Discover After School Activities on Chicago’s North Shore

Chicago Ballet Arts

Chicago Ballet Arts is a nonprofit school located in Evanston, IL. Its mission is to provide equitable access and opportunity to high-quality ballet training to all with the desire to learn. In the process, we strive to instill in our students a love of dance, a respect for the classical disciplines necessary in a performing art, and an expanded capacity for excellence.

CBA’s programs provide inclusive experiences for dancers ages 2 and up through the Preparatory, Pre-Professional, and Adult Divisions, 3 performance ensembles, and summer offerings. No auditions are required. The Pre-Professional Division has been recognized for its Balanchine-influenced curriculum and features live musical accompaniment. CBA alumni have gone on to prestigious university dance programs and professional dance careers, and its current students are accepted into some of the country’s top summer intensives each year. Become a part of our dance family as we gear up to celebrate our 40th birthday in 2026! Contact us to learn about our free trial class opportunities.

Fashion and Friends

Fashion Classes, Workshops, Parties and more for kids!

Music Institute of Chicago

As one of the nation’s largest and finest community music schools, the Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) empowers music makers of every age and level by teaching music skills to help them listen, express, and create for a lifetime.

Find your place at the Music Institute of Chicago!
• Benefit from our personalized teacher placement process to ensure the best student-teacher match.
• Enjoy well-designed programs and high-quality teaching that help every student acquire the creative, social, cultural, and brain-building skills of playing an instrument.
• Join a supportive musical community of fellow parents, students, and concertgoers.

Private music lessons are available for all ages, instruments, levels, and styles.

Suzuki Education
Based on Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s philosophy that talent and musicianship can be developed in any child, the Music Institute offers one of the Midwest’s largest and most comprehensive Suzuki programs. Suzuki lessons and classes are available for piano, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, guitar, harp, and recorder.

Musikgarten® Early Childhood Music and Movement (brith-age 7)
Start your child off right with music classes that target cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development, all while having fun with your child.

Kicklab

At Kicklab, we offer innovative high-tech soccer training programs designed for players of all ages and skill levels. Our offerings include youth soccer classes, speed and agility training, open play sessions, and birthday parties—all powered by unique, cutting-edge technology that tracks progress and provides instant feedback. Through a combination of interactive targets, responsive passing pods, and real-match scenario training, our goal is to help players develop key skills like passing accuracy, ball control, shooting, and decision-making.

We focus on creating a fun, supportive environment where kids can improve their athletic performance while enjoying the game. Our small class sizes ensure individualized attention for every player, while our use of professional training technology offers valuable insights into their growth.

At Kicklab, we believe in making soccer accessible to all, from beginners to elite players. Our mission is to provide a space where families can gather, play, and develop a lifelong love for the sport. Whether you’re looking for structured classes, drop-in sessions, or a unique birthday celebration, Kicklab is here to support your child’s soccer journey in an engaging and dynamic way.

Kicklab Juniors

Kicklab Juniors is our high-energy, play-based soccer program specifically designed for children ages 2–6. Led by experienced coaches, we use Kicklab’s cutting-edge training technology and a structured methodology that focuses on foundational soccer and movement skills. Our approach emphasizes key areas like body movement, coordination, and footwork, helping kids develop the essential motor skills needed for soccer and other sports, all through fun, age-appropriate games.

We believe that learning soccer should be fun, engaging, and accessible for every child. Our small class sizes allow for individualized attention, ensuring that every player receives the support they need. The structured methodology helps kids understand how their bodies interact with the ball, with clear, visual cues guiding their progress.

Whether it’s their first time kicking a ball or they’re building on previous experience, Kicklab Juniors provides a welcoming environment where kids can grow, improve, and fall in love with the game.

Top Tier Lessons

Top Tier Lessons connects families with current Northwestern student-athletes for personalized coaching in tennis, soccer, and basketball. Our athletes are verified, trained, and passionate about working with kids—whether your child is brand new to the sport or aiming to refine their skills.

We offer private and small-group lessons, along with seasonal clinics and camps throughout Evanston and nearby neighborhoods. Lessons are held at local parks, gyms, and facilities, with flexible scheduling that works for busy families.

Our mission is to make high-quality sports instruction more accessible, while empowering college athletes- especially those in non-revenue sports- to earn income and gain leadership experience through NIL. We believe that the best coaches are those still immersed in the sport, who can serve as both instructors and role models.

While we mostly work with kids, we do personalized lessons and our coaches work as hitting partners for adults in tennis.

Goldfish Swim School – Evanston & Northbrook

Goldfish Swim School – Evanston & Northbrook are proud to provide high quality swim lessons and water safety education to the North Shore community! With our state-of-the-art aquatic swimming facility, we have created an inviting and safe environment where kids can overcome their fears, learn to swim, and have tons of fun doing it!

With our results proven curriculum comes
– Group (4:1), Private (1:1), and Semi-Private Lessons (2:1)
– Professionally trained instructors
– Free makeup lessons
– No sessions, year-round lessons

In addition to lessons, we offer
– Open Family Swim for additional practice and family fun
– Birthday parties to help celebrate your kiddos important milestones
– FREE weekly swim lessons for all babies up to 6 months old!

Dive in at Goldfish Swim School – Evanston or Northbrook with your FIRST LESSON FREE! ($31 value)

Movement Junkies Kid’s YOGA

Join Miss Robin and Movement Junkies on a Kid’s Yoga Journey filled with mind/body adventures. Using our imaginations we will explore our breath, commit to challenging yoga poses and learn how to listen to our bodies and our environment. ALL-AGE sessions include traditional yoga mixed with fun options, mindful crafts and thrilling challenges! MJ Kid’s Yoga connects with what’s relevant for children and provides them with tools necessary to navigate their ever-changing worlds.

Yoga provides children with a safe and powerful outlet to let their lights shine brightest and we are so grateful to be their guide!

Join MJ Yoga for After School Enrichment at ROOTZ, Walden, Wilmot, Solomon Schechter and more! Preschool Programs – Beth El, BJBE, Moriah ECC, Ravinia Nursery School, S2S, Wild Grace Day Care and more! Don’t see your favorite spot? Reach out for YOGA anywhere! [email protected]

***MONDAY MIND/BODY PREK READING AND YOGA 9:30 – 11:30 with Reading Rookies at Highwood Rec Center register at mjkidsyoga.com. This schedule subject to change, check the website!

Piano Power

Piano Power provides engaging, in-home music lessons in piano, guitar, voice, drums, and much more. Serving Chicago and the northern suburbs since 2007. We take the stress out of music lessons!

North Shore School of Dance

For over 35 years, NSSD has been a leader in dance education and pre-professional training. Our dedicated faculty provides high-quality instruction in a nurturing, passionate, and inspiring environment. We aim to educate the mind, body, and soul—honoring the tradition of dance as an art form.
At NSSD, we don’t just teach routines—we teach students how to dance. Our training builds skills that last a lifetime, fostering confidence, self-esteem, and pride in every dancer.

SNAP – Studio North Academy of the Performing Arts

Dance classes, camps, clinics and competitive company for ages 2-adult! SNAP is open 7 days per week and serves over 550 families each season!

Taste Buds Kitchen

Mondays After-School Just Got More Delicious!

Looking for a hands-on activity your kids will love? Our Monday night series classes at Taste Buds Kitchen are the perfect recipe for fun after school! It all kicks off with our fall series from Sept 8-Nov 24!

Junior Chefs (Ages 4-8) | Mondays, 4:00–5:00pm
Perfect for younger foodies, this skill-based program teaches kids to safely chop, mix, measure, and cook their way to a tasty new creation each week. They’ll learn kitchen safety, try new ingredients, and gain confidence — all while having a blast!

Let’s Make Dinner (Ages 9-13) | Mondays, 5:30–7:30pm
Tweens take charge in this 2-hour class, making a full dinner from scratch. From knife skills and seasoning to sauces, marinades, and proteins, they’ll learn real-world cooking techniques that make them proud to say, “I made this!”

✨ Early Bird Special: Register for the full series before the first class and save $5 per class.
⚡ Spots are limited — secure your child’s spot today!

Skyline Children’s Theater

Skyline Children’s Theater is an award-winning children’s theater company renowned as one of the largest and longest running children’s theater programs in Chicagoland area. Skyline is a no-cut program for ages Pre-K through 8th grade that brings the magic of Broadway right to young performers’ fingertips.

Guided by a professional teaching artist, actors sing songs, develop characters, and learn musical theatre choreography. From the moment auditions kick off on the first day, actors feel the excitement of lighting up the stage as they showcase their talents, all the way to the final performance for friends and family at the end of the session. In addition to creating a full musical ensemble, every actor who participates is assigned a named role, and is provided with a physical script and digital rehearsal materials. Skyline musicals offer a perfect balance of dramatic, comedic, and enchanting roles where every actor gets a chance to shine. The stage is set, the spotlight awaits!

Fall 2025: Frozen Jr!

Win Athletic Club

At WIN Athletic Club, we’re more than a gym—we’re a place where fitness, fun, and community come together! Yes, we have top-tier adult group fitness classes featuring 4 studios for classes in strength, boxing, power sculpt, high intensity interval training, and mat pilates but we also offer so much more including these after school youth programs:

Our WIN SAQ Program kicks off Sept 15th on Mondays and Wednesdays

Junior Power & Play (Ages 7–11, 3rd–5th grade) – 4:30 PM
A fun and dynamic after-school program designed to help kids build confidence, coordination, strength, and healthy habits through movement. Perfect for beginners and future athletes alike!
Highlights include:
Balance, coordination, and body control
Boxing basics and obstacle course games
Yoga, core strength, and speed drills
Nutrition tips and teamwork activities

WIN Next-Level Elite (Ages 12–14, 6th–8th grade) – 5:30 PM
Train like an athlete! This program is built to elevate middle schoolers’ strength, speed, form, and fitness IQ through a smart mix of training and mindset coaching.
Highlights include:
Weight training with proper form
High-intensity intervals and boxing bag work
Core, power, and coordination drills
Mindset coaching and performance nutrition tips

We also offer our on-going WIN Recess Program designed to get kids moving while having fun with their friends. Get a small group together (4-8 kids) of similar age group. Your group commits to a weekly time slot, with a minimum commitment of 5 weeks. Programming can be tailored to any level of fitness, from basic movement to sport-specific training or a mix of fitness & fun.

No matter your goals—fitness, fun, or family—we’ve got something for you.

The Art Center Highland Park

The Art Center Highland Park aims to inspire and ignite a passion for the arts through its innovative youth programs for ages 6 and up, offering classes in a variety of media such as Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Mosaics, and Mixed-Media. TAC provides an inclusive environment where students build their skills while discovering their artistic voices. All skill levels are welcome!

Gorton Center

Gorton Center is the place where learning meets fun! Our engaging classes for ages 3–17 offer something for every interest. Budding artists can explore their creativity in Art, while future innovators dive into hands-on STEM projects. Kids with a flair for performance will shine in Acting, Music and Dance classes, and those wanting to learn life skills can join our Etiquette program. Sewing classes spark imagination and practical skills, while Sports keep kids active and confident. Whether they’re painting a masterpiece, learning proper table manners, building a robot, or scoring a goal, every child finds their place here.

At Gorton, our mission is to be the gathering place in the heart of our community where people connect, converse, learn, listen, play, and perform. With experienced instructors, a welcoming environment, and a wide range of options, Gorton’s after school programs are the perfect way to keep kids inspired and engaged all year long. Sign up your child today for fall classes and watch them learn, play and grow.

Keshet

Keshet offers a variety of inclusive programs for kids and teens of all abilities to learn, play, grow and belong. Our after school and day off programs invite participants to try new activities in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Arts programs spark creativity through hands-on projects, while sports build teamwork, confidence and a love of movement. Sunday Funday and School Day Out bring exciting activities and outings when school is not in session, offering fun and opportunities for social connection. Our Sunday Schools make Jewish learning engaging and accessible for everyone.

Every program is led by caring, trained staff who adapt activities to meet the needs of each participant while encouraging independence and growth. Whether a child is exploring a new interest, improving their skills or simply enjoying time with friends, Keshet programs ensure they are included, supported and part of a community where they truly belong.

ALL IN Athletics

ALL IN Athletics is one of the nation’s premier youth basketball programs, offering year-round opportunities for boys and girls in 2nd–12th grade. Our program includes travel teams, skills training, day-off school programs, summer camps and seasonal leagues.

Our philosophy centers on developing the complete athlete — on and off the court. We believe in a skill-focused, team-oriented approach where players are challenged to grow in their abilities, basketball IQ, and character. Every season, we provide player evaluations to guide individual improvement, and our experienced coaches create an environment that values hard work, accountability, and teamwork.

As one of only 18 Jr. NBA Flagship Network programs in the country, we connect athletes to high-level development, competition and exposure opportunities. Whether your goal is to improve your fundamentals, compete at the highest level, or prepare for college basketball, ALL IN Athletics offers a pathway to help you get there — all while fostering a love for the game.

Hoops4Health

Hoops4Health was Founded in 2010 and based in Winnetka, IL. Our program has been rooted in coaches who care and are passionate about teaching youth the game of basketball while also promoting health and wellness. Hoops4Health is a year-round youth basketball program serving boys and girls of all ages and skill levels throughout the North Shore and Chicago Metropolitan Area.  We offer a variety of programs including: Travel AAU, Leagues, Camps, Clinics, and Personal Training. Our coaches have an incredible amount of expertise and experience in coaching basketball. With over 1000 students annually Hoops4Health is one of the largest basketball programs in the Midwest.

FALL PROGRAMMING:

TRAVEL

• Bulldogs Travel 
• North Shore Country Day School Girls Feeder 

LEAGUES

• 3 on 3 League – Boys and Girls Grades K-8 (Make your own team or sign up as an individual (free agent) – games Sat or Sun
• CAMPS
• Back to School Camp – Ages 5-14
• 3 on 3 Academy – Ages 5-14
• 3 on 3 “Pick Up” – Ages 5-14
• School Day Off Clinics – Ages 5-14
• Mini Ballers – Ages 2-3
• Tot Ballers – Ages 3-5
• Little Ballers – Ages 5-7
• Girls Skills Training – Ages 7-11
• All Star Sports Camp – Ages 7-11
• Elite Skills Training – Ages 12-14

TRAINING 

• Personal and Small Group Training – Ages 5 and Up

Hi-Five Sports North Shore

Hi-Five Sports is designed just for kids, with age-appropriate fields, hoops, equipment, and our lovable mascot, Murphy. We offer sports programs, gymnastics, cheer, and early education classes, plus unforgettable birthday parties for all ages.

We use sports and movement as a way to help kids grow physically, socially, and emotionally. More than ever, kids need to be active and unplugged from technology. The life lessons they learn here, on the field, in the gym, or in the classroom, will last a lifetime.

The Values We Teach Through our programs and our “Murphy Mart” rewards, we celebrate:

• Teamwork
• Respect
• Leadership
• Sportsmanship
• Friendship
• Loyalty
• Family

One Shining Moment Sports and Life Coaching for Kids

Day Off of school camps, after school football and multi sport backyard classes, Travel Lite Stealers, Pickleball classes and rentals, Birthday parties and basketball leagues

True Style Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness

We offer Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense for kids! Classes include aspects of Wrestling & Judo as well. Give your child the gift of confidence, fitness & community! We also offer adult classes for Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Judo, Wrestling, Self-Defense & Fitness! Good vibes, Good People, Good Training!

Children’s Art Classes – Glenview, IL

Does your child love to draw? Do you wish to nurture this love and give them the opportunity to learn the skills they need to take their love of art to the next level?
Children’s Art Classes offers a studio-based art education to ages 3 and up. This age-based program focuses on teaching technique while introducing students to a wide range of mediums and different artistic applications.
Your child can continue their classes at Children’s Art Classes year after year, without repeating a project! Whether they enjoy art as a hobby, or wish to pursue art in the future, Children’s Art Classes will grow with your child and help to develop their passion and love for Art!