Day Camps

Located on 500 acres of prairie, woods, and farmland—with a stream, nature paths, and historic areas begging to be explored—Day Camp offers nonstop fun and learning!

Living History Farms’ outdoor Day Camp Program provides a unique, interactive way for children entering kindergarten through eighth grade to experience daily life as it was on Iowa farms and in Iowa towns in the past. (Note: Red boxes on the registration calendar mean that a week is sold out. Weeks with available spots will show as green on the calendar.) Please review our Day Camp Policies & Procedures before you register.

Spring Camp registration has closed.

Spring and Summer Camp Registration

Spring and Summer Camp registration opens January 4 for LHF members and January 18 for non-members.

Participant Information Form

Registration for Day Camp is not considered complete until you submit this form. You can use the Notes field in this form to request that your child be placed in the same session as another camper; we will do our best to accommodate you.

Policies

Members receive a 15% discount and exclusive early registration for all Day Camp programs. Make sure your membership is up to date before registering for camp. Discounts are not applied retroactively. Purchase or renew your membership here.

Early drop-off and late pick-up information (Summer Camp only)

*Buy early drop-off and late pick-up tickets under the “Purchase Tickets” tab on our website. They will be available when camp tickets go on sale. More information will be available on the Summer Camp 2022 page.

Early drop-off session:

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-9 a.m.: $40/week (non-member), $34/week (member)

Late pick-up session:

Monday-Friday, 4 p.m.-5 p.m.: $40/week (non-member), $34/week (member)

Early drop-off, short session:

Week of July 5-8: $32/week (non-member), $27.20/week (member)

Late pick-up, short session:

Week of July 5-8: $32/week (non-member), $27.20/week (member)

*There is no early drop-off for afternoon only camps and no late pick-up for morning only camps.

Space is limited and subject to availability. To have the best chance of securing a spot, register for this service while registering for camp.

2022 Day Camp Packs

Can be purchased here while supplies last. Choose your pack based on the camper’s shirt size.

Youth Small

Youth Medium

Youth Large

Youth Extra-Large

Camp Packs cost $38 and are handed out to campers on their first day of camp.

Camp Packs include*:

T-shirt (below)
Sarsaparilla
Rock candy
Plush animal
Bag

Living History Farms’ Day Camp Program is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA)

ACA accreditation standards cover all aspects of camp operation. ACA accreditation verifies that the camp has complied with up to 290 standards for health, safety, and program quality, which are recognized by courts of law and governments. Learn more by visiting the ACA website at acacamps.org.

Living History Farms Camp Mission

Living History Farms Day Campers will connect with history, science, nature, and much more through authentic, engaging, and fun experiences, all within the overall mission of the museum: to educate and connect all peoples to the many stories of Midwestern rural heritage.

Living History Farms Camp Vision

The Day Camp experience will help today’s youth prepare for the future by experiencing and learning from the past.

Day Camp Inclusion and Diversity Statement

Living History Farms Day Camp Program fosters an inclusive, respectful environment, which acknowledges and reinforces the dignity and uniqueness of all. We strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, ability, or status, can grow through their experiences at camp.

Through the camp experience, campers will engage with others with diverse backgrounds, getting the opportunity to meet new people and to make new friends. Outdoor experiences, activities, crafts, games, and visits to the various historic sites at Living History Farms will help all campers expand their horizons.

Camp staff take seriously their responsibilities as role models. As a Character Counts!^© organization, the museum and its staff and volunteers strive to model the 6 Pillars of Good Character®: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. Read more about Character Counts!^© here.