Early Childhood

Early Childhood

Develop important physical, social, creative, and emotional skills

Research shows that early childhood provides a critical window for developing many important physical, social, creative and emotional skills.

To make the most of this time when your little one is prime for learning, the Park District offers a variety of programs. From music and art to computers and cooking, we have something that will interest your child and inspire them.

In some classes, children and their parents or caregivers can enjoy quality time together. In others, children can learn independence while their special adult is not present. All early childhood classes are led by caring and expert staff who design age-appropriate activities to ensure your child has the best possible experience.

Youth Athletics

Don't miss our Parent/Tot Athletic classes!

Learn more

Programs with Adults

1130100 / Baby Rock

Wiggle and giggle with Baby Rock, a unique combination of sensory expereincces with stimulatng music and exercises to help strengthen and stretch your baby. Acivities include singalongs, exposure to simipe instruments and sensory props, bean bag massages, motion exercises and bubbles. Please bring a blanket or mat and get ready for a rockin' good time with your tiniest dancer! www.rockitkids.com
1130100-1 - Baby Rock
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 2/7/2025
10:50 am - 11:20 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3-12mo w/Adult
1130100-11 - Baby Rock
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
2/21/2025 - 3/21/2025
10:50 am - 11:20 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3-12mo w/Adult

1130101 / Jigglejam Music

Get ready to wiggle, JIGGLE, & giggle! Join the Jigglejam dance party & sing along to Jodi’s imaginative tunes & classic favorites. Shakers, puppets, bubbles & more surprises add to the JiggleFUN. As a children’s educator & entertainer, Koplin has Jigglejammed with families all over Chicagoland and beyond for 25+ yrs. Through the magic of music your kids develop rhythm, language, fine & gross motor skills in a nurturing safe environment. Every child present must be registered. (Want to bring siblings? Register them both for the older class). Children registered for in-person classes are welcome to attend any & all virtual classes in addition each week! www.jodijigglejam.com
1130101-1 - JIgglejam Music 6-16 mo
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/21/2025 - 3/18/2025
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
6-16 mo w/Adult
1130101-2 - JIgglejam Music 6-16 mo
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
1/22/2025 - 3/19/2025
9:15 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
6-16 mo w/Adult
1130101-3 - JIgglejam Music 6-16 mo
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
1/23/2025 - 3/20/2025
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
6-16 mo w/Adult
1130101-4 - JIgglejam Music 12-24 mo
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/21/2025 - 3/18/2025
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24 mo w/Adult
1130101-5 - JIgglejam Music 12-24 mo
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/22/2025 - 3/19/2025
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24 mo w/Adult
1130101-6 - JIgglejam Music 12-24 mo
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/23/2025 - 3/20/2025
9:15 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24 mo w/Adult
1130101-7 - JIgglejam Music 24-42 mo
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/21/2025 - 3/18/2025
9:15 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
24-42 mo w/Adult
1130101-8 - JIgglejam Music 24-42 mo
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
1/22/2025 - 3/19/2025
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
24-42 mo w/Adult
1130101-9 - JIgglejam Music 24-42 mo
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/23/2025 - 3/20/2025
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
24-42 mo w/Adult

1130102 / Tot Rock

Play with us! This interactive music, movement and imagination class has everyone on their feet! All class procedures are designed to keep staff and students safe. Activities include songs and rhymes, rhythm and coordination, fine and gross motor, imagination and sensory, listening and following directions skills. With a focus on STEAM learning, this program is a unique combination of music and learning. Don’t miss out! Join us for musical fun that really can’t be “beat”! www.rockitkids.com
1130102-1 - Tot Rock
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 2/7/2025
9:15 am - 9:55 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-30 mo w/Adult
1130102-11 - Tot Rock
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
2/21/2025 - 3/21/2025
9:15 am - 9:55 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-30 mo w/Adult

1130103 / Kid Rock I

Play with us! This interactive music, movement and imagination class has everyone on their feet! All class procedures are designed to keep staff and students safe. Activities include songs and rhymes, rhythm and coordination, fine and gross motor, imagination and sensory, listening and following directions skills. With a focus on STEAM learning, this program is a unique combination of music and learning. Don’t miss out! Join us for musical fun that really can’t be “beat”! www.rockitkids.com
1130103-1 - Kid Rock I
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 2/7/2025
10:00 am - 10:40 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/Adult
1130103-2 - Kid Rock I
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
2/21/2025 - 3/21/2025
10:00 am - 10:40 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/Adult

1130107 / Toddler Time

Music, friends and fun! Have a blast while climbing through tunnels, playing with bean bags, balls, parachutes, and so much more! Meet new friends and join us for this chill morning playgroup with your toddler. Class ends with a short circle time full of songs and stories.
1130107-1 - Toddler Time
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/6/2025 - 3/17/2025
9:15 am - 10:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24mo w/Adult

1130109 / Mini Gym

Come for an energetic morning in the gym! This interactive program includes circle time, free play, rhythm instruments, bubbles, and more! Your child learns and grows through songs and visual stimulation. All children attending class must be registered.
1130109-1 - Mini Gym
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/8/2025 - 3/19/2025
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-24mo w/Adult
1130109-2 - Mini Gym
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/8/2025 - 3/19/2025
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-24mo w/Adult

1130112 / Growing Up!

Growing up can be hard to do. Watch your child flourish into a pro-preschooler while you join them for this transitional class that helps both grown-ups and toddlers ease the anxieties of independence. Our teachers provide a nurturing environment filled with play based learning and social development. Help be part of the next step and watch your child grow and develop some independent skills. Children learn how to follow teacher instruction and a class structure by playing with friends, doing crafts, and participating in a circle time, all with their grown up right by their side. The goal is, that by the end of the session, your child will be participating with their friends independently and be on their way to preschool!
1130112-1 - Growing Up!
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/7/2025 - 3/18/2025
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/Adult

1130113 / Kiddie Kreations with Brickton Art Center

Draw it, paint it, stick it, and sculpt it! Brickton Art Center provides excellent projects and directions to teach children to discover colors, textures, and other skills in this hands-on art class. Children work on sharing and listening skills as they create beautiful art projects with their special adult, while making friends and trying new things.
1130113-1 - Kiddie Kreations with Brickton Art Center
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/7/2025 - 2/11/2025
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/Adult
1130113-2 - Kiddie Kreations with Brickton Art Center
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
2/18/2025 - 3/18/2025
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/Adult

1130114 / Wee Chefs

We provide easy, age-appropriate instruction in basic cooking combined with skill development in measuring, mixing, pouring, nutrition, safety, and following direction. Enjoy a new a delicious creation each week. All children attending class must be registered and please only one adult in attendance per child.
1130114-2 - Wee Chefs
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/6/2025 - 3/17/2025
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/Adult

1130116 / Jr Gym

Come for a morning in the gym! Children will play, do crafts, sing songs, and participate in our circle time. All children must be registered to attend.
1130116-1 - Jr. Gym
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/9/2025 - 3/20/2025
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
24-36mo w/Adult

1130121 / Drop In Punch Card

Save time and money and purchase a punch card and receive 7 classes for the price of 6! Play in the gym! This pay-as-you-go class has different play structures each week like bounce houses, ride on toys, and balls. Grown-ups are responsible for their children.
1130121-1 - Drop In Punch Card
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 3/21/2025
9:15 am - 10:45 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-26mo w/Adult

1130122 / Toddler Talk

Learn how to help your little one move from gestures and sounds to spoken words and phrases. Engage in language-rich play, music and literacy activities and practice language enhancing strategies. Early communication is so important for you and your little one! Learn what to expect and how to elicit baby’s first gestures, signs, and words and start communicating with your little one today. This class is taught by Olivia Hallagan, a pediatric speech-language pathologist who specializes in early language development. Join us in this fun and engaging new class while learning the strategies for language development through play, music, books, and movement. Visit our website at parkridgespeechtherapy.com to find out more about speech and language.
1130122-1 - Toddler Talk, sign language, speech
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 2/14/2025
9:30 am - 10:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24mo w/ Adult
1130122-2 - Toddler Talk, sign language, speech
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
2/21/2025 - 3/21/2025
9:30 am - 10:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
12-24mo w/ Adult

2130129 / Baby Rock

Wiggle and giggle with Baby Rock, a unique combination of sensory expereincces with stimulatng music and exercises to help strengthen and stretch your baby. Acivities include singalongs, exposure to simipe instruments and sensory props, bean bag massages, motion exercises and bubbles. Please bring a blanket or mat and get ready for a rockin' good time with your tiniest dancer! www.rockitkids.com
2130129-1 - Baby Rock
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 2/7/2025
10:50 am - 11:20 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3-12mo w/Adult

Programs without Adults

1130201 / Twos on the Move

Each week we explore a new fun-filled theme while developing socialization, large and fine motor skills and getting lots of support from our teachers. This program involves both individual and group interaction and helps your child to overcome separation anxiety, learn to play with friends, and start their road to preschool. Children do not need to be potty trained for this class, but please know that we do not change diapers. If your child soils their diaper/pull-up and needs to be changed we will call you.
1130201-1 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/6/2025 - 3/17/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/o Adult
1130201-2 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/7/2025 - 3/18/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/o Adult
1130201-3 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/8/2025 - 3/19/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/o Adult
1130201-4 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/9/2025 - 3/20/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/o Adult
1130201-5 - Two's on the Move
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 3/21/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/o Adult

1130202 / Stepping Stones

Did your child miss the cut off for preschool? Sign up for Stepping Stones! This program provides hands-on activities through art, music, manipulative techniques, and dramatic play to enhance your child's independence through learning in a preschool setting.
1130202-1 - Stepping Stones
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/6/2025 - 3/17/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3-4

1130203 / Learn and Play

Learn you letters, count with numbers. Enhance your child's preschool experience while exploring our community and natural surroundings. Exciting weekly themes prompt children to discover fun through stories, create unique crafts and projects. Don't miss out on play time fun while developing important skills for life!
1130203-5 - Learn and Play
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 3/21/2025
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3y-4y

1130213 / Little Chefs

From tacos to cupcakes we are stirring up a recipe for fun! Each week your child helps create a new and original recipe. Here is a chance for your little chef to use their cooking skills and self-expression to explore the use of foods. Fee includes all supplies needed for recipes.
1130213-1 - Little Chefs
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 2/14/2025
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
4-6 w/o Adult
1130213-11 - Little Chefs
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
2/21/2025 - 3/21/2025
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
4-6 w/o Adult

1130214 / Baking Buddies

Every week is a bake off in Baking Buddies! Cookies, cupcakes, pretzels, and muffins! These are just a few of the things we will be stirring up in the kitchen. Kids will learn that baking is a science. Precise measurements, mixing and frosting are all part of the fun. Experiment with colors, flavors and decorating while creating delicious baked goods. Fee includes food supplies, an apron, cookbook and tastings!
1130214-1 - Baking Buddies
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
1/9/2025 - 2/13/2025
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
4-6 w/o Adult
1130214-11 - Baking Buddies
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
2/20/2025 - 3/20/2025
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
4-6 w/o Adult

1130221 / Alphabet Animals

P is for Panda, O is for Owl! Discover all kinds of animals through stories, games, and crafts while working on letter sounds too. Focus on fun facts like habitat, animal sounds, food and where to find these glorious creatures. Alphabet Animals is held in a small classroom setting.
1130221-1 - Alphabet Animals
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
1/8/2025 - 3/19/2025
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
Preschool Age 3-4

1130222 / Kindergarten Bookworms

In a small group setting your kindergartner works on the fundamentals of beginning to read. Word sounds, letters, and word recognition are taught through games and reading A-Z books . Have your child discover the joy of reading! Children must be age appropriate by September 1, 2024.
1130222-1 - Kindergarten Bookworms
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
1/8/2025 - 3/19/2025
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
5-6 w/o Adult

4130240 / Kiddie Kreations Art Camp

Join Brickton Art Studio for their Early Childhood art camp. They will provide a mix of both child-led art and sensory activities as well as instructed art making exploration. We will explore new materials through open-ended art play. Each child will also have the opportunity to create an individual, multi-step art project. Smocks will be provided, but please dress for mess. Please bring a small peanut/tree nut free snack and water.
4130240-1 - Kiddie Kreations Art Camp
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
6/9/2025 - 6/13/2025
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
Centennial Activity Center
Ages
3.00-5.99
4130240-2 - Kiddie Kreations Art Camp
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
7/7/2025 - 7/11/2025
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
Centennial Activity Center
Ages
3.00-5.99
4130240-3 - Kiddie Kreations Art Camp
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
7/14/2025 - 7/18/2025
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
Centennial Activity Center
Ages
3.00-5.99
4130240-4 - Kiddie Kreations Art Camp
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
7/21/2025 - 7/25/2025
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
Centennial Activity Center
Ages
3.00-5.99
4130240-5 - Kiddie Kreations Art Camp
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
8/4/2025 - 8/8/2025
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
Centennial Activity Center
Ages
3.00-5.99