craft items, and then actually pot a neat little plant to bring home.

Garden Critters: You will have the choice of creating a garden critter, a clay pot critter, garden snakes, or decorations. We will provide you with the supplies you'll need to dress up your garden!

Tie Dye: The annual favorite! Bring your white t-shirts, shorts, socks, hats, or other articles of clothing to tie dye. You will be amazed at the incredible designs which can be created! Registration Deadlines: June 14, July 5, July 19

Astro Camp With ISU EXTENSION/4H (ages 8-12) - $35

A full day of hands-on activities related to STEM and exploring space! You will have the opportunity to participate in NASA activities and become inspired to be future astronauts and engineers!  Lunch is provided. Class taught in conjunction with ISU Extension and Outreach. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or status as a U.S. veteran. Direct inquiries to the Diversity Officer, 515-294-1482, extdiversity@iastate.edu. Registration Deadline: June 15

Basketball Skills (ages 5-6) - $45

A fun basketball clinic for 5-6 year olds that focus on dribbling, passing, teamwork, and building confidence. Registration Deadline: March 20, May 10

Basketball Skills (ages 7-8) - $45

A fun basketball clinic for 7-8 year olds that focus on dribbling, passing, teamwork, and building confidence. Registration Deadline: March 20, May 10

Beginner Roller Skate (ages 5-17) - $85

Learn the basics of roller skating (Stop, stride, getting up and bending down) Skate rental included if needed. Fee includes admission for open skate session ($11.99 value x 6), feel free to stay longer after your class to practice your skills. Two make up practices allowed if needed. Registration Deadline: March 3, March 25, May 27, June 24

Creative Geniuses Basket Weaving (ages 9+) - $40

Creative Geniuses is an engaging, educational, and student driven community art program. Our mission is to deliver a comprehensive community art program that brings imagination to life through a creative process and artistic habits. We believe creating art leads to a colorful life personally, professionally, academically, and socially. Learn to weave and create unique colorful yarn baskets and containers. Perfect for use as an Easter Basket, personal container, home decor, or gift. Registration Deadline: March 20, March 27

Creativity and Innovation Camp (ages 8-13) - $195

Drake University professors Chris Porter (Artificial Intelligence) and Chris Snider (Digital Media) will teach this two-day camp in conjunction with the Drake University Innovation Studio. Campers will get a chance to try out 3D printing, program robots, create buttons, design stickers, carve with a CNC machine, heat-press t-shirts and more. Campers should bring their own lunch each day. Fee includes t-shirt. Please indicate your t-shirt size when signing up. Registration Deadline: June 8

Creepy Crawlers (ages 6-8) - $51

This 3-day camp is for kids who love to hunt insects, pick up worms and play in the creek! We'll have lots of fun learning as we go on frog hunts, insect safaris and look under every rock or trash can for "cool" critters! T-Shirt included! The Giovannetti Community Shelter is located at 8900 Douglas. The patio is located on the east side of the shelter, close to the bike trail. Registration Deadline: June 27

Dance and Tumbling - Unicorn Theme (ages 5-7) - $129

Learn fun dances and basic tumbling skills in this 6-week class. We will explore creative movement with music and props. We will explore basic tumbling and coordination skills on our low balance beam and tumble mats. We have color sheets and a small craft we will complete in our session. We will end our session with a unicorn dance party! Where bright fun colors or your unicorn theme gear! Registration Deadline:  July 3

Dance and Tumbling-Pre-Teen Glow (ages 8-13) - $129

In this 6-week session we will learn dance and tumbling skills in a fun party atmosphere. With high energy music to your favorite artists, we will learn short routines in jazz, Pom Pom dance and tumbling. We will use disco lighting in some of our classes and end our session with a glow stick dance party! Registration Deadline: July 4

Dance and Tumbling-Princess Theme (ages 3-4) - $129

Learn fun dances and basic tumbling skills in this 6-week princess themed class. We will explore creative movement with music and props. We will explore basic tumbling and coordination skills on our low balance beam and tumble mats. We have princess stories, color sheets and a small craft we will complete in our session. We will end our session with a princess dance party! You can dress up as your favorite princess every week! Registration Deadline: July 6

Drawing, Painting & Sculpture - $75

Creative Geniuses is an engaging, educational, and student driven community art program. Our mission is to deliver a comprehensive community art program that brings imagination to life through a creative process and artistic habits. We believe creating art leads to a colorful life personally, professionally, academically, and socially. Draw, paint, and sculpt in this engaging, educational, student led art program. Students will make art about their interests while building social, academic, and creative skills. Registration Deadlines: June 20, July 4

Explorers of the Deep ISU EXTENSION/4H (ages 8-12) - $35

Youth learn about robotics, ocean exploration, and the impacts ocean conditions have around the world through the 4-H Explorers of the Deep challenge kit. Lunch is provided. Class taught in conjunction with ISU Extension and Outreach. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or status as a U.S. veteran. Direct inquiries to the Diversity Officer, 515-294-1482, extdiversity@iastate.edu. Registration Deadline: June 22

Flowers for Mom (all Ages) - $17

There is nothing that moms love more than spending time with their kids and … flowers! You can give them both for Mother's Day. You will receive two flowerpots to decorate, potting soil, seeds and a fun Mother's Day craft. Flowers for Mom kits will arrive at your doorstep on Friday, May 12. Kits will be delivered by 5:00pm, barring any weather delays. Delivery is limited to LESS than 5.0 miles from Urbandale City Hall (3600 86th Street). If you have controlled access to your front door (apartment or condo), or live outside the 5.0 mile limit, please plan to pick up your kit at the Parks and Recreation office. This is a great way to give your mom, or yourself, a Happy Mother's Day. Registration Deadline: May 8

Good Time Gang - 2 Day Program (ages 3-5) - $240

We will immerse your child in both structured and unstructured activities centered around our weekly theme. Participants will engage in simple crafts, free play, games, music, circle time (story, calendar, letter of the week, etc.) and table time (patterns, numbers, and letters) all with a focus on pre-academic skills. Participant MUST be 3 years of age before the first day of class and MUST be potty trained. Children will create crafts that include paint and glue - please dress accordingly! Maximum 12 participants per session. A snack will be served. (This is a program in which parents drop off their children.) Session lasts 7 weeks. Registration Deadline: March 13

Kids Kamp (ages 6-10) - $140

Special pricing of 15% off each week on Kids Kamp until Friday, May 12. Discount will automatically be applied at registration. Regular pricing will begin on SATURDAY, MAY 13. Join us for a summer of fun in this camp for children! Participants will enjoy a "theme of the week" related to the field trip. A variety of activities will be offered including crafts, games, sports, board games, guest speakers, and weekly field trips.  Fee includes a t-shirt, craft and activity supplies, field trip and transportation, and guest speakers.  The program is held RAIN or SHINE or COLD or HOT. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held inside Lions Park Shelter House.  Maximum 40 children per week. Participants will receive a general schedule of events for the week on Mondays. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.  Every Tuesday, we will be going to a new park around the Des Moines area. Most field trips will take place on Thursdays.  Participants must bring their own water and lunch. A cooler and/or microwave are not available. Participants can bring their own snacks for throughout the day. All participants MUST BE picked up by or at 4:00 p.m. (unless parent permission for child to bike/walk to Kamp). Late pick-ups will result in a $5 charge per 10 minutes, to be paid upon pick-up. Drop-off & Pick-up: Lions Park Gazebo, 72nd St. and Aurora Ave, in Lions Park. Drop-off is between 8:30-9:00 a.m. Pick-up is between 3:30-4:00 p.m. Registration Deadline: One week before each session starts

Kids Media Camp (ages 8-13) - $100

In this 3-day camp, students will learn about photography, podcasting and videography. Each day we will learn a different skill. In photography, students will learn about composition, portraiture and how to use light. In podcasting, students will plan and create a podcast with other students in the class. In video, we will focus on how we can tell a story and editing. Students will need to bring an iPad, iPod touch or iPhone to camp each day. Registration Deadline: June 8

Little Athletes (ages 3-5) - $45

A fun sports clinic to start learning the beginner skills of various sports to turn children into little athletes. Registration Deadlines: March 20, and May 10

Magicamp (ages 6-15) - $40

Magicamp is for anyone who likes to have fun. You'll learn how to entertain & amaze your friends, family, and classmates with magic that you can do anywhere, at any time and for the rest of your life. Join professional magician Lee Cole for a day of fun. All magic materials provided. Min 3 / Max 15. Registration Deadlines: March 17, May 27, July 22, July 27

Martial Arts (ages 8+) - $90

Join Jim Douglas, 6th degree black belt and Master Instructor. Learn a traditional martial art that stresses self-defense, physical fitness, self-control and discipline. This is full martial arts incorporating principles from karate, hap ki do, tae kwon do and kempo. The program is for ages 8 and above and the techniques taught are adaptable to any age or physical level. Program for Beginners or Advanced. This is what makes this program different from other martial arts programs! This is a year-round program, and you may join anytime. Registration Deadlines:  April 3, May 1, June 5, July 5, August 2, September 6

Mother’s Day Gift Making: Paper Sculpture - $25

Creative Geniuses is an engaging, educational, and student driven community art program. Our mission is to deliver a comprehensive community art program that brings imagination to life through a creative process and artistic habits. We believe creating art leads to a colorful life personally, professionally, academically, and socially. We will have a paper sculpting class learning to work with paper to create an array of 3D forms and textures. The final project is designing a colorful and lush bouquet for a mother. Lots of room for creativity and personal expression in this class. Registration Deadline: May 2

Princesses in the Park! (ages 2-10) - $25

Come to the park and have a tea party with your special adult! We will provide lemonade (tea), cookies, and a craft for everyone to do with their favorite princess! Bring a camera along to take pictures with, and feel free to dress up like your favorite character as well. Registration Deadline: April 29

Real Food 4 Kids Cooking Club (ages 6-12) - $199

Kids learn about different ingredients and new techniques to develop confidence in the kitchen!* We work as a group to make a couple of recipes and eat our creations at the end of class. Students take home recipes and any leftovers. * Students learn about the ingredients, where they come from, and why it's important to eat healthy.* Students utilize techniques such as measuring, stirring, and chopping.* Students learn to work with various appliances, such as a blender, food processor, mixer, hot plate, griddle, or oven. Types of food we will make:* Snacks, such as energy bites or smoothies* Veggies & dips, we practice proper chopping techniques with kid-safe knives* Pancakes, eggs, and waffles* Homemade corn tortillas and salsa or guacamole* Simple pasta dishes and soups such as pasta salads, minestrone, or ramen* Rice dishes such as fried rice or sushi* More advanced techniques such as homemade pasta or wontons. Registration Deadline:  March 8

Summer Take Home Activity Kit (ages 4+) - $15

These craft kits include fun themed activities to do at home! Delivery is limited to LESS than 5.0 miles from Urbandale City Hall (3600 86th Street).  If you have controlled access to your front door (apartment or condo), or live outside the 5.0 mile limit, please plan to pick up your kit at the Parks and Recreation office. Registration Deadline:  One week before delivery.

SuperKids All Sports Camp (ages 3-5) - $25

A perfect introductory sports program for your little ones, SuperKids AllSport Camps will introduce multiple sports throughout the four days while focusing on physical activity.  Through interactive games, drills, obstacles, and exercises, your kiddos will have fun staying active while learning the fundamentals of sports including basketball, tennis, track and field, volleyball, gymnastics, and more.  These camps will be both educational and age appropriate. Equipment for each sport will be provided, so all you need is tennis shoes and a water bottle! Registration Deadline: July 10

Sylvan: Math Booster Camp (ages 4-6) - $150

During this fun filled 10-hour course, your child will work with patterns, early fraction skills and general number skills. Teddy bears counters, math link cubes and many more hands-on activities will be used to keep your young one engaged and moving! Registration Deadline: May 15

Sylvan: Read Ahead Camp (ages 4-6) - $150

Is your child always "playing school" and you are looking for a fun enrichment activity? Kids will approach our alphabet from all angles, recognition, sounds, writing and FUN! Kids will also dive into beginning comprehension skills. Registration Deadline: May 30

SylvanSync - Academic Camp (preK - 12th Grade) - $199

This unique and individual 16-hour camp is for the family that is looking for an academic boost or enrichment. This camp has an emotional and social focus! This one of a kind academic camp will pinpoint your child's own individual reading or math skill gaps with the Sylvan Insight Assessment to ensure they are working on skills they truly need improvement on and watch your child increase their motivation and self-confidence! Have access to your students' academic program 24/7 with MySylvan.com. Looking for some STEAM interaction! We will have STEAM brain boosters and activities throughout their entire week(s) of learning! Registration Deadline: May 30.

The Great Egg Hunt (ages 10 and Under)

Kids fill up your baskets with all the candy and eggs you see! Some eggs even have a few special prizes in them!  Come early as we start right at 10AM and eggs are found quickly! No registration necessary.

Ultimate Disc League Camp (ages 10-14) - $135

Ultimate is a non-contact, action-packed sport played with a flying disc. The American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL) is offering safe, instructional Ultimate camps this summer. This four-day camp is run in half-day sessions and tailored for ages 10-14. They will be taught by certified AUDL instructors. Registration Deadline: June 5

Youth Tennis (ages 6-18) - $30

Each participant should wear clothing to fit the weather and be prepared to exercise. Participants provide their own racquet; tennis balls will be provided. All sessions are held at Walker Johnston Park tennis courts. Registration Deadline: One week before session begins.