Children’s Activities
Thank you for visiting Chicago North Shore Moms Children’s Activities resource page.
This page is supported by Fenceworks, the exclusive fence and outdoor play equipment partner of Chicago North Shore Moms. Founded in 1967 by Stan Ascher and now run by the founder’s second and third generation, Fenceworks is committed to sourcing the highest quality and safety-rated products, value, and exceptional white glove service. Visit Fenceworks’ Northbrook showroom at 3177 MacArthur Blvd. to see products IRL or call (847) 432-0900 with any questions. Tell them we sent you!
Parent & Me Classes
Thank you for visiting Children’s Activities – Mommy & Me classes! This list is constantly being updated so please continue to check back. You should also double check with the listing before heading out.
Parent & Me Music Classes:
Little Notes @ Giggles Play Space, Highwood
Bach 2 Rock Rock n Roll, Northbrook
Ages 1-3
Sign up here.
Harmonious Horizons, A Music Together program
All ages
Locations in Edgebrook, Glencoe, Glenview, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Wilmette
Sign up here for sessions or drop in.
Jamberry Music, Music with Nicole/Emma
Little Beans Cafe Evanston
Tuesdays 11-11:45 and Wednesdays 9:30-10:15
Parent & Me Movement:
Parent & Lil Ninja class (Glenview)
This class is designed for children aged 1-3 and offers a fun way to introduce them to balance and climbing while building strength. Class Options on Wednesdays 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Details: One class per week, Monthly billing at $15 per class, Parent involvement is required. Sign up HERE. If you have any questions please contact Lauren Galbreath.
Parent & Me Groups:
The Mama League North Shore – The Mama League is here to support you and your baby through the fourth trimester and beyond! Each week, you’ll join other mamas in your community and learn from local experts (that are all mamas too!) on a variety of topics including sleeping, feeding, post-partum recovery, and more.
When it feels like you’re in survival mode, we’re here to be a lifeline, providing concise, curated, information on the topics that matter most. So throw your hair in a messy bun, get out of the house, and join the Mama League! Learn more about the ladies behind The Mama League North Shore here!
ParentConnect – New moms groups Proudly partnering with Evanston, Winnetka, and Glencoe Park Districts. Check out their Mom feature here! Check out the Weekender Moms Group. It’s a weekend brunch moms group for mamas with babies 4-12 months old. Pomeroy, Pescadero, and Evanston Corner Bistro are our restaurant partners so the venues will be really fun! Here’s the link to register and our instagram post about it.
Little Explorers @ Giggles Play Space, Highwood
C.I.T.Y of Support
Based out of Buffalo Grove but events in various locations.
They have a lot going on each month. Check out this events page for various parent & me events.
Time Together Open Play: Birth to 5 Years @ Chandler-Newberger, Evanston
An open-play program is perfect for ages birth through 5 years with a parent or caregiver. Our spaces are full of climbing equipment, blocks, soft mats, puzzles and a book nook. Time Together is the perfect place to bring preschoolers on no-school days and to play with little ones while older siblings are in school. Drop-in fee is $12 per child or buy a 10-visit punch pass for $100.
MONDAYS
4:00-6:00PM
TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS
9:30-11:30AM
**Save yourself a meltdown… We ask that you check the website and call to make sure the above details are still correct before heading out.
Sports
Sports, summer camps, clinics, community events and scholarships! Lease Indoor Space: Organizations can lease our gym facilities for sports programs and activities. Lease Outdoor Fields: Reserve our outdoor fields for leagues, tournaments, and events. Volunteer: Individuals can contribute their time and skills to support our programs.
2065 Half Day Road, Bannockburn
(224) 507-7054
[email protected]
Top Tier Lessons – personal coaching (CNSM partner)
Top Tier Lessons offers private and small group sports lessons from local college-athletes. They work with soccer, lacrosse and basketball student athletes from Northwestern and are constantly more sports and coaches soon! Founded by a college swimmer, they believe that lessons are more than just learning skills, they’re about growth. Every child deserves more than a coach, they deserve a mentor and a role model. Your coach may be an All-American, national champion, or even an Olympic contender. Each time a lesson is booked through Top Tier Lessons you are helping support local college athletes. Their teaching team is composed of current student-athletes who understand the demands of college athletics and are committed to helping you in any way possible.
For over 40 years, Deer Creek Racquet Club has been the north shore’s tennis destination for every member of the family to learn and improve their game, stay in shape and make friends. Youth programs, adult tennis, cardio tennis.
701 Deer Creek Parkway
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-433-5450
Kicklab – Where high-tech soccer training meets passion and fun.
560 Bunker Court, Unit 104
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
847-380-6025
Providing fun and creative programs for kids, such as summer camps, birthdays, and Amazing Race activities.
Phone: 847-686-1280
Pedalheads (Bike, Swim, and Sport Programs)
Healthy Kids Running Series (spring running series)
Christi Sube
Community Coordinator
2101 Central Rd
Glenview, IL 60025
(312) 550-5986
Locations vary. Emphasis on female empowerment through fun! Year-round variety classes, Summer camps, Day off camps
Offering junior group and private golf Instruction and junior travel team
1300 Oak Street
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 501-2050
Tennis @ Winnetka Park District
Offering private and semi-private lessons. Bonus amenity: Supervised childcare is available for children of players Monday-Friday, 8:30am-12pm. The services require 24 hours advance notice, has a maximum of six children, and is for ages six months to six years. Reservations can be made by calling (847) 501-2065.
Fee: $13 / child (two-hour max)
530 Hibbard Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 501-2065
Hi Five Sports Northbrook Court
1515 Lake Cook Rd. (second flr)
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 229-9555
426 Green Bay Rd.
Highwood, IL 60040
Brendan Kolton, founder
Celebrating 15 years of serving the community! Basketball programming for ages 3-18. For all skill levels. Camps, Leagues, Training, Clinics, Travel, and much more. We run programming with multiple schools and are a partner with the Winnetka Community House and Deerfield Park District.
North Shore Park Districts
Park District of Highland Park
636 Ridge Rd
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-831-3810
City of Evanston Parks & Recreation
2100 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
847-448-4311
1200 Wilmette Avenue
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-256-6100
410 Kenilworth Avenue
Kenilworth, IL 60043
847-251-1691
401 Wagner Road
Northfield, IL 60093
847-446-4428
540 Hibbard Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-501-2040
999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe IL 60022
847-835-3030
836 Jewett Park Drive
Deerfield, IL 60015
847-945-0650
3323 Walters Avenue
Northbrook, IL 60062
847-291-2993
City of Highwood Parks & Recreation
17 Highwood Ave.,
Highwood, IL 60040
847-432-1924
The City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation
220 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-234-2600
355 W Washington Ave
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
847-234-4150
Alcott Center
530 Bernard Drive
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
847-850-2100
2400 Chestnut Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
847-724-5670
Music Instruction / Music Teachers
School of Rock (Locations in Highwood & Evanston)
SOR results-driven programs combine one-on-one lessons with group band practices, making School of Rock the ultimate music school for kids and adults! Check out general manager, Maggie Weber’s Meet a Mom interview!
School of Rock, Highwood
9 Prairie Ave., Highwood, IL 60040
847-433-7625
School of Rock, Evanston
1311 Sherman Pl., Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-7625
Twelve Tone Music School (Glenview)
Music is played together. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a new student our goal is to get you playing with other musicians and having fun! Twelve Tone has its own stage for performances, rehearsals and band practice…. more
1742 Glenview Road
Glenview, IL 60025
847-901-7161
Bach to Rock, Northbrook
1141 Church St.
Northbrook, IL 60062
224-904-3190
Music Institute of Chicago, Lake Forest
40 E Old Mill Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-905-1500 ext. 191
Music Institute of Chicago, Evanston
1490 Chicago Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
847-905-1500
Guitar Center, Highland Park
43 Skokie Valley Rd.
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-579-1830
Coding Classes
STEM
Noggin Builders Northbrook Court
Northbrook Court Mall (2nd floor)
1515 Lake Cook Rd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
Tip: FREE indoor play space presented by Lurie Children’s located at Noggin Builders (ages birth – 4)
Tip: Closest parking at 2nd floor Lord & Taylor
840 Willow Road Suite A
Northbrook, IL 60062
(224) 213-7511
Horseback Riding
From the first touch to the Olympic journey, Messenger Hill Farm serves horse lovers of all levels.
25310 N St. Marys Rd
Libertyville, IL 60048
[email protected]
773-203-3135
Art Classes
Children’s Art Classes – Glenview, IL
2839 Pfingsten Glenview, IL
847-999-4069
The Art Center Highland Park (TAC)
1957 Sheridan Rd.
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-432-1888
620 Lincoln Avenue
Winnetka, Illinois 60093
847-446-2870
Multifaceted enrichments for all ages
224-269-0004
call or text: (847) 461-9452 or schedule an inquiry call
666 Dundee Road Suite 1801
Northbrook
**Check your local park district (tab above) for more art classes
Theater Classes
Citadel Theatre and Citadel Theatre for Young Audiences
300 Waukegan Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-735-8554
Citadel Theatre for Young Audiences program provides young children and families the opportunity to experience the magic of professional theatre, presented by professional, adult actors. Citadel believes in the transformative powers that live theatre can have on children’s lives. Citadel Theatre is proud offer acting classes complete with performance dates for young actors. Click the link above to learn more about these exciting programs!
Highwood Recreation Center
432 Green Bay Road
Highwood, IL 60040
847-404-9142
1120 Central Avenue, 2nd Floor
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-251-8710
Noyes Cultural Arts Center
927 Noyes Street
Evanston, Illinois 60201
847-328-2795
1417 Hinman Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
847-448-0708
Theater programs for ages 7-14
840 S Waukegan Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-615-5400
Cooking Classes
Dance
Ballet Makkai (CNSMoms partner!)
2126 1st St.
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-433-1449
915 Foster St.
Evanston IL
847-859-6066
Chicago Ballet Arts’ mission is to provide a structured, affordable ballet program with high professional standards for Chicago’s diverse north and northwest communities.
Multifaceted enrichments for all ages
557 Waukegan Rd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
224-269-0004
Soul2Sole Dance Inc. Highland Park
799 Central Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-579-4660
North Shore School of Dance
505 Laurel Ave.
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 432-2060
3131 Dundee Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
847-564-9120
840 S Waukegan Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-615-5400
**Check your local park district (tab above) for more dance classes
Sewing Classes & Workshops
874 Green Bay Rd #220
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-456-5720
1937 Central St.
Evanston, IL 60201
847-497-8513
Yoga/Movement Classes
Movement Junkies Kids Yoga (Robin Taxman)
Yoga classes for children
Locations near Highland Park
Giggles Play Expressive Explorers
Ignite language and creativity! Join us in Expressive Explorers — a class where storytelling, music, and play foster communication skills and connections in young minds.
328 Green Bay Road, Highwood
847-748-8621
Bowling/Bocce
Pinstripes – Bowling, Bocce, Bistro
Northbrook Location:
1150 Willow Rd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
Oakbrook Location:
7 Oakbrook Center
Oak Brook, IL 60523
River East (Chicago) Location:
435 E Illinois St.
Chicago, IL 60611
South Barrington Location:
100 W Higgins Rd.
South Barrington, IL 60010
350 McHenry Road
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
847-821-9000
1903 Schiller Ave.
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-251-0705
Martial Arts
Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Kids, teens & adults (Jiu-Jitsu for everyone)
710 Robert York Ave
Deerfield, IL 60015
847-504-7213
1625 Shermer
Northbrook, IL 60062
847-564-KICK
1614 Deerfield Ave
Highland Park Ill. 60035
847-831-4080
3141 Dundee Rd.
Northbrook IL 60062
847-480-9222
Gymnastics
Taiga Gymnastics Glencoe & Skokie
American Academy of Gymnastics – Northbrook
Northbrook & multiple locations
Therapy Yoga Gymnastics Rocks delivers pediatric Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy in exciting and sensory rich gymnastics centers. Unlike in traditional, clinic based therapy, TYGR children learn by utilizing gymnastics equipment and participating in yoga activities.
Foreign Language
Skillabration – K-12 foreign language lessons in Spanish, Mandarin, ESL, French, Cantonese and ASL.
“We take kids’ foreign language skills from zero to fuego!”
Nikki Lubing, owner
Fenceworks has been a Chicagoland staple since 1967, founded by Stan Ascher — lovingly known as “The Guy On 41” — with a commitment to quality, value, and exceptional service. Now a three-generation family business, they’ve moved from their iconic Highway 41 location in Highland Park to a beautiful indoor showroom in Northbrook, offering an unmatched selection of fencing, playgrounds, basketball hoops, and trampolines. Sandy leads the fence department with a promise to treat every customer like family, while vice president of Fenceworks, Jake Stotter, drives innovation across their playground and recreation departments and the brand’s digital future. Whether you’re dreaming up your backyard oasis or searching for the perfect playset, Fenceworks brings safety, installation, high quality products, expertise, and a personal touch to every project.
Ready to transform your backyard? Visit Fenceworks at their Northbrook showroom or head to fenceworks.com to explore their full selection and get started today.