Preschool Nature Series: HiBEARnation
Ages 3 – 5 with adult companion
Bring your favorite teddy bear and we will learn how their wild counterparts, black bears, spend the year. We will then venture outdoors and take a short walk on the paved path. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, December 16
Evergreen Artists
All ages
Families will have fun creating works of art using elements of these amazing evergreen trees. Along our artistic journey, we will discuss why some trees do not lose their leaves and the adaptations they have to prevent water loss in this dry season. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Thursday, December 18
Arctic Exploration Camp
Ages 5 – 12
A winter break camp experience to keep your children active while school is out! Much like our summer day camp, campers will explore the park, but this time for all things winter! Children will warm up in the Smith House with games, crafts and nature programs.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, December 16
Snowflake Cafe Book Club
Ages 7 – 12
Sundays December 28, January 28 & February 22
We will start off with storytime led by park staff, followed by some quiet crafting and games. Wrap up the night with some quiet reading time! Bring a book, cozy up in a warm spot, and enjoy a hot chocolate or apple cider bar as you read. Don’t have a book? A selection of nature-themed books will be available to borrow for this series. Quiet coloring stations will be available as well.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 22
Little Critters Camp
Ages 3 – 5
Calling all little ones for a morning of winter camp! We will learn about winter wildlife through games, songs, crafts and stories! Campers will play outside throughout the day, enjoying winter in the park.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 22
Arctic Exploration Camp
Ages 5 – 12
A winter break camp experience to keep your children active while school is out! Much like our summer day camp, campers will explore the park, but this time for all things winter! Children will warm up in the Smith House with games, crafts and nature programs.
Registration deadline: Friday, December 26
Styrofoam Recycling Event
Volunteers will unload your vehicle — you won’t even need to get out of your car! This event is open to the public, regardless of where you live.
Please make sure you are following the guidelines listed below:
* Styrofoam must be clean
* Clean food containers will be accepted. These must be scrubbed out.
* No stickers or tape
At this event, we will also accept batteries and holiday string lights for recycling.
Registration is not required, but registered participants will receive an email reminder before the event.
Outdoor Explorers
Ages 9 – 12
Mondays January 5 – February 9
Children will learn about nature and the outdoors in this program designed to allow children to interact with nature in unique ways. Activities include discovery, challenges and games. We occasionally celebrate the last session of the season with a campfire and s’mores. Please let us know if your child has any dietary restrictions by answering the custom questions upon registration.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 29
Gentle Yoga
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays, January 6 – February 24
Join us for a gentler, more adaptable yoga program. This class will feature additional guidance, modifications and props to assist in supporting postures and a slower pace. Taught by certified yoga instructor Kathleen Crosby. Please bring a yoga mat and water.
Registration deadline: Friday, January 2
Beginner Pickleball Lessons
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays, January 6 – February 3
Join Certified Pickleball Trainer James Lawson to develop the introductory skills to level up your pickleball game. James is a licensed and certified instructor with a DUPR rating of 5.23. This 4-week lesson is designed for the beginner player looking to develop basic skills to move up to a more competitive level of play. This program will be held indoors with adapted lessons during winter.
Registration deadline: Friday, January 2
Beyond Recycling: How to Live Zero Waste
Ages 18 and up
Local Master Recycler and Zero-Waste Expert Mike Fanelli will take you through how to go from recycling pro to zero waste. From using local resources to expand your ability to recycle and compost, to changing your mindset about how and what you buy, you’ll walk away with tips and tricks to take your household one step further into the world of zero waste!
Registration deadline: Thursday, January 1
Junior Explorers
Ages 6 – 8
Wednesdays, January 7 – February 11
Children will learn about nature and the outdoors in this program designed to allow children to interact with nature in unique ways. Activities include discovery, challenges and games. We occasionally celebrate the last session of the season with a campfire and s’mores. Please let us know if your child has any dietary restrictions by answering the custom questions upon registration.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 31
Spot the Owls Scavenger Hunt
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)
Gentle Yoga B
Ages 18 and up
Thursdays, January 8 – February 26
Join us for a gentler, more adaptable yoga program. This class will feature additional guidance, modifications and props to assist in supporting postures and a slower pace. Taught by certified yoga instructor Kathleen Crosby. This is an eight-week session. Please bring a yoga mat and water.
Registration deadline: Monday, January 5
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, January 1