Summer Learning Guide 2024

Are you dreading these lamentations from your kids this summer? Never fear! Dubuque County has no shortage of activities for kids of all ages this summer.

From nature programs to sports camps, STEM activities to performing arts groups, summer learning opportunities don't necessarily look like "summer school." Think of many of these activities like a staycation with bonus enrichment. Maybe your child will stay on top of their reading while painting a masterpiece. Or absorb math concepts while shooting hoops. Or build their social skills while paddling a canoe.

Working with our Every Child Reads partner organizations, we've compiled a list of summer opportunities for you to explore with your children. We've provided links and contact information so you can sign up for the ones that appeal to your family. Many programs are free or run by organizations that offer scholarships for attendance. Plus, you can call 2-1-1 to arrange for free transportation!

If you have questions, we are here for you! Contact Mary Jo Jean-Francois, vice president of impact at maryjoj@dbqfoundation.org or 563-588-2700.

If you know of a program that is not on this list, please email maryjoj@dbqfoundation.org.

Throughout Summer

Free Admission on Thursdays
Dubuque Museum of Art
Explore the exhibits for free on Thursdays. Please see the following link for more details. https://dbqart.org/visit/

Free Park Programs
Dubuque City Parks
See the following link for more information. City Park Playgrounds

Nature Walk and Interpretive Center
EB Lyons and Mines of Spain
See the following link for more information. https://www.minesofspain.org/visitorcenter/

Exploration Labs
Centrally Rooted
Exploration Labs are free spaces for creativity which include a music lab and a fully stocked art lab. For more information, visit: https://www.centrallyrooted.com/exploration-lab or call 563-500-7641. Hours beginning June 1st are as follows: Mon, Wed, Thur, 10-4; Tues, 1-4; Fri, Sat 9-12. Centrally Rooted is located at 2230 Central Avenue, Dubuque.

Movin’ Groovin’ Mornings
May 4, June 15, July 13, and August 10 @ 10:30 AM
Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Grab your kiddos and head to the library for a morning of moving and grooving! Listen to songs and stories, play with scarves and shakers, and have so much silly fun together. Best for ages 2–6, though all are welcome to attend. 360 W 11th St. 563-589-4225 x2228. CarnegieStout.org.

Summer Teen Nights
Mondays–Thursdays: June 18–July 31 @ 5:30–8:30 PM
Multicultural Family Center
The MFC is the place for teens to hang out and interact in a safe, fun environment that promotes unity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and empowers youth to reach their potential. Teen Nights consists of dinner, field trips, guest speakers, video games, and many other games and activities! Grades 6–12. Free. 1157 Central Ave. 563-582-3681. MFCdbq.org.

Storytime and Other Events
Cascade Public Library
Storytime on Fridays are weekly throughout the summer from 9:30-10:30. For all free events see: City of Cascade Summer Reading

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day®
June 6 or July 9
NECAS on NICC's Peosta Campus
The Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® program is the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. The purpose of this one-day event is to teach students to stay safe on farms and at home with a variety of age-appropriate lessons. Topics may include ATV safety, bike safety, fire safety, machinery safety and more. Youth who live on a farm, work on a farm or visit a farm are encouraged to attend. Open to children ages 4-12. Registration is required. Space is limited. For more information email safetyday@nicc.edu or visit www.nicc.edu/camps.

May, 2024

Garfield the Cat Party
May 11 @ 1 PM
Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Garfield is starring in a new movie! Celebrate the beloved star of almost 80 books at an epic bash featuring Garfield trivia, Garfield button-making, candy lasagna, and more. All ages. RSVP required. 360 W 11th St. 563-589-4225 x2228. CarnegieStout.org.

Free Summer Musical Program
May 17-18
Bell Tower Theater
Auditions and crew sign-up for this summer’s music program. For more information see Free Musical Program call 563-588-3377, or email info@belltowertheater.net

Children’s Spring Party
Sunday, May 19 @ 11 AM–2 PM
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens McKay Plaza
An annual tradition of a fun, engaging, and informative family-oriented event for the Dubuque community. Children can mingle with some of their favorite costumed characters, explore nature, plant a kids tree, and enjoy the story walk ribbon cutting, emergency vehicles, games, prizes, and more. Food, drink, and ice cream are available for purchase. Sponsored by Midwest One Bank Wealth Management. All ages. There is a $2 fee. 3800 Arboretum Dr. 563-556-2100. DubuqueArboretum.net.

American Girl Days
Sunday, May 19 @ 1–3 PM
Centrally Rooted
Centrally Rooted, a Dubuque-based nonprofit organization that focuses on brain health through creative expression, will host Jacqueline Hunter, founder of Oh Happy Play, in a special “Learn and Play” event based on the American Girl book series and doll brand. American Girl books aim to educate, empower, promote understanding, spark important conversations, and create change. Discover the worlds of Josephina, Kirstin, Molly, Addy, and Felicity through storytelling, engaging activities, and creative writing. Participants will learn about important people, places, and events in American history. Inspired by the American Girl stories, participants will be creating their own storybook for their doll. AG Days aren’t just about history and writing; they are about making friends and creating unforgettable memories. Ages 8–12. RSVP required. Free. 2230 Central Ave. centrallyrooted.com/upcoming-events.

June, 2024

Annie Auditions
Saturday, June 1 @ 9 AM–Noon
Sunday, June 2 @ 2–7 PM
Clarke University Terence Donaghoe Hall
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. The show features area students in grades 2–12. Show dates are Aug. 7–11. All students will be cast in this production. 1550 Clarke Dr. 563-588-4356. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.

Traveling Lantern Theater Company
Saturday, June 8 @ 10 AM
Legacy Square Amphitheater (Dyersville, IA)
The Traveling Lantern Theater Company presents “The Quest for the Kakapo.” Crikey! Join the Caterpillar Hunter on another exciting adventure as he travels around the world to rescue the Kakapo, a rare endangered parrot from New Zealand. 563-875-8912. https://www.dyersville.lib.ia.us/

Nature Play Camp
June 10–12 @ 9 AM–Noon
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Heinemann Visitor Center
During this 3-hour program, students will have the opportunity to explore and discover various beautiful gardens and natural areas. Mindful Musicians joins during group circle each day to promote positive brain health and coping skills through song. Certified teachers will be facilitating the students throughout the program. This is a student drop-off program. Ages 3–5. 3800 Arboretum Dr. 563-556-2100. https://dubuquearboretum.net/

Butterfly Tent
Monday, June 10 @ 10:30–11:30 AM
Dubuque County Library Asbury Branch (Asbury, IA)
Encounter and feed live butterflies at Absolute Science’s butterfly tents. Learn about the butterfly lifecycle with interactive activity tables. All ages. 5290 Grand Meadow Dr, Asbury, IA. 563-582-0008. https://www.dubcolib.org/events/

BESTIE Club: Tiny Art
Tuesday, June 11 @ 6 PM
Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Visit the library for BESTIE Club (Bonding & Eating Snacks Together Is Excellent) and to spend some time with your favorite adult—Mom, Dad, Auntie, cousin, whoever—and make cool art, eat snacks, and learn something new. New artsy activities will be featured each month. Supplies are limited. Ages 10+ with an adult. RSVP required. 360 W 11th St. 563-589-4225 x2228. https://carnegiestout.org/

Kadesh Flow & Dinosaur O’Dell
Friday, June 14 @ 10 AM
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Kadesh Flow is a rapper with an MBA, a trombone Super Saiyan, and a Billboard chart recording/performing artist. Dino has engaged children with music and stories for more than 20 years and he can be found counting monsters, fixing spaceships or swimming in peanut butter. Together this music and storytelling show focuses on the cultural diversity of planet Earth. Using geography as a guide Kadesh and Dino travel the world experiencing food, language, games, and other interesting cultural phenomena. Join the library twice a month on Friday mornings at the Dubuque Arboretum for an outdoor library program. From music to science and even bike tricks, this is the place for family educational fun. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and get ready for a show. These programs are sponsored by the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. No rain dates. All ages. Free. 3800 Arboretum Dr. 563-589-4225 x2228. https://carnegiestout.org/.

Book Detective: Zar and the Broken Spaceship
Friday, June 14 @ 1 PM
James Kennedy Public Library (Dyersville, IA)
From author and children’s presenter Dino O’Dell. Check out this interactive, engaging, educational show complete with music, dancing, and tons of fun. 320 1st Ave E, Dyersville, IA. 563-875-8912. https://www.dyersville.lib.ia.us/

2nd Annual Dubuque Dog Expo
Saturday, June 15 @ 1–4 PM
Flora Park
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time filled with furry fun, featuring pet-friendly vendors and expert tips for a happy and healthy pup. Whether you’re a dog owner or wish you were, this event is a must-attend. Bring your canine companion and make unforgettable memories together. Enjoy food trucks, agility demonstrations, area dog related vendors, caricature artists, and more. 2605 Pennsylvania Ave. 563-583-8387.https://www.facebook.com/dbqpetmed

Nature Art Camp
June 17–19 @ 9 AM–Noon, June 24–26 @ 9 AM–Noon,
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Heinemann Visitor Center
During this 3-hour program, students will have the opportunity to explore an array of art media such as painting, drawing, and sculpture, while also discovering the natural beauty of the many gardens and natural areas. Certified teachers will facilitate the program. Students will have the chance to develop their artistic skills while learning about the different plants and animals that inhabit these stunning locations. The program promises to be a fun and enriching experience for all those involved. This is a student drop-off program. Ages 4–6. 3800 Arboretum Dr. 563-556-2100. https://dubuquearboretum.net/

High School Computer Hardware
June 17-21, 10 a.m. - Noon
NICC's Peosta Campus
Do you want to get inside the computer case and explore how all the parts work together? Delve into CPUs, memory, chipsets, and ports. We'll look at each part and learn to troubleshoot some common computer issues, and we'll have fun working with different types of computers. For more information visit www.nicc.edu/camps.

Summer Teen Nights
Mondays–Thursdays: June 18–July 31 @ 5:30–8:30 PM
Multicultural Family Center
The MFC is the place for teens to hang out and interact in a safe, fun environment that promotes unity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and empowers youth to reach their potential. Teen Nights consists of dinner, field trips, guest speakers, video games, and many other games and activities! Grades 6–12. Free. 1157 Central Ave. 563-582-3681. https://www.mfcdbq.org/

Magician Rick Eugene
Friday, June 28 @ 10 AM
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
All ages are invited to attend this funny and family-friendly magic show with Rick “Eugene” Brammer, a popular magician from the Quad Cities. Rick Eugene specializes in comedy magic and family entertainment. Join the library twice a month on Friday mornings at the Dubuque Arboretum for an outdoor library program. From music to science and even bike tricks, this is the place for family educational fun. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and get ready for the show. These programs are sponsored by the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. No rain dates. All ages. Free. 3800 Arboretum Dr. 563-589-4225 x2228. https://carnegiestout.org/

July, 2024

4^th of July Ice Cream Social
Mathias Ham Historical Site
Join us from 11-4 for free tours of the Ham House, ice cream, food, and music!

Kids on Campus
July 15-19, 8:30 am - 4:30 p.m.
NICC's Peosta Campus
Your kids won’t stop talking about the fun classes and crazy experiments they will participate in during this week-long camp. Classes introduce kids to new ideas and concepts in a fun and interactive way. Kids on Campus provides a positive, creative learning environment everyone will enjoy! Lunch and snacks are included. Open to students entering grades 2-7 in the fall. For more information contact Krista Weitz at walsh-weitzk@nicc.edu or visit www.nicc.edu/camps.

Clarke University | Summer Scholarly Projects
Apply & Learn More Here!
Phone: 888-825-2753 

Holy Family Schools Summer Camps | Language & Literacy Camps, STEM Camps
Register & Learn More Here!
Email: ofunke@holyfamilydbq.org
Phone: 563-582-5456 

Iowa State Extension and Outreach Dubuque County STEM Summer Camps
Learn More!
563-583-6496

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium | Day Camp
Register & Learn More Here! 
Email: learning@rivermuseum.org  
Phone: 563-557-9545 X 222

Northeastern Iowa Community College | Kids on Campus Day Camp
Register & Learn More Here!
Email: walsh-weitzk@nicc.edu 
Phone: 844-642-2338 X 1399

St. Mark Youth Enrichment | Summer Programs
Register & Learn More Here!
Email: afoley@stmarkyouthenrichment.org
Phone: 563-582-6211

University of Dubuque | UD For Kids Camps
Register & Learn More Here!
Email: UDKids@dbq.edu  
Phone: 563-589-3000 

Challenge to Change Yoga Studio | Youth Yoga Classes
Register & Learn More Here! 
Email: grow@challengetochangeinc.com  
Phone: 563-451-7034 

City of Dubuque Leisure Services
Learn More Here! 
Phone: 563-589-4263 

Clarke University | Athletic Camps
Register & Learn More Here!
Phone: 888-825-2753 

Dubuque AYSO Youth Soccer
Register Here! 
Email: AYSO419@DubuqueAYSO.org  
Phone: 563-564-4718

Dubuque Esports League 2023 Sports Camps
Register Here!
Email: admin@dbqesports.org
Phone: 563-241-5690

Dubuque YMCA 
Explore Programs Here! 
Email: dgustafson@dubuquey.org 
Phone: 563-556-3371 

Float and Fly Wellness Studio | Anti-gravity Kids Summer Camp
Register & Learn More Here!
Phone: 563-585-1227

Holy Family Schools Summer Camps | Athletic Camps
Register & Learn More Here!   
Email: ofunke@holyfamilydbq.org
Phone: 563-582-5456 

Loras College | All-Sports Camp 
Learn More Here! 
Email: Sports.Camp@loras.edu  
Phone: 563-588-7053 or 563-588-4940

Spotlight Sporting Events | Senior High School
Learn More Here! 
Email: Sports.Camp@loras.edu
Phone: 563-275-6467

Bell Tower Theater | Summer Musical
Learn More Here!
Email: info@belltowertheater.net
Phone: 563-588-3377 

Captured on Canvas 
Learn More Here! 
Email: gallery@caponcanvas.com  
Phone: 563-663-9070

Centrally Rooted
Learn More Here!
Email: info.centrallyrooted@gmail.com

Clarke University | Rising Star Theater Company
Email: info@risingstartheatrecompany.com
Phone: 563-231-0110

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra| Youth Music Camps
Learn More Here! 
Phone: 563-557-1677

Holy Family Schools Summer Camps | Art & Culinary Art Camps
Register & Learn More!  
Email: ofunke@holyfamilydbq.org
Phone: 563-582-5456

The Grand Opera House | Summer Productions
Learn More Here!
Email: director@thegrandoperahouse.com
Phone: 563-588-4356

University of Dubuque | UD For Kids Camps 
Register & Learn More Here! 
Email: UDKids@dbq.edu  
Phone: 563-589-3000 

Carnegie Stout Public Library | Summer Reading Program 
Learn More Here! 
Email: cspl@carnegiestout.org 
Phone: 563-589-4225 X2228

Cascade Public Library | Monthly Programs 
Learn More Here! 
Email: library@citycascade.com  
Phone: 563-852-3222  

Dubuque County Library | Monthly Programs 
Learn More Here! 
Email: lydias@dubcolib.org  
Phone: 563-582-0008 

Dyersville Public Library | Monthly Programs 
Learn More Here! 
Email: librarian@dyersville.lib.ia.us  
Phone: 563-875-8912 

Dubuque Community School District
Learn More Here!
Email: mflogel@dbqschools.org
Phone: 563-552-3107

Holy Family | Eagles Day Camp
Learn More Here!
Email: eburke@holyfamilydbq.org
Phone: 563-582-3681

Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dubuque
Register & Learn More Here!
Email: info@boysgirlsdubuque.com
Phone: 563- 585-0599

Boy Scouts
Register & Learn More Here!
Email: nettie.elliott@scouting.org
Phone: 563-556-4343

Camp Frogwarts
Register & Learn More Here!
Email: frogwarts@gmail.com
Phone: 1-563-542-5452

Camp Wyoming
Register & Learn More Here!
Email: office@campwyoming.net
Phone: 1-563-488-3893

Dubuque County Conservation
Learn More Here!
Phone: 563-556-6745

Dubuque Dream Center
Learn More Here!
Email: rmcclellan@dbqdream.org
Phone: 563-845-7591

Ewalu Camp and Retreat Center
Learn More Here!
Email: camp@ewalu.org
Phone: 563-933-4700

Four Mounds | Adventure Day Camp
Register & Learn More Here! 
Email: becky@fourmounds.org 
Phone: 563-557-7292

Multicultural Family Center | Youth Programs

Learn More Here!
Email: info@mfcdbq.org
Phone: 563-582-3681

Parents as Teachers
Learn More Here!
Email: sburley@fouroaks.org
Phone: 563-557-3100

Sisters of St. Francis | Best Franciscan Friends Day Camp
Learn More Here!
Phone: 563-583-9786

YMCA | Day Camp at Union Park
Learn More Here! 
Phone: 563-556-3371