After-school Activities in Chicago
Public schools and private schools in Chicago have their own after school programs. It might be supplied by external professional providers, by the school teachers, or sometimes a combination of both. There are extra fees for extra-curricular activities and the amounts can be very high, especially in private schools. The after-school programs are an important aspect to take into account when choosing a school as your children will finish school very early. School hours vary from one school to another but schools usually finish between 1:45 pm and 2:15 pm. Chicago school days are actually among the shortest in the US.
Clubs/Programs
Chicago Park District
There are a lot of activities and providers of extra-curricular activities outside the school system. Some of the most popular and inexpensive ones are the programs run by Chicago Park District: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/. This organization manages more than 7600 acres of parkland in the city of Chicago including parks, playgrounds, baseball fields, softball fields, golf courses and more. Through the CPD programs, you can learn how to skate, how to play basket-ball or baseball for instance. The activities available go beyond your imagination and they target all age groups. This is a wonderful resource for children’s extra-curricular activities. The prices are very low.
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
The YMCA (http://www.ymcachgo.org/) has 21 locations through the Chicagoland area and runs programs for children: swimming lessons at the YMCA is very popular.
Dance
All About Dance http://www.allaboutdance.org/
Dance Classes (Ballet, Modern Jazz, and tap)
ARCC Ballet http://www.arccballet.org/
Dance Classes (Ballet, Modern Jazz, and tap)
Ballet Chicago http://www.balletchicago.org
Ballet only.
SPACE (Southport Performing Arts Conservatory) http://www.southportarts.com/
Dance (all kind) and Music classes
Gym
The Little Gym
3216 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone:(773) 525-5750
Fax:(773) 525-5756
Email: tlgchicagoil@thelittlegym.com
Website: http://www.tlgchicagoil.com
Gymboree Play and Music http://www.gymboreeclasses.com
They specialize in gymnastic, music and arts. They have three locations in Chicago and much more in Illinois.
Music
The Music Play House http://www.themusicplayhouse.com/
Music only.
Old Town School of Folk Music http://www.oldtownschool.org
4544 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625-2103
Ph.: (773) 728-6000
The best place in town for children to learn (for adults too).
Other Local and Small Businesses Targeting Children
Sister-Arts Studio Inc http://www.sisterartsstudio.com
SASI specializes in Arts and Crafts activities and more particularly knitting. They organize small holiday camps and birthday parties.
The Paintbrush http://www.thepaintbrush.net
Classes at The Paintbrush will introduce children to music from classical to modern while they explore various artistic media to create their own unique works of art.
