Summer camps at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium provide children entering K–5th grade with engaging, interactive programs during the summer months. Participants must bring a sack lunch and reusable water bottle for full day camps. Campers are divided by grade level.
Camp Registration Closes One-Week Prior to the Start of Each Camp!
Schedule:
KinderKamps: 9 AM - 12 PM
Elementary School Camps: 9 AM - 4 PM
Cost:
KinderKamps: Members: $100 | Non-members: $125
Elementary School Camps: Members: $120 | Non-members: $150
For Members
Members receive a discount on camp pricing. To ensure your discount is received, you must create a username and password, using the same email address that is on your membership account. To log in or register your account, select your purchase. After you're directed to a new page, you'll have the option to select "Sign-In" or "Register" in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
Scholarships
A limited number of Summer 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 the email below.
For questions on summer camps, please contact our education team at learning@rivermuseum.org.
Full refunds or transfers will be granted up to two weeks prior to each camp.
June 15th-19th: KinderKamp- Animal Heros (entering Kindergarten)
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Animal Heros is an exciting adventure camp inspired by the puppy heroes of PAW Patrol™. Campers will learn how to overcome challenges, take heroic action, and help others. They will also learn about real-life animal heroes and have adventures through stories, games, crafts, and hands-on activities. They will leave camp understanding how animals show courage, teamwork, and kindness every day and how we can too!
Registration opening soon!
June 22nd-26th: KinderKamp- Superpowers Camp (entering Kindergarten)
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Superpowers Camp is an action-packed adventure where kids discover the amazing, real-life superpowers of nature and animals! Through games, exploring the Paw Patrol™ Adventure Play exhibit, experiments, and crafts, kids see how nature and animals’ abilities are used to overcome challenges in the wild. At Superpowers Camp, campers learn that superpowers are real and everyone has their own special strengths too!
Registration opening soon!
July 7th-9th: Explorers of the Driftless (1st-5th grade)
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Explorers of the Driftless is a fun outdoor camp where kids explore the land along the Mississippi River and the Driftless Region. Campers experience different forms of nature like rocks, bluffs, hills, and riverbanks while learning how the land was shaped long ago. Kids discover fossils, learn why some areas have steep hills and caves, and find out why this region is special. Through games, crafts, and hands-on activities, campers learn that rocks and land can tell stories.
Registration opening soon!
July 21st - 23rd: River Rats (1st-5th grade)
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
River Rats will explore the Mighty Mississippi and discover the magic of the river. Slip on your mud boots and join us for a hands-on adventure in river and animal science! Roll up your sleeves and explore our wetland area and the Port of Dubuque. By the end of camp, campers will understand how to respect and care for the river while having a fun and adventurous experience.
Registration Closed!
July 28th - 30th: Survival Camp (1st-5th grade)
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Survival Camp is an outdoor adventure where campers learn the basics of staying safe and confident in the wilderness. Kids practice survival skills through games, hands-on activities, and challenges. Campers will learn how to respect nature, work as a team, and stay calm in any situation. Survival Camp builds confidence and a love for adventure while teaching skills every explorer should know.
Registration opening soon!
August 4th - 6th: Living History (1st-5th grade)
Location: Mathias Ham Historic Site | 2241 Lincoln Ave., Dubuque IA 52001
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Through hands-on activities and simulations, campers will live the history of Westward Expansion, the Victorian era, the Driftless Area, early settlers of Dubuque, and life along the Mississippi River. Campers will participate in traditional pioneer chores, be a student in a one-room schoolhouse, experience life like a settler in a log cabin, work in a replica lead miners, and explore the newly restored Ham House.
Camp address and Drop off/pick up location: 2241 Lincoln Avenue
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Registration opening soon!