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Local Events

Crystal Lake is a serene and family-friendly community located in McHenry County, Illinois. With its picturesque surroundings, top-notch schools, and a wide range of educational and entertainment opportunities, Crystal Lake is an ideal place for raising children. The town boasts an excellent school district that is known for its high academic standards and dedicated educators. Crystal Lake Community Consolidated School District 47 and Crystal Lake High School District 155 offer a variety of educational programs that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. Whether it's early childhood education or advanced placement courses, parents can be assured that their children are receiving a quality education. Apart from its stellar schools, Crystal Lake offers a plethora of entertainment options for kids of all ages. The town is home to numerous parks and recreational facilities, where children can engage in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming. The Three Oaks Recreation Area is a popular destination, featuring a beach, fishing and boating opportunities, and even a wakeboarding park for older kids. Furthermore, Crystal Lake boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Raue Center for the Arts regularly hosts family-friendly performances, including theater productions and musical concerts. The Crystal Lake Park District organizes various events throughout the year, such as festivals, concerts, and movie nights in the park. Additionally, Crystal Lake offers easy access to nearby attractions. Families can take a short trip to the McHenry County Historical Society Museum, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich history. The Illinois Railway Museum, located just a short drive away, offers a unique opportunity for kids to explore vintage trains and even take a ride on a historic steam locomotive. In conclusion, Crystal Lake, IL, is an idyllic community that provides an optimal environment for raising children. With its excellent schools, abundant recreational opportunities, and proximity to educational and entertainment attractions, Crystal Lake ensures that kids have access to a well-rounded and enriching childhood experience.

Events in Crystal Lake

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Dec03-3118:05 PM
Ballet - Ages 4 - 5 years old event image
Dec27-2819:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt Aurora event image
Dec280:00 AM
Italian Dinner Party event image
Dec2815:00 PM
Family-Friendly Improv event image
Dec2910:30 AM
Noon Year's Eve Eve event image
Dec2910:30 AM
Happy dancing parents draw
Dec29-3019:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt Chicago event image
Dec29-3019:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt Aurora event image
Dec3010:00 AM
New Year's Eve-EVE for Kids event image
Dec3011:00 AM
Happy dancing parents draw
Dec3011:30 AM
Happy dancing parents draw
Dec3017:30 PM
Kwanzaa Family Story Time event image
Dec3018:00 PM
Happy dancing parents draw
Dec30-3119:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt Springfield event image
Dec3110:00 AM
Happy dancing parents draw
Dec3110:00 AM
Happy dancing parents draw
Dec3110:30 AM
Family New Year's Eve event image
Dec3111:00 AM
Happy dancing parents draw
Dec3111:00 AM
Noon Years Eve 2024 Party event image
Kids on grass smilingWe help you save time and money
Kid running in baloonsWe bring families fun and entertainment
Kids playing at the kid`s playgroundWe are parent’s little helpers

Local Activities

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The Crystal Lake Park District is an independent agency of local government, representing about 5% of a resident's property tax bill. It provides park and recreation services for approximately 55,000 people, with 42 parks that span over 1,400 acres and over 1,000 program offerings each year. These parks, facilities, and programs include the Nature Center, Main and West Beaches, Colonel Palmer House, Lippold Family Golf Center, Boncosky Softball Complex at Lippold Park, Grand Oaks Recreation/Active Adult Center, the Racket Club, Barlina House Preschool, and many picnic shelters. The Crystal Lake Park District also maintains miles of bike and hiking trails, allowing residents to enjoy the outdoors year-round. To help residents make the most of these parks and programs, the Park District publishes three seasonal brochures filled with programs and special events suited to all ages. From golf courses to preschools, the Crystal Lake Park District has something for everyone. The Crystal Lake Park District is proud to provide a wide variety of options for residents to get outdoors and stay active. With over 42 parks and 1,000 program offerings, the Crystal Lake Park District is a great resource for families to explore and enjoy the outdoors. The Park District also provides seasonal brochures to help residents take advantage of the many activities available. With something for everyone, the Crystal Lake Park District is the perfect way to get outside and have fun!

a group of kids in a gym

At Davis Speed Center, parents can rest assured that their kids are receiving the best athletic performance program around. With no gimmicks and no wasted time, Davis Speed Center has been producing some of the top athletes in the area since 2003. Parents can trust Davis Speed Center to provide their children with a top athletic performance program. We believe that no gimmicks or wasted time should be involved, and since 2003, Davis Speed Center has been producing some of the area's most successful athletes. Davis Speed Center is proud to offer parents the best athletic performance program in the area. We don't believe in gimmicks or wasting time, and since 2003, we have been producing some of the top athletes in the area.

a couple of men sitting on a bench

At Encore Music Academy, we believe that everyone has the potential to make beautiful music. Our mission is to foster the innate musical abilities of every individual, and provide a supportive and nurturing atmosphere for both our students and teachers. Our goal is to help everyone, regardless of age or ability, unlock the extraordinary power of music and use it to bring about positive change, create hope, and strengthen the bonds of community. At Encore Music Academy, we understand the importance of music in our lives. We strive to provide a welcoming and encouraging environment, so that all who learn and teach here can develop their musical skills. We believe that music has the potential to be life-changing, and that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can benefit from its power. At Encore Music Academy, we strive to bring out the full potential of each and every individual. We believe that music can empower change, inspire hope, and build a stronger community. Our mission is to cultivate the innate musical abilities of each individual in a safe and supportive atmosphere. We are passionate about providing everyone with the opportunity to experience the life-changing power of music.

a woman playing a violin to a young girl

For 15 years Music Makers for Life has been proudly serving the Crystal Lake community. We offer students a wide range of music lessons including piano, guitar, drums, voice, woodwind, violin, viola and cello. Our mission is to ensure every student learns to play music and read music, so that they can become music makers — for life! We understand that practice makes perfect, and that’s why we make sure our students have the time and resources to develop their musical skills. Our instructional methods have proven to create musicians who can read and play music well. We believe that the more students enjoy their lessons, the more they will love playing music in their free time. So, come join us and become a music maker — for life!

a girl playing a piano

At Piano Trends Music & Band Company, we are proud to offer our families the highest quality music education that McHenry County has to offer. With more teachers who have music degrees and experience than any other private music teaching studio in the area, our instructors provide our students with world-class instruction. Our instructors have been with us for many years, with several of them having been with us for more than 10 years. Adela Kim and Barb Schotanus have been with us for a combined 35 years, with Adela having taught for over 20 years and Barb for more than 15 years. We believe that the longevity of our teachers is a testament to their passion and love for their profession, as well as their love of teaching at Piano Trends Music.

a person playing a guitar

For over four decades, Joe Ornelas has been at the helm of The Player’s Bench Music Store. After a few years spent working at the store, two dentists realized that their expertise was better suited to the dental field, and in 1976, Joe took the reins. Since then, The Player’s Bench has grown exponentially. With remodeling done both inside and out, the store has added teaching studios, a sound room, a guitar repair shop, and a rental department. Joe’s leadership has seen the store through two recessions and eight presidents, and The Player’s Bench is now a thriving business.

a woman on a rope

Welcome to CLGTC! We are dedicated to providing the highest-quality gymnastics experience for athletes and families across the Midwest and the United States. Our program focuses on helping young adults and athletes reach their full potential, both in and out of the gym. We also emphasize the importance of creating a strong, supportive community among our athletes and families, bringing everyone together and helping each athlete tap into their unique talents and abilities. By doing so, we hope to help our athletes reach extraordinary heights in their gymnastics career. At CLGTC, we understand the power of gymnastics to go beyond simply teaching new skills. We strive to give our athletes and families the best, most comprehensive experience possible. We’re committed to helping young people develop into well-rounded individuals and connecting them with their gifts and skills. Our goal is to foster an environment of connection and unity, helping athletes of all levels reach their highest potential in gymnastics.

a group of children in karate uniforms

At Lee's Martial Arts Academy, we believe in physical fitness, character development, and self-defense. Our primary focus is to build up our students' self-esteem and confidence in a safe and encouraging environment. Taekwondo, the martial art we specialize in, helps children and adults alike to build confidence, concentration, self-discipline, respect, and courtesy. We provide classes for all levels of ability from beginner to advanced, and families can attend classes together or children and adults can attend classes within their age groups. We want to ensure that our students reach their individual goals, no matter their age or athletic abilities. We strive to create an environment of understanding and respect for all of our students, while teaching them the importance of physical fitness and self-defense. Come by and see what we can offer you or your family.

a man and a boy practicing martial arts

At AKF Martial Arts Academy, your child will experience a positive, disciplined environment that will help them develop the skills they need to succeed. Our instructors are highly trained and certified in all aspects of martial arts, and are passionate about teaching children how to become successful and confident martial artists. We strive to create an atmosphere that is both fun and educational, so your child will get the most out of their martial arts experience. Welcome your child to the world of martial arts with AKF Martial Arts Academy! Our Crystal Lake school offers programs designed for kids ages 3 and up that will help them focus, learn respect, and grow their confidence and coordination. Our instructors are highly trained and certified in all aspects of martial arts, and are passionate about teaching children how to become successful and confident martial artists. We emphasize respect for all people, regardless of age or rank. Your child will set goals, compete, and interact with other students, all while having a ton of fun. With our positive and disciplined environment, your child will develop the skills they need to succeed. Join us today and let us help your child reach their martial arts potential!

a group of girls posing for a photo

At the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature and the environment. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for the community by offering a variety of high-quality nature-based recreation opportunities. We provide formal and informal education programs, as well as the preservation and restoration of native ecosystems. We are constantly striving to upgrade our facilities and offer a wide array of activities, including hands-on activities, seasonal exhibits, and volunteer opportunities. Our location in Veteran Acres Park is the perfect spot to begin a journey into the nearby woods and prairie. Come join us and explore the wonders of nature.

a group of children holding flowers

At Countryside Flower Shop & Nursery, our mission is to make it easy for you to bring out the best of nature in your life. We offer an abundance of options for the accomplished master gardener or the busy property owner, eager to show off their homes and businesses with beautiful décor and landscapes. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you bring your ideas to life, with an inventory of products and services that is sure to make your dreams come true.

a group of girls sitting at a table with a child's toy

The Crystal Lake Park District is a unit of local government that is responsible for providing park and recreation services for the community. This independent district accounts for approximately 5% of a resident's property tax bill and serves over 55,000 people. With 42 parks spanning over 1,400 acres, the Park District offers families a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. The Nature Center, Main and West Beaches, Colonel Palmer House, Lippold Family Golf Center, Boncosky Softball Complex at Lippold Park, Grand Oaks Recreation/Active Adult Center, the Racket Club, Barlina House Preschool, and numerous picnic shelters are all part of the Crystal Lake Park District system. In addition, the district maintains miles of bike and hiking trails that can be enjoyed year-round. The Crystal Lake Park District is committed to providing its residents with an array of activities and opportunities to stay active and engaged. The district publishes three seasonal brochures filled with programs and special events designed for people of all ages. From swimming at the Main and West Beaches to playing a round of golf at the Lippold Family Golf Center, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk along the trails or an adventure at the Nature Center, the Crystal Lake Park District is the perfect spot for family fun. Parents can rest assured that their children are in good hands when they participate in the various programs and special events hosted by the Crystal Lake Park District. With an abundance of parks, facilities, and programs, there’s no shortage of ways for kids to explore and make memories. From the Barlina House Preschool to the Grand Oaks Recreation/Active Adult Center, the Crystal Lake Park District is dedicated to providing the best possible recreational experience for everyone in the community.

a person teaching children in a class

We provide year-round recreation experiences tailored to meet the needs of individuals with all types of disabilities. At NISRA, our mission is to enrich the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful recreation experiences. We strive to provide a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Our certified staff and volunteers work closely with each individual to ensure that their interests and abilities are taken into consideration. We offer a variety of recreational activities, from bowling and adaptive sports to educational classes and leisure trips. NISRA is committed to providing accessible and engaging programming for people with disabilities. We strive to create a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all who participate in our programming. Our highly trained staff and volunteers are dedicated to creating meaningful experiences for each person that visit us. We are proud to be an extension of 13 park districts and municipal recreation departments, providing year-round recreation for the local community.

a girl holding a bag

Are you looking for an exciting and creative way to spend your time? Join us at our watercolour painting workshop! No experience is necessary; our classes are designed for both beginners and intermediate levels. Over the course of each two to three hour session, you will learn new techniques while creating a masterpiece of your own. All supplies are sanitized and ready for use. On Saturday mornings, we also offer Mandalas for meditation. This is a great opportunity to relax and create an artwork that can help bring a sense of peace and joy into your life. Let our experienced artist guide you through the process and help you discover the beauty of watercolour painting. So come out and join us for a unique and rewarding experience. Let the calming power of art bring out your creative side!

a group of children sitting around a table

Creative Arts, Inc. Fine Arts school is offering an incredible opportunity for your child to explore and express their creativity. Each week, they'll dive into new projects of drawing, painting, sculpting, and mixed media, all with the help of professional artists and quality materials. This art adventure is perfect for every child - whether they're a budding artist or are just starting out. They'll be able to experiment with different mediums and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals. Plus, they'll be able to create unique pieces of art that they can be proud of. Enroll your child in this art adventure today! Creative Arts, Inc. Fine Arts school is the perfect place for them to express their creativity and discover the joy of art. With weekly projects, quality materials, and professional artists, this is an opportunity your child won't want to miss.

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