Youth Programs

Waukee Parks and Recreation organizes a variety of programs, classes and camps for kids ages 18 months-18. View the registration site for more information, including ages, times and locations for each program. Programs can fill up quickly, so do not delay signing up!

Sports & Fitness

Youth Soccer Clinic

Players can learn the fundamentals of soccer including basic rules, dribbling, passing and throw-ins. Shin guards and cleats can be worn but are not necessary. Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay and watch. This is a great precursor to the Mini Kickers Soccer program. Open to kids 4-5 years old. View dates, costs and register here.

Mini Kickers Soccer

Mini Kickers Soccer will run for six weeks in August-September on Tuesday nights and is designed to teach kids the basics of soccer while having fun. Game play will be 4 vs. 4 with four quarters of eight minutes continuous clock with no goalie. Teams will consist of seven or eight players with plenty of playing time for each player. Open to kids 4-5 years old. View dates, costs and register here.

Foundational Soccer Skills Camp with Challenger Sports

TinyTykes: Professional and expert staff deliver games, activities, and adventures to introduce and develop coordination, balance, running, stopping, turning, kicking, dribbling, throwing and catching. Soccer meets smiles, and your little one is sure to enjoy their time on the pitch.

Half Day Program: Coaches will offer complete technical player development featuring practices from around the world. Players will enjoy the World Cup small-sided game element.  View dates, costs and register here.

Pickleball Clinic - Beginner

This clinic, run by the Des Moines Metro Pickleball Club, is an exciting way to learn about the quickly growing sport of Pickleball. Participants 14 and older with any skill level are welcome to attend. Participants will gain a basic understanding of the sport and how to play. All equipment will be provided at the clinic. It is free to attend. View dates and register here. 

Beginner Triathlon Training Camp with RipRoar

This 4-session program introduces young athletes to the exciting world of triathlons. Designed for youth ages 6-11 with no prior triathlon experience, participants will develop essential skills in biking and running. Kids will learn about transitioning between events. Note there will not be any swimming for the camp. Participants must bring a bike, helmet and running shoes. If the young athletes want to put their training into action, they can also register for the triathlon on July 19.View dates and register here.

Youth Soccer Camp with Grand View University Men’s Soccer

Budding soccer players can learn from coaches and players on the 2025 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship team. Kids will split into groups based on age to learn and improve technical and tactical soccer skills. Coaches will use fun activities and games and will incorporate both individual and small group training.

Spring Flag Football with DASH Sports

Players will get to learn football in a safe environment with little to no contact. They’ll practice passing, catching, rushing, and defense with fun, skill-based games. Parent participation is required for 2-3 year olds and recommended when needed for 4+ year olds.

Camps with DASH Sports

DASH Sports offers well-organized, structured and fun skill-based sports programs for kids run by led by people with a passion for youth sports development with over 25,000 hours of coaching experience.

• Ultimate Games: Play popular P.E. games like Capture the Flag, kickball, tag, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee and more!
• Sand Volleyball: Players will work on passing, serving and hitting with fun skill games. Scrimmage on last day. 
• Flag Football: Work on passing, catching, rushing and defense skills before playing a scrimmage on the last day. 
• Baseball: Practice throwing, baserunning, catching and batting. Scrimmage on last day. Bring a glove.
• Track and Field: Learn how to correctly run, jump and throw with emphasis on technique and proper form.
• Cheer: Learn several cheers with focus on body control, jumping and proper hand movements.

Life Time Pickleball Classes

Learn and hone your pickleball skills with the help of trained instructors from Life Time. Classes will focus on teaching introductory lessons and skills. Classes are available for kids ages 7 and up. View dates and register here. 

Life Time Tennis Classes

Trained tennis professionals from Life Time lead classes and provide experienced advice as players learn and perfect tennis fundamentals. Classes range from beginner lessons to more advanced tennis strategies, so players can receive instruction tailored to their skill level. Classes are available to kids ages 3-14 years old. View dates, costs and register here.

Mini Sluggers T-Ball

Mini Sluggers T-Ball will run for six weeks with separate leagues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Mini Sluggers gives kids the opportunity to participate in a summer t-ball league while teaching them basic fundamentals through practice and games. Foam bats and balls must be used in this league and will be provided for each team. Teams will be formed at random. Open to kids 4-5 years old. View dates, costs and register here. Volunteer coaches are needed! Email Laura Stanish if interested.

Parent and Child Blastball

Is your child too young for Mini Sluggers? This is an early chance for him or her to learn about baseball and softball with the comfort of you as their partner. Each participant will complete drills with a parent/guardian. View dates, costs and register here.

MLB Pitch, Hit & Run

Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run (PHR) events provide boys and girls an opportunity to showcase their baseball and softball skills. The Pitch, Hit & Run program is a free event series and consists of a series of movements that are important in baseball and softball. Participants will compete in either 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, or 13-14 age division. Based on their scores, they will advance from a Local Event to a Team Championship and then to the Finals hosted at the World Series. Open to kids 7-14 years old. View dates, costs and register here.

Fall Girls Recreational Softball League

Girls in 1st through 7th grades for the 2026-2027 school year are eligible to play in the Fall league. The league will be a shortened eight-game season. Games will be played Monday-Thursday nights. No scores or standings will be kept. Practices will begin at the end of August. Teams will be formed at random. Registration will open on June 1. Volunteer coaches are needed! Email Laura Stanish if interested.

Fall Girls Advanced Softball League

Girls who have played for 2+ years and have skills beyond the recreational level will enjoy the more disciplined and faster-paced level of play in this advanced league. Scores and standings will be kept in this league and it will be player-pitch only. Coaches typically begin practices in late August. Games will be played Monday-Thursday nights. Registration will open on June 1. Volunteer coaches are needed! Email Laura Stanish if interested.

Not sure which softball league is the right choice? The graphics below highlight some of the differences between the two options. 

Future Aces Golf Camp

Young golfers, ages 5-8 years old, will learn the basics through game-based and story-based learning. Each class will cover 1-2 topics. If golfers don’t have their own clubs, various clubs will be available to borrow during camp, but we cannot guarantee the right size/club face for each individual. View dates, costs and register here.

Youth Golf Camp

Campers, ages 9-13, will learn the basics of putting, chipping and full swing over 2 days. Game-based learning and a fun environment will keep players engaged. Each day, golfers will rotate among 3 stations. View dates, costs and register here.

Youth Golf Clinic

This clinic is for young golfers ages 9-14 years old who generally know the basics and are looking to improve with hopes of playing competitively in the future. Kids will learn the basics of putting, chipping and full swing through game-based learning in fun, engaging environment. View dates, costs and register here.

Camps

All-Star Sports Camp

This half-day camp is perfect for any sports enthusiast. Each day, participants will be engaged in activities including soccer, flag football, disc golf, kickball, capture the flag, basketball, volleyball, dodgeball and other classic physical education activities. Sessions are available for kids ages 5-10. View dates, costs and register here.

Art in the Park 

It’s time to get artistic! Artists will create a variety of age-appropriate masterpieces to take home daily. Participants will also focus on a group public art piece to be installed at a City building. We may get messy, so artists should wear appropriate clothing. Sessions are open to kids ages 5-10. View dates, costs and register here.

Drawing & Painting with Sunflower Fine Art

Come learn drawing and painting skills from a professional artist. Explore styles and techniques from realistic to abstract, classic shading and animated design. Materials are included.

Adventure the Outdoors

Take your outdoor recreation interest to new heights with this outdoor adventure camp for teens. This camp will include activities such as hiking, fishing and water sports. Prior to the start of camp, campers will be notified prior of daily activities so they can dress appropriately. Participants will be transported by Parks & Recreation staff during the camp. This camp is for kids 11-14 years old. View dates, costs and register here.

Kids Kamp with Fit and Fierce 515

In this fun fitness camp, kids will try different types of fitness classes mixed with other creative activities or snacks. Each day will have a different theme. View dates and register here.

Youth in the Parks

This service-learning camp gives participants a chance to learn about community betterment by volunteering at various locations in Waukee and surrounding areas. The camp consists of morning volunteer activities and fun afternoon field trips. Campers must bring a sack lunch each day for this all-day camp. Prior to the start of camp, staff will notify campers of daily activities so they can dress appropriately. Participants will be transported by Parks & Recreation staff during the camp. Sessions are available for kids entering 5th-8th grade View dates, costs and register here.

STEM Camp with Challenge Island

Choose from two themed weeks of STEM activities from Challenge Island, a leading provider of STEMbased educational enrichment programs. Learning and skill building has never been so fun.

STEAM Across the Universe Camp®:3ip;2…1 Blastoff! Young astronauts will create a Mission Control Station and soar through the universe. They will learn the spectacular science of space while taking on cosmically cool challenges.

Race Across the Rainforest Camp®: Kids can go on an unforgettable journey through the Amazon Rainforest where they zip through the jungle’s action-packed layers, take on engineering challenges inspired by awesome animal inhabitants from the playful monkeys to the hungry jaguars to the slithering anacondas.

Slimetopia®: Slime Chefs on Deck®: As a slime sous chef on the S.S. Slimetopia® cruise ship, kids will stir up the most delicious-looking (not tasting!) slime recipes on the Seven Seas! From Ramen Noodle Slime on Shake, Rattle and Sushi Roll Day to Banana Split Slime on Tutti Fruity Day to Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Slime on Say Cheese Day,  Slimetopia Chefs on Deck is a deliciously squishy, squashy, ooey, gooey blast!

Super STEAMio Island Adventure® Join forces with Super STEAMio and Princess Pineapple to engineer an archipelago of action-packed, challenge-filled Islands from Galaxy Island to Icy Island to Jungle Island to the long lost Underwater Island where a legendary kingdom is said to exist. Can they use their STEAMazing© powers to defeat the evil Turtlezilla family before time runs out? World Cruise Camp™ Kids will design a cruise ship and embark on a voyage around the globe. They will engineer their way through the world’s most popular ports from the Alaskan Glaciers to Ancient Greece to the Canals of Venice to the Galapagos Islands.

Super STEAMio Island Adventure®: Join forces with Super STEAMio and Princess Pineapple to engineer an archipelago of action-packed, challenge-filled Islands from Galaxy Island to Icy Island to Jungle Island to the long lost Underwater Island where a legendary kingdom is said to exist. Can they use their STEAMazing© powers to defeat the evil Turtlezilla family before time runs out?

World Cruise Camp™: Kids will design a cruise ship and embark on a voyage around the globe. They will engineer their way through the world’s most popular ports from the Alaskan Glaciers to Ancient Greece to the Canals of Venice to the Galapagos Islands.

View dates and register here.

Computer Camps with Youth Tech Inc.

Youth Tech Inc. is an interactive computer camp that focuses on providing enrichment opportunities to students in the world of computers. With a caring environment at the core of camp values, Youth Tech strives to create a positive learning community that encourages creativity, fun and academic excellence.

Gaming and Coding: Students will take an interactive look at coding and building virtual apps to share with friends. They will combine the art of video game design and animation to create interactive characters that fly around the screen as they build simple video games.

Graphic Design: This session will cover the basics of digital photography as well as key concepts in the world of digital imaging. Students enrolled in this course will take photos and learn how to manipulate images using powerful image editing software to achive their vision.

Web Studio: Unlock your student’s imagination and equip them with modern digital skills. Your student will dive into the basics of digital development, moving beyond just consuming media to creating it. This camp is perfect for any student with a big imagination who is ready to turn their digital dreams into reality.

Roblox Studio-Programming and Game Development: Calling all ROBLOX users! ROBLOX Studio is a 3D-based program that uses physics, LUA programming and individual creativity to build a world around you and your avatar. This course will guide students through concepts such as beginner physics, LUA programming and game development to build and publish their multi-player game to share with friends and family.

Click, Caption, Create

Budding content creators will dive into the exciting world of social media storytelling, from framing the perfect shot to crafting captions that engage an audience. Kids will get hands-on practice as they learn about lighting and framing their shots, interviewing, editing video and writing compelling captions. They’ll put their skills to work on campaigns that the City of Waukee can use on its social media channels. View dates and register here.

Super Snackers

Waukee’s next top chef might be in your own house — let us help you find out! Chefs will learn new, fun and healthy summer snack ideas they can make any time of the year. At the end of each class, each chef will be able to sample their creations and may be able to teach you a thing or two! Please notify the Parks & Recreation Department of any known food allergies when registering for this class. Sessions are open to kids ages 7-13.View dates, costs and register here.

Splish Splash Camp

Cool off this summer and travel to two Des Moines Metro Area aquatic centers. Make sure to pack sunscreen, a towel, goggles and snack money. Participants will be transported by Parks & Recreation staff during the camp. This camp is for kids ages 8-13 years old. View dates, costs and register here.

Explore the Outdoors Camp

Get away from the electronics and back into nature! This camp will include nature play in different parks and creek beds, activities that help children relate with natural elements and a field trip to the Kuehn Conservation Center. Prior to the start of Camp, campers will be notified of daily activities so they can dress appropriately. Participants will be transported by bus during the camp. Sessions are open to kids 5-10 years old. View dates, costs and register here.

Summer Fun Camp

Join us for an action-packed week of summer fun! Participants in this camp will enjoy four days of field trips, including an aquatic center. The other day will be spent playing games and activities in the park. Campers will be notified prior to the start of camp of Monday’s activity and will get to collectively vote on the remaining camp schedule. Participants will be transported by bus during the camp. This camp is for kids ages 8-13. View dates, costs and register here.

Summer Celebration Camp

It’s the end of summer, but there is still so much to celebrate. This all-day camp will provide exciting activities for kids, including field trips. Past trips have included the Omaha Children’s Museum and an Iowa Cubs baseball game. Please pack a sack lunch and a water bottle; afternoon snacks will be provided. Prior to the start of camp, campers will be notified of daily activities so they can dress appropriately. Participants will be transported by bus during the camp. This camp is for kids 5-12 years old. View dates, costs and register here.

Safety City

The Waukee Police Department hosts this week-long, half-day course for students entering Kindergarten at the Waukee Community School District in the fall. Students learn about safety from police officers and volunteer youth mentors. A miniature city is set up to teach students about bike safety, pedestrian safety, water and fire safety, stranger danger, respect for authority, home alone safety and more. Safety City incorporates classroom time, hands-on practice and a field trip to the Public Safety Building. Parents are invited to a short graduation ceremony at the end of the week. For questions regarding Safety City, call 515-978-7979. Sign up as a volunteer for one or more sessions at Waukee.org/SafetyCity. View dates, costs and register here.

Youth Activities

Storywalk

Take an adventure with a story this spring and summer! The Waukee Public Library and the Parks & Recreation Department have joined together to promote literature and exercise. Enjoy a different book each month displayed along the Heart of the Warrior Trail between 6th Street and the intersection of Ashworth Drive and Warrior Lane.

2 to Move with Studio Bea Dance

This introductory class helps parents and their little dancer to bond and have fun. Dancers will gain confidence and improve social and gross motor skills while using their imagination to learn and explore dance and movement. Children must be accompanied by a parent. View dates, costs and register here.

Dance Classes with Tippi Toes Dance

Ballet/Tap/Jazz: Children will learn dance in a fun and positive way, so they are having a blast while gaining new skills. Classes incorporate ballet, tap and jazz styles and techniques while also encouraging self-expression and creativity. High-energy music is used throughout the class to get dancers moving, using their imagination and having fun.

Tippi Toes Royalty Camp: Calling all princes, princesses, and royal dancers! Your little one will step into a magical world of imagination, movement, and fun—where every dancer is treated like royalty. Each class includes dancing and movement fit for royalty, fun, age-appropriate crafts, interactive games and storytime with magical, royal-themed tales.

Wild About Tippi Toes Camp: Get ready to wiggle, jump, and ROAR with excitement! Dancers will explore the wonderful world of animals through movement, music, and imagination. Each class includes animal-inspired dancing and movement, creative, animal-themed crafts, interactive games and storytime featuring favorite animal friends.

View dates, costs and register here.

Tumbling Tots 1 & 2

These 30-minute programs are designed for little gymnasts to learn and increase basic tumbling motions in a group environment. It emphasizes balance and coordination through tumbling moves, exercises and songs. Children must be the required age prior to the start of the session. A parent or guardian must accompany 2- and 3-year-olds. Sessions are available for kids ages 2-5 years old. View dates, costs and register here.

Red Cross Babysitting Training with First Aid/CPR/AED

Build confidence and increase your marketability as a babysitter with this American Red Cross babysitting curriculum. New for 2026, Waukee Fire will join us to teach CPR and AED skills. Participants will gain hands-on practice of life-saving babysitting skills with mannequins. This is a great class for those getting ready to start babysitting on their own or for those who will be in charge of younger siblings for short periods of time. Participants will need to bring a sack lunch. View dates, costs and register here.

Magicamp with Lee Cole

Kids will learn how to entertain and amaze friends, family and classmates with magic they can do anywhere. Join professional magician, Lee Cole, for two days of fun. All magic materials are provided. View dates and register here.

Junior Firefighter Day Camp

Waukee firefighters will lead kids in hands-on firefighter activities, from spraying a fire hose to learning about different firefighting tools. They’ll even get the chance to try on firefighter gear. Junior firefighters will learn about fire safety, teamwork and what it takes to be a firefighter. View dates and register here.

Creative Creation Workshop with Crafty Kids

This hands-on arts and crafts program helps elementary students explore their creativity in a welcoming and supportive environment. Each session features a new craft project, focusing primarily on paper crafts using paint, coloring, cutting, and other mixed art materials. Classes also include guided social time and story time, encouraging imagination, communication, and connection with peers. This program supports creative expression, fine motor skill development, confidence, and friendship-building through engaging, age-appropriate art activities.

Fun with Drawing & Painting Sunflower Fine Art

Come learn drawing and painting skills from a professional artist. The programs combine drawing and painting, realistic and abstract, classic shading and animated design. Practice ranges from creating easy single images to a complete piece of art with main object, background, changes of light and harmonious colors. Materials are included. Classes are available for kids ages 7-18 years old. View dates, costs and register here.

Home Alone Awareness

Thinking of letting your child stay home alone this summer? Make sure they are equipped with ways to stay safe! This class is taught by members of the Waukee Police and Fire Departments. They will provide educational tools and safety tips as they make kids aware of potential dangers in and around your home. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Class are for kids in grades K-5th. View dates, costs and register here.

Ocean Explorers: Engineering and Coding LEGO with ISU Extension & Outreach

Youth will use hands-on coding and robotics to apply real world problem solving, engineering and design processes in this fun and challenging program. View dates, costs and register here.

Adaptive Sports

Miracle League: Spring Season

Join the Parks & Recreation Department for our Miracle League baseball season. Miracle League is a nationwide organization that creates opportunities for youth ages 5-19 with disabilities to play baseball for free. The league will be held on Saturday mornings at Waukee’s Triumph Park on the Greater Iowa Credit Union Field. Each game consists of two innings and community volunteers serve as “buddies” to assist the players throughout the game. It is free to participate. View dates and register here. 

Community volunteers are needed! To volunteer, complete this form. Find more information about the Greater Iowa Credit Union Miracle League Field at Triumph Park here. 

Can Play Flag Football

Can Play’s 4-week flag football program is tailored to youth with disabilities, autism or chronic health conditions. This program provides an opportunity to learn soccer skills and gameplay adapted to their individual needs. View dates, costs and register here.

Can Play Diamondball

Can Play’s 4-week diamondball program is designed for youth with disabilities, autism or chronic health conditions. Players ages 7-14 will learn baseball/softball skills through gameplay adapted to their individual needs. View dates, costs and register here.

Can Play Sports Camp

This multi-sport camp is based on Can Play’s programs for youth with disabilities, autism or chronic health conditions. Youth ages 6-14 can learn skills and game play for several sports, including basketball, soccer and racquet sports. View dates, costs and register here.