Dance Fitness with Emily
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays, January 20 – February 24
We dance to various styles of music which provides a good mix of low to high-intensity moves. Instructor Emily Chandler strives to make this class high-energy and a lot of fun! We can guarantee you’ll leave this class feeling great! Please bring a bottle of water.
Registration deadline: Sunday, January 18
I Am Groot Terrarium
Ages 6 and up with an adult companion (Adults can register as well to create their own terrarium.)
You’ll build a magical little world with everyone’s favorite tree hero, Groot! We’ll provide all the supplies—just bring your imagination and love for all things Groot! A grown-up needs to come along to help save the galaxy (and maybe the glue), and if they want to make a terrarium too, don’t forget to sign up both the child and the adult.
Registration deadline: Monday, January 12
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!
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
Warm Hearts: Couples Evening
Ages 16 and up
Warm up with your special someone during a night out in the park! Start the evening with an intentional, self-guided night hike lined with deep-dive questions to spark conversation. Then, get out of the cold and into the Smith House for a hot chocolate bar, games and crafts, or head outside to enjoy a cozy bonfire together. This is a night for couples young and old! One registration per pair.
Registration deadline: Monday, February 2