Summer Camps
Summer Camp at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Where Kids Grow, Explore, and Thrive All Summer Long
Looking for one of the most engaging summer camps in Des Moines? At the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, children don’t just stay busy — they discover, create, and build confidence through hands-on adventures in nature.
With over half of camp spots already filled, now is the time to secure your child’s place before sessions sell out.
Register now to guarantee your preferred week.
Why Families Choose Our Summer Camp
Our nature-based camps combine outdoor exploration, science, art, and play in a safe, inspiring environment led by experienced educators.
Your child will:
- Explore plants, ecosystems, and the natural world
- Create art inspired by nature
- Discover science through hands-on experiments
- Build friendships and confidence
- Spend meaningful time outdoors (not on screens)
Parents consistently tell us their children come home excited, curious, and proud of what they’ve learned.
Camp Details at a Glance
- For students entering Grades 1–5 (Fall 2026)
- Full-day sessions: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Multiple themed weeks available
- Convenient Des Moines location
- Open to members and nonmembers
- Campers should bring a snack and lunch
Small group sizes ensure every camper receives individual attention and a high-quality experience.
Spots Are Limited — Many Weeks Sell Out Early
Our camps fill quickly every year, and waitlists are common.
If you’re considering enrolling your child, we strongly recommend registering now to avoid disappointment later.
- Secure your child’s spot today
- Choose the weeks that work for your schedule
- Give them a summer of growth, friendship, and adventure
Register for Summer Camp Below.
Have Questions?
We’re happy to help you choose the right camp experience for your child.
Contact us:
education@dmbotanicalgarden.com
(515) 323-6290
Prices
Five-day camps:Â
- $265 membersÂ
- $305 nonmembersÂ
Two-day camps:Â
- $128 membersÂ
- $150 nonmembersÂ
When you click-thru to register be sure to sign in as a member to apply your member discount.Â
Member Benefits
- Members at our family levels* receive member pre-sale and a member discount on summer camps. Â
*Family, Family Plus, Grandparent, Grandparent Plus levels, and Garden Giving Club donors. Â
- Want to upgrade to one of these levels or need help signing in to receive your discount? Call our membership manager at 515-323-6265.
2026 Summer Camps
Note: weeks with the same camp theme are identical and should not be registered for more than one per youth. Â
Wilderness Rangers
- Become a protector of nature from the plants and animals of your backyard, to endangered species all over the globe! Discover how all parts of nature work together through plantings, wilderness exploration, and discovery of wildlife hiding right under your nose.Â
- Learning Outcomes & Goals: Campers will explore….
a. Characteristics of diverse biomes and ecosystemsÂ
b. Plant and animal adaptations to their environmentsÂ
c. Global conservation and citizen science initiativesÂ
Junior Botanists
- Learn how plant scientists think, explore, and discover the amazing world of plants as we dive into botanical dissections, plantings, and experiments. With curiosity at its core, this camp is perfect for young budding scientists looking to grow their understanding of the plant kingdom!  Â
- Learning Outcomes: Campers will explore….
a. Scientific tools and processes like microscopes and dissection
b. Plant part anatomy
c. Plant diversity and beauty within different ecosystems
Junior Botanists
- Learn how plant scientists think, explore, and discover the amazing world of plants as we dive into botanical dissections, plantings, and experiments. With curiosity at its core, this camp is perfect for young budding scientists looking to grow their understanding of the plant kingdom!  Â
- Learning Outcomes: Campers will explore….
a. Scientific tools and processes like microscopes and dissection
b. Plant part anatomy
c. Plant diversity and beauty within different ecosystems
Garden Guests
- From tiny insects to flying birds to large mammals, this camp will investigate the many different animals that burrow under, live in and visit gardens.Â
- Learning Outcomes: Campers will explore….
a. Backyard conservation & citizen science
b. Observing the natural environment to draw detailed scientific drawings
Magic in the Garden
- Experience the magic of the Garden through science experiments and imagination. Students will channel their inner wizard as they are sorted into houses, assigned a plant patronus, and create their own magic wand! Enrollment will ensure proficiency in botanical potions, herbology, plant defenses against the dark arts, and more!   Â
- Learning Outcomes: Campers will explore….Â
a. Storytelling and imaginative play
b. Highly specialized plant adaptations and defenses
c. Scientific processes to explore the natural world
Magic in the Garden
- Experience the magic of the Garden through science experiments and imagination. Students will channel their inner wizard as they are sorted into houses, assigned a plant patronus, and create their own magic wand! Enrollment will ensure proficiency in botanical potions, herbology, plant defenses against the dark arts, and more!   Â
- Learning Outcomes: Campers will explore….Â
a. Storytelling and imaginative play
b. Highly specialized plant adaptations and defenses
c. Scientific processes to explore the natural world
Garden Artists
- Our collection of plants and unique garden spaces inspire creativity to artists of all ages. With unlimited prompts from nature, campers will explore their creative side as they grow their artistic expression through painting, sculpting, garden design, flower arranging, and more! Â
- Learning Outcomes: Campers will explore….Â
a. Different artistic mediums
b. Elements of art (color, line, form, shape, texture, value, space)
c. Plant diversity and beauty within different ecosystems
Garden Artists
- Our collection of plants and unique garden spaces inspire creativity to artists of all ages. With unlimited prompts from nature, campers will explore their creative side as they grow their artistic expression through painting, sculpting, garden design, flower arranging, and more!Â
- Learning Outcomes: Campers will explore….Â
a. Different artistic mediums
b. Elements of art (color, line, form, shape, texture, value, space)
c. Plant diversity and beauty within different ecosystems
Dragons in the Garden
- Enter the world of Dragons in the Garden! Discover plant-like dragons and dragon-like plants, uncovering how they all adapt to deserts, mud, rain, and other environments. Create your own dragon and let your imagination soar in this magical camp!  Â
  Â
- Learning Outcomes: Campers will explore….Â
a. Specific plant adaptations within diverse ecosystems and habitats
b. Storytelling and imaginative play
Dragons in the Garden
- Enter the world of Dragons in the Garden! Discover plant-like dragons and dragon-like plants, uncovering how they all adapt to deserts, mud, rain, and other environments. Create your own dragon and let your imagination soar in this magical camp!  Â
  Â
- Learning Outcomes: Campers will explore….Â
a. Specific plant adaptations within diverse ecosystems and habitats
b. Storytelling and imaginative play
Keep the Fun Growing!
Check out our School Break Day Camps. Spots fill fast so grab your spot right away!
Camp Logistics
All camps are designed for students entering first through fifth grade in fall 2026.
Multi-Age Classrooms
Advantages and benefits to cross-grade learning:
Summer Camp Testimonials
Parents Tell us What They Love About our Summer Camp
Know What's Going On!
SIGN UP HERE FOR
Newsletter Emails
"*" indicates required fields
Be the first to find out about events, classes & more