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.
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. Camp registration will close 1-week prior to the start of each camp!
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 our education team 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 our Education Team at 563-557-9545 or learning@rivermuseum.org.
fall Semester
Life of a Voyageur | October 10, 2025
Grab your paddle and get ready for an adventure as we uncover the adventurous life of the voyageurs on the mighty Mississippi River. Campers will explore the world of these 18th-century fur traders through hands-on experiences, old-world crafts, and lively storytelling. Learn how they built shelters, paddled long distances, and traded goods across the vast North American frontier. It’s a journey into history where you’ll gain the skills, songs, and spirit of the voyageurs who shaped the river’s legacy.
Slime & Scales | October 30, 2025
From gooey snails to slithering snakes, come discover the wild and wiggly world of all things slimy and scaly! Campers will get hands-on with exciting experiments, make their own messy slime, and meet real-life critters. We’ll also become junior herpetologists as we explore the cool differences between reptiles and amphibians—and learn how these animals survive in the wild.
Heebies & Jeebies | October 31, 2025
Spiders, scorpions and exoskeletons, Oh My! Get into the Halloween spirit as we meet some of nature’s creepiest (and coolest!) critters. From buzzing bugs to crawling creatures without backbones, we’ll explore the wild world of invertebrates and uncover the truth behind their spooky reputations. Through hands-on activities, games, and up-close encounters, campers will discover that these tiny creatures aren’t so scary after all.
Spring Semester
Toad-ally in Love | February 13, 2026
What’s slimy, warty and jumpy? Frogs, of course! Hop on down to the River Museum to become a frog expert. We’ll have a jumping time exploring the stages of metamorphosis, conducting our own “frog chorus,” meet some live toads and learn all about Wyoming Toads. You’ll toad-ally be in love with frogs after this camp!
Kid Carpentry | March 12, 2026
This day is all about the art of woodworking! From crafting wooden boats to building picture frames, campers will use real tools and materials to bring their own creations to life. We’ll also go behind the scenes with the Museum & Aquarium’s exhibit team for an exclusive tour of their workshop and learn how they bring exhibits from blueprint to reality.
Who Eats What? | March 13, 2026
What’s for lunch in the animal kingdom? At this camp, we’ll sink our teeth into the world of herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores! Campers will explore how different animals eat, hunt, graze, and survive—whether they’re munching on plants, chasing prey, or enjoying a little of both. Through games, hands-on activities, and animal encounters, we’ll learn about food chains, teeth and claws, and how diet shapes life in the wild.
Home Tweet Home | April 3, 2026
Join us as we flap into the world of our feathered friends! We’ll discover what birds eat by taking a close look at their beaks and feet, then lend them a helping wing by making bird feeders and building cozy birdhouses. It’s a hands-on adventure that’s sure to make your spirits soar!
Deep Sea Divers | April 6, 2026
Did you know more people have traveled to space than to the deepest parts of our oceans? Join us as we explore the mysterious world beneath the waves—one of the least explored places on Earth. We’ll search for strange and fascinating creatures like cuttlefish, frilled sharks, anglerfish, and even the elusive giant squid. The deep sea is calling—are you ready to dive in?