Local Activities

The Park District of Oak Park has been providing recreational opportunities for the 53,000+ residents of Oak Park since 1912. The District is overseen by a Board of five elected officials and owns and operates a variety of parks, centers, and special facilities. Residents can depend on the District to provide high-quality programs and well-maintained facilities to meet their diverse leisure, wellness, childcare, and other needs. This helps to enhance the quality of life for all residents. Recreation activities are available for all ages, including fitness, swimming, music, dance, visual and performing arts, and sports. The District is also a member of the West Suburban Special Recreation Association, providing recreation services to those with physical and mental challenges.

The Park District is excited to offer a wide range of camp experiences for kids of all ages. Our SPARK day camp and preschool camps provide fun-filled, half-day activities that are sure to keep your little one entertained. Sports camps and skate camps are perfect for those looking for an athletic adventure. For those looking to explore the great outdoors, our nature and science camps offer an array of activities to pique curiosity. And for the budding artists, our creative arts camps offer plenty of opportunity to express their creativity. This year, the Park District is proud to bring back a selection of specialty camps. Chess, LEGO, basketball, tennis, cooking, and more are sure to keep campers of all interests busy. For a deeper dive into their favorite area, these camps provide an engaging and enriching experience that will last a lifetime. We hope to provide something for everyone! With our comprehensive range of camps, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your little one. Sign up today and get ready for a summer of fun!

Parents Magazine is proud to announce the opening of Magical Minds Studio in 2008. This studio offers children 18 months and older an opportunity to experience hands-on learning through process-driven art. The studio was designed with an open floor plan to support the growth of the child, and contains a variety of creative spaces that include a maker space, ceramics studio and backyard. Reggio Emilia philosophy guides the studio’s learning activities, emphasizing exploration and collaboration. This unique environment cultivates problem solving skills in children of all ages from toddler to middle-schooler. Magical Minds Studio is a great place to nurture the curious minds of young learners.

SD Studios is a unique art school located in North Berwyn, which welcomes students of all ages and skill levels. Our focus is to equip students with the tools to foster creative growth, critical thinking, and problem solving. Through supportive and encouraging instruction, our students are able to develop and refine their artistic skills while engaging in imaginative projects. We strive to create an atmosphere of exploration that is tailored to each student’s interest. Through individual and group activities, students are encouraged to think independently, engage in critical conversations, and interact socially. Our projects are designed to be creative, fun, and focus on the process rather than the product. We strive to help our students unlock their creativity and reach their full potential. At SD Studios, we strive to create an environment that inspires our students to achieve their goals. Through our individualized approach, we provide students with the confidence to explore their art and take risks in order to unlock their hidden potential. With our support and guidance, our students are able to create amazing projects that they can be proud of.

At Terra Incognito, we strive to foster a strong community among ceramic artists and to provide thoughtful tutelage to all who share in our passion for the art of the hand-made. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to explore and develop their creativity in a supportive and inspiring environment. Our classes and workshops are designed to give beginners the foundation they need to pursue the art of pottery, while experienced makers can learn new techniques and refine their skills. We are committed to providing an excellent experience for all students, regardless of their background or experience level.

At The Tennis and Fitness Centre of Oak Park and River Forest, we're dedicated to promoting healthy living for every member of our community. We provide our members with the latest racquet-sport and fitness equipment in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Our highly trained staff of professionals are focused on offering instruction and training that reflects the latest trends in the sport and fitness industries. To give back to our community, we also engage in outreach and beneficent activities. At The Tennis and Fitness Centre of Oak Park and River Forest, we believe in fostering a healthy lifestyle for everyone. We provide the best racquet-sport and fitness equipment, along with professional instruction and training. Our friendly environment is welcoming to all and we strive to be a positive influence in our community through outreach and beneficent activities.

At Maria Emilia Fermi’s School, we offer a unique “homeschool in school” experience for our students. Founded and directed by Maria Emilia Fermi in 1994, with her son Brando Fermi Crawford managing the day to day operations, our school is committed to providing the highest quality education. Our curriculum is focused around a full Spanish Immersion program, and has been recognized by MENSA as a recommended program for gifted students. We believe that in order to provide the best learning environment for our children, we must create an atmosphere that is both fun and engaging. At Maria Emilia Fermi’s School, we strive to provide our students with the best educational opportunities possible. Our Spanish Immersion program is designed to help students excel, and is specifically tailored to meet the needs of our gifted students. Our school is the perfect place for your child to get the best education available.

The Academy offers a variety of courses in three main sectors of the arts: dance, music, and pre-school. With each sector, we provide a unique and enjoyable experience tailored specifically to our students. Our teachers are committed to creating a safe and inviting atmosphere that encourages creativity and exploration. We use a combination of traditional methods and modern techniques to ensure that our students are receiving the best possible instruction. Our faculty is comprised of industry-leading professionals who have years of experience in their respective fields. We also strive to provide our students with the most up-to-date training and resources to help them reach their goals. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced performer, The Academy is sure to have something to offer you! Click below to learn more about our course offerings, teaching philosophy, and faculty.

At Ana's studio, we are thrilled to offer families the opportunity to explore the depths of creativity and to become more actively involved in their children's education. Our certified Musikgarten instructors are committed to helping parents and children learn and create together. Musikgarten's curriculum provides a comprehensive approach to music and movement for children of all ages, helping them develop their language, cognitive, and motor skills. We are dedicated to encouraging families to embrace their unique artistry and to share and celebrate their gifts with their communities. Our goal is to foster a culture of creativity in which children and adults alike can use their imaginations to create beautiful lives and to bless their communities. With the tools and support provided by Ana's studio, parents and kids can look forward to experiencing lifelong learning, growth, and joy.

Kenneth K. Guilmartin was a theatre composer and music educator in the 1980s when he founded Music Together in Princeton, New Jersey. He was inspired to bring live and playful music making experiences to children, as he noticed that they were often limited to passive music listening. After nine collections of parent-child songs and additional curriculums were developed, the Music Together program was offered in over 40 countries. It provides the benefits and joys of music making to families through its parent-child, preschool, and outreach programs. Ken and Lili continue to teach Music Together classes and train others to do the same.

At Music Lessons for Life, our mission is to provide the gift of music to enrich lives and inspire the next generation of musicians. We believe that music should be fun, and we strive to coach children and adults of all talent levels to find joy in music. We also believe that repetition is the key to success, and that by working hard, our students can achieve a sense of accomplishment and build their confidence. Finally, we strive to leave this world in better shape than the way we found it.

At Oak Park School of Music, we strive to offer the best music education possible to our community. Located in the vibrant Oak Park, Illinois, our school is surrounded by a wealth of cultural and artistic history. Our leader Joann Cho, a graduate of Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Music in piano and composition, was inspired to create OPSM after completing her Master’s and Doctorate at the University of California, Santa Barbara. There, she noticed a lack of holistic approaches to music education– something she was determined to change. At OPSM, Joann Cho’s ambition is to foster a generation of musicians that can not only perform, but also compose and improvise using both voice and body. It is our mission to ensure that our students receive the highest quality music education, one that enables them to become more than just performers. We seek to create a unique and meaningful learning experience, one that will inspire them to explore and express their musical talents.

At Oak-Leyden, we understand that each person is unique and has strengths and abilities that need to be nurtured. We strive to ensure that every person we serve has the opportunity to grow, learn, and experience a fulfilling life. For over 60 years, Oak-Leyden has been dedicated to providing comprehensive, quality programs and services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Our Early Intervention program graduated 98 children last year, and our family-style group homes have successfully integrated 54 adults into the community. We’ve also taught life-enriching skills to 125 Lifelong Learning Center participants, and coached and empowered 42 people through our Supported Employment Program. We’re also dedicated to giving back to the community. We’ve raised more than 1,200 pounds of produce for the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, and are partnering with our clients, family, and community to make great strides for the future. At Oak-Leyden, we strive to ensure that every individual we serve has the opportunity to grow, learn, and experience a fulfilling life.

At Ovation Academy, we believe that every child should have access to high quality arts education. Our programming and instruction in the performing arts is designed to instill a life-long passion and appreciation for the performing arts in our students. We offer a wide range of classes in vocal training, acting, musical theater, dance, audition techniques, and more. Our Pre School program gets children moving, thinking, singing and using creative play and their imaginations! We also offer students the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the industry with guest teachers and special workshops. Our team of dynamic instructors is passionate about what they do and we strive to create an inspiring learning environment for our students.

At Pro Musica Youth Chorus, we believe that music has the power to foster creative and positive growth in young minds. Our choral program, led by professional musicians, provides children from the 2nd to 12th grade with the opportunity to develop their musical skills and explore their creative potential. Each ensemble is conducted by a highly trained conductor and accompanied by a professional accompanist. Our singers have the chance to learn and grow through weekly after-school rehearsals, varied performance opportunities, and youth empowerment programming. We are proud to provide an environment that encourages children to explore their musical talents and develop life-long skills. With Pro Musica Youth Chorus, your child can gain a positive and life-changing musical experience.

From toddlers to adults, everyone is welcome at School of Rock. With our unique approach to music education, we are helping aspiring musicians of all ages to grow into real musicians. Our supportive environment and patented School of Rock Method ensure that students of all ages and skill levels can learn, grow and develop their musical talents in a safe and engaging environment.

The Cappelli Institute of Music is designed to allow students to learn at their own pace. Allowing for a comfortable learning environment, Cappelli instructors provide practical techniques and guidance to help build confidence and musical proficiency. Additionally, students are encouraged to develop an understanding of the historical context of the music, allowing them to build an expressive and stylistic performance. At the Cappelli Institute of Music, each student is treated as an individual, regardless of age or experience. From recreational study to professional training, Cappelli Institute of Music is committed to helping students achieve their goals. With a focus on providing quality instruction in a comfortable environment, Cappelli is determined to provide the best learning experience possible. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, Cappelli Institute of Music offers a wide variety of music lessons and programs. With experienced instructors, a comprehensive curriculum, and customized lessons, the Cappelli Institute of Music provides the perfect environment for learning and growing musically.

Our experienced staff bring an individualized approach to each and every actor, helping them to grow into strong performers. It's our mission to build self-confidence in our actors while allowing them to stay true to themselves. We believe that every actor has something unique to bring to the stage, and through our tailored approach we can help nurture that talent. Our guidance provides a strong foundation to take on any role or challenge, and our positive reinforcement helps our actors to become the best they can be. At the Actors Garden, we are passionate about theatre, and we want to share that passion with you. Our team of experienced professionals will guide you every step of the way in your journey to becoming a confident and strong performer. We know that your unique talents can shine when you are given the freedom to be yourself - and we are here to help you make that happen.

For 25 years, Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School’s BRAVO program has been providing students with the opportunity to experience the powerful transformation of performing arts. BRAVO has become the largest extracurricular program, with over 30% of the student body participating. They use the arts to help foster imagination, empathy, and inclusivity, while promoting courage, community, and diversity. The BRAVO staff and Advisory Board are dedicated to providing quality, diverse, and equitable programming for all students. The program's initiatives and objectives focus on the performing arts, providing students with skills like motivation, time management, organization, and self-esteem. Additionally, BRAVO encourages parent and community involvement, allowing them to help guide students in achieving success.

The Park District of Oak Park is a great place for kids to learn, practice and compete in gymnastics! With instructional programs for all ages, from preschool to competitive levels, the GRC provides an opportunity for children to develop a passion for this incredible sport. The staff is dedicated to giving each student the best possible experience and takes the time to ensure each participant is placed in the right class. So, whether your child is just starting out or looking to hone their skills, the Park District of Oak Park has everything they need to get started in the world of gymnastics.

When considering a martial arts school, it’s important to remember that there are many schools that teach different martial arts styles. That’s why it’s important to have a general understanding of the different styles of martial arts before you begin your search. At Flying V Martial Arts, our style of martial arts is called Taekwondo. It is a Korean martial art that is among the oldest and most popular in the world. It is known for its dynamic kicking and hand techniques, as well as its emphasis on physical fitness. At Flying V Martial Arts, we believe that Taekwondo offers a great platform for our students to develop their physical abilities, but it also provides an opportunity for our students to develop their personal attributes. Our training focuses on the development of self confidence, focus, discipline, fitness, healthy weight and self-esteem. These personal attributes contribute to success in all aspects of our students’ lives. Our goal is to empower our students with the skills and attributes necessary for success in all facets of life.

For more than 50 years, Sr. GrandMaster Yu has been an esteemed leader in the martial arts community. He has been honored by numerous organizations and has dedicated his life to the study and development of martial arts. Sr. GrandMaster Yu believes that martial arts can be used to help individuals become more capable and realize their true potential. He is committed to helping those in the Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Elmwood Park, Berwyn, Riverside, Chicago/Galewood, and Chicago/Austin areas become successful members of their community, leaders, and loyal family members.

At OPEF, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, explore their curiosity, and discover their true passions. We are devoted to creating and promoting initiatives that promote equity and inclusiveness, a sense of belonging, inspiration, real-world connections, innovation, community engagement, and fun. Our mission is to ensure that every child has the resources they need to develop their passions and find success. We offer initiatives that help children build self-confidence, practice collaboration, and hone their problem-solving skills, while also giving them the opportunity to explore their interests and work towards achieving their full potential. At OPEF, we strive to create a supportive environment that encourages children to take risks, be creative, and have fun. We believe that every child should have access to the same opportunities and be able to reach their highest potential. We are committed to providing the tools and resources that will enable children to pursue their dreams, explore their curiosities, and discover their true passions.

For more than a century, the Y has been the go-to swim instructor for families across America. In today's day and age, research has revealed that if a child hasn't learned to swim by third grade, it's unlikely they ever will. Participating in formal swimming lessons is an effective way to decrease the chances of a child drowning. Knowing how to be safe around water is an absolute must for all families. At the Y, we believe swimming is an essential life skill. Our swim lessons give kids of all ages the tools they need to stay safe and have fun in the water. Through our program, children not only gain the skills to be strong swimmers but also build their self-confidence. It's our top priority to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn this critical life skill. We strive to provide a safe and supportive environment, so kids can gain the knowledge and skills they need to confidently navigate the waters.

Today's kids and teens are facing a unique set of challenges, from college prep to simply surviving school. That's why it's important to incorporate activities into their routine that can help boost their self-confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem. Introducing FamilyFlow Yoga®! Our individual and group classes are designed to foster creativity, connection and fun. Our programs are perfect for use in the home, classroom, clubs & organizations, sports teams, and school-sponsored activities. FamilyFlow Yoga® is the perfect way to encourage your child to take a break from the stressors of everyday life. Our classes are designed to promote confidence, awareness and self-esteem, while engaging their creativity and connecting them with others. We can work with your family in the home, or in a classroom, club or organization, team, or school-sponsored program. It's an easy and fun way to help your child cope with the demands of growing up in today's world.

At Dynamic Lynks, our goal is to help individuals of all ages and abilities reach their potential and achieve success. We offer a range of therapeutic sessions and groups designed to promote growth, development, and discovery. Our affirming and client-centered approach ensures that everyone can participate without intimidation or isolation. Our music therapy services are a great way to foster confidence, acquire new skills, and reach goals. Our knowledgeable team emphasizes the importance of parent and client education, providing resources to use at home for holistic support and hope. All the while, our music therapy sessions offer fun, joyful experiences! At Dynamic Lynks, we strive to provide a safe, supportive environment to help individuals reach their goals. With our comprehensive services and resources, we can help you and your family reach your highest potential and have a little fun along the way!

At Enso, we are proud to offer educational and recreational martial arts classes for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Since 2002, our vibrant and diverse community has been learning the traditional martial arts and its core values of discipline, respect, self-improvement, and self-control. We strive to provide a safe and enjoyable environment where families can come together and learn the principles of martial arts. Enso is one of the largest martial arts schools in Chicago, offering classes in Shotokan Karate for both children and adults. We welcome new students, experienced practitioners, and visitors to come and experience the benefits of martial arts. Our dedicated and experienced instructors will help guide you on your journey to becoming a better version of yourself. At Enso, we strive to bring the highest quality martial arts experience right to the heart of downtown Chicago. Our goal is to create an environment where families can learn, grow, and thrive together in the practice of martial arts.

Aikido is a martial art developed in the early 1900s by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as O'Sensei, or “great teacher.” It draws on the techniques of sword and spear fighting, jujutsu, and other martial arts, and focuses on joint locks, pins, and throws. It allows practitioners to control assailants without resorting to serious injury. This is done by redirecting the attacker's aggression and momentum. Aikido practitioners do not need to be physically strong in order to be effective. They learn how to blend with the energy of the attack, rather than meeting it head on, and respond with centred, often circular, movements. Practitioners of aikido seek to develop unity of mind, body, and spirit through a sincere, rigorous, and disciplined commitment to the art. Many have applied the principles of aikido far beyond the martial arts realm. This “off the mat” aikido helps people to better deal with conflict, and to live life with greater openness and awareness. Aikido is a unique martial art with emphasis on self-defence and control, rather than on causing harm. It has grown in popularity over the last century, and is now practiced around the world. It not only teaches physical techniques, but also emphasizes the importance of mental and spiritual development. Aikido is a great way to learn how to defend oneself while maintaining respect for others.

We have volunteer-run facilities that are committed to being eco-friendly and safe. Expressions Studio is more than just a working press shop. We have a gallery space open to the public where we hold monthly exhibitions and printmaking demonstrations. Our classes and education outreach programs are open to children and adults of all skill levels. At Expressions Studio, we are passionate about art and we are committed to sharing our expertise with the community. We want to promote a general interest in art and foster a creative environment. We offer art classes, education outreach programs, and gallery exhibitions that are open to everyone.

Kindermusik is the leading provider of music-based education for children ages birth to seven. With over 40 years of experience, Kindermusik has helped millions of kids around the world make use of the power and joy of music-making to learn and grow. Our curriculum is designed to give children the best possible start in life, and our research-backed approach has proven to support brain development. Parenting is a beautiful thing, and it’s natural for parents to use music to bond with their little ones. From rocking and singing lullabies to making them laugh with nursery rhymes, music helps children learn in a fun and meaningful way. With Kindermusik, parents can take their child’s musical journey to the next level. Our activities are designed to be engaging, educational, and lots of fun – for both parents and kids!