child enrichment programs in Bloomington, IL

Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!

Upper Limits is the perfect place for rock climbers of all levels to come and practice their skills! Located in the heart of the Midwest, Upper Limits is a premier rock climbing gym and pro shop that offers something for everyone. With walls ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced, there's something for climbers of all abilities. Plus, the pro shop is stocked with all the gear and apparel you need for your next climbing adventure. Whether you're a beginner looking to get started or an experienced climber looking to take your skills to the next level, Upper Limits has the perfect climbing setup for you. With trained staff to help you out and special classes to improve your technique, you'll be sure to find the right fit. And don't forget to check out the pro shop for all the latest gear and apparel to help you reach your goals. At Upper Limits, you'll find a world-class climbing experience that's tailored to your needs. With a wide range of walls, pro shop, and experienced staff, you can count on Upper Limits to provide everything you need to get the most out of your climbing experience. Come and see what Upper Limits has to offer today!

At Artful Designs, we understand how important it is for parents to have creative outlets for their children. That is why we are the only paint your own pottery studio in Bloomington-Normal. Our wide selection of pottery ensures that everyone will find something they enjoy painting. We make it easy to create unique pieces by offering water-based and non-toxic paint. Leave your pottery with us and we'll glaze and fire it, and it will be ready for you to pick up a week from the day you painted it. Our studio fee is an additional cost to the price of your pottery. Adults pay $7.00 and children pay $6.00 for the studio fee. Be sure to check our calendar for weekly specials. We also have classes, events, bare-bisque pottery, and custom painting services available. At Artful Designs, we make it easy to explore your creative side and make something unique. Come visit us and start creating today!

At The Jump Spot in Bloomington, Illinois, we provide gymnastics instruction, physical education programs, and fitness classes for children. We understand the importance of physical activity for growing bodies. That’s why we offer P.E. classes that go into daycare facilities to ensure that your child is getting the necessary exercise to develop and grow. We also offer birthday parties, field trips, and fitness instruction where our staff can act as role models for children in the community. We strive to create an age-friendly environment where children feel safe to learn and grow. We are confident that you will be so pleased with our effective teaching methods that you will keep coming back!

At our training and coaching facility, we’re dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential. Our team is passionate about providing the highest quality of training and coaching, which is why we strive to create an environment that fosters confidence, discipline, and leadership skills. We believe that by combining scientific research with practical experience, athletes can achieve success in sports as well as in their overall well-being. With our commitment to excellence, we’ll provide you with the tools necessary to reach your goals.

At The Body Compound, your child is guaranteed to gain a well-rounded fitness experience. Our sport program includes the fundamentals of CrossFit, which are gymnastics, metabolic conditioning (cardio) and weightlifting. Each movement will be broken down, and athletes will receive instruction on proper form and technique. We'll tailor the exercises to the individual, scaling the weight or repetitions as needed until the athlete can show proper technique. Safety is of the utmost importance, and we want to make sure every athlete is able to gain speed, strength, and intensity. The 10 components of CrossFit, including strength, speed, power, balance, accuracy, flexibility, coordination, cardio, stamina, and agility, are the focus of our programming. We'll work with each team or individual to cater the programming to their specific needs, but you can rest assured that each workout will be constantly varied, include high intensity, and involve functional movements. Our goal is for each athlete to discover improvement in these areas over the course of the session. At The Body Compound, we work hard to ensure your child gains a comprehensive fitness experience. Our sport program is based on the foundations of CrossFit, and we use the 10 components of CrossFit to create a program that is tailored to the individual or team. We provide instruction on proper form and technique, while scaling weight or repetitions as needed. Every workout is designed to be constantly varied, with high intensity and functional movements. We want every athlete to walk away feeling stronger, faster, and more agile.

State Farm Youth Classic (SFYC) is a competitive, professionally-conducted junior golf tournament for players ages three to 22. Since 2002, SFYC has been working to provide a positive and challenging environment for young golfers to develop and grow their skills. With the help of local businesses and leaders, SFYC has created an event that brings participants and their families from all over the world to the Bloomington-Normal area to create tourism and give a boost to the local economy. An impressive 25-member committee and the contributions of six public golf courses have made SFYC a popular annual event. To date, the tournament has attracted 4,800 golfers. Many of them have gone on to participate in the professional tour, become college golfers, or serve as golf professionals or coaches. The tournament is also conveniently held the week after the Pepsi Little People's Golf Championships in Quincy, Illinois, for those already travelling through the state.

In 1986, Bloomington resident Dennis Shira founded McLean County PONY Baseball. Through much dedication and hard work, the league has developed into a thriving nonprofit organization with a complex of six diamonds, a concession stand, and two storage buildings all constructed without taxpayer money. The complex was recently renamed in honor of the Shira family for their commitment to the league. McLean County PONY Baseball continues to provide children ages 8 to 14 an opportunity to learn, grow, and excel in the game of baseball, all while having fun. The season runs from April to July and concludes with a chance for teams to compete in the World Series. The league also offers instructional and recreational leagues for high school and adult players in the fall. McLean County PONY Baseball provides a great experience for everyone involved.

Paragraph 1: Soccer, volleyball, basketball, football, and a variety of outdoor games are just some of the physical education activities campers get to take part in during the day. They also have the opportunity to focus on their own personal fitness as well as participate in track events. Paragraph 2: In addition to their physical activities, campers also get to take part in one movie station during the day. This provides them with a chance to relax and enjoy some down time. Paragraph 3: Each day, campers also have free time in the morning and afternoon, giving them a chance to explore the outdoors or simply take a break from all the activities. With so many different activities to choose from, campers will never find themselves without something to do.

In 2000, Victory Academy Lions opened its doors and became one of the first All Star cheer teams in the state of Illinois. With just two teams in the beginning, the program quickly grew in popularity and added more and more teams to meet the demand. After 13 successful seasons at Victory Academy, the organization moved to Gymnastics Etc. in Bloomington and the Lions Cheer Company name was born. In December 2017, Jen Nettleton, the program director for over 16 years, retired and Amanda Wait, a former athlete, took her place. The Lions Cheer Company continues to grow and provide quality All Star cheer teams and class programs to the Central Illinois community. After 20 years of service, the Lions Cheer Company is now the longest running All Star program in the entire state of Illinois.

Our pro's have experience in all areas of the game and can help you develop the skills to reach your next level.

At the Y, we are working to ensure that everyone has access to the resources that they need to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. We are dedicated to providing programs for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, which will help our community members to develop essential skills, make healthy choices and give back to our community. We understand that we are stronger as a community when we work together, which is why we are proud to provide opportunities for individuals of all ages, incomes and backgrounds to learn, grow and thrive. We strive to create a lasting impact on the lives of our members and our community. Through our commitment to our core values, we are helping to empower our community and promote lasting personal and social change. We are proud to be a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for everyone in McLean County. With our focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA is the place where you can learn, grow and thrive.

At Walker's Taekwondo we want to provide every student with a clear path to success. Our family-oriented program and safe environment make Walker's the perfect choice for Martial Arts instruction. Our professional instructors have been teaching Taekwondo since 1999, and we offer the most affordable program in McLean County. We also strive to help our students develop valuable life skills like Self-Confidence and Leadership, which will serve them beyond their Martial Arts education. Get in touch with us today and join our Martial Arts family!

At Gracie Barra Bloomington Jiu Jitsu, we understand that martial arts can be overwhelming for newcomers. That's why our program structure is designed to be precise and accessible to all levels, from beginners to experienced martial artists. Our school is family-oriented and provides a safe, friendly atmosphere so that our students can improve their skills while still preserving the techniques developed by the Gracie family. Our teaching methods are based on the teachings of Master Carlos Gracie Jr., and we strive to provide the best possible Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience through a progress-oriented learning environment. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been recognized for its effectiveness in real-world circumstances as seen in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and in the integration of ground techniques in martial arts. If you're interested in learning this martial art, we invite you to join us in the Gracie Barra Bloomington Jiu Jitsu Academy. We offer a free introductory class to get you started and you can also train at any of the hundreds of Gracie Barra Academies around the world. Sign up today and experience the power of this ancient martial art!

At our martial arts school, we are passionate about helping people reach their potential and live a life of purpose and immense satisfaction. Our programs offer an array of activities and skills that are designed to help individuals progress in their martial arts journey. We provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere, and strive to encourage individuals to reach their personal goals. Our focus is on developing and teaching practical martial arts techniques, while helping individuals to become their best selves. We understand that martial arts can be intimidating, especially for those with no prior experience. That’s why we offer a variety of classes that cater to all ages and genders, and are tailored to fit everyone’s individual needs. Our team of experienced instructors are dedicated to providing the best quality instruction, and helping each person reach their fullest potential. We are committed to providing an environment where everyone can achieve, develop and succeed.

Are you ready to give your child the BEST After School Programs and Summer Camps in Bloomington-Normal? CMA is here to serve families just like yours! Our after school programs offer FREE transportation from Colene Hoose, Grove, Prairieland, and Stevenson Elementary, giving your child access to a range of activities, from homework assistance to Karate, Dance, and outdoor sports. Plus, our summer camp program is a great way to teach your child important life skills such as developing integrity, telling the truth, and improving behavior at home and school. Our mission is to help your child succeed in school, sports, and in life! Get started today and give your child the BEST after-school and summer camp experience in Bloomington-Normal!

Miller Park Zoo is the perfect family outing destination. Visitors can experience a variety of animals and exhibits, including Sumatran tigers, greater flamingos, American alligators, river otters, red pandas, lemurs, Galapagos tortoises, bald eagles, Pallas' cats, snow leopards, gibbons, and red wolves. The Zoo also features large indoor and outdoor exhibits, such as the Tropical America Rainforest, ZooLab, Katthoefer Animal Building, Wallaby WalkAbout, and Children's Zoo. A new South American exhibit is set to open in May 2023. Whether it's a day trip or a weekend getaway, Miller Park Zoo is a great place for the whole family to enjoy!

Tinkergarten is the perfect way for Bloomington, Illinois families to make the most of their kids’ early learning years. Through live, weekly sessions, a curriculum to extend the play at home, and a rich learning community, Tinkergarten makes it easy for kids of all ages to get outside and experience the great outdoors during Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. All classes are developed and led by certified, trained, local leaders and designed to help kids develop focus, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, empathy, and communication. Join the other families in Bloomington, Illinois and start learning and playing outdoors today!

Developing Melodies is a music therapy center located in Bloomington, IL that was established in 2006. Founded by Meryl Brown MM, MT-BC, DT, the Neurologic Music Therapist, the center offers music therapy, adapted music lessons, and music groups to clients. Developing Melodies believes in using music to help their clients reach their fullest potential and maximize their individual strengths. Every year, Developing Melodies serves over 500 individuals. At Developing Melodies, clients are able to find the help they need with a personalized approach. The center looks to use music to help induce changes to meet the needs of each individual. With the help of Meryl Brown MM, MT-BC, DT, the Neurologic Music Therapist, and the other staff at Developing Melodies, clients are able to get the assistance they need to reach their goals. To enrich the community, Developing Melodies uses music as its primary resource. By providing music therapy, adapted music lessons, and group music sessions, Developing Melodies is able to help individuals find success and reach their fullest potential. Every year, Developing Melodies provides services to over 500 people, and is proud to be a part of transforming lives through music.

At Kindermusik, we are dedicated to helping parents create meaningful moments for their children. We understand that investing in children is investing in our future world. That's why we are passionate about children and music and offer high quality music and movement education programs for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids. In our Kindermusik classes, a unique and supportive approach in the classroom helps children develop physical, emotional, cognitive, and social skills. We also offer Studio Connect division classes and private music lessons to help children hone their musical craft. Our goal is to create a lifelong love of music within each child and to help them grow into their best self. At Kindermusik, we believe that music is an essential part of a child's development. Our team of professional educators and musicians is dedicated to helping parents create meaningful moments for their children, and we strive to make those moments both fun and educational. Through our high-quality music and movement education program, we hope to help children develop skills they will use for the rest of their lives.

Rob Knight’s Swim America opened in June 1992 with just 14 customers. Now, after 30 years, we have taught thousands of children how to swim. We have recently moved to Four Seasons 1 and taken over their swim lesson program. We are now offering the Swim America Learn to Swim Program and have a staff of over 18 professionally trained instructors, all CPR and First Aid certified. Our program is designed to teach all the skills your child needs to be safe in and around the water for a lifetime, from floating and kicking, to the four competitive strokes, safety skills and the ability to swim a minimum of 300 yards of freestyle. We put safety first and ensure our high standards are upheld. Contact us today to join our swim lesson program!

At our preschool, we believe that kids should have fun while learning and exploring. Through our gymnastics program, we aim to provide a safe, padded environment for children to develop their physical and social skills. This includes helping them learn to follow instructions, move around a circuit, and interact with other children and adults. We want to ensure that our gym kids are prepared for school by building their confidence and teaching them locomotor movements. We understand that children develop at different rates, so our ages listed for each program are just guidelines. We will make sure that each child is placed in the right program. Our preschool gym is designed to provide an enjoyable and energized environment for our little ones to grow and thrive. We strive to create an atmosphere that allows kids to learn and explore, while feeling secure and having lots of fun.

Gymnastics Etc. is the perfect place for your child to explore the world of gymnastics. Our experienced coaches are dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable learning experience for every child. We understand that children have different levels of ability, and our mission is to ensure that all kids have the chance to have fun while learning the basics and even more complex skills. At Gymnastics Etc., our coaches strive to help children gain self-worth and confidence through small successes. With over 150+ years of gym life and working with young children, our coaches are passionate about instilling a strong foundation of athleticism and positive reinforcement. We want every child to reach their potential and to feel proud of themselves as they work to exceed their personal goals. Your child’s safety and well-being is our top priority, and we strive to create a fun and welcoming environment that encourages growth and success. With the help of our coaches, your child can enjoy all the benefits of gymnastics and make lasting memories.

Looking for a great family activity in Bloomington, IL? Then head to Hershey Road Bowling Center! Boasting 32 lanes of open bowling, league bowling, and tournaments, there’s something here for everyone. Not to mention, we host birthday and corporate parties, too! Hungry? Stop by our large pub for a meal, and be sure to check out our special events. For the warmer months, we’ve added a professional 18 hole miniature golf course (by Harris Miniature Golf) and two volleyball courts. And if that’s not enough to keep you busy, the new beer garden is open all year round. With something for everyone, Hershey Road Bowling Center is the perfect place to bring the whole family! So don’t wait – come out to Hershey Road Bowling Center in Bloomington, IL and create lasting memories! Our 32 lanes, mini golf, volleyball courts, beer garden, and more are ready and waiting for you. We’re sure you’ll have a great time!

The Bloomington Cardinals are proud to be part of the Bloomington-Normal Youth Football League, providing a safe, fun and educational program for children in the Bloomington community. Established in 1972, the Cardinals have a long history of providing tackle, cheer and flag football for young athletes. The Cardinals are a volunteer-run, charitable organization, with a 501(c) not-for-profit status. The Cardinals compete against other teams in the Central Illinois area, making them one of the oldest and finest programs in the BNYFL. The Bloomington Cardinals are dedicated to providing a safe and fun environment for kids in the Bloomington area. Established in 1972, the Cardinals offer tackle, cheer and flag football for young athletes. The Cardinals are a community-based, volunteer-run, 501(c) not-for-profit charitable organization. The Cardinals compete in the Bloomington-Normal Youth Football League, known as one of the oldest and finest competing programs within the league. The Cardinals also compete with other teams throughout Central Illinois, giving them the opportunity to hone their skills and grow as athletes. The Bloomington Cardinals are committed to helping young athletes develop and grow. With a 501(c) non-profit status and a volunteer-run charitable organization, the Cardinals provide tackle, cheer and flag football for young athletes in the Bloomington area. Established in 1972, the Cardinals have been a part of the Bloomington-Normal Youth Football League for almost five decades. Competing against other teams in Central Illinois, the Cardinals are one of the oldest and most successful programs in the league. With their commitment to providing a safe and fun environment, the Cardinals are dedicated to helping young athletes reach their potential.

Are you and your family looking for a creative way to learn and express yourselves? Look no further than the Bloomington Rock School! Here, both youth and adults can learn how to make music in an open-minded and accepting environment. No matter what the age, the only “right” way to learn an instrument is the way that works best for each individual student. Whether that’s through music theory, learning by ear, or a combination of the two, the school offers lessons for guitar, bass, and drums from experienced instructors. Not only that, but they also have a Songwriting program to take music to the next level. At Bloomington Rock School, they believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves through music. That’s why they offer lessons and songwriting programs for all ages. Through music theory, learning by ear, or a combination of the two, experienced instructors provide guidance on guitar, bass, and drums. No matter your age, you can find the best way to learn how to play songs in an open-minded and friendly environment. So what are you waiting for? Get the whole family involved and express yourselves through music!

MUSIC LAB TIME: My 25' music lab time allows my students to gain an understanding of the basics of music theory, ear training, and music notation. During this time, students are actively engaged in different activities such as playing an accompaniment disc, composer units, listening labs, and more. Through these activities, students not only learn the fundamentals of music, but also gain an appreciation for the beauty and creativity of music. MUSIC ACE MAESTRO THEORY: Music Ace Maestro Theory is a comprehensive course designed to teach music theory in a fun and engaging way. This course covers everything from pitch and rhythm to scales and chords, with interactive quizzes to reinforce learning. Through this course, my students gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of music theory, and are more equipped to tackle more advanced musical concepts.

At Inside Out: Accessible Art Cooperative, we strive to bring the best of art to our community. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that maintains an art sales gallery and provides art instruction and events and services to the community through the arts. Membership in the cooperative is open to the public, while gallery membership is available through a jury process. Our goal is to provide a platform for artists to display their works, as well as offer art instruction and host community events. We provide classes for all skill levels, from novice to experienced. We want to help everyone to discover their inner artist and bring it to life. We at Inside Out: Accessible Art Cooperative welcome everyone to join us in bringing art to our community. We invite you to join us and unleash the talent inside you!

At Powerhouse Martial Arts Academy (PMAA), our goal is to help our members reach their goals. Our experienced and dedicated instructors are here to make sure you get the most out of your martial arts journey. Whether it's physical fitness, confidence building, competition, self-defense, or simply making new friends, PMAA has something for you. PMAA has been providing Central Illinois with the best martial arts and self-defense training since 2013. Our clean, safe, and fun environment makes us the premier martial arts gym in the area. Our instructors are committed to giving each of our members individual attention and helping them reach their goals. Come and join the PMAA family today!