Downtown Discovery Camp
Date: August 11th – August 15th, 2025
Times: 9am–4pm (Wraparound Care Available)
Ages: 1st – 6th Graders
Instructors: GoldCap Team
Cost: $335
Location: MERGE: 136 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City
Downtown Discovery is a full day of fun, friendship, and adventure set in the heart of Iowa City’s Crown Jewel: the Pedestrian Mall! Perfect for curious and energetic kids, this camp is all about exploring the best our vibrant downtown has to offer—through games, treats, and hands-on discovery.
Campers will take on an exciting scavenger hunt through the PedMall, uncovering hidden gems and local landmarks as they go. We’ll also dive into a camper-favorite activity: the PedMall Duck Hunt, a silly, high-energy search for rubber ducks hidden around downtown that’s guaranteed to bring laughs and surprises.
Throughout the day, we’ll visit some of Iowa City’s most beloved local spots, including Yotopia, Molly’s Cupcakes, and a special stop at SpareMe for a round of bowling fun. We’ll also take time to explore nearby green spaces and parks, giving campers a chance to stretch their legs, enjoy the outdoors, and soak in some sunshine.
For lunch on Friday, we’ll head to Camp Iowa City for an exclusive private pizza party just for our group! GoldCap will also provide snacks throughout the day. Campers should bring their own water bottle and come ready for a day packed with play, discovery, and downtown magic!
Early drop (8:30am) and late pickup (4:30pm) is available for an additional $40.
GoldCap staff will meet parents outside of Merge to assist with pick-up and drop-off. Following registration, additional materials will be emailed to gather additional information about each student, and provide specific information about drop-off, pick-up and/or additional logsitics as needed.

Thank you for choosing GoldCap!
- 0 Lessons
- 10 week
Downtown Discovery: Paws & Parks!
-- July 28 - 9am - 4:00pm - 1st - 6th Graders -- GGet ready for a full day of furry friends, fresh air, and downtown excitement! Campers will kick things off at Kitty Corner Social Club, spending time with cuddly cats in one of Iowa City’s coziest spots. Then it’s off on a downtown scavenger hunt through the iconic Ped Mall. After exploring, we’ll enjoy a private pizza party and group games at Camp Iowa City in partnership with...
- 0 Lessons
- 10 week
Downtown Discovery: Searches & Sweets!
-- July 29 - 9am-4pm - 1st - 6th Graders -- Join us for an adventure where curiosity meets community and every stop brings fun and flavor! In Searches & Sweets, campers become downtown detectives during the “Search for Rusty” challenge, hunting for a hidden sloth mascot in local Iowa City shops. They’ll also tackle a classic scavenger hunt through the Ped Mall, sharpening their teamwork and observation skills. Campers will visit the Downtown History Museum to meet the real...
- 0 Lessons
- 10 week
Downtown Discovery: GoldCap’s ULTIMATE Downtown IC Experience!
-- Aug 11-15 - 9am-4:30pm - 1st - 6th Graders -- Downtown Discovery is day of fun-filled adventure in Iowa City's Crown Jewel: The Pedestrian Mall! From scavenger hunts to exploring locally owned businesses, Downtown Discovery is sure to be a hit! We will visit Yotopia, Molly's Cupcakes, and more! We will explore downtown, venture to nearby parks, and have new downtown adventures each day! For lunch on Friday, we will take a trip to visit our friends at Camp Iowa...