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!
Moss Art Workshop with Now and Zen DIY
Ages 16 and up
Join Now and Zen DIY to design a beautiful 8″ x 8″ piece of wall art using preserved moss and other interesting natural elements. A truly unique accent for your home that you’ll enjoy for years to come!
Registration deadline: Monday, January 26
Owlexander’s Cinema: Talent Night
Ages 5 – 10
We will kick off the evening with animal crafts, games and preparing a salty snack. Then, we will settle in for a kid-friendly movie featuring a talent show! We might even have our own talent show during the night. Looking for something to do while your kids are out and about? Check out the Warm Hearts Couples Evening, which happens the same evening.
Registration deadline: Monday, February 2
Art & Imagination
Ages 6 – 9
This drop-off program is designed to give your child the opportunity to get creative! They will design a variety of projects based on a monthly theme. Outdoor activities will be included when weather permits. Sign up for one or multiple sessions.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, February 3
Valentine’s Slime Making
Ages 8 – 14
Have fun making your own Valentine’s Day-themed versions! This program is a great way to make new friends and try some new slime recipes for fun and stress relief! Due to the variety of types of slime, please be sure to note any allergies.
Please note the end time is 30 minutes earlier than the time listed in the printed newsletter.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, February 4
Creative Crafting
Ages 9 – 13
Try new art skills during this fun, nature-themed crafting program. Each session will offer different options for participants to choose from, allowing them to work independently or get creative together!
Registration deadline: Thursday, February 5
Winter Woods
Ages 6 – 12
Join us on your day(s) off school for a camp full of all our favorite fun camp activities, but in the winter! Campers will enjoy hikes and games outside, gather around the fire circle for s’mores, then warm up in the Smith House with games and crafts. You may also register for camp on Monday, February 16!
Registration deadline: Friday, February 6
I Wuff You Valentine Hike
All ages
Happy Valentine’s Day to our favorite pups! Join us for a self-guided afternoon hike through the trails of Bill Yeck Park. You and your pup will be pampered with special treats and stations along the way! Participants are welcome to come anytime during the event. The final time to start the hike is 1:30 p.m.
Registration is not required.
Winter Woods
Ages 6 – 12
Join us on your day(s) off school for a camp full of all our favorite fun camp activities, but in the winter! Campers will enjoy hikes and games outside, gather around the fire circle for s’mores, then warm up in the Smith House with games and crafts. You may also register for camp on Friday, February 13- see posting to sign-up!
Registration deadline: Monday, February 9
Preschool Nature Series: Glow Hunt
Ages 3 – 5 with adult companion
Why do some animals glow in the dark and how do they do it? We will learn which animals use bioluminescence and which ones fluoresce under black light. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, February 17