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Youth Programs
Swimming Lessons for ages 9 months & up
Click here for complete information and to register for swim lessons.
Tunes for Toddlers
Saturdays, March 28-April 11
9-9:45 a.m.
Indianola Activity Center
2204 W. 2nd Ave (Hwy 92)
Join music therapist Jackie for a fun 3-week class with singing, instruments, dancing, and musical play, all designed to support social skills and development for toddlers ages 2–4. Parents aren't required but welcome and encouraged to join the fun! Registration Deadline: Friday, March 20.
Music and Movement
Saturdays, March 28-April 11
10-10:45 a.m.
Indianola Activity Center
2204 W. 2nd Ave (Hwy 92)
Join board-certified music therapist Jackie for a 3-week Music and Movement class for ages 5–7! Kids will explore music, rhythm, and social skills through singing, instrument play, games, and fun movement activities. Registration Deadline: Friday, March 20.
Live Healthy Iowa Kids Track Meet
Wednesday, May 6
5:30-8:00 p.m.
Indianola High School Stadium
600 S. 15th Street
FREE track meet with track and field events for age divisions 6 & under, 7-8 years, 9-10 years, 11-12 years, 13-14 years. Online registration only.
Registration deadline is Sunday, May 3. Contact Brandon DeCook with questions at bdecook@indianolaiowa.gov
CANCELLED: It's Tea Time!
Wednesday, May 6
3-4:30 p.m.
Indianola Activity Center
2204 W. 2nd Ave (Hwy 92)
Kids Cook-Everybody Kneads Bread
Wednesday, May 13
4-6 p.m.
Indianola Activity Center
2204 W. 2nd Ave (Hwy 92)
Youth in 4th - 8th grade are invited to join this hands-on 4-H workshop led by Warren County Extension & Outreach, where they will learn the basics of bread making. Participants will mix, knead, and shape their own dinner rolls while discovering the science behind yeast and how bread rises. This fun, interactive session builds kitchen confidence, teamwork, and practical cooking skills - plus everyone goes home with fresh, homemade rolls! Registration Deadline: Wednesday, May 6, or when full.
T-Ball Leagues
Practices and games held at Pickard Park at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Practices tentatively begin the week of June 8. Volunteer coaches are needed!
Ball glove required. Optional cleats, baseball/softball pants. Team T-shirt provided. This program is designed for all skill levels. Placement is guaranteed when registered by Sunday, May 10. $15 late fee after May 10, if a spot is available after the deadline.
4 & 5 year old league
Meets Tuesdays (1 day/week)
Must be 4 years old by June 9, 2026.
6 & 7 year old league
Meets Mondays and Thursdays (2 days/week)
Must be 6 years old by June 8, 2026.
Junior Police Academy
June 30, July 1 & July 2
10 a.m.-Noon
Indianola City Hall Training Room
110 N. 1st Street
Rookies ages 9-11 can join local police officers and learn what it's like to work in law enforcement. See all the equipment used by officers, including patrol cars, computers, tasers, and more. Learn what it's like to go on patrol. Help detectives solve crime using fingerprinting and footprint casting. Learn the importance of saying NO to drugs from a Drug Task Force Officer, join in a foot chase, learn basic defensive tactics and how to deal with bullies.
Every student will receive a t-shirt, signed certificate, and will participate in the academy graduation. Instructed by Officers Jay Hackett, Ross Marshall, and fellow officers of the IPD.
Youth Tennis
Bring a water bottle and good shoes to run around. Hat and/or sunglasses suggested. Racquets and ball will be provided, but if your have your own feel free to bring it.
We'll work on hand-eye coordination and foot-eye coordination while playing FUN tennis. Forehands, backhands, volleys and serves will be covered. On the final day of camp players will learn how to play a tennis match (K-12th grade) Register your child for the grade they are entering in the fall.
Instructors: Simpson Tennis.
Tennis Session 1
Monday-Thursday, June 1, 2, 3 & 4
Simpson College Tennis Courts
North E Street & West Girard Ave
3-5 Year Olds 8:30-9 a.m. 
K-2nd Grade 9-9:55 a.m.
3rd-5th Grade 10-10:55 a.m.
6th-12th Grade 11-11:55 a.m.
Tennis Session 2
Monday-Thursday, June 8, 9, 10 and 11
Simpson College Tennis Courts
North E Street & West Girard Ave
3-5 Year Olds 8:30-9 a.m.
K-2nd Grade 9-9:55 a.m.
3rd-5th Grade 10-10:55 a.m.
6th-12th Grade 11-11:55 a.m.
Tennis Session 3
Monday-Thursday, June 15, 16, 17 & 18
Simpson College Tennis Courts
North E Street & West Girard Ave
3-5 Year Olds 8:30-9 a.m.
K-2nd Grade 9-9:55 a.m.
3rd-5th Grade 10-10:55 a.m.
6th-12th Grade 11-11:55 a.m.
Tennis Session 4
Monday-Thursday, June 22, 23, 24 & 25
Simpson College Tennis Courts
North E Street & West Girard Ave
3-5 Year Olds 8:30-9 a.m.
K-2nd Grade 9-9:55 a.m.
3rd-5th Grade 10-10:55 a.m.
6th-12th Grade 11-11:55 a.m.
Tennis Session 5
Monday-Thursday, June 29, 30, July 1 & 2
Simpson College Tennis Courts
North E Street & West Girard Ave
3-5 Year Olds 8:30-9 a.m.
K-2nd Grade 9-9:55 a.m.
3rd-5th Grade 10-10:55 a.m.
6th-12th Grade 11-11:55 a.m.
STEAM STARZ
Slime Extravaganza
Monday, July 13
1-4 p.m.
Indianola Activity Center
2204 W. 2nd Ave (Hwy 92)
Calling all 6-10 year olds! Get ready for a squishy, stretchy science adventure. Campers create classic slime and crunchy floam while learning about polymers and non-Newtonian fluids. Campers explore slime reactions and design their own colorful slime art to take home. It's hands-on, creative and messy fun!
Junior Engineers-
Create & Construct
Thursday, July 16
1-4 p.m.
Indianola Activity Center
2204 W. 2nd Ave (Hwy 92)
In this hands-on camp for ages 6–12, students explore engineering by imagining, designing, and building creative projects. Campers use the Engineering Design Process through challenges like LEGO builds, marble runs, bridges, and cup stacking, while developing critical thinking, teamwork, and a growth mindset—all while having fun!
Junior Chemists-
Beakers & Bubbles
Monday, July 20
1-4 p.m.
Indianola Activity Center
2204 W. 2nd Ave (Hwy 92)
Kids ages 5 to 10 can be a chemist for a day. Through fun, hands-on experiments like fizzy reactions, bouncing bubbles, potions, custom bubble wands and giant bubbles, students explore the wonders of chemistry in an exciting and interactive way.
Little Techies
Tuesday, July 21
1-4 p.m.
Indianola Activity Center
2204 W. 2nd Ave (Hwy 92)
Future innovators ages 4 to 8 will explore coding and robotics with BeeBots and Code and Go Bots. Through playful activities, campers learn basic coding, how robots work and how they help in daily life. Kids program robots to navigate mazes, solve problems and even build a Hex-Bug bot to take home.
Flying High Balloon Camp
Introduce your child to hot air ballooning at this day camp held during the 2026 National Balloon Classic in Indianola. Campers learn the history and science of ballooning and work with licensed pilots and crew. Activities run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Memorial Balloon Field, with transportation to additional locations and afternoon activities at the Indianola Wellness Campus. Parents may pick up at the Wellness Campus at or before 4 p.m. Campers should bring a sack lunch, swimsuit and towel. Each participant receives a 2026 camp T-shirt and two evening passes to the National Balloon Classic.
Session 1
Students entering 2nd and 3rd Grade
Monday & Tuesday, August 3 & 4
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Session 2
Students entering 4th-6th Grade
Thursday & Friday, August 6 & 7
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Flag Football Leagues
These are non-contact leagues played on a short field with 5 players from each team on the field. Each player is eligible to catch a pass and there is no blocking or tackling. It is a fast-paced game where everyone can be involved in each play.
A practice and game schedule will be sent via email at least one week prior to practices beginning. Please consider the opportunity to positively influence youth at a young age, volunteer coaches are vital to the success of this program!
A coaches meeting will be scheduled for early August. If interested in volunteer coaching, please indicate that when registering. This six-week program will feature two weeks of practices and four weeks of games. Practices tentatively scheduled to begin week of August 10. Games tentatively scheduled to begin week of August 24. Fee includes team t-shirt and mouth guard. Guaranteed availability through the registration deadline of July 12. After the deadline, spots may not be available. Please register your child for the grade they are entering in the Fall.
1st-3rd Grade League
Game days Mondays and/or Tuesdays at 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.
4th-6th Grade League
Game days Mondays and/or Tuesdays at 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.
New for 2026 - Dash Sports
DASH Sports Basketball Tykes
DASH Sports Basketball Tykes camps provide players with an introductory experience to the great game of basketball through fun skill-based drills and mini-games. Players will be taught how to properly dribble, pass, shoot, and play defense in a fun and positive environment. Athletes should bring a water bottle & wear athletic clothing & shoes. Balls are provided. Parent participation is required for the 2-3yr old age group and recommended when needed for the 4+ year old age group.
2-3 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 4:45-5:15 p.m.
July 13, 14, 15 & 16
Emerson Elementary Gym
1109 E Euclid Ave
4-6 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 5:25-6:10 p.m.
July 13, 14, 15 & 16
Emerson Elementary Gym
1109 E Euclid Ave
3-5 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 4:45-5:30 p.m.
August 10, 11, 12 & 13
Emerson Elementary Gym
1109 E Euclid Ave
DASH Sports Flag Football Tykes
2-3 year olds
Tuesdays, 5:40-6:25 p.m.
April 28, May 5, May 12, May 19
McCord Park
900 S. P Street
2-3 year olds
Saturdays, 9-9:30 a.m.
May 2, 9, 16 & 30 (no class May 23)
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
2-3 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 4:45-5:15 p.m.
July 27, 28, 29, 30
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
4-6 year olds
Tuesdays, 5-5:30 p.m.
April 28, May 5, May 12, May 19
McCord Park
900 S. P Street
4-6 year olds
Saturdays, 9:40-10:25 a.m.
May 2, 9, 16 and 30 (no class May 23)
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
4-6 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 5:25-6:10 p.m.
July 27, 28, 29, 30
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
DASH Sports Floor Hockey Tykes
3-5 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 4:45-5:30p.m.
July 20, 21, 22 and 23
Emerson Elementary Gym
1109 E Euclid Ave
DASH Sports Soccer Tykes Camps
DASH Sports Soccer Tykes camps provide players with an introductory experience to the game of soccer. Key elements of dribbling, passing, and shooting will be taught and practiced. Fun, skill-based games will be played to practice newly learned skills.
Athletes should bring a water bottle and wear athletic clothing and shoes (spikes and shin guards are optional). Soccer balls are provided.
Parent participation is required for the 2-3 year old age group, and recommended when needed for the 4+ year old age group.
2-3 year olds
Mondays, 5-5:30 p.m.
March 30, April 6, 13 and 20
McCord Park
900 S. P Street
2-3 year olds
Thursdays, 5-5:30 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16 & 23
McCord Park
900 S. P Street
Summer Camp
2-3 year olds
Monday-Thursday, 4:45-5:15 p.m.
June 15-18
McCord Park
900 S. P Street
4-6 year olds
Mondays, 5:40-6:25 p.m.
March 30, April 6, 13 and 20
McCord Park
900 S. P Street
4-6 year olds
Thursdays, 5:40-6:25 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16 & 23
McCord Park
900 S. P Street
Summer Camp
4-6 year olds
Monday-Thursday, 5:25-6:10 p.m.
June 15-18
McCord Park
900 S. P Street
DASH Sports: T-Ball Tykes
Looking for a fun introduction to baseball? DASH Sports T-Ball Tykes camp introduces players to the key elements of throwing, fielding/catching, batting, and baserunning.
The final day of camp is 'Game Day' and athletes will showcase their skills in a game environment. Athletes should bring a water bottle and a baseball glove. Baseballs and bats are provided.
Parent participation is required for the 2-3 year old age group, and recommended when needed for the 4+ year old age group.
2-3 year olds
April 4, 11, 18 & 25
Saturdays, 9:30-10:10 a.m.
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
Summer Camp
2-3 year olds
June 22-25
Monday-Thursday, 4:45 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
4-6 year olds
Saturdays, 10:20-11:05 a.m.
April 4, 11, 18 & 25
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
Summer Camp
4-6 year olds
June 22-25
Monday-Thursday, 5:35 p.m.-6:15 p.m.
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
DASH Sports: Track & Field Tykes
DASH Sports Track & Field Tykes camps provide participants with a basic introduction to Track & Field events. Participants will learn and practice how to correctly run, jump, and throw. Emphasis is on technique and proper form. Camp consists of many different types of physical activities, drills, and games, all tailored specifically to enhance overall athletic ability & performance. Campers should bring a water bottle and wear athletic shoes. Parent participation is recommended when needed for the 4+ year old age group.
3-5 year olds
April 30, May 7, 14 & 21
Thursdays, 5-5:45 p.m.
Barker Park
401 S. 1st Street
DASH Sports: Volleyball Tykes
DASH Sports Volleyball Tykes camps provide players with an introductory experience in a fun environment. Key volleyball skills such as passing, serving, and hitting will be introduced and practiced throughout the week. Fun, volleyball skill specific games are also incorporated. This camp is a great opportunity for an introductory experience in volleyball. Athletes should bring a water bottle and snack (knee pads optional). Balls are provided.
3-5 year olds
July 6, 7, 8 & 9
Mon-Thursday,4:45-5:30 p.m.
Emerson Elementary Gym
1109 E Euclid Ave
DASH Sports: Athleticism Camp
DASH Sports Summer Athleticism camps provide participants with an overall athleticism building camp experience including speed training, agility, endurance, body control/balance, quickness, strength, power, and jumping. Camp consists of many different types of physical activities, drills, and games, all tailored specifically to enhance overall athletic performance. All participants will be evaluated and timed on the first and last day of camp on several athletic tests. Campers should wear sunscreen and bring a water bottle, snack, and wear athletic clothing and shoes.
6-12 year olds
Monday-Thursday, 1-4 p.m.
June 15-18
McCord Park
900 S. P Street
DASH Sports: Baseball Camp
DASH Sports Summer Baseball Camp provides players with a well-rounded experience in a fun environment. Key elements of throwing, fielding/catching, batting, and baserunning will be taught and practiced, and players will be grouped and challenged at an appropriate level in a fun, positive environment while learning values of ‘Respect, Hustle, and Pride’. Camp ends with a scrimmage on the final day. Athletes should wear sunscreen, bring a water bottle, snack, and a baseball glove (spikes and bats are optional). Baseballs and bats are provided.
6-12 year olds
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-Noon
July 13, 14, 15 & 16
Catch Des Moines Field
Pickard Park
2205 E. 2nd Avenue
DASH Sports: Basketball Camp
DASH Sports Summer Basketball camps provide players with a well-rounded basketball experience covering a broad range of skills training and skill-based games. Players will be taught how to properly shoot, pass, dribble, and play defense in a fun and positive environment. Camp ends with scrimmages and games the final day where athletes can showcase their skills. Athletes should bring a water bottle and a snack. Balls are provided.
6-12 year olds
Monday-Thursday, 1-4 p.m.
July 13, 14, 15 & 16
Emerson Elementary Gym
1109 E Euclid Ave
DASH Sports: Flag Football Camp
DASH Sports Flag Football camps provide players with a well-rounded football experience in a little to no contact safe environment.
Key elements of passing, catching, rushing, and defense will be taught and practiced, and players will be grouped and challenged at an appropriate level in a fun, positive environment while learning values of 'Respect, Hustle, and Pride'. Camp ends with a scrimmage the final day.
Athletes should bring a water bottle and wear athletic clothing and shoes (spikes/cleats and mouthguards are optional). Footballs and flag belts are provided.
7-10 year olds
Tuesdays, 6:35-7:35 p.m.
April 28, May 5, May 12, May 19
McCord Park
900 S. P Street
7-10 year olds
Saturdays, 10:35-11:20 a.m.
May 2, 9, 16 and 30 (no class May 23)
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
6-12 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 9 a.m.-Noon
July 27, 28, 29, 30
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
DASH Sports: Floor Hockey Camp
DASH Sports Summer Floor Hockey camps provide players with a well-rounded hockey experience covering a broad range of skills training and skill-based games. Players will be taught how to properly stickhandle, pass, shoot, and play defense in a fun and positive environment. Athletes should bring a water bottle and a snack. Sticks and pucks are provided.
6-12 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 1-4 p.m.
July 20, 21, 22 & 23
Emerson Elementary Gym
1109 E Euclid Ave
DASH Sports: Multi-Sport Camp
DASH Sports Summer Multi-Sport camp includes fun skills training and games in three sports: Soccer, Flag Football, and Baseball. Key sports skills will be taught and practiced in all 3 sports so athletes will come out of camp with a great understanding of key skill components and gameplay of each sport. Camp ends with games/scrimmages the final day for each sport, where athletes can showcase their skills. Campers should wear athletic clothing/shoes and sunscreen. Bring a water bottle, snack, and a baseball glove. This is a great camp that produces well rounded athletes. Balls and other equipment are all provided.
6-12 year olds
Mon-Thursday,, 1-4 p.m.
June 22-25
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
DASH Sports: NBA Basketball Camp
DASH Sports Summer Jr. NBA basketball camps provide players with a well-rounded basketball experience covering a broad range of skills training and skill-based games. Players will be taught how to properly shoot, pass, dribble, and play defense in a fun and positive environment. Camp ends with scrimmages and games the final day where athletes can showcase their skills. Athletes should bring a water bottle and a snack. Balls are provided.
Two options:
1) You can choose to have your player receive a custom Jr. NBA Jersey of their favorite team with their name and number printed on the back to keep, or
2) Sign up for the same camp (same dates/time) without a jersey ($30 savings).
6-12 year olds - jersey included
Mon-Thursday, 9 a.m.-Noon
August 10, 11, 12 and 13
Emerson Elementary Gym
1109 E Euclid Ave
6-12 year olds - no jersey
Mon-Thursday, 9 a.m.-Noon
August 10, 11, 12 and 13
Emerson Elementary Gym
1109 E Euclid Ave
DASH Sports: Pickleball Camp
Pickleball is a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. DASH Sports Summer Pickleball camps provide participants with an introductory experience to the game in a fun and positive atmosphere. Emphasis is on technique and game play. Key elements of serving, returning, volleys, overheads, and lobbing will be taught and practiced. Camp ends with games on the final day. Participants should bring a water bottle and snack. Campers also should bring a pickleball paddle (if you don’t have one, we will provide paddles). Balls and all other equipment are provided.
6-12 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 9 a.m.-Noon
July 20, 21, 22 & 23
Emerson Elementary Gym
1109 E Euclid Ave
DASH Sports: SNAG Golf Camp
DASH Sports SNAG Golf Summer camps provide participants instruction on golf fundamentals using the Starting New At Golf (SNAG) program. Putting, chipping, pitching, and driving the ball work with this adapted equipment developed with a youngster's height and small hands in mind, creating a fun learning and playing experience. Participants should wear sunscreen and bring water and a snack. All equipment is provided.
6-10 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 9 a.m.-Noon
June 22-25
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
DASH Sports: Soccer Camp
DASH Sports Summer soccer camps provide players a well-rounded soccer experience covering a broad range of soccer skills (dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense) training and skill-based games. Players will be challenged and grouped at an appropriate level while receiving instruction in a fun, positive environment while learning values of ‘Respect, Hustle, and Pride’. Camp ends with a scrimmage on the final day where athletes can showcase their skills. Athletes should bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a snack (spikes and shin guards are optional). Balls are provided.
6-12 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 9 a.m.-Noon
June 15-18
McCord Park
900 S. P Street
DASH Sports: Track & Field Camp
DASH Sports Track & Field camps provide participants with practice in several areas including: Sprinting, javelin throwing, shotput, relay running, jumping & distance running. Campers will be tested/timed & re-tested on several events. Emphasis is on technique & proper form. Camp consists of many different types of physical activities, drills, & games, all tailored specifically to enhance overall track & field performance. Campers should bring a water bottle & wear athletic shoes.
6-10 year olds
Tuesdays, 5:55-6:55 p.m.
April 30, May 7, 14, and 21
Barker Park
401 S. 1st Street
DASH Sports: Track & Field Camp
DASH Sports Summer Track & Field camps provide participants with practice in several areas including: sprinting, throwing (javelin and shot put), relay running, long jumping and distance running. Emphasis is on technique and proper form. All players will be timed/tested on the first and last day. Camp consists of many different types of physical activities, drills, and games, all tailored specifically to enhance overall track and field performance. Campers should wear sunscreen, bring a water bottle, snack, and wear athletic clothing/shoes.
6-12 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 9 am - Noon
July 6, 7, 8 and 9
Catch Des Moines Field
Pickard Park
2205 E. 2nd Avenue
DASH Sports: Ultimate Games Camp
DASH Sports Summer Ultimate Games camp provides participants with a fun experience learning and playing your favorite physical education games! Games will include: Capture the Flag, Kickball, Dodgeball, Tag games, Ultimate Frisbee/Football, Soccer, Sharks and Minnows, and more! Participants will learn teamwork, and values such as respect, hustle, and pride, all in a fun environment. Campers should bring a snack, water bottle, and wear sunscreen. All other equipment is provided.
6-12 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 1-4 p.m.
July 27, 28, 29 & 30
Moats Park
900 N. 1st Street
DASH Sports: Volleyball Camp
DASH Sports Summer Volleyball camps provide players with a well-rounded experience in a fun environment. Key volleyball skills such as passing, serving, and hitting will be taught and practiced throughout the week. Fun, volleyball skill specific games are also incorporated, giving players game type experience, and a better understanding of the game! The final day of camp ends with scrimmages and games for players to showcase their skills. Athletes should bring a water bottle and snack (knee pads optional). Balls are provided.
6-12 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 1-4 p.m.
July 6, 7, 8 & 9
Emerson Elementary Gym
1109 E Euclid Ave
6-12 year olds
Mon-Thursday, 1-4 p.m.
August 10, 11, 12, 13
Emerson Elementary Gym
1109 E Euclid Ave