Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. The City of Dubuque Leisure Services Department is proud to provide essential services that improve quality of life and help people create memories that last a lifetime!

And they are dedicated to building a strong, vibrant, and resilient community. Celebrate by participating in recreation programs, visiting your favorite city park, enjoying the local trail systems, Family Fun on the Field at the Miracle League of Dubuque, swimming at Flora Pool, or hitting the links at Bunker Hill Golf Course.

For more ideas, check out our Let's Go Summer Activities Guide!

Youth Programs

Our July schedule is jam packed with fun activities for the kids! Make your own mini golf course, learn how to tie dye, explore Flora Park, and get messy in the mud. The following programs still have openings, but are filling up fast. Register today!

Mini Golf for ages 5 - 7 and ages 8 - 12
Includes recipes, age-appropriate culinary skills, basic nutrition, and movement. Preschoolers will love eating their own creations!

Nature Detectives for ages 5 - 7
Discover what creatures and critters live in Flora Park! We'll learn about bird watching and enjoy outdoor games, nature crafts, and a hike through the park.

Whiz Kid Builders for ages 8 - 11
Calling all creators, builders, and designers! Create your own designs and make structures using recyclable materials, building blocks, and many other interesting items. Skills necessary…none! Skills gained...communication, problem solving, reasoning, developing creativity, and teamwork.

The Big Treasure Hunt for ages 3 - 4 and ages 5 - 7
Transform into your favorite pirate or mermaid character, grab your map, and search for the chest of jewels! Our treasure hunt includes crafts, games, and stories too.

Teddy Bear Picnic for ages 4 - 6
Bring your favorite Teddy Bear and join us for a picnic in the park. We’ll play games, explore Flora Park, and enjoy lunch with our Teddy Bear friends.

Tie Dye for ages 7 - 11
Learn how to make loud, colorful, and creative patterns on material. Imagination is all you need. We will provide one project, but we ask you to bring something of your own to tie-dye as well (i.e. t-shirt, socks, headband, etc.).

Making Mud, Muck, Squishy & Gloppy Masterpieces for ages 6 - 8
Playing in the mud is a wonderful part of childhood…and what better place to make a mess than at “our” place! We will make mud pies, squishy concoctions, and other messy concoctions. Dress for a mess and have a blast!

Explore more youth programs and camps!

Martial Arts

Lightsaber Academy for ages 12 and older
Mondays, July 11 - 25 at Dubuque Karate Club
Curriculum focuses on technical skills, offense/defense strategies, stage performance, competition training, and the philosophy of mindfulness. The DBQ Saber Academy is an affiliate member of the Elite Saber Training Alliance. Limited to 7 participants.

Hung Gar Kung Fu for ages 6 and older
Saturdays, 10 - 11 a.m. at the Multicultural Family Center
Hung Gar Kung Fu, a southern Chinese martial art training, is centered on coordination, conditioning, discipline, and fighting application. Instructed by Michael Quam. This is a free ongoing program. Registration is required.

Capoeira for ages 6 and older
Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Multicultural Family Center
Capoeira finds its roots deep in the culture of slavery in Brazil. The movements are like zumba, gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do, and African dance all rolled into one! Instructed by Michael Quam. This is a free ongoing program! Registration is required.

New Programs at Miracle League of Dubuque

Free Pick-Up Kickball Games
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. from July 6 - Aug. 10
Come have a ball at the Miracle League of Dubuque! We'll be playing pick-up kickball games from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. every Wednesday through Aug. 10. This is a free, all-inclusive program for every age and ability! Everyone is welcome. No registration required.

Family Fun on the Field Series
Every Other Wednesday, 6 - 8 p.m.
Every other Wednesday, we will host fun family activities at the Miracle League of Dubuque from 6 - 8 p.m. We'll play supervised games on and around the field. This is a free, all-inclusive program for every age and ability! Everyone is welcome. No registration required. The next Family Fun on the Field event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 20.

The Miracle League of Dubuque is located at Veteran's Memorial Park, 2970 Miracle League Drive.

Swim Lessons

Swimming is a fun way to stay active during the summer! Lessons are crucial for improving water safety skills and reducing the risk of drowning. They also help your child develop a love and respect for the water from an early age. There are a few openings available in several sections of swim lessons during July and August.

Session 3: July 11 - 21
The following levels have openings:

Session 4: July 25 - August 4
The following levels have openings:

Yoga

YogArt Camp for ages 3 - 6 and ages 7 - 14
Challenge to Change
Join us for a fun week of Rock N’ Roll-themed yoga and art! Our YogART program combines the creative, calming practices of yoga and art into one amazing event. At camp, children will breathe, stretch, and imagine as they receive instruction in yoga and mindful art. This summer we will learn that we’re all rockstars who have the power to inspire the world!

Yoga with Coleen Frenzel for ages 13 and older
Thursdays, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. at the Multicultural Family Center
All levels welcome. Mats provided. Instructor Coleen Frenzel is an experienced yoga instructor who believes yoga to be essential for mental, emotional, and physical health. This is an ongoing free program. Registration is required. Drop-ins are always welcome, but please arrive a few minutes early so you can register in-person.

More Information

For information on additional recreation opportunities including pavilion and campground reservations, pet park passes, the Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Miracle League of Dubuque, Bunker Hill Golf Course, and more, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/letsgo!