Most parks begin in-person registration on Saturday, March 9, with all other starting on Monday, March 11.
It’s time for your talents to blossom! Take on new challenges, meet new friends, and forge new skills with the Chicago Park District’s Spring 2024 programs. Spring programs are available to view now here. The Spring program session begins April 8, 2024, and culminates June 9, 2024.
Online registration begins Monday, March 4, 2024, for in-person programs at parks located west of California Ave., and for all virtual programs. On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, program registration starts for all in-person programs located east of California Ave. Online registration for all gymnastic centers opens on March 5, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.
Walk-up, in-person registration begins March 9, 2024, or March 11, 2024, and varies by park.
“Spring programs are designed to get you out of the woes of winter and into a fun routine,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. “Our Spring programs offer individuals of any age the opportunity to gain new skills, explore old talents, and expand their social circles. Our staff is ready to work alongside you across activities of so many disciplines!”
Program Highlights
This Spring, the Chicago Park District program offerings include technical skill building activities like 3D printing and ceramics. In addition, folks of all ages can build strength with classics like basketball and boxing or enjoy indoor pool activities like aquatic cardio cycling and open swimming hours. In addition, Spring Break Camps and the Park Kids afterschool program will keep children busy while school is out.
Spring Break Camps
Chicago Public Schools’ Spring Break takes place from March 25, 2024 through March 29, 2024, and the Chicago Park District will host Spring Break Camps for children ages 6 to 12 at 57 locations. Hours vary by park, however most park sessions run for six hours or more.
Park Kids Afterschool Program
Park Kids, a fun way for kids ages 5 to 13 to spend time after school. Session times vary, but some begin as early as 2:00 p.m. and end as late as 6:00 p.m. View all Park Kids programs here.
Learn to Swim & Lifeguard Explorers Training Program
Learn a life skill by taking a FREE Learn to Swim class. Ages 6-17 get the First Session of Youth Learn to Swim Programs Free with the coupon code ‘FIRSTFREE.’ Find a list of classes here.
For 15- to 22-year-olds interested in learning how-to swim and training to take the required Lifeguard Swim Test, the Park District is offering a Spring session of the new Lifeguard Explorers Training Program. The Chicago Park District’s aquatics staff will teach the required skills and provide supervised practice time needed to successfully pass the Lifeguard Skills Test. Participants will receive $475 upon completion of the program. Click here to learn more about the Lifeguard Explorers Training Program.
Early Childhood
Children ages 3 to 6 can enjoy Kiddie College, a program which encourages pleasant interactions with other kids while enjoying story time and games in a supervised environment. Likewise, children can start developing their competitive edge early, with introductory programs to mainstay sports like basketball, soccer, and baseball. View a full list of early childhood programs here.
Youth
In addition to common sports like basketball and baseball, young people have the chance to try archery, badminton, cheerleading and even ceramics! Full listing of youth offerings can be found here.
Teens
Young men and women ages 13 to 17 can take advantage of several activities that keep them active, improve mental health, and encourage time management skills. Boxing, basketball, and strength and conditioning sessions make sure teens are engaging in healthy competition and habits. Countless activities are for teens are available to do here.
Adults
Adults 18 and older can stay healthy with activities such as pickleball, lap swim, cardio cycling, and yoga to build social circles while also building healthy habits. All programs for adults can be viewed here!
Seniors
Folks ages 60 and up have the opportunity to socialize at bingo, invigorate muscle groups with strength and conditioning courses, and discover local trails in walking clubs. Additional Chicago Park District offerings can be found here.