Our 2021 After School Activities Guide, sponsored by Uncle Dan’s Outfitters NOW Gearhead, is packed with after school enrichment options! Whether you’re looking for classes for your budding actor, ballerina or tennis or ninja star (and so much more) take a cruise through this guide for great screen-free options!
And when you’re out shopping for school gear, make a stop to Uncle Dan’s Outfitters NOW Gearhead. Bundle up those cuties with your favorite quality brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Cotopaxi, and more. Get it at Gearhead! Locations at Evanston, Highland Park, Chicago’s Lincoln Square
Ballet Makkai
The Irina Makkai Classical Ballet and Dance studio has been the North Shore’s Premier Dance School for over 38 years. Founded in 1984 by Irina Makkai, the dance school offers classes in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Tap and Pre-Dance. The school is the recipient of the Mayor’s Award for the Arts for their instruction and contribution to the arts in Highland Park. Their award winning staff of professional dancers includes dancers and directors from the Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Chicago, Lyric Opera, River North Dance Company, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and more.
Ongoing registration!
Location & Contact
2126 First St.
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 433-1449
Insta: @balletmakkai
Facebook: @irinamakkaiclassicalballetanddanceschool
Goldfish Swim School Northbrook
Chicago’s premier learn to swim facility providing swim lessons for children ages four months to 12 years old.
Classes are flexible and fun. Registration is ongoing. Program is month-to-month. Register today!
Location & Contact
Goldfish Swim School Northbrook
3101 Dundee Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 565-1692
Instagram: @goldfish_northbrook
Taste Buds Kitchen
Calling all chefs! Join us for a skill-based culinary program designed for young chefs to chop, mix, swirl and cook their way to a new culinary masterpiece each week. Learn about kitchen and food safety, knife skills, measuring and mixing methods, ingredient identification, independence in the kitchen and more. Let’s get cooking!
Our weekly kids cooking series, 𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗥 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗙𝗦, returns in January! In this small group, skill-based culinary program, young chefs chop, mix, swirl and cook their way to a new culinary masterpiece each week.
Winter semester runs from Jan 10-Mar 16:⠀
– Mondays 4-5pm for ages 9-13⠀
– Wednesdays 4-5pm for ages 6-10⠀
Space is limited to only 12 chefs and will sell out. Sign up today: https://buff.ly/2TJ3fjn⠀
Location & Contact
2521 Waukegan Road
Bannockburn, IL 60015
847-230-0330
Instagram: @tbkbannockburn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TBKBannockburn
Citadel Theatre
Citadel’s Education Program fosters a sense of community by welcoming students of all levels in an effort to not only have fun but to nurture a love and deeper understanding of theatre. Actors will experience a variety of enrichment classes, in addition to rehearsing exciting, age-appropriate shows in a safe and positive environment.
Citadel Education is excited to be back to in-person learning at the Lake Forest Rec Center.
Classes begin February 13, 2022 through May 1, 2022. Performances are Saturday, April 30, 2022 and Sunday, May 1, 2022.
Enroll here.
Location & Contact
Foss Swim School
Foss Swim Schools offer everything you expect from a modern swim school: thoroughly-trained teachers, warm water, private changing areas, and pools purpose-built for learning. They teach in quarters and place students in small classes (3 or 4 students to 1 Teacher) of similar age and ability. Teachers stay with classes for the full quarter as we work towards graduation – not just passing levels.
Learn more at your local Foss Swim School!
Locations & Contact
Foss Highland Park: 1927 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park, IL 60035 (847) 266-3677
Foss Niles: 8299 W. Golf Road, Unit 24 Niles, IL 60714 (847) 410-1555
Foss Lakeview (Chicago): 3026 N Ashland Ave Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 248-3677 More locations here.
Instagram: @fossswimschool
Facebook: @fossswimschool
Ultimate Ninjas North Shore
Ninja Classes are great for kids who want to learn how to do the obstacles just like on American Ninja Warrior! We work on different obstacles each week building strength, endurance, and confidence. Classes are 55 minutes long, including a warm-up, obstacle coaching/technique, endurance, and free time.
CNSMoms Discount: 20% off Ultimate Ninjas Birthday Party Package when booking first class. Call and mention Chicago North Shore Moms.
Location & Contact
3054 North Lake Terrace
Glenview, IL 60026
(847) 787-1220
More locations in IL here.
Instagram: @ultimateninjas
Facebook: @UltimateNinjasNorthShore
Chicago Ballet Arts
Chicago Ballet Arts is recognized for its rich history of providing high quality dance training for over 35 years and offers dance classes for ages 2 through adults in its convenient Evanston location. Dancers can choose from four programs: the Preparatory Division, for the youngest dancers and their families, the Pre-Professional Division, for those seeking an inclusive, pre-professional ballet program with live piano accompaniment and the Enrichment Division.
Enrollment is ongoing. Set up a free trial class and discover the CBA difference! Register today.
Location & Contact
915 Foster St.
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 859-6066
Instagram: @chicagoballetarts
Facebook: @chicagoballetarts
RooTz
As the heart of the community for Chicago’s North Shore families, RooTz offers a variety of programs for children from birth to 18 years old, including dance, theatre, enrichment, music, art, science, fitness and camp. With classes 6 days a week, Rootz offers convenient opportunities for everyone in your family! Enroll today for Winter fun!
Location & contact
School of Rock Evanston and Highwood
Every day, we watch our students grow from beginner musicians to confident and inspiring rock stars in their community. School of Rock Evanston and Highwood are more than just your local music schools. We offer programs year-round for every skill level with a focus on Performance-based education. We inspire kids to ROCK onstage and in life!
CNSM Discount: $50 off your first month’s tuition! Mention this guide when you call or stop in.
Location & Contact
9 Prairie Ave.
Highwood, IL
1311 Sherman Pl.
Evanston, IL
847-433-7625
Instagram: @highwood_schoolofrock | @evanston_schoolofrock
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolofrockhighwood | https://www.facebook.com/schoolofrockevanston
School of Rock Glenbrook
School of Rock Glenbrook provides both in-person and online music lessons for students of all ages across the Northbrook, Glenview and surrounding areas. Our programs, camps and workshops for toddlers, kids, teens and adults make learning to play music fun and create great communities of musicians. School of Rock is the leader in performance-based music education. We combine one-on-one drum, bass, keyboard, vocal, and guitar lessons with group practices. Students learn to play music from day one and put on live performances at local venues. Our experienced instructors are local musicians themselves who combine the performance-based School of Rock Method and programs with individual music lessons to get results for your student.
CNSM Discount: Mention CNM or Chicago North Shore Moms and receive 20% off the first month of tuition. Offer limited to new customers only.
Location & Contact
- Art Classes for Kids, Teens, and Adults
- Emerging Artist Exhibitions
- Fun & Creative Workshops
- Birthday Parties
- Art Camps for Kids & Teens
Location & Contact
Twelve Tone Music School
More than a music school, Twelve Tone is a musical movement. Whether you are new to music or a seasoned musician, our immersive jam sessions and collaborative lessons are the best way to learn! Our weekly lesson model combined with add on, live jam sessions provide an hour and a half of fun musical learning unmatched in the industry! We provide all the fundamentals of musical education with the fun of learning how to play with a real-live band that is tailored to your child’s musical level, interest and genre.
Try out our innovative approach to music education by trying us for free. Sign up and redeem your free trial lesson today!
Location & Contact
https://www.twelvetonemusicschool.com/trial-5
1742 Glenview Rd, Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 901-7161
Instagram: @twelvetonemusicschool
Deer Creek Racquet Club
Deer Creek Racquet Club is a tennis club featuring six climate controlled tennis courts and offering tennis programs for all ages, court rentals, tennis camps, tennis leagues, pickleball programs and leagues.
Winter Session: Nov 27-Mar 6; No Classes Dec 18-Jan 2; Feb 21, 2022
Location & Contact
Children’s Theatre Co
Introduce your child to the magical world of musical theatre at The Children’s Theatre Company. Children’s Theatre Company’s mission is to empower students by exposing them to the performing arts, building confidence and learning communication skills. Our classes help students think critically, and stay active and imaginative! The major emphasis is placed on promoting self-esteem and self-expression while working towards our musical theatre performances. This fall we will be offering Mary Poppins, Tangled, Tik Tok classes and more! Check out our website for our fall offerings.
Check our Winter schedule for programs and youth shows! Enroll today!
Location & Contact
458 Central Ave.
Highland Park, Il 60035
847-997-1317
Instagram: @childrenstheatrecompany_hp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChildrensTheatreCompany
The Art Center Highland Park
The Art Center Highland Park aims to inspire and ignite passion for the arts through its innovative programs and classes for ages 6 and up. Offering after-school and weekend classes in a variety of mediums such as Jewelry, Ceramics, Cartooning, Digital Photography, Mixed Media, and Painting; TAC provides an inclusive environment where students build their skills while discovering their artistic voice. All skill levels welcome!
Ages: 6 through 18
Dates: January 10 – March 20 2022
Weekday hours: 4-5:30pm, 4-6pm, 6:30-8:30pm
Weekend hours: 10am-12pm, 12:30-3:30pm
*Private pod classes available. Contact The Art Center for more Information
Location & Contact
Virtual: Rocket Club Academy
Rocket Club Academy is the world’s first S.T.E.A.M. and entrepreneurship certificate program and community, hosted virtually for school-aged children from around the world. Our curriculum, which focuses on problem solving, critical thinking, and emotional quotient, has been developed in collaboration with founders of some of the world’s most influential companies, covering 24 cutting-edge S.T.E.A.M. and entrepreneurship disciplines that are changing global industries.
Free month trial when you mention Chicago North Shore Moms! Learn more here.
Location & Contact
Rocket Club is a 100% virtual program. The corporate address is:
720 Monroe street C-413
Hoboken, NJ 07030
917-684-0953
Instagram: @rocketclub
Lakeshore Lacrosse
Lakeshore Lacrosse is a youth sports league (Lacrosse) offering beginner and intermediate training in Northbrook, IL.
Whether you have experience or are new to lacrosse, we have programs for all ages and skill levels. Our co-ed LIttle Laxers program is great for new players ages 4-7. Our experienced coaches break down lacrosse basics and practice through fun, gym-class style games! For our 3rd – 12 graders, our Stars Lacrosse Training develops fundamental skills in a small group setting with 30 minutes of competitive drills and games. Join us at WIN Performance on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM this December / January!
And learn more about all seasons, including summer camps, here!
Location & Contact
Studio North Academy of the Performing Arts (SNAP)
SNAP Dance and Music Studio features classes for ages 2 to adult: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern and Hip Hop
Registration is ongoing! Learn more here.
Location & Contact
Studio North Academy of the Performing Arts (SNAP)
414 Linden Ave.,
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-251-7627
Instagram: @studionorthacademy
Championship Martial Arts Northbrook
Championship Martial Arts Northbrook (CMA) is a Martial Arts School offering classes for kids ages 4+.
CNSM Discount: Back to School Special – 1- Private Lesson, 4- weeks of training, 1- official CMA Uniform only $49
Location & Contact
1625 Shermer
Northbrook, IL
(847)564-5425
Instagram: @cma_northbrook
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cma.northbrook
Deerfield Youth Lacrosse Club
DYLC was founded in 2018 and is a 501[C](3) Non-Profit Youth Lacrosse Club. We serve Deerfield/Bannockburn and Highland Park as well as other close communities and it is our goal to provide all levels of lacrosse so that everyone is given an equal opportunity to play.
Location & Contact
Pulse Boxing & Fitness
Our Mission is to inspire kids with a lifelong love of fitness while also progressing and building young athletes of character. We believe in active play with the purpose of progressing functional movements. We teach the foundations of exercise. We build on those skills throughout our program. We make them better athletes. We instill character traits that make our athletes better humans. At Pulse Kids, we teach the seven most foundational movement patterns to include squats, pushups and pull-ups. To challenge our young athletes we incorporate all 8 fitness abilities such as power, speed and balance. Through our process of play and fun, games and challenges, instruction and discipline, we produce athletes of character.
Location & Contact
Gorton Community Center, Lake Forest
This winter, Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest is once again offering a wide range of after school enrichment for kids ages 5 to 14. Our classes include Art, Acting, Writing, Fencing, RoboThink/STEM and a Virtual Chess Class! Please visit our website – gortoncenter.org – for additional information and to sign up – and to see the new classes we are always adding!
Location & Contact
Gorton Community Center, Lake Forest
400 E Illinois Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Instagram: @gortoncommunitycenter
Facebook: @gortoncommunitycenter
Thank you to our 2021 After School Activities Guide Sponsor, Uncle Dan’s Outfitters, NOW Gearhead. Gearhead has tons of great back to school gear, from backpacks and water bottles to cute clothing and warm outerwear!
Uncle Dan’s Outfitters NOW Gearhead
Bundle up those cuties with your favorite quality brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Cotopaxi, and more. Get it at Gearhead!
Gearhead Outfitters was founded in 1997 by owner, Ted Herget, who desired to bring the active mountain lifestyle to his hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Our mission is to help our customers live active, fulfilling lives by providing quality outdoor-inspired products, backed by deep expertise and remarkable service.
From its humble beginnings in a friend’s living room, the company has now grown into a nationwide brand with 18 stores across the country, including 6 Rock/Creek stores that were acquired in 2019. Gearhead Outfitters exists to help customers live active, fulfilling lives by creating an exceptional shopping experience for guests. Through the relaxed environment, specialized inventory and personalized customer service, Gearhead strives to build relationships with customers and serve the local communities.
Location & Contact
Evanston:
1600 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 475-7100
Highland Park:
621 Central Ave.
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 266-8600
Instagram: @gearheadoutfitters
The 2021 After School Activities Guide contains sponsored listings. That said, in the true spirit of providing stellar and trusted content for our viewers, all of the businesses listed were obtained by an initial vetting process and invite only. The information contained in the listings are verbatim by that particular business. Please call the business for which you have interest, with specific questions about COVID protocols, up-to-date class times and locations, and pricing.
Chicago North Shore Moms, part of The Local Moms Network, thanks you for your support and wishes you a very happy and healthy school year. And check back in November as these businesses will update their listings for winter 2022 programming! Cheers!