Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays & Thursdays, December 2 – February 26
Get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while meeting other walking enthusiasts. These are self-guided walks around your community parks! Walking helps maintain a healthy weight, increases energy, lifts your spirits, strengthens memory and protects from heart disease and high blood pressure.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays & Fridays, December 2 – February 27
Meet up with other trail trekking enthusiasts to trek through the parks through this self-guided meet-up program! Sign up to rent Nordic poles if you want to try trekking before you purchase your own set. You will be contacted to sign a borrower’s permit and pick up your set for the fall. A limited number of rental poles are available.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime! Note: Tuesday Trail Trekking locations will be the same as the A Walk in the Park program.
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays & Fridays, December 2 – February 27
Meet up with other trail trekking enthusiasts to trek through the parks during this self-guided meet-up program! You must bring your own Nordic poles if you sign up for this option.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime! Tuesday Trail Trekking locations will be the same as the A Walk in the Park program.
Ages 18 and up
Wednesdays, December 3 – February 25
(No hike December 24)
Staff and volunteers will lead groups at different paces. Hike for Your Health is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and get to know some of your parks better. All hikes are on natural trails. Please wear appropriate shoes for trails that may be muddy or slick.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
All ages
Thursday, January 8 – Wednesday, February 18
Spot, the Park District Snowman, is excited to go owling in the parks! Whoooo knew we had so many! Each week, participants will receive a clue to go out in your parks to search for the owls. Owls will only be hiding at each park for one week! Scan the QR code on the sign next to Spot the Snowman to log which owls were in the park. Each week that you log owls gets you another entry into our raffle for some owl-themed prizes! After the hunt, an owl round-up with images of each owl will be emailed to you so you can vote for your favorite entry.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, February 11 (Clues are emailed every Thursday. Registering late may mean you miss some of the clues)
Owl Walk
All ages
While most of us are staying inside and warm in January, our local owls are active! We will hike the purple trail and listen for owl calls. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, January 21
Blizzard Boredom Busters
Ages 8 – 12
Beat those winter blues with a fun, hands-on morning of creativity! Participants will enjoy making their own fidget toys! They’ll also have the chance to meet new friends and share ideas!
Registration deadline: Saturday, January 17
Watercolor Butterflies
Ages 18 and up
We will create colorful paintings of butterflies utilizing basic brush and watercolor techniques. Leave the class with your completed painting! All skill levels are welcome! This class is best for beginner to intermediate level participants. All supplies will be provided. Class is taught by visual artist and designer Renee Hopson.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 20
Fitness for Longevity C
Ages 18 and up
Mondays, January 26 – March 2
Get it all in one fitness class. You’ll work motor units — which disappear if we don’t use them — and all types of muscle, from slow twitch to fast twitch. All levels are welcome. Taught by Dan Loofboro. Please bring a yoga mat and water.
Registration deadline: Friday, January 23
Amazing Athletes at the Park B
Ages 3 – 6
Wednesdays, January 28 – March 4
This program uses the fundamentals of 10 different sports to help build and develop motor skills, nutritional knowledge and body awareness. Sign up for both sessions and receive an Amazing Athletes t-shirt! This class will be held indoors with the option to go outside when the weather permits.
Registration deadline: Sunday, January 25
Fitness for Longevity D
Ages 18 and up
Wednesdays, January 28 – March 4
You’ll work motor units — which disappear if we don’t use them — and all types of muscle, from slow twitch to fast twitch. All levels are welcome. Taught by Dan Loofboro. Please bring a yoga mat and water.
Registration deadline: Monday, January 26
TurtleUp: Sea Turtle Conservation in Ghana
Ages 16 and up
Join Turtle Up: Conservation, Education, and Action (TUCEA) for an engaging seminar on sea turtle conservation and sustainability. During the session, presented by a TurtleUp volunteer, learn about the organization, explore the challenges of plastic pollution, and learn practical ways to take action.
Registration deadline: Thursday, January 22
Nature Park Snow Globes
Ages 8 – 14
At this program, you’ll get to observe the beauty of our winter nature parks and bring it home! We will start this program with a hike to get inspired. Then, we will warm up in the Smith House and turn the park scenes we just saw into real, working snow globes! This is a drop-off program.
Registration deadline: Friday, January 23
Winter Birdwatchers
All ages
Let’s learn about common winter birds that will often visit neighborhood feeders. After a small craft, we will take a walk on the paved path and search for our feathery friends. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Thursday, January 29
Letters to Owlexander
All ages
Sunday, February 1 – Saturday, February 28
Owlexander, the Park District mascot, would love to receive a letter, drawing or card about your winter park adventures. He is a great pen pal and will be sure to write you back and let you know all about his adventures, too. Letters can be dropped off at a special mailbox throughout February. Please address your letters to Owlexander Parks (no stamp necessary).
Owlexander will make a special appearance at Headquarters on Tuesday, February 17, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. if you would like to hand deliver a letter to him! He may even have special activities and treats for you!