School’s Out Day Camps
Explore something new at one or more of our popular day and overnight camps, focused on history, culture, biology, and STEM-topics! Camps are available year-round for school-aged children!
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!
Join the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium for School’s Out Day Camps that take place on weekdays when the Dubuque Community School District is not in session. These full-day camps are for students in K-5th grade. Students are required to bring a sack lunch and a reusable water bottle.
- Drop off between 8:45-9:15 a.m.
- Programs start at 9 a.m.
- Lunch runs from noon - 1 p.m. (Bring sack lunch.)
- Pick up between 4-4:15 p.m.
- Programs end at 4 p.m.
Registration & Cost
Members must register and create a login password to receive the member discount. This can be done after selecting a session by clicking on the links in the upper right-hand corner of the page. The membership discount will be applied when you go click "Add to Cart."
Payment and registration are required at least one week prior to each session.
Members* $50 student/session Register for all 8 programs for the price of 7 ($50 savings)
Non-Members $60 student/session Register for all 8 programs for the price of 7 ($60 savings)
Scholarships
A limited number of School's Out Day Camp Scholarships are available to those who are in need of assistance. If you have any questions or would like information, please contact Kaelyn Howe at learning@rivermuseum.org.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
A full refund or transfer will be granted if cancellations are received seven days in advance of the program. In the event that a session should be canceled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you will be notified via email or phone by 7:30 a.m. for the morning session and 11:30 a.m. for the afternoon session on the day of the program. The Museum & Aquarium will then reschedule your child for an upcoming session if possible or refund accordingly.
Questions?
Contact Kaelyn Howe at 563-557-9545 x222 or learning@rivermuseum.org.
Fall Semester
Buggin’ Out | October 6, 2023
Species that creep, crawl, fly, and buzz. If you like bees, butterflies, and beetles, this is the camp for you. Come explore the world of bugs!
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Scat and Tracks | October 26, 2023
What’s scat you say? A lot can be learned from what is left behind. You will uncover the stories feces and footprints have to tell while being able to identify species in the area.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Villains vs. Superheroes | October 27, 2023
It’s a bird…it’s a plane…no, it’s a keystone species! These species are very important to an ecosystem surviving, so you just might call them superheroes. Also, you will learn about pesky invasive species that show up in areas not suited for them. Come along as we discover the villains and superheroes living in certain habitats.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Spring Semester
Rollin’ on and Along the Mississippi River | January 15, 2024
All aboard! From barges and dredge boats to trains, become a riverboat captain and conductor on the same day. We will explore transportation on and along the Mississippi River.
Sensational! | January 16, 2024
Look! Listen! Sniff! Touch! Taste! How do your senses compare with other species in nature? We will discover senses certain wildlife rely on more than others. Get ready for a sensational day.
What Did the Groundhog Say? | February 2, 2024
The groundhog may think he knows how to predict an early spring, but understanding weather and climate takes skill. You will learn the difference between the two, as well as find out how wildlife adapts to survive in various temperatures and precipitation patterns.
Choose your Museum Adventure | February 22, 2024
What would your role be? It takes many people to help run the museum. Would you step into the world of education or be responsible for the care of the many species that live here? Maybe you like cleaning or fixing things or even handling money. You will learn about the important roles at the museum and see where you would best fit. Where will your adventure take you?
We’re All in This Together | February 23, 2024
Huddle up! Flock, herd, pack, and school are examples of how species in nature work together. We will learn about these partnerships and why teamwork is important.
What’s in your Watershed? | March 29, 2024
What is that species? Where does that stream flow? Learn about what is living in your neighborhood, plus how you and others can impact locations miles away. Come find out what’s in your watershed.