Special Interest GUIDE2026 REGISTER NOW SPECIALINTEREST FORSpring
EARLY CHILDHOOD - PRESCHOOL
2-1/2YearOldPreschoolPrep Tu, Th 9-10:30 am 34502 $138R / $148NR $1,242R / $1,332NR Oswa
3YearOld (2 days/week) Tu, Th 9-11 am 34503 $161R / $171NR $1,449R / $1,539NR Lill
3YearOld (2 days/week) Tu, Th 9:15-11:15 am 34504
3YearOld (3 days/week) M, W, F 8:45-10:45 am 34505
+ Extended Care - BEFORE M, W, F 8-9:15 am 34512
+ Extended Care - AFTER M, W, F 10:45 am-1:15 pm 34513
$161R / $171NR $1,449R / $1,539NR Earne
$206R / $216NR $1,854R / $1,944NR Oswal
$85R / $95NR $765R / $855NR
$187R / $197NR $1,683R / $1,773NR
Combo3&4YearOld M, W, F 1:15-3:15 pm 34510 $206R / $216NR $1,854R / $1,944NR Oswal
+ Extended Care - BEFORE M, W, F 10:45 am-1:15 pm 34513
+ Extended Care - AFTER M, W, F 3-4:15 pm 34515
$187R / $197NR $1,683R / $1,773NR
$85R / $95NR $765R / $855NR
4YearOld (3 days/week) M, W, F 9-11 am 34506 $206R / $216NR $1,854R / $1,944NR Bonok
+ Extended Care - BEFORE M, W, F 8-9:15 am 34512 $85R / $95NR $765R / $855NR
+ Extended Care - AFTER M, W, F 10:45 am-1:15 pm 34513 $187R / $197NR $1,683R / $1,773NR
4YearOld (3 days/week) M, W, F 9:15-11:15 am 34507 $206R / $216NR $1,854R / $1,944NR Earnes
+ Extended Care - BEFORE M, W, F 8-9:15 am 34512 $85R / $95NR $765R / $855NR
+ Extended Care - AFTER M, W, F 10:45 am-1:15 pm 34513 $187R / $197NR $1,683R / $1,773NR
4YearOld (3 days/week) M, W, F 11 am-1 pm 34508 $206R / $216NR $1,854R / $1,944NR Oswald
4YearOld (3 days/week) M, W, F 1-3 pm 34509 $206R / $216NR $1,854R / $1,
+ Extended Care - BEFORE M, W, F 10:45 am-1:15 pm 34513 $187R / $197NR $1,683R / $1,
+ Extended Care - AFTER M, W, F 3-4:15 pm 34515 $85R / $95NR $765R / $855
KindergartenReadiness M - F 1-3 pm 34511 $339R / $349NR $3,051R / $3,
Extended Car
Extended care is avail additional care for the Preschoolers enjoy co and variety of craft an our preschool staff Participant must be registered for a class immediately before or after the selected extended care time If registered for 10:45am1:15pm session, participants should bring their own sack lunch Not available for children registered in Preschool Prep or Kindergarten Readiness
EARLY CHILDHOOD - CAMPS
Spring Break
9:30-11:30AM
Simkus Recreation Center
Each day is its own camp with planned crafts and games that fit into each of our daily themes Participants enjoy time with friends while dressing up and pretending to be their favorite characters or animals. Costumes can be worn to camp if they fit the theme! Register for any combination of days
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Nature Play Date
Unleash your toddler's inner explorer as they discover the natural world around them! Each class uses self-guided stations to explore different and unique themes. Your child will experience something new in every class. Children must be accompanied by a nonpaying adult
Discovery Club
Discover the wonders of science and nature in this hands-on class full of adventures and exploration Different theme each class Children must be accompanied by a nonpaying adult
Family Dino Dig
Travel back in time as families dig for dinosaur bones and hunt for dinosaur eggs in this fun, interactive program. Children must be accompanied by a nonpaying adult.
Froggy Went a Courtin’ Night Hike
Nature’ssymphonycomesaliveonthiseveninghike focusedonfrogsandtheirnighttimesongs.Learnwhy frogssingwhileenjoyingthesightsandsoundsofthe marsh.Recommendedforages4andolder.Fee coversonefamilyofuptofourpeople;additionalfamily membersmayregisterfor$5each.
WetlandExplorers
ExploretherichecosystemofLincolnMarshas participantsinvestigatewetlandsfilledwithfrogs, tadpoles,aquaticinsects,turtles,andmore Netsin hand,familieswillcatchandobservefascinatingwildlife Childrenmustbeaccompaniedbyanonpayingadult
Nature Play Date Ages 18 months-3 years
Fri 2/20 9:30-10:30AM $14R/$18NR 33886
Fri 3/20 9:30-10:30AM $14R/$18NR 33887
Rathje Park/House, 616 Delles Rd, Wheaton
Fri 5/8 9:30-10:30AM $14R/$18NR 34604
Prairie Patch Play Area, 999 W Lincoln Ave , Wheaton
Discovery Club Ages 2-4
Wed 3/11 10-11AM $14R/$18NR 33890
Wed 4/8 10-11AM $14R/$18NR 34605
Wed 4/22 10-11AM $14R/$18NR 34606
Rathje House, 616 Delles Rd, Wheaton
Family Dino Dig All Ages
Sun 4/26 3-4PM $16R/$20NR 34607
Lincoln Marsh, Harrison Ave & Pierce Ave , Wheaton
Froggy Went a Courtin’ Night Hike All Ages
Sat 5/16 7-8PM $25R/$31NR 34613
Lincoln Marsh, Harrison Ave & Pierce Ave , Wheaton
Wetland Explorers All Ages
Sun 5/17 2-3PM $14R/$18NR 34614
Lincoln Marsh, Harrison Ave & Pierce Ave, Wheaton
EARLY CHILDHOOD - PARENT/CHILD
Music Together Family Class (Wee Heart Music) (All Ages)
Make beautiful music with your little one(s) - our classes bring joy to the entire family. Enjoy music and movement, learning and growth as you sing, dance and play musically together. Each semester introduces a new song collection.
Baby Rock (Ages 3-11 Months with Parent, Non-walkers)
Wiggle and giggle with us! Baby Rock is a unique combination of sensory experiences with stimulating music and exercises to help strengthen and stretch your baby. Activities include singalongs, exposure to simple instruments and sensory props, motion exercises, bubbles and more Get ready for a rockin’ good time with your tiniest dancer
Tot Rock (Ages 1-2 with Parent)
Kid Rock 1 (Ages 2-3 with Parent)
Kid Rock 2 (Ages 3-5 without Parent)
Family Rock (Ages 1-5 with Parent)
MONDAY
Location: Fountain View Recreation Center
Music Together No Class Mar 30 3/23-5/18 4:15-5PM $197R/$217NR 33923
Music Together No Class Mar 30 3/23-5/18 5:15-6PM $197R/$217NR 33924
FRIDAY - NOW AT SIMKUS!
Location: Simkus Recreation Center
Tot Rock 2/27-3/20 9:45-10:25AM $51R/$71NR 33730
4/10-5/29 9:45-10:25AM $103R/$123NR 34589
Family Rock 2/27-3/20 10:30-11:10AM $51R/$71NR 33731 4/10-5/29 10:30-11:10AM $103R/$123NR 34590
Baby Rock 2/27-3/20 11:20-11:50AM $46R/$66NR 33733 4/10-5/29 11:20-11:50AM $91R/$111NR 34591
SATURDAY
Location: Donald H. Shrade Gymnasium, 694 W. Stearns Rd, Bartlett
Tot Rock 2/28-3/21 9:15-9:55AM $51R/$71NR 33738
No Class May 23 4/11-5/30 9:15-9:55AM $90R/$110NR 34592
Kid Rock 1 2/28-3/21 10-10:40AM $51R/$71NR 33739
No Class May 23 4/11-5/30 10-10:40AM $90R/$110NR 34593
Kid Rock 2 2/28-3/21 10:45-11:25AM $51R/$71NR 33740
No Class May 23 4/11-5/30 10:45-11:25AM $90R/$110NR 34594
Sing, dance, play, learn and imagine with us! This movement-based program uses music to facilitate learning. Activities include use of rhythm instruments and movement props, work on gross and fine motor skills, including balance and coordination, and engagement of imaginative play All classes are structured and include early listening and following directions skills Join us for a rockin’ good time!
Baby Rock 2/28-3/21 11:40AM-12:10PM $46R/$66NR 33741
No Class May 23 4/11-5/30 11:40AM-12:10PM $80R/$100NR 34595
EARLY CHILDHOOD - PROGRAMS
Location: Simkus Recreation Center DATES
Friday STEAM Fun
Ignite your weekend with exciting and educational STEAM activities. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is an approach to learning that guides critical thinking, dialogue and student inquiry. A different concept is introduced every month.
Dr. Seuss Shenanigans
Children dive into a world of imagination with silly stories, colorful crafts, and playful games inspired by the magical world of Dr Seuss From Cats in Hats to Things That Run Wild, every moment will be filled with laughter, learning, and Seuss-style surprises!
Insect Adventure
Children explore the world of insects through a simple story, movement games, and a fun bugthemed craft. Participants learn what makes an insect special while building curiosity about the tiny creatures around them.
EARLY CHILDHOOD - ACTIVITIES
Teenie Weenie Play Time
Drop In
Bring active playtime indoors while your kids burn off energy! We supply the toys, you come for fun and socialization You and your child enjoy free time use of a variety of toys including balls, tricycles, hula hoops, ride-on cars and sports equipment PlayTime takes place in the gym and will be in the gymnastics room the second week of the month
Ages 1-4
Simkus Recreation Center Thursdays 9:30-10:30AM
SPECIAL INTEREST YOUTH
Double the Fun Drawing (Young Rembrandts)
Give your imaginative child the chance to thrive through art! In this dynamic 2-hour workshop, students explore the fundamentals of drawingportraits, action scenes, cartooning, and more. They'll create multiple projects featuring whimsical characters, animals, and everyday objects, all in a fun and supportive environment.
Pinot’s Palette – Youth Painting –Help From My Friends
Come and paint with Pinot’s Palette! Young artists will receive step-by-step instructions to create their work of art with the guidance of a local artist. No experience required and all supplies are provided. Paintings are on an 11x14 canvas unless otherwise noted.
Clay Creations
See the possibilities a little bit of clay and a lot of imagination can bring, Participants learn techniques in hand-building including coil, slab, slumping, and glazing to transform wet clay into a fun and functional seasonal ceramic piece
Beginning Piano Lessons
Stuck indoors this winter? Add music to your life Basic music skills such as keyboard facility, music reading, and counting are taught using colorful fun songbooks Your child will enjoy making music from the very first class!
Beginning Drum Lessons
This winter let us help you discover the joy of music and rhythm! Have your child learn correct habits and style from our professional performing drummer Classes teach the basic rudiments, percussion style notation, drum set basics, various musical styles, plus much more
Beginning Guitar Lessons
This winter let us teach your child patience, concentration, self-esteem, and bring music into your home! Learn guitar from a performing professional guitar instructor Each class is designed to teach basic music reading skills, chords, strumming techniques, and more with fun songs you'll love!
Double the Fun Drawing Ages 5-12
Sat 3/7-21 10AM-12PM $107R/$127NR 34169
Sat 4/11-25 10AM-12PM $107R/$127NR 34645
Sat 5/2-23 10AM-12PM $130R/$150NR 34646
Simkus Recreation Center
Pinot’s Palette – Youth Painting –Help From My Friends Ages 6-12
Thu 4/23 5:30-7PM $31R/$47NR 347 Fountain View Recreation Center
Clay Creations Ages 6-11
Sun 3/1 10-11:30AM $51R/$71NR 34068
Mon 4/6 10-11:30AM $51R/$71NR 34685
Fountain View Recreation Center
Beginning Piano Lessons Ages 6-9
Mon 3/9-4/27 7-7:30PM $195R/$215NR 34698
Mon 3/9-4/27 7:30-8PM $195R/$215NR 34699
A & A Music & Art Academy 1975 E Devon Ave , Hanover Park
Beginning Drum Lessons Ages 8-14
Tue 3/10-4/28 6-6:30PM $195R/$215NR 34700
Tue 3/10-4/28 6:30-7PM $195R/$215NR 34701
A & A Music & Art Academy 1975 E Devon Ave , Hanover Park
Beginning Guitar Lessons Ages 6-9
Wed 3/11-4/29 6-6:30PM $195R/$215NR 34702
Wed 3/11-4/29 6:30-7PM $195R/$215NR 34703
A & A Music & Art Academy 1975 E Devon Ave , Hanover Park
SPECIAL INTEREST YOUTH
Horsemanship for Kids
Join in the fun with beginning riding lessons! Participants explore the proper ways to groom, tack and handle horses. In the saddle, you learn the basics of riding at the walk and trot.
Who's the Wise Bird with Parent
Explore the mysteries of owls! Examine owl biofacts and discover the many unique adaptations of this nocturnal predator. Participants also dissect an owl pellet to learn about owl's diet.
Nighttime Nature Hike
Step into a different world as day turns into night on this guided Nighttime Nature Hike. Under the glow of the moon and stars, you'll explore the Lincoln Marsh trails with a trained educator who will help you discover the sights, sounds, and smells of the nocturnal world. Fee covers registration for one family (up to 4 people).
Curiosity Club
Join the club that combines activities and explorations that nurture children's curiosity about STEM Different theme each class
Horsemanship for Kids Ages 9-15
Sat 4/4-5/9 1:30-2:30PM $205R/$225NR 34618
Dunham Woods Farm, 9N755 Nesler Road, Elgin
Who's the Wise Bird Ages 0-17
Sun 2/22 2-3PM $16R/$20NR 33893
Rathje House - 616 Delles Rd, Wheaton
Nighttime Nature Hike All Ages
Fri 3/20 6:45-7:45PM $25R/$31NR 33895
Lincoln Marsh: Harrison Ave & Pierce Ave, Wheaton
Curiosity Club Ages 5-9
Wed 3/4 4:30-5:30PM $14R/$18NR 33892
Rathje House; 616 Delles Rd, Wheaton
Spring Birds Geocache
Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with a geocaching and birdwatching adventure. Discover local birds while enjoying a high-tech treasure hunt in nature. Recommended for ages 6 and older. Children must be accompanied by a nonpaying adult.
Wetland Explorers
Explore the rich ecosystem of Lincoln Marsh as participants investigate wetlands filled with frogs, tadpoles, aquatic insects, turtles, and more. Nets in hand, families will catch and observe fascinating wildlife. Children must be accompanied by a nonpaying adult.
Family Dino Dig
Travel back in time as families dig for dinosaur bones and hunt for dinosaur eggs in this fun, interactive program. Children must be accompanied by a nonpaying adult.
Froggy Went a Courtin’ Night Hike
Nature’ssymphonycomesaliveonthiseveninghike focusedonfrogsandtheirnighttimesongs.Learn whyfrogssingwhileenjoyingthesightsandsounds ofthemarsh.Recommendedforages4andolder. Feecoversonefamilyofuptofourpeople;additional familymembersmayregisterfor$5each.
Spring Birds Geocache Ages 6-18
Sat 5/9 9-11AM
$20R/$25NR 34612
Northside Park Girl Scout Cabin, 1300 N West St , Wheaton
Wetland Explorers All Ages
Sun 5/17 2-3PM $14R/$18NR 34614
Lincoln Marsh, Harrison Ave & Pierce Ave, Wheaton
Family Dino Dig All Ages
Sun 4/26 3-4PM $16R/$20NR 34607
Lincoln Marsh, Harrison Ave & Pierce Ave , Wheaton
Froggy Went a Courtin’ Night Hike All Ages
Sat 5/16 7-8PM $25R/$31NR 34613
Lincoln Marsh, Harrison Ave & Pierce Ave , Wheaton
SPECIAL INTEREST YOUTH
Spring Break Little Chefs Cooking Camp
Participants learn how to prepare new foods and desserts. Each day we make three recipes.
Little Chef's and Teens Cooking with Chef Pina
Smell, taste, and learn in this hands-on class. Bring out your inner chef by creating and sampling the goodies you prepare during these one-day cooking classes. Come in your best chef's attire and bring your appetite.
Parent-Child Cooking Classes
Join Chef Pina for some seriously fun (and tasty!) kitchen adventures. Bond and create a meal with your child. Chef Pina teaches a different recipe each week. Participants see, smell, taste, ask questions about, and learn the background of food.
Spring Break Little Chefs Cooking Camp
Ages 5-13
Mon-Tue 3/30-31 10AM-2PM $130R/$150NR 34245
Johnston Recreation Center, 172 S Circle Ave , Bloomingdale
Little Chef's and Teens Cooking with Chef Pina
Ages 5-13
Super Simple Calzones
Calzones made with your choice of meat, cheese, or veggies
Thu 3/12 6-8PM $46R/$51NR 34243
All Americana
Chicken pot pies with buttery garlic bread
Thu 4/16 6-8PM $46R/$51NR 34635
Summer Desserts
Summer strawberry shortcakes, grasshopper pie, biscotti
Thu 5/14 6-8PM $46R/$51NR 34636
Johnston Recreation Center, 172 S Circle Ave , Bloomingdale
Parent-Child Cooking Classes
Ages 5-12
Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites
Homemade breaded buffalo chicken, with fresh seasoned fries with carrots and celery
Chess Wizards Chess Class
Chess Wizards offers challenging chess lessons, fun group activities, exciting tournaments and more. If your child is brand new to chess, we'll teach them the basics and get them playing right away. If they're a seasoned checkmate artist, they'll learn new ways to show their creativity on the chess board.
Babysitting Basics
A must for beginning babysitters! Safety, childtending skills and basic first aid are covered. A workbook is also given to take home. Receive a certificate upon completion of class. This class is great for scouting groups that are looking to earn a badge. For groups larger than 10 people, contact the Special Interest Supervisor to arrange a class.
Fri 2/27 6:30-8:30PM $56R/$61NR 34236
Super Simple Calzones
Calzones made with your choice of meat, cheese, or veggies
Fri 3/27 6:30-8:30PM $56R/$61NR 34237
All Americana
Chicken pot pies with buttery garlic bread
Fri 4/10 6:30-8:30PM $56R/$61NR 34637
Summer Dessserts
Summer strawberry shortcakes, grasshopper pie, biscotti Fri 5/29 6:30-8:30PM $56R/$61NR 34638
Johnston Recreation Center, 172 S Circle Ave , Bloomingdale
Chess Wizards Chess Class
Ages 5-13
Thu 4/9-5/21 6-7PM $193R/$213NR 34581
Fountain View Recreation Center
Babysitting Basics
Ages 11-16
Thu 3/5 6-7:30PM $33R/$50NR 33925
Thu 5/7 6-7:30PM $33R/$50NR 34695
Fountain View Recreation Center
Code Ninjas - AI Academy
Ninjas learn how artificial intelligence works, how it is trained with data, and how it can be used responsibly Participants practice writing effective prompts, spotting misleading information, and learning the importance of giving credit and citing sources when using generative AI tools
Computer Explorers - Robot Academy
Explore the world of robotics and coding in this hands-on class filled with experimentation, collaboration, and problem-solving as students meet different robots and learn programming challenges
School's Out: Engineering Adventure Day
Can you build it higher? Longer? Stronger? Kids tackle fun challenges using both their hands and minds to investigate important engineering concepts
Young Engineers - Bricks Challenge
Through fun, hands-on projects, children explore mechanics and engineering learning about gears, forces, and transmissions while building models like robots and amusement rides Make complex subjects accessible, nurture creativity, and prepare your child for a future of scientific discovery
Young Engineers AlgoPlay
AlgoPlay is specifically crafted to introduce students to the world of coding It offers comprehensive coverage of coding fundamentals, including Algorithm planning, Conditioning, Loops, Multithreading, Debugging, Race Condition, Sensor Applications, and much more Through this program, students can gain essential knowledge and hands-on experience in various aspects of coding We build Robots-and program them to do what we ask them to
Code Ninjas - AI Academy
Ages 10-14
Sat 4/4-5/23 11AM-12PM $299R/$319NR 34634
Code Ninjas, 1710 W. Algonquin Rd, Hoffman Estates
Computer Explorers - Robot Academy
Ages 7-12
Tue 4/28-5/19 5-6PM $80R/$100NR 34580
Fountain View Recreation Center
School's Out: Engineering Adventure Day
Ages 9-11
Fri 2/27 9AM-3PM $60R/$75NR 33894
Rathje House - 616 Delles Rd, Wheaton
Young Engineers - Bricks Challenge
Ages 6-12
Tue 3/3-24 4:30-6PM $130R/$150NR 34083
Mon 4/6-27 6:15-7:45PM $130R/$150NR 34643
Mon 5/4-18 6:15-7:45PM $98R/$118NR 34644
Fountain View Recreation Center
Young Engineers AlgoPlay 0NR 34763 NR 34765
Now interviewing for Spring & Summer positions!
Don’t miss our Hiring Event Mar 12
3:30-5:30pm
Fountain View Recreation Center
Fun, flexible work environment
View Open Positions
Hired staff receive a free fitness and water park membership
Employees receive a complimentary Fountain View Fitness, Coral Cove Water Park and Dog Park Membership.
NoticeofChangesinGuideListings
The policies, procedures, requirements, programs, fees and facility availability contained in this Playbook represent the Park District program and policies at the time of publication. Sometimes changes in the programs (including fees, locations, times, etc.) and policies are necessary after guide publication but prior to program commencement or facility operation.
To provide the best services, programs, and facilities to the public, the Park District reserves the right to add, to change, modify or delete any program or policies after they have been published The Park District attempts to make a reasonable effort to give prompt public notice of any material changes in the programs and policies, but notice cannot be assured. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Gain Visibility and Community Engagement when you partner with the Carol Stream Park District through sponsorships or advertising. Logo inclusion in promotional marketing collateral, team/program apparel and sponsor tables at events are just some of the benefits of sponsorship. Reach community members with high visibility advertising platforms Print, Field and Facility Banners, Digital and Social Media platforms are available throughout the year Go to our website under About Us, to learn more about how to utilize our reach for your marketing needs Let our reach be an extension of your reach
