best 7 programs in Winnetka, IL

Since its inception in 1946, RARA Recreation has remained the top provider of recreational services in Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township. With a legacy of over 70 years, RARA Recreation has become synonymous with fun, fitness, and community spirit. Offering an incredible array of over 1,200 activities annually, RARA Recreation ensures that there's never a dull moment for you and your family. RARA Recreation is proud to offer a diverse range of programs designed to cater to the interests of all ages and abilities. From sports and day camps to dance and performing arts, the organization is committed to making fitness and recreation accessible and enjoyable. Events and activities are carefully planned to promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. For those seeking more specialized services, RARA Recreation also offers adaptive services, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy the benefits of recreation. Their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing an inclusive and supportive environment. Their focus is on building a sense of community and fostering a love of active living through their extensive offerings.

Two passionate Winnetka women had a dream of creating a space for children to engage in performing arts in the same way they would with sports like baseball, football, hockey, and basketball. Then Children's Theatre of Winnetka was born, and it quickly grew in popularity. Auditions and crew signups were limited to students grades 4 through 8 in public and private schools in New Trier Township. One of the greatest successes of the CTW has been its many “alums”. They have gone on to pursue their passions for acting, singing, dancing, and tech at New Trier, college, and even on Broadway and in Hollywood. Many of the graduates come back to CTW during their high school years to teach dance steps and stage musical numbers. This is incredibly gratifying to the staff, as it demonstrates that they have been able to instill a lifelong interest in theatre and the performing arts in the children. Over the years, the CTW has been a great success, with its students and alumni achieving great accomplishments. It has become a place for children to strive to be the best and entertain not only their parents but their friends too—all for a small admission fee.

Welcome to the vibrant Winnetka community! If you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, our performing arts programs are the perfect way to get involved. From dance and theater to music classes, there’s something for everyone. Our education and enrichment activities span from early childhood development to dog obedience. Kids can learn the fundamentals of basketball and other sports in a safe, fun atmosphere through our youth sports programs. For adults, we offer a range of activities from chess and whiskey tasting to lectures, fitness, and special events. Come on down and take a look - we can’t wait to show you around! At Winnetka, we’re all about making a difference in our community. Whether you’re a new resident or have been here for years, our performing arts programs will bring out your creative side. We offer everything from dance and theater to music classes. Plus, our education and enrichment activities cover topics like early childhood development and dog obedience. Kids can learn the basics of basketball and other sports in a non-competitive, fun environment with our youth sports programs. As for adults, there’s plenty to do - from chess and whiskey tasting to lectures, fitness classes, and special events. Stop by and get to know us - we’d love to meet you!

At the A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center, players of all ages and skill levels can benefit from year-round opportunities. With a full-service facility, expertly staffed and equipped with eight indoor and twelve outdoor courts, plus a pro shop, lounge, locker rooms, and ball machines, players can customize a lesson program to sharpen their game, or just get out on the courts and play. Whatever your preference, the A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center is the perfect spot for all your tennis needs.

At MIC Musikgarten®, we believe in the power of music to help shape the development of children from birth to age seven. Our classes provide an environment that is both joyful and stimulating, and our curriculum is designed to help children develop their musical skills in a comprehensive, sequential way. We understand that early exposure to music can be beneficial for a child's emotional, intellectual, and social growth, and we strive to give them the best possible start. At MIC Musikgarten®, we are committed to providing children with the best possible introduction to music. Our classes are designed to be engaging and creative, fostering an environment that is both fun and educational. We focus on activities that are developmentally appropriate and can help to foster strong musical skills, which can in turn help children to excel in a variety of musical and school activities. Our mission here at MIC Musikgarten® is to help children unlock the power of music and use it as a tool to develop their skills. We believe in providing a comprehensive, sequential plan for musical development that is specifically tailored to each age group, from birth to age seven. Our classes are designed to be both stimulating and joyful, and our curriculum helps to ensure that each child gets the best possible start on their musical journey.

Parents Magazine is proud to present AIR's 25-Hour Aerial Fitness Training program for students looking to take the next step in their fitness routine. If your child has a background in Pilates, group fitness or personal training, this training program provides an ideal opportunity to deepen their practice and understanding of aerial exercise. The program provides students with the knowledge and confidence to create and structure a cohesive, well-rounded class. It also gives them the insight into aerial and fitness philosophy, and the tools to begin teaching Aerial Fitness. If your child has an interest in taking their fitness to the next level, AIR's 25-Hour Aerial Fitness Training program is the perfect way to get them there.

, the North Shore Country Day School Summer Programs offers a unique experience. Mac McCarty, Director of the McKinney Camp and employed by the School, proposed the idea of the School having its own day camp. This enabled the School to provide use of its facilities to neighborhood families and offer children a safe and fun summer experience. The School offers a variety of activities such as boating, swimming lessons, tennis, outdoor activities and gymnastics. Mr. McCarty's idea of a day camp within the School's grounds has been a great success and continues to provide families with a variety of summer adventures.

Pam wanted to create something special for young children and their families. She was inspired by existing outdoor preschool programs and wanted to create an experience that would be a magical morning for parents and children, with an emphasis on unplugging and connecting with the natural world. So, with her passion for nature and her expertise on healthy life styles for children, Pam founded the Tiny Treks program. Tiny Treks is a unique outdoor preschool program that builds on Pam's vision of providing a magical morning for parents and children. With her knowledge and commitment to nature and healthy living, Pam has created a curriculum that is both fun and stimulating for Tiny Treks participants. Pam also provides parents with a flexible make-up policy, the ability to bring babies to class, and on special occasions, school-age siblings with days off.

At the North Shore Art League, the mission is to enrich the lives of families in their community through art education and exhibitions. Founded in 1924, this not-for-profit organization has been inspiring generations of artists. Their headquarters, located in the historic Winnetka Community House, is home to a wide variety of classes, workshops, and exhibitions. With traditional art topics like oil painting and watercolor, as well as contemporary approaches to printmaking and encaustic, the League offers something for everyone. The second floor studio, built in 1932, is complete with a skylight to take advantage of the North Light and a fully-equipped print room. The North Shore Art League provides a unique opportunity to create and explore the world of art. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, they have something to offer. Through their classes, workshops, and exhibitions, the League continues to foster creativity and provide a place for people of all ages to express themselves.

Kid Motion has been in operation in Winnetka since 1985, providing young children ages 2 - 5 with a developmentally appropriate learning environment. The program is designed to help kids develop physical skills and confidence in a fun and creative atmosphere. It's limited to 12 kids and is staffed with two trained teachers. Through a combination of elementary teaching techniques and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, Kid Motion has been able to successfully foster an environment that promotes growth in social and intellectual development. At Kid Motion, young children ages 2 - 5 can enjoy a safe and interactive learning environment that will help them maximize their physical development. With two trained teachers and a cap of 12 students, each class is tailored to help kids grow socially and intellectually in a creative and stimulating atmosphere. Kid Motion has been helping kids in Winnetka grow since 1985.