In From Dirt to Dinner, our little chefs will embark on a culinary adventure that teaches them all about where their food comes from! We will chop, mix, and create our own meals while learning about the different food groups and how fruits, vegetables, grains, and more start in nature and make their way to our dinner tables.

Welcome to “Tiny Trades and Talents,” a fun-filled, week-long program designed especially for preschoolers to explore the world of work. This exciting adventure introduces children to a variety of careers in a playful, hands-on way. Together, along with our community’s professionals, we will build confidence, and help our young children dream big, all while having a blast!

Embark on an incredible adventure in Animal Antics, where learning about animals is always a wild time! Throughout this week we will take your little one on a journey around the world to discover the amazing animals that live in our oceans, jungles, deserts, and even our backyards. Perfect for budding animal lovers, this class helps preschoolers foster curiosity, kindness towards animals, and an understanding of the variety of life on Earth.

Brushstrokes and Beyond is an art class designed for preschoolers to explore their creativity and express themselves through art. This week will encourage little ones to use their imaginations as they play with colors, textures, and shapes to experience the joy of creating something uniquely their own.

Get ready for a star-spangled week full of water fun! During our 3 day program, children will enjoy splashy games outside and cool, creative water experiments indoors. They’ll explore fun science concepts by experimenting with water movement and buoyancy and even create their own refreshing flavored water with fresh fruits. Come ready to explore, splash, and sip in this unforgettable week of fun!

This week is all about discovery! Children will explore the wonders of science through interactive, engaging experiments and hands-on training. Through each experiment, we will develop curiosity and problem solving skills. With fun activities designed to captivate and inspire, this program fosters a love of exploration, creativity, and discovery. Children will leave with a sense of awe and wonder at the world around them!

Dates: July 7 – 11, 2025

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Cost: $135/Y Member or $160/Non-Member

Location: Waukee Family YMCA Makerspace

Contact: [email protected]

Please Note: A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of Half-Day Enrichment Programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.

From sandy shores to wide-open fields, get ready for an adventure as the excitement of the beach meets the charm of the farm! Children will dive into coastal life by exploring the shore, creating beach art, splishing and splashing, and discovering marine creatures, while also experiencing the joys of farm life through animal care, gardening, and outdoor fun! With a perfect balance of excitement and exploration, the spirit of adventure will be as endless as the ocean and as nurturing as the farm!

Dates: July 14 – 18, 2025

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Cost: $135/Y Member or $160/Non-Member

Location: Waukee Family YMCA Makerspace

Contact: [email protected]

Please Note: A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of Half-Day Enrichment Programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.

Creativity shines in this interactive art adventure! With no rules about making a mess, young artists will delight in the hands-on experience of exploring a variety of art forms and learning how to express themselves through unique, fun, and exciting designs. This program celebrates the fun of creating and the joy of self-expression! 

Dates: July 21 – 25, 2025

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Cost: $135/Y Member or $160/Non-Member

Location: Waukee Family YMCA Makerspace

Contact: [email protected]

Please Note: A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of Half-Day Enrichment Programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.

Blast into a galaxy of fun! We will embark on a stellar adventure through space as we explore the mysteries of the universe. Children will launch their imaginations while discovering what it’s like to be an astronaut on a mission to the stars!

Dates: July 28 – August 1, 2025

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Cost: $135/Y Member or $160/Non-Member

Location: Waukee Family YMCA Makerspace

Contact: [email protected]

Please Note: A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of Half-Day Enrichment Programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.

Hear ye, hear ye! Prepare to be transported to a captivating land with castles, knights, princesses, dragons, and enchanted forest animals. We will be wishing on a star during this magical week as we play games, create fairytales, make masterpieces, and earn a crown in our very own royal kingdom.

Dates: August 4 – 8, 2025

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Cost: $135/Y Member or $160/Non-Member

Location: Waukee Family YMCA Makerspace

Contact: [email protected]

Please Note: A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of Half-Day Enrichment Programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.