family photographer in Cedar Falls, Iowa

Your Complete Guide to 2025 Summer Camps for Kids in Cedar Falls

As the warm summer days approach, parents in Cedar Falls and nearby areas start looking for enriching and fun experiences to keep their kids engaged. Whether your little one dreams of time-traveling through art, exploring the great outdoors, or spending time mastering new skills, summer camps in Cedar Falls and nearby locationsoffer something for everyone. This guide covers the best summer camps in 2025, complete with key details and activities.

And while summer is the season of adventures and exploration, it’s also the perfect time to document your family’s memories with a local professional family photographer. Think sunlit fields, giggling kids, and carefree moments that make up your summer story. But we’ll circle back to that later!

1. Hearst Center for the Arts: Time-Traveling Art Adventures

Address: 304 W Seerley Blvd, Cedar Falls, IA

Does your child love art and imagination? The Hearst Center for the Arts invites young children aged 5-12 to embark on a time-traveling art adventure! Each week camp session will have the same program and explore themes like modern masterpieces, pre-historic cave art, and contemporary styles. So, I recommend families to register for only one of the six weeks.

  • Age Group: 5-12 years
  • Dates/Days: Weekly sessions, Monday-Friday
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Fees: $190/week ($170 for Friends Members)
  • Location: Hearst Center for the Arts
  • Key Activities: Interactive art projects, themed creative exercises, and fun learning moments about art history.
  • Link: https://bit.ly/HearstRegister

Tip: For busy parents, before and after care is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for additional $10/day.

2. Waterloo Center for the Arts

Camp Address: 503 South Street, Waterloo, IA

If your child is an explorer at heart, the camps at Waterloo Center for the Arts will excite them. Themes like Egyptology, food science, pirates, dinosaurs, fashion, and even video games ensure kids are not just entertained but also inspired. If you will need to drop off your kid early or pick up late, extended care is also available for an extra fee.

  • Age Group: 6-9 years and 10-14 years
  • Dates/Days: Camps run through June and July; Morning and afternoon sessions available
  • Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Fees: $58 for members, $65 for non-members
  • Key Activities: Themed educational programs, creative projects, and social interactions.
  • Link: gmdistrict.org/summercamps

3. Hartman Reserve Nature Center

Address: 657 Reserve Dr, Cedar Falls, IA

For families who value outdoor adventures, Hartman Reserve is a haven for nature-loving kids. Campers will enjoy kayaking, fishing, hiking, pond exploring, camping, and learning skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, information synthesis, creativity, perseverance, and more in an engaging outdoor setting surrounded by beautiful nature.

  • Age Group: 5-16 years
  • Dates: Multiple camp options, ranging from half-day to three-day programs
  • Fees: Varies based on program length
  • Key Activities: Kayaking, pond exploration, camping skills, and nature hikes.
  • Link: https://www.hartmanreserve.org/summer-camps.html

Pro Tip: Ensure you download and submit the “Youth Release Form” and any required medication forms ahead of time. This form is needed for everyone (even siblings).

4. YMCA Summer Camp

Address: Helen G. Nassif YMCA, Cedar Rapids

YMCA’s 10-week summer camp is a reliable option for busy families, offering flexibility and fun-filled activities. Choose between the full summer (10-week) program or select specific weeks based on your schedule. If you opt for full summer program, you can enjoy one-weeks’ vacation at 50%. In case you choose the second option and need to cancel, you will need to pay for 50% of that weeks’ tuition. However, you can cancel without any charges until May 16, 2025.

Sibling Discount: Families enrolling more than one child can avail of a 10% discount for additional siblings.

5. Cedar Falls Rec Center

Address: Various Locations (Aldrich, Cedar Heights, Hansen Schools)

If you’re looking for a well-rounded camp that combines learning, play, and adventure, the Cedar Falls Rec Center is a fantastic choice. Perfect for kids who thrive in active, social settings, this summer program is designed to keep kids active, engaged, and smiling throughout the summer. Experienced counselors guide campers through various activities like sports, games, and team challenges. For this summer camp, make sure you pack a sack lunch and appropriate athletic attire for your kid. Weekly field trips add excitement, and afternoons spent at The Falls Aquatic Center are a favorite among participants.

  • Age Group: Completing 1st–6th grades
  • Dates: June 9 – August 8, 2025
  • Time: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Fees: Available upon registration
  • Key Activities: Sports, weekly field trips, and afternoons at The Falls Aquatic Center.
  • Link: https://www.cedarfalls.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2238

Sign up early as spots are limited!

Note: Ensure punctual drop-offs and pick-ups—campers are welcomed no earlier than 15 minutes before start time and must be picked up promptly to avoid additional charges.

6. UNI WRC Panther Camp

Address: UNI Wellness/Recreation Center, Cedar Falls, IA

Get ready for 10 weeks of high-energy fun and adventure at the UNI Wellness/Recreation Center! The UNI WRC Panther Camp is perfect for kids who love sports, outdoor activities, and exploring new skills in a dynamic and encouraging environment. Each week, the camp introduces a new theme to tie together activities, keeping things fresh and exciting for returning campers.

7. National Dance Academy Morning Camps

Address: 618 Brandilynn Blvd # 5, Cedar Falls, IA

Details for these popular camps will be released in May. If your little one loves to groove, keep an eye out for updates by visiting its official website.

Whether your child is an artist, adventurer, or aspiring athlete, Cedar Falls offers a camp to spark their imagination and fill their summer with joy. Be sure to register as soon as registration begins for camps. And don’t forget to make time for your family—both in experiences and in preserving those memories for years to come.

Cherish Summer Moments with Family Photography

Summer brings so many joyful things to do, and before you know it, those fleeting moments are gone. As you spend quality vacation time with your family, why not take a moment to document your family’s summer story? Cedar Falls’ lush greenery, vibrant energy, and golden summer light create the perfect backdrop for family portraits.

Meghan Goering, a professional family photographer in Cedar Falls, Iowa, specializes in creating timeless memories. With a warm and natural approach, she’ll help you capture those playful smiles and golden-hour giggles that you’ll cherish forever.

So, as you plan for camps, consider setting aside time for a family photography session—it’s the perfect way to remember this beautiful season.

Here’s to a summer full of exploration, growth, and unforgettable moments!

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