Kid’s Creativity Workshop: Presents
Ages 8 – 12
Join CWPD staff to make creative presents for your loved ones at this station-based craft program! Children will also get to add bags and gift tags to keep the presents a surprise! If weather permits, we will take a few breaks to play games outside while we let the projects dry!
Registration deadline: Thursday, December 14
Creative Crafting
Ages 9 – 13
Thursdays, December 21, January 18 & February 15
Level up from Art & Imagination with this crafting program based on nature themes. We will teach new art skills and let participants get creative together!
Registration deadline: Thursday, December 14
Winter Solstice Appreciation Night
All ages
Meet us at Bill Yeck Park to hear poems and folklore surrounding the winter solstice. Then, grab a warm drink and a treat to take on a one-mile crushed gravel hike during golden hour.
Registration is not required; however, registered participants will receive weather updates by email, if necessary.
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 15
Kid’s Creativity Workshop: Ornaments
Ages 10 – 15
Join CWPD staff to make nature-themed ornaments to adorn your home or tree, or to give as gifts! This is a station-based craft program. Children will also add bags and gift tags if they would like. If weather permits, we will take a few breaks to play games outside while we let the projects dry!
Registration deadline: Friday, December 15
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: Wednesday, December 20
D&D with CWPD B
Ages 12 – 17
Wednesday, December 27 – Friday, December 29
Participants will play as members of a Forest Ranger’s Guild, working to protect and conserve a vibrant fantasy world. Stretch your imagination, work as a team and remember to watch out for the wildlife! This three-day program will teach you everything you need to know about playing D & D, and each participant will be given their own set of dice. Both beginner and experienced players are welcome.
Registration deadline: Friday, 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: Wednesday, December 20
Kids Create & Learn: Yogurt Snowman Snack
Ages 4 – 10
Join instructor Katie Blauser from Eat Pretty Darling during winter break to learn how to make a healthy and fun snack: yogurt snowmen!
Please note: all major food allergens could be present in this class
Registration deadline: Thursday, December 21
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: Wednesday, December 20
Winter Hiking Club: Backyard Birds
All ages
Getting outdoors makes us happy and healthy, especially in the wintertime! Participants will join the instructor for a brief nature lesson, game or activity before the group starts the hike to explore the park. This is a Tools to Trek program. Individuals attending three or more hikes will get a themed patch. This hike takes place on a paved path.
Participants can register up to the start of the program.
Letters to Owlexander
All ages
Monday, January 1 – Wednesday, January 31
Owlexander, the Park District mascot, loves keeping in touch with his park friends! He would love to receive a letter, drawing or card telling him all about your winter park adventures. He is a great pen pal and will be sure to write you back too. Letters can be dropped off at a special mailbox throughout January. Please address your letters to Owlexander Parks (no stamp necessary).
Owlexander will make a special appearance at Headquarters on Saturday, January 20 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. if you would like to hand deliver a letter to him! He may even have a special treat for you!
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: Wednesday, December 27
Conservation Crew: Invasive Plant Removal
Ages 12 – 17
Winter is the perfect time to take out invasive ivy! Crew members will learn about this invasive and why we want to make the effort to remove it from your parks. We will head into the park and start pulling it.
Registration deadline: Sunday, December 31
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: Wednesday, December 27