Camps, Classes, and Lessons “OH MY”
Kid's Own Vacation!
Whether you are a weekly Okoboji visitor, here for just a few days, or a local looking to keep the kids busy this summer, there are camps, classes or lessons to appeal to all kids! While the kids are having a blast learning something new, travel around and check out local shops, eateries, or learn more about the history at local museums!
Sailing Lessons
One of the most unique experiences you'll find in Okoboji is sailing lessons at the Okoboji Sailing Center and Yacht Club. The OSC has been teaching youth (and adults) to sail since it was established in 1973. Programming ranges from introductory class for young sailors ages 6-8 called “Little Puffs” to “Adventure Sailing,” a new class that ties in STEM activities to sailing for youth ages 10-16 to “Performance Racing” classes aimed at the more competitive sailors ages 18 and under. Register today! There is something for every age and ability level.
Nature Center Camps & Classes
The Dickinson County Nature Center is a fun stop anytime you're in Okoboji for indoor and outdoor educational, hands-on exhibits that will absolutely WOW you and your kids! In addition to the fun you'll find at the Nature Center all year long, kids can register for fun classes and camps throughout the summer! Check out their event and class schedule here. From Friday Family Fun nights, to nature tots, nature explorers, and a variety of summer camps for all ages you may find yourself at the Nature Center every time you visit Okoboji this summer!
Golf Lessons
Maybe your teenager or child would like to learn to golf or improve their game. Emerald Hills Golf Course, under the direction of head pro, Randy Rohlfsen, offers a Junior Golf Program. Kids will experience a week of instruction in all facets of the game in June, and then every other week play dates throughout the summer. There are weekly prizes and a season ending tournament. Emerald Hills also hosts a week long Junior Camp in June which includes one on one instruction, meals, skill contests and a tournament. Brooks Golf offers two, four-day Junior Golf Camps with instruction from teaching Pros. Instruction includes full swing analysis, putting, pitching and chipping. The participants compete daily in long drive contests, as well as short game competitions, with the winners receiving award certificates and prizes. Spencer Golf and Country Club also offers a junior golf clinic the month of June for students age 7 to age 14.
Okoboji Performing Arts Summer Academy
Summer Academy allows kids to explore the arts and find their passion in a fun atmosphere designed to enhance appreciation of and participation in performing arts.
Kindermusik
With 40 years of passion for early childhood music and movement, Kindermusik is a world class experience and fairly new to Okoboji! Classes are specifically created to engage whole child development through research-based music and movement. Get ready for musical, magical and memorable moments! Registration is now open for summer camps!
Church Camps
If a Church Camp is what you have in mind be sure to check out the offerings at Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp or Lutheran Lakeside Camp. Ingham Okoboji offers on-water activities, piant-ball, fishing and so much more! You can even come to camp as a family with many weeks of Family Camp. Lutheran Lakeside amenities include a swimming pool, beach front on East Lake Okoboji, zip-line and much more. The kids will have so much fun and their faith will be strengthened as well!
Dickinson County ISU Extension Camps & Classes
Learn new skill and have fun in the classes and camps offered by the Dickinson County Extension Office. Gardening, Fish Camp, bot coding, and cooking are just a few of the options available! Registration opens April 5, but you can opens in a new windowcheck out all of the options today! There is something for every age and ability level.
Art Classes
There is no shortage of art classes for the mini-Michelangelo in the Family. Watch for the Pearson Lakes Art Center summer schedule, coming soon. You can also find family painting events or schedule a birthday party at Kurio Kastle in downtown Spirit Lake.
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Camps
Lakeside Laboratory offers experiential learning at its finest! Kids of all ages will find come home after day of camp smiling and excited to tell you about what they learned! Classes fill up fast, so add your name to a wait list if your child's favorite class is already full.
Camp Foster
Camp Foster YMCA, on East Lake Okoboji, has been entertaining campers for years. With day camps and overnight camps, the options are endless and every week has a fun-filled theme that makes each week a little bit different if one week at camp isn't long enough! Oh yeah, there is even a week long Boots and Saddles Camp for the horse lover or a water sports specialty camp! Day Camp runs from 8:45 am- 4 pm and there are convenient bus stops all around the area. This will be the week your kids will be writing about as their summer highlight when they go back to school in the fall. These camps do fill up fast, but it's worth check them out and getting your name on a waiting list.
Whether you're looking to help your son or daughter hone a skill, learn something new, gain confidence, grown in their faith, or just keep them busy, there is seriously SOOO much to do!!! The hardest part may be making the choice what to do…OR …you may just need to stay another week to get it all in!
