Tennis
Ages 5-6,
Saturdays, 4/10-6/5, 12:30-1:30 PM,
Watts Park
,
$160
/176
, 118510-03
This class emphasis is on teaching primary tennis skills, including movement, balance, and hand-eye coordination. Individual or team games accompany fun activities to help develop basic swing techniques and tactics. No class: May 29. If COVID restrictions change, class canceled and refund issued.
Ages 7-8,
Saturdays, 4/10-6/5, 1:30-2:30 PM,
Watts Park
,
$160
/176
, 118510-04
Need an advanced class to fine-tune your child's tennis skills? Proper techniques of swings and serves will be refined, as well as basic tactics, regular scoring systems, and match play. No class: May 29. If COVID restrictions change, class canceled and refund issued.
Ages 9-10,
Saturdays, 4/10-6/5, 2:30-3:30 PM,
Watts Park
,
$160
/176
, 118510-05
Now that your child has a solid foundation of primary tennis skills, we will fine-tune stroke development, with kids working to be able to hit the ball to different areas of the court and how to serve and volley. This class will also use match play. No class: May 29. If COVID restrictions change, class canceled and refund issued.
Ages 11-14,
Saturdays, 4/10-6/5, 3:30-4:30 PM,
Watts Park
,
$160
/176
, 118510-06
Does your teen want to advance their tennis skills? This class focuses on competitive tennis! We will work on developing strokes, spin, and power. Participants will learn through match play and drills. No class: May 29. If COVID restrictions change, class canceled and refund issued.
Karate
Ages 6+, Thursdays, 4/15-6/3, 5-5:30 PM, Virtual, $141/156, 116801-09
Join us for a 30-minute virtual karate class! This class will be held through a Zoom link. Once registered, the link will be emailed to you 2-hours in advance of your class time. Learn and fine-tune some basic Karate skills and get in a workout from home!
Ages 6+, Thursdays, 4/15-6/3, 5:45-6:15 PM, Virtual, $141/156, 116801-10
Join us for a 30-minute virtual karate class! This class will be held through a Zoom link. Once registered, the link will be emailed to you 2-hours in advance of your class time. Learn and fine-tune some basic Karate skills and get in a workout from home!
Ages 6+, Thursdays, 4/15-6/3, 5-5:30 PM, Virtual, $141/156, 116801-11
Join us for a 30-minute virtual karate class! This class will be held through a Zoom link. Once registered, the link will be emailed to you 2-hours in advance of your class time. Learn and fine-tune some basic Karate skills and get in a workout from home!
Ages 6-10, Mondays, 4/5-5/24 , 4:15-5 PM, Takiff Center, $162/178, 116801-01
Ages 6-10, Wednesdays, 4/7-6/2, 4:15-5 PM, Takiff Center, $182/200, 116801-02
Ages 6-10, Saturdays, 4/10-6/5, 11-11:45 AM, Takiff Center, $162/178, 116801-03
Training in karate offers many benefits to becoming a whole individual. Self-defense skills, physical fitness, mental as well as physical challenges, and a connection to others in this age group are principal goals at this level. Karate training is an excellent means of keeping your mind-body connection and keeping multi-tasking skills sharp and focused. It releases tension, improves balance and agility, and improves both health of the mind and body. No class: May 29. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Ages 7+, Mondays, 4/5-5/24, 5:15-6 PM, Takiff Center, $162/178, 116801-04
Ages 7+, Mondays, 4/5-5/24, 6:15-7 PM, Takiff Center, $162/178, 116801-05
Ages 7+, Wednesdays, 4/7-6/2, 5:15-6 PM, Takiff Center, $182/200, 116801-06
Ages 7+, Wednesdays, 4/7-6/2, 6:15-7 PM, Takiff Center, $182/200, 116801-07
Students learn and improve coordination, concentration power, and balance while learning kata and sparring actions. They experience continued growth in self-esteem and confidence as students broaden their abilities and knowledge of the martial art. The skills obtained in this class will help enhance your child’s abilities in school, sports, and other outside activities. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Ages 7+,
Saturdays, 4/10-6/5, 12-12:45 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$162
/178
, 116801-08
In this class, students will work on physical and mental challenges and hone their agility and fitness skills. No class: May 29. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Music
Ages 8+,
Thursdays, 4/8-6/3, 4:45-5:45 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$229
/252
, 111405-01
Learn beginner music concepts and chords on the guitar so you can play popular songs from the radio. Guitar will be supplied by the instructor. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Ages 8+,
Thursdays, 4/8-6/3, 6-7 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$229
/252
, 111405-02
Bucket Drumming with Bach to Rock is a hands-on class where children can learn the basics of rhythm and drum beats! If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Kids Club
Kids Club AM Care
Grades K-6, August 25, 2021-June 9, 2022
Start the school day with quiet games, lively conversation, or simple arts and crafts! Our instructors keep the mornings interesting with stories, artifacts, and activities at Watts Center. Participants from West and Central schools can also register for shuttle bus service from the Park District; South School students will be walked to school.
If you are interested in the 2020-2021 school year, please email Stephani Briskman for availability and rate information. Registration for the 2021-22 school year starts August 3, 2021. To reserve a place for the 2021-22 school year, there is a $125 non-refundable, non-transferable registration fee per child. Tuition will be assessed monthly beginning September 1, 2021; you can sign up for a monthly auto-charge. Online registration is unavailable; to register, please fill out a Kids Club registration form (available at the Takiff Center or download the form online). You must register by fax or in person at least 5 business days prior to the upcoming month. Prorating and refunds are not available. Spots in this program cannot be held for those who wish to skip Kids Club for a month. Those participants must dis-enroll and re-enroll as space permits. The $125 registration fee will only be charged once per school year.
Kids Club PM Care
Grades K-6, August 25, 2021-June 9, 2022
After a busy day at school, it’s great to snack and chat with friends, finish homework, and stretch muscles on the playground. After-Schoolers cook healthy snacks, play organized games, and embark on learning adventures at Watts Center. Participants from West and Central schools can also register for shuttle bus service to the Park District; South School students will be walked to Watts. Included in your monthly Kids Club fee, we will transport participants to and from after school enrichments at West School and the Takiff Center.
If you are interested in the 2020-2021 school year, please email Stephani Briskman for availability and rate information. Registration for the 2021-22 school year starts August 3, 2021. To reserve a place for the 2021-22 school year, there is a $125 non-refundable, non-transferable registration fee per child. Tuition will be assessed monthly beginning September 1, 2021; you can sign up for a monthly auto-charge. Online registration is unavailable; to register, please fill out a Kids Club registration form (available at the Takiff Center or download the form online). You must register by fax or in person at least 5 business days prior to the upcoming month. Prorating and refunds are not available. Spots in this program cannot be held for those who wish to skip Kids Club for a month. Those participants must dis-enroll and re-enroll as space permits. The $125 registration fee will only be charged once per school year.
Youth Enrichments
Grades K-5,
Tuesdays, 4/6-6/1, 3:30-4:30 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$206
/277
, 112420-01
Amazing Art combines all your favorite art projects and mixed media! In this unique class, kids will make tie dye shirts (art smocks for the session), experience pottery painting, create a canvas acrylic painting, make recycled projects, and more! Lessons will include concepts and techniques the kids will use for a lifetime and the experience of crafting awesome projects. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Grades 3-4, Mondays, 4/5-5/24, 3:45-4:45 PM, Takiff Center, $149/164, 111401-01
Grades K-2, Thursdays, 4/8-6/3, 3:45-4:45 PM, Takiff Center, $149/164, 111401-02
Develop your child's intellect through the royal game of chess! Current research has shown a strong link between chess and academic performance in a variety of areas, including mathematics and language arts. Chess has been proven to enhance children's motivation, concentration, focus, social skills, and creativity. Each class will consist of a fun, interactive teaching period and guided practice time. Both beginner and experienced players are welcome and will learn under the guidance of an experienced Chess Scholars coach. There will also be a chess competition with prizes at the end of the session! No class: April 22. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Ages 5-12,
Thursday, 4/15, 6:45-7:40 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$20
/25
, 111607-01
Learn a collection of fascinating and mesmerizing tricks. Each child registered will receive a take-home kit! Children can sign up again, since new tricks are taught at each session!If COVID restrictions change: class canceled and refund issued.
Grades K-2,
Tuesdays, 4/6-6/1, 3:30-5:00 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$231
/255
, 410316-01
Bring Minecraft to life using tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Build engineer-designed projects such as a Creeper, a Lava Trap, and a Minecraft. Create your favorite Minecraft mobs, tools, and objects with the guidance of an experienced Play-Well instructor. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Ages 7-10,
Mondays, 5/3-5/24; 4:15-5 PM,
Virtual/Online
,
$103
/113
, 111504-01
Dive into the world of hand sewing during this fun and creative four week virtual class. We will spend the first week learning about and reviewing hand sewing. Then, we will start sewing our Picnic Pillows. This is the perfect class for new or returning sewers. All supplies are included and will be mailed to your home. *Sewers need to register at least one-week in advance to receive their sewing kit in the mail. *Sewers will need to access zoom.
Grades K-2,
Tuesdays, 4/6-6/1; 3:30-5 PM,
Watts Center
,
$231
/255
, 410316-02
Join Ash and Pikachu as you build, capture, train, and explore the vast world of Pokémon with tens of thousands of LEGO® parts. Design your own Poké Balls, explore the Kanto region, and fly with Charizard. Explore engineering through the fun world of Pokémon with the guidance of a Play-Well instructor. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Grades 1-5,
Fridays, 4/9-6/4, 3:30-4:30 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$343
/377
, 111451-02
This class is intended for students who have previously taken Coding 1 or who have had experience with concepts taught in Scratch or Snap. We will explore additional concepts and projects in Scratch, JavaScript and Python. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued. No class: April 23. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Grades 3-5,
Wednesdays, 4/7-6/2, 3:45-4:45 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$386
/425
, 111451-03
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto! The field of robotics is absolutely booming. Everything from cars to thermostats and appliances are all tied to robotics and hardware engineering. If you're excited by the thought of being an Aerospace engineer at NASA or designing the next robotic creation, then you can get a nice start on the right path with this class. This class will use mBots to build out robot creations. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Grades 3-5,
Fridays, 4/9-6/4, 3:45-4:45 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$343
/377
, 111451-04
Students will spend the session designing and building their very own websites and get ’em published to the world by the end of the session. Importantly, kids will be introduced to Internet Safety and why cyber-safety matters, plus we’ll learn the basics of how the internet works (wait, you mean that Facebook page lives out in the “cloud” somewhere?!) We use the “big three” languages of the web in this camp – HTML, CSS, and for advanced kids, Javascript. These three technologies make up the basis of all websites around the world, so are some of the most well known languages there are! Unlike some other classes, we focus on the core technology code base, instead of using a platform to quickly create a beautiful site without needing to code. No class: April 23. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Grades K-2,
Mondays, 4/5-5/24, 3:30- 4:30 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$286
/315
, 111430-01
Welcome the sweet taste of spring with recipes full of delightfully fresh flavors! Using sweet fruits and colorful veggies, we'll be whipping up delicious sweet and savory snacks perfect for a picnic in the park. From Pink Lemonade Bars, to Cheesy Carrot Biscuits, to perfectly glazed Blueberry Scones, you will love adding these treats to your recipe repertoire! All recipes are vegetarian. Your registration fee includes a Taste Buds Kitchen apron. If COVID restrictions change, class moved online and no refund issued.
Grades K-2,
Wednesdays, 4/7-6/2, 3:30-4:30 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$189
/208
, 112301-02
Be immersed in the yoga experience through poses, music, stories, art, and meditative relaxation. You will learn to breathe, move, and connect creatively, building confidence within yourself and the world around you. If COVID restrictions change, class moved online and no refund issued.
Sports
Ages 7-9, Sundays, 4/11-6/6, 12-12:45 PM, Takiff Center, $105/116, 114507-05
Ages 10-13, Sundays, 4/11-6/6, 1-1:45 PM, Takiff Center, $105/116, 114507-06
The Shooting Clinic will help your young players improve their shooting technique, confidence, range, speed of release, accuracy, footwork, and overall shooting percentage! Players also learn how to work at home, develop mental toughness, practice smarter, and other intangibles to become a great shooter. Age levels are separated and players’ progress at different rates based on skill level. No class: May 9 and May 30. If COVID restrictions change: class canceled and a partial refund issued.
Ages 4-7, Mondays, 4/5-5/24, 3:30-4:30 PM, Takiff Center, $160/176, 114505-01
Grades 2-5, Mondays, 4/5-5/24, 3:45-4:45 PM, Takiff Center, $160/176, 114505-02
Explore and learn a different sport every one to two weeks. We may cover basketball, soccer, football, softball, lacrosse, volleyball, and tennis in a FUN, nurturing and positive environment! We have unique games and expertise to help your daughter grow as a person and an athlete. As always, attention to teamwork, sportsmanship, self-esteem, respect, giving, and goal setting are incorporated into our program. Please come dressed and ready to play, no sandals, bare feet, or boots allowed. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Grades K-2, Tuesdays, 4/6-6/1, 3:30-4:30 PM, Takiff Center, $216/238, 111410-01
This boot camp class challenges kids with agility ladders, resistance bands, battle ropes, noodles, balls and more. The fun-filled curriculum uses games and drills that can improve coordination and cardiovascular conditioning, strength and flexibility while also boosting leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork skills. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Grades K-2,
Thursdays, 4/8-6/3, 3:30-4:30 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$120
/132
, 109130-02
Soccer Shots focuses on individual skill, fitness, and sportsmanship, providing an opportunity for children to be challenged through fun games and team interaction. Children will also be introduced to competition in a developmentally appropriate manner. No class: April 22. If COVID restrictions change: class canceled and a partial refund issued.
Grades 3-5,
Thursdays, 4/8-6/3, 3:45-4:45 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$240
/264
, 114600-01
Train like a pro, with the pros! Have you ever wondered what it is like to train like your favorite professional athlete? Learn proper movement mechanics to run faster, jump higher and move more efficiently in whatever sport you play. Led by RedLine Athletics, sports performance specialists combine their passion and knowledge to mentor young athletes to help them achieve their goals, maximize their potential and be all around better athletes. No class: April 22. If COVID restrictions change: class canceled and a partial refund issued.
Ages 8-12, Thursdays, 4/8-5/6, 4-4:45 PM, Takiff Center, $76/84, 117609-01
Ages 8-12, Thursdays, 5/13-6/3, 4-4:45 PM, Takiff Center, $76/84, 117609-02
Put the iPad down and get into rowing! Whether you see a future on a crew team or are just looking for a challenging way to stay active, this class is for you. Instructors will focus on individual attention and proper form to ensure safety. No class: April 22. If COVID restrictions change: class canceled and refund issued.
Grades K-2, Wednesdays, 4/7-6/2, 3:30-4:30 PM, Takiff Center, $144/158, 114507-02
Grades 3-5, Wednesdays, 4/7-6/2, 3:45-4:45 PM, Takiff Center, $144/158, 114507-03
This class features a new sport each week. Some of the sports taught and played include basketball, floor hockey, football, kickball, soccer, and baseball. In addition, participants play many popular running and group games. Children will acquire new skills and develop confidence in games they have played in previous classes. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refunds issued.
Grades 3-5, Tuesdays, 4/6-6/1, 3:45-4:45 PM, Takiff Center, $141/157, 114507-01
Grades K-2, Fridays, 4/9-6/4, 3:30-4:30 PM, Takiff Center, $128/141, 114507-04
The youth dodgeball class gives participants an opportunity to play the popular game in a safe and supervised environment. The program uses super soft balls with the safety of game play being an important factor. Each week, different teams are formed and a different style of dodgeball are played. No class: April 23. If COVID restriction change, class canceled and partial refunds issued.
Grades K-2, ,Mondays, 4/5-5/24, 3:30-4:30 PM, Watts Park, $128/141, 114502-01
Grades 3-5, Mondays, 4/5-5/24, 3:45-4:45 PM, West School, $128/141, 114502-02
Grades 5-8, Thursdays, 4/8-6/3, 3:45-4:45 PM, Central School, $120/132, 114502-03
Players experience daily scrimmages with active instruction and tips from the coaching staff. Players are encouraged to employ skills used in football such as running pass routes, play calling, defensive positioning, and pass coverage. These skills and others will be put to use while the players scrimmage each week. This class will include a no-contact format with all pass catches resulting in an automatic down at the point of the catch. If COVID restrictions change: class canceled and a partial refund issued.
Ages 4-5,
Tuesdays, 4/6-6/1, 3:30-4:15 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$162
/178
, 114305-01
The perfect way to learn the game of golf! ‘Starting New At Golf’ falls somewhere between miniature golf and regulation golf, and is a fun and proven training tool for entry-level golfers. The Snag© system allows for full shots, pitching, chipping, and putting. All equipment is provided. If COVID restriction change: class canceled and a partial refund issued.
Grades 1-3,
Tuesdays, 4/6-6/1, 4:30-5:15 PM,
Takiff Center
,
$162
/178
, 114306-01
Learn the fun sport of kickball with your friends! Similar to baseball, this recreational game is a great time for everyone. If COVID restriction change: class canceled and a partial refund issued.
Grades K-2, Tuesdays, 4/6-6/1, 3:30-4:30 PM, Watts Park, $148/162, 114503-01
Grades 3-5, Thursdays, 4/8-6/3, 3:45-4:45 PM, West School, $132/145, 114503-02
Spend the afternoon playing sports! You’ll learn the fundamentals of basketball, kickball, soccer, and more. Games are organized with an emphasis on sportsmanship and teamwork. No class: April 22. If COVID restrictions change: class canceled and refund issued.
Ages 5-6,
Sundays, 4/18-5/23, 1-2 PM,
Little Duke Field
,
$150
/160
, 114101-02
For kindergarteners or players with one year of t-ball experience, this league represents the next step in the progression of IBA programs. In addition to skill development each week, players will participate in coach-pitch games where they will learn positions, play with outs, and experience baseball at a more challenging level. Participants can sign up individually, as part of a small group, or as a complete team. For questions and requests, email trey@illinoisbaseballacademy.com. 2021 spring league teams must have at least one parent-volunteer [coach] to assist in all team safety protocols. If COVID restrictions change: Class canceled and a partial refund issued.
Ages 5-6,
Sundays, 4/11-6/6, 10-10:45 AM,
Takiff Center
,
$105
/116
, 114103-03
The Pro Dribblers program builds on skills learned in the Rookie Dribblers class and also introduces more fundamental techniques and basic rules of the game. No class: May 9 and May 30. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refunds issued.
Ceramics
Grades K-2, Mondays, 4/5-5/24, 3:30-5 PM, Takiff Center, $328/361, 112501-01
Grades 3-4, Tuesdays, 4/6-6/1, 3:30-5 PM, Takiff Center, $369/406, 112501-02
Grades K-2, Thursdays, 4/8-6/3, 3:30-5 PM, Takiff Center, $328/361, 112501-03
In this all-level, in-person class, students will use hand-building to create functional and sculptural pieces. This class is designed to accommodate new and returning students. New projects are shown each session. No class: April 22. If COVID restrictions change: class moved online, no refund issued.
Grades K-4,
Fridays, 4/9-6/4, 3:30-5 PM,
Virtual/Online
,
$251
/276
, 111302-01
Have fun creating sculptures with Model Magic, an air-drying, non-staining, easy-to- manipulate material! Our instructor will guide children with step-by-step instructions to make their own sculptures, with a new theme each week. All projects are age- appropriate, with no experience necessary or parent participation required. All materials are provided and dropped off at your doorstep. Red, blue, yellow, white, and black colors will be provided. The instructor will demonstrate how to mix them to create a full range of shades. No class: April 23.
School Day Off
Grades K-6, Monday-Friday, March 29-April 2, 9 AM-3 PM, Watts Center, $270/295, 311420-05
Let's grab our passports and go! Come travel the world with us by planes, trains, and automobiles. Each day, we will enjoy sports, food, arts and crafts, theatre games, and movies from the country we are visiting! Lunch should be brought from home in a single-use container to be thrown out after each meal.
- Monday: Party in the USA
- Tuesday: Hola, Mexico!
- Wednesday: Ciao, Italy!
- Thursday: Bonjour, France!
- Friday: Welcome back to the USA
Grades K-6,
Friday, 4/23, 9 AM-3 PM,
Watts Center
,
$54
/59
, 311420-06
Red rover, red rover let your child come over! Come and play outside all day long! Games, chalk, bubbles, and more! (If poor weather, we will have a great day inside the Watts Center) Lunch should be brought from home in a single-use container to be thrown out after each meal.