Parent-child gymnastics broken out by age: 12-18 months, 18-27 months, and 2.25-3.5 years. Padded carpeted area with age-appropriate equipment. Also offered at Prieto Math & Science Academy. The most popular toddler movement class in Evanston.
Tenary for Evanston
NEVER MISS A MOMENT IN
EVANSTON, IL.
Evanston is one of the best suburbs in the Chicago area for raising active kids. Bordering Northwestern University and Lake Michigan, it has a deep bench of park district programs, travel sports leagues, and arts organizations that rival what you'd find in cities twice its size. Whether your kid is 3 or 17, there's something real here — not just rec league basics.
Activity Guide for Evanston Kids
Real programs, real organizations. Organized by age group so you can find what fits your kid.
140 activities
Little Ones (0-4)
Evanston has great options for the youngest kids — from park district playgroups to intro sports and early music classes.
Sports & Movement
Beginner ice skating for ages 3-5 at Robert Crown's two NHL-regulation rinks. Learn to Skate USA curriculum with four progressive levels — falling safely, standing, marching, basic forward gliding. 30-minute sessions. Learn to Skate USA membership required ($17/year).
Intro soccer for toddlers ages 2-3, run by Team Evanston coaches at Chandler-Newberger. Imaginative, coach-led games developing motor skills, balance, and coordination. Stepping stone to Soccer School (ages 4-6) and eventually AYSO.
Soccer Shots at Prieto
Ages 3-5
Basic soccer skills including dribbling, passing, and shooting for preschoolers at Prieto Math & Science Academy. Part of the national Soccer Shots curriculum, run through Evanston Parks & Rec.
Playpen Sports Academy
Ages 2-6
Multi-sport classes for toddlers and preschoolers — Tiny Tot Kickers (soccer), Tiny Tot Hoopers (basketball), baseball, golf, and their PlayActive general movement class. Small groups with high energy. Adult participation required for youngest classes.
Several parent-toddler classes through Evanston Parks & Rec: Parent Toddler Basketball, Parent Toddler Soccer, Parent Toddler Fit/Leap & Fun, and Parent Toddler Sports & Games. Each focuses on age-appropriate fundamentals with parent participation.
AYSO Region 735 (U5 Division)
Ages 4-5
Recreational soccer starting at age 4 (U5 division). Everyone plays philosophy — no tryouts, balanced teams. Fall season Sept-Nov, spring season Apr-Jun. Registration $140/year. Crown Park and other Evanston fields.
Goldfish Swim School Evanston
Ages 4 months-12 years
Year-round swim lessons in a warm, kid-friendly 90-degree pool at 2008 Dempster St. 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Mini (4-36 months with parent), Toddler, Pre-School, and School-Age levels. Focus on water safety and building comfort in the water.
McGaw YMCA Parent-Child Swim
Ages 6 months-5 years
Parent-child swim classes for babies and toddlers, plus youth sports sampler programs and indoor play. Certified instructors focusing on water safety and building confidence.
Gentle introduction to the world of skating for ages 3-5 with a parent on the ice. Great first step before Snowplow Sam or hockey programs.
Introductory karate for 3-year-olds at their Evanston dojo (823½ Chicago Ave). Focus on balance, coordination, listening skills, and basic movement. A gentle entry point for martial arts.
Staley Martial Arts — Baby-Jitsu
Ages 18 months+
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for toddlers 18 months and up at 1806 Church St. Introductory grappling in a playful, age-appropriate setting. Carlson Gracie Team lineage with experienced instructors.
Arts & Music
Early childhood music classes at MIC's Evanston campus (622 Davis St). Musikgarten program for birth through age 7 — developmentally appropriate activities building fundamental musical skills through singing, movement, and instrument play. Fall and spring semesters (15 weeks) plus summer sessions.
Jamberry Music (Chandler-Newberger & Prieto)
Ages 6 months-5 years
Early childhood music class for babies through preschoolers. Nursery rhymes, circle songs, movement, and puppets. Offered at both Chandler-Newberger and Prieto locations through Parks & Rec.
Movement-based program using music to facilitate learning and development. Props for gross/fine motor development. Ages 1-5 at Chandler-Newberger.
Bitty Ballet (Chandler-Newberger)
Ages 3-5
Beginning-level ballet for ages 3-5 at Chandler-Newberger. Teaching ballet positions in a playful, age-appropriate setting.
Creative Movement (ages 2.5-5.5) teaches movement fundamentals through dance, games, and music. Little Movers Dance & Yoga (ages 2.5-5.5) builds body and spatial awareness. Both at the rebuilt Robert Crown Center.
Magical Munchkins Tap & Ballet (ages 2-3) and Petit Stars Tap & Ballet (ages 3-6) at Prieto. Also Disney Dance (ages 4-7). Themed, engaging dance classes with performance opportunities.
A Fairytale Ballet (Evanston Studio)
Ages 18 months-5
Ballet classes for toddlers and preschoolers at their Evanston community studio (2120 Lincoln, 2nd floor of St. Matthews). Baby Ballerinas (18 months-2), Twinkle Toes (2-3), and Blooming Ballerinas (3-5). Story-based approach with costumes and props. Nutcracker performance in December.
Caregiver and Tots Arts (Noyes Cultural Arts Center)
Ages 1.5-3.5
Exploratory arts class for ages 1.5-3.5 led by artist/early childhood educators at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. Painting, collage, and sensory art experiences.
Air-dry clay work with optional painting and markers for ages 2-5 at the Robert Crown Center. One of the few pottery programs in the area for kids this young.
Evanston Art Center — Art Adventures
Ages 3-5
Preschool art classes — painting, clay, collage, and mixed media in a supportive lakefront studio setting at 1717 Central St. Small class sizes with one-on-one attention.
Play-based music classes for young children through Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music. Builds musical foundations through singing, movement, and instrument play on the Northwestern campus.
Enrichment & Play
Free storytimes at two branches — Crown Storytime for babies through preschoolers, Time for Twos on Tuesdays. Bilingual sessions in English and Spanish. Also Singsong with Mr. Taylor (monthly, 6 months+, songs with live stringed instruments).
Drop-in unstructured play for ages birth-5 at Chandler-Newberger Center. Great for parent socialization too. No registration needed.
Infant Expressions (Chandler-Newberger)
Ages 0-15 months
Class for babies 0-15 months focused on developing first gestures, signs, and vocalizations. Parent-child bonding through communication development.
Little Learners Club (ages 1-4): stories, activities, routines, and play preparing for preschool. Little Book Club (ages 1-4): pre-literacy class with read-alouds, crafts, and sensory bins.
Build confidence through everyday skills with songs, stories, and hands-on activities. Ages 1-4 at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center.
Mommy and Me (ages 2-3): interactive Spanish activities for mothers and babies. Spanish for Little Learners (ages 3-5): learn Spanish through games, music, stories, and dance at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center.
Nature preschool program at the Ladd Arboretum for ages 3-4. Two-week sessions with different themes. Daily activities combine outdoor exploration with play, crafts, stories, songs, and nature discoveries. Develops small and large motor skills while exploring science.
Robert Crown Preschool & Child Care
Ages 2-5
DCFS-licensed preschool and after-school care at the rebuilt Robert Crown Center. Full-time and part-time options for ages 2-5. Preschool emphasizes social-emotional and cognitive development through art, music, movement, and open gym time.
Introduction to theater for ages 4-7 at Noyes Cultural Arts Center. Explores staging, character development, props, and costumes in a playful, age-appropriate setting.
Elementary (5-10)
This is where Evanston really shines — dozens of sports leagues, theater programs, and enrichment options for grade-school kids.
Sports
AYSO Region 735 (U6-U12)
Ages 5-12
Recreational soccer for U6 through U12. Fall (Sept-Nov) and spring (Apr-Jun) seasons, no tryouts, balanced teams. Registration $140/year. The biggest youth soccer program in Evanston — most kids start here. Also offers EPIC program for players with disabilities.
Competitive travel soccer serving 500+ players ages 5-19 on 40+ teams. Pre-Travel program for younger players, plus U6-U12 travel teams. Tryouts in spring. Games across the Chicago suburbs. Strong coaching and player development.
The main youth baseball and softball league in Evanston for over 60 years. T-ball through competitive, spring and summer seasons at fields across town. Also runs Buddy BasebALL adaptive program.
Grade-level basketball leagues for grades 1-2 (coed), 3rd grade (coed), and 4th-5th grade (boys/non-binary and girls/non-binary separate). Games at D65 schools. Volunteer coaches from schools. The rec starting point for basketball in Evanston.
Advanced basketball skills through focused drills, strength and conditioning at Fleetwood-Jourdain Center. Grades K-12. More intensive than the rec leagues.
Chandler-Newberger Basketball Programs
Ages 4-10
Progressive basketball program: Intro to Basketball (ages 4-6), Beginner Basketball (ages 6-8), Jr. Basketball Skills Drills (ages 8-10), and Rookie Basketball 3v3 League (ages 5-6). All at Chandler-Newberger Center.
Boys and girls lacrosse (Jr. Wildkits), spring season. US Lacrosse membership required. Growing fast — one of the most popular newer sports in Evanston. Feeds into the ETHS lacrosse teams.
EYHA (Evanston Youth Hockey Association)
Ages 5-14
Youth ice hockey at Robert Crown Center. Jr Wildkits ADM Hockey for ages 5-8 (cross-ice games, skill-building), 10U teams in the NSYHL. Also Little Kits Learn to Skate & Play Hockey for ages 7 and under, and free USA Hockey Try Hockey events.
Year-round competitive swim team based at the YWCA. Great developmental program for kids transitioning from swim lessons to competitive swimming.
NASA Wildcat Aquatics
Ages 6-18
USA Swimming club team practicing at Northwestern and ETHS. Over 200 swimmers in developmental, age group, and high school programs. Silver-level team consistently ranked in top 100 nationally. Founded 1989.
Learn to Skate USA program at the rebuilt Robert Crown Center (2020) with two NHL-regulation rinks. Basic 1-6 levels for ages 6-17, then Free Skate levels 1-6 with spins and jumps. Also Ice Dancing, Advanced Jump & Spin, Axel Class, and Aspire competitive training.
Chandler-Newberger Gymnastics
Ages 3.5-14
Full progression: Preschool Gymnastics (ages 3.5-5.5), Coed Beginning I (ages 5-6.5 and 6-13), Coed Beginning II (ages 6-14), Girls Advanced Beginning (ages 7-14). Skills on vault, bars, beam, and floor. The dedicated gym at Chandler-Newberger has a full equipment set. Also offered at Prieto.
Chandler-Newberger Fencing
Ages 7-18
Beginning through advanced fencing at Chandler-Newberger Community Center. Equipment provided (jackets, masks, weapons). Described as 'aerobic chess' — builds balance, mobility, and mental agility. Private lessons available for ages 12-18.
Sheridan Shore Sailing School
Ages 6-18
Learn-to-sail programs at Wilmette Harbor — just south of Evanston on Lake Michigan. Over 80 years of teaching sailing. AM and PM camps on prams, optis, and 420s. US Sailing accredited. Also coaches ETHS and Loyola Academy sailing teams.
McGaw YMCA Youth Sports
Ages 5-12
Basketball, flag football, floor hockey, volleyball, and multi-sport leagues. Afterschool programs include active play, homework support, and weekly swim lessons for K-2. Lower-key alternative to dedicated league programs.
District 65 After-School Sports
Ages 9-11
School-based sports for 4th-5th graders including cross country (fall), basketball (winter), and track & field (spring). Run as a partnership between D65 and Evanston Parks & Rec.
Evanston Parks & Rec Tennis
Ages 5-14
Group tennis lessons and clinics at Evanston outdoor courts. Spring through fall with introductory through intermediate levels for youth.
Youth Boxing (Fleetwood-Jourdain)
Ages 5-17
Fundamentals of boxing through age-appropriate drills. Two divisions: ages 5-9 and ages 10-17. Builds strength, endurance, and confidence at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center.
Wide range of physical activities inspired by classic PE games. Fun, active, and varied — good for kids who want to try a bit of everything.
Cheer/Poms (James Park)
Ages 6-14
Cheerleading and poms choreography with performance opportunities. Two age groups: 6-9 and 9-14. Through Evanston Parks & Rec.
Martial Arts
Karate school at 823½ Chicago Ave with multiple dojos. Little Dragons (ages 4-6) and Youth Karate (ages 7-12). Strong emphasis on discipline, character development, and fitness. Competition team, summer day camps, and D65 after-school enrichment partnerships.
Staley Martial Arts — Kids BJJ
Ages 4-18
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai at 1806 Church St. Kids BJJ program ('Sloth Defense Squad') teaches anti-bullying grappling techniques — body positioning and control, not striking. Carlson Gracie Team lineage with high-level instructors.
Gym 1801 — Sloth Defense Squad BJJ
Ages 5-18
BJJ for kids at their Central Street facility (1801 Central St). The children's program focuses on grappling-based self-defense with core principles of discipline, respect, and patience. Also runs a Youth Sports Academy for elite athletes ages 12-18.
Connelly's Academy
Ages 4-18
Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Kumdo starting at age 4 at 1000 Grove St. Grandmaster Joe Connelly with 45+ years of experience. Partners with District 65 for after-school enrichment. Also offers specialized programs for students with developmental and physical disabilities.
Tiger Cubs & Young Tigers (Levy Center)
Ages 4-12
Tiger Cubs (ages 4-6): focus on agility and strength in a safe, noncompetitive environment. Young Tigers (ages 7-12): builds leadership skills with more challenging training. Advanced levels available for Red Stripe and higher.
McGaw YMCA Martial Arts
Ages 5-12
Martial arts classes including Tae Kwon Do as a fee-based enrichment add-on to afterschool programs. Focused on fitness and conditioning with expert instructors. Good intro option within the familiar YMCA setting.
Arts & Music
Piven Theatre Workshop
Ages 9-18
One of the best youth theater programs in the Chicago area. Improv, scene study, and full productions. Process-oriented training in the Viola Spolin/Theatre Games tradition. Classes from age 9 through adult — approximately 1,000 students trained annually. Alumni include John and Joan Cusack. Scholarship available.
Circus arts and physical theater — trapeze, tumbling, aerial silks, juggling, tightwire, stilts, and clowning. Housed in the Noyes Cultural Arts Center in downtown Evanston since 1995. Weekly classes reach 1,000+ students per year. Summer camps for incoming 4th graders and up. No experience necessary.
Youth theater productions — auditions for kids ages 8-14 at various locations. Everyone who auditions receives a role in the spring production. Full stage productions with costumes and sets.
Community theater founded in 1979, specializing in African American and African Diaspora-centered storytelling. Youth arts enrichment through the ARTSiE partnership includes themed musical theater camps and after-school programs. One of Evanston's cultural institutions.
Chicago Ballet Arts
Ages 5-18
Dance classes for ages 2 through adults at their Evanston studio (915 Foster St). Inclusive, pre-professional ballet training with live musical accompaniment. Preparatory and Pre-Professional Divisions. Over 34 years of history.
Evanston School of Ballet
Ages 5-18
Quality ballet education since 1968 at 1933 Central St. Pre-ballet through professional level. Classes feature live piano music. A longstanding Evanston institution founded by Kerry Hubata and Phyllis Wills.
Dance Center Evanston
Ages 5-18
Progressive dance training at 1934 Dempster St. Ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, modern, and contemporary. Tippy Toes, Pre-Ballet, and full student track. Annual Recital, Dance Performance Workshop, and Summer Company. Home to the Evanston Dance Ensemble.
Kaleidoscope Dance
Ages 5-18
Dance studio at 3944 Church St (Skokie/Evanston border). Over 100 classes per week in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theater. Early childhood through advanced training. 22 years in the community.
Ballet, Jazz & Hip Hop (ages 4-7), Ballet/Modern/Choreography (ages 6-9), Break-Dance (ages 6-9), Hip Hop (ages 6-9), Ballet I/II (ages 7-13.5), and Hip Hop & Break-Dance (ages 8-13.5). Across multiple city facilities.
School of Rock Evanston
Ages 6-12
Performance-based music education at 1311 Sherman Pl. Rookies (ages 6-7, no experience needed — experiment with instruments), Rock 101 (weekly rehearsal + private lesson, learn classic rock songs). Kids form real bands and play live shows.
Private and group lessons in piano, violin, guitar, and more at the Evanston campus (622 Davis St). Barston Suzuki Center is one of the largest Suzuki programs in the Midwest. Traditional instruction also available.
Evanston Art Center — Youth Classes
Ages 5-18
Drawing, painting, ceramics (hand-building and wheel throwing), printmaking, 3D printing, cartooning, mixed media, and more at their lakefront studio (1717 Central St). After-school and weekend sessions. Small classes. Scholarships available.
Clay Creations 101 (ages 5-12): hand-building and wheel basics including coil pots and bowls. Family Pottery (ages 5+): child and guardian work as a team, firings included. Home School Pottery also available daytime for ages 5-17.
Enrichment & STEM
Y.O.U. (Youth & Opportunity United)
Ages 5-18
Free, school-based after-school and summer programs at multiple D65 school sites. Academic support (tutoring, STEM projects, literacy), social-emotional programming, weekly field trips, and on-site licensed clinicians. Serves 1,400+ youth and 4,000+ family members annually. The only provider of free integrated school-based services in Evanston.
Kids STEM Studio (Evanston)
Ages 4-14
Weekly robotics, coding, and game design classes at 1908E Dempster St. Robotics (build, program, troubleshoot real robots with motors and sensors), coding (visual programming from age 4), and engineering. Small class sizes. Summer camps for grades 1-7.
Weekend and online STEAM classes run by Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development. Gifted education programming starting as young as age 4. Academic enrichment beyond what school offers. Saturday programs, summer intensives, and online courses.
After-school robotics classes at Chandler-Newberger — build and program robots in small groups. Robot Rumble (combat bots) and RoboPetz (animatronic animals). Engineering, problem-solving, and technology in a hands-on format.
Chess Scholars (Chandler-Newberger)
Ages 6-13
After-school chess instruction at Chandler-Newberger for ages 6-13. Develop intellect through the royal game of chess — beginner through tournament-level play.
Evanston Ecology Center — Day Camps
Ages 5-12
Nature day camps at the Ladd Arboretum organized by age: EcoQuest (K-2nd, nature discovery and outdoor games), EcoTravelers (3rd-4th, includes canoe trips and fishing), EcoExplorer (5th-6th, team building and campouts). Each session has a different theme with field trips and hands-on science.
Fleetwood-Jourdain Kids Zone
Ages 5-12
Free after-school program at Fleetwood-Jourdain Center for ages 5-12. Homework help, educational games, sports, arts, and creative workshops. Summer camps include French lessons, swim lessons, and field trips.
Summer LEGO camps through Play-Well Teknologies and Snapology at multiple Evanston locations. Dozens of themes: Minecraft Engineering, Dino Design, Coding with Spike Prime, Jedi Masters, Harry Potter, Battle Robots, and more. Week-long sessions.
Cookin' with Kids (Prieto)
Ages 7-10
Explore the joy of cooking through fun, easy recipes. Ages 7-10 at Prieto Math & Science Academy through Evanston Parks & Rec.
Spanish language classes for ages 7-10 at Prieto. Interactive learning with games, music, and activities. Also incorporates West African drums and African language at select sessions.
EPL STEM Out of School
Ages 6-8
Themed hands-on STEM events for younger kids at the Main Library — past themes include pizza math (counting, fractions, sequencing) and science experiments. Grades 1-2 with caregiver. Free.
EPL Drop-in LEGO Play & Game Play Sunday
Ages 4-12
Free drop-in programs at the Main Library — LEGO Play (grades 3-5, huge selection of bricks) and Game Play Sunday (ages 4+, board and card games with staff who teach new ones). No registration needed.
Armor Down Girls (EPL)
Ages 8+
10-session program for girls age 8+ at Robert Crown Library. Builds confidence, growth mindset, financial literacy, and STEM exposure. Free — fills up immediately.
EPL Innovation Station — Open Studio
Ages 5-18
Drop-in maker sessions at the Main Library (3rd floor) — 3D printer, Glowforge laser cutter, sewing machines, Cricut, embroidery machine, and button maker. All free. Ages 12+ independent; under 12 with adult. Rotating workshops: cardboard design, video editing, Procreate drawing, block printing.
EPL Sew It Challenge
Ages 10-14
Series of sewing workshops for 5th-8th grade D65 students and Evanston residents. Learn the basics of machine sewing. Free at the library.
Noyes Arts Camps (Evanston Parks)
Ages 5-13
Week-long themed arts camps at Noyes Cultural Arts Center: Dinosaur Camp, Puppet Camp, Architecture Camp, Secret Agent Camp, Comic & Illustrators Camp, Wizards Camp, Pirate Camp, Mythical Creatures, and more. Also IncrediFlixes film camps (live action and LEGO stop motion).
Cub Scouts & Boy Scouts (Evanston)
Ages 5-17
Pack 20, Pack 76, and other Evanston-based packs. Camping, pinewood derby, community service, and outdoor skills.
McGaw YMCA Camp Echo
Ages 8-14
Overnight residential camp on 500 acres of woodlands near Fremont, Michigan — over 100 years old. Horseback riding, archery, climbing, sailing, hiking, and campfire. Week-long sessions for rising 3rd through 8th graders.
McGaw YMCA Afterschool Program
Ages 5-14
Afterschool programs for K-8 students with active play, homework support, hands-on STEAM activities, and weekly swim lessons for K-2. Additional fee-based enrichment like Tae Kwon Do. $240/month members, $264/month non-members.
Middle School (11-13)
Middle school is when Evanston kids start specializing — travel sports get serious, theater productions get ambitious, and there are real options for STEM and leadership.
Sports
Travel soccer at the U12-U14 level — Evanston Soccer Association runs U13-U19 teams as Chicago Fire Juniors North Shore. Competitive games across the Chicago suburbs. This is the pathway to ETHS varsity soccer.
AYSO Region 735 — EXTRA Program
Ages 9-12
Competitive travel soccer within AYSO. Tryout-based — 10U and 12U divisions. Fall, winter, and spring seasons. Estimated $800/year plus uniforms. Step up from rec for players not ready for full club commitment.
Competitive travel baseball and fastpitch softball for players who've aged out of rec. Evanston Express is the travel softball club for girls ages 8-16. Tryouts in fall, games run spring through summer.
Evanston Jr. Wildkits Football & Cheer
Ages 9-14
Tackle football and cheerleading — the feeder program for ETHS, founded 1994. Teams split into grade-level divisions (1st/2nd through 7th/8th). Games in the Chicagoland Youth Football League. Celebrating 31st season in 2025.
EYHA (Evanston Youth Hockey Association)
Ages 10-14
Travel ice hockey. Peewee through bantam divisions, playing out of Robert Crown Center. Competitive schedule across Chicagoland in the NSYHL.
EYLA (Evanston Youth Lacrosse Association)
Ages 11-14
Middle school is prime lacrosse development time. Jr. Wildkits boys and girls programs. Spring season with games across the North Shore. Off-season open gyms and strength/conditioning Oct-Feb. Direct feeder to ETHS lacrosse. US Lacrosse membership required.
MOD Volleyball Club
Ages 10-18
Club volleyball for boys and girls — formed from the merger of Wildcat Jrs. and Division1 VBC. Teams from middle school through high school, practicing in the north suburbs. Tournament play across the Midwest.
Rambler Wrestling Club
Ages 6-14
Youth wrestling club that trains at Northwestern University. Open to boys and girls ages 6-14, no experience necessary. A rare wrestling option on the North Shore.
NASA Wildcat Aquatics
Ages 11-18
USA Swimming club team — middle school is when competitive swimmers typically ramp up to year-round training. Silver-level team, top 100 nationally. Practices at Northwestern's Norris Aquatic Center. Feeds into ETHS swim program.
Chicago Union Indoor Frisbee Academy
Ages 11-15
Skill building, offensive/defensive strategy, and teamwork for ultimate frisbee. Ages 11-15 through Evanston Parks & Rec.
Next Gen Fit (Fleetwood-Jourdain)
Ages 11-14
Strength, mobility, and healthy lifestyle habits for grades 6-8 at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center. Youth fitness and conditioning program.
Learning cheers and routines with performances at basketball games. Ages 9-11 at Prieto. Builds confidence, teamwork, and spirit.
Arts & Performance
Piven Theatre Workshop — Teen Classes
Ages 11-18
Teen ensemble and advanced scene study. Students perform in real productions at the Piven Theatre (927 Noyes St). One of the most respected youth theater training programs in the Midwest. Viola Spolin tradition.
Advanced circus arts and physical theater. Junior Ensemble leads to the Teen Ensemble (started 2005) — a performing company creating and performing original shows. Trapeze, aerial, acrobatics, and clowning at a high level.
Northwestern Music Academy
Ages 10-18
Pre-college music instruction through Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music. Private lessons in piano, violin, viola, cello, and guitar. Group classes and ensembles. $445/quarter for community students. Waitlist common for popular instruments.
Performance program where teen musicians form bands and play real gigs at venues around Chicago. Guitar, bass, drums, keys, and vocals. Also Songwriting program where students create original music and perform at showcases.
Pre-professional dance training in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and contemporary. Company placement for serious dancers through the Evanston Dance Ensemble (ede2). Annual recital and performance workshop.
Spin It! Pottery (Robert Crown)
Ages 11-17
Wheel-throwing pottery for ages 11-17 at Robert Crown. Learn to center, throw, trim, and shape clay. More advanced than the younger programs.
Acrylic Adventures (Robert Crown)
Ages 8-13
Bold colors, cool techniques, and creative ideas in acrylic painting for ages 8-13 at Robert Crown.
Enrichment & STEM
Y.O.U. Leadership Programs
Ages 11-14
Middle school leadership track, community organizing, and career exploration. STEM learning projects, creative workshops (art, music, creative writing), recreation & wellness, and community building. Strong mentorship with on-site licensed clinicians.
iD Tech at Northwestern
Ages 7-17
Summer tech camps on the Northwestern campus — coding, game development, robotics, and AI. Week-long intensive sessions with real project output.
Over 25 STEM summer camp topics on the Northwestern campus. Choose one camp per week — coding, robotics, game design, AI, 3D printing, and more. Academy-style model with top-tier instructors (3% acceptance rate). $79 registration fee per child.
Center for Talent Development (Northwestern)
Ages 11-17
Advanced academic programs for motivated middle schoolers — Saturday Enrichment Programs, summer 3-week academic camps, and online options across STEM, humanities, and social sciences. On the Northwestern campus.
District 65 Middle School Activities
Ages 11-13
School-based extracurriculars at Haven, Chute, and Nichols — math team, Science Olympiad, school plays, student council, coding club, and interscholastic sports (cross country, basketball, track & field).
EPL Rebel STEAMers: Robot Coding
Ages 10-14
Two-part Sphero robot coding program at Robert Crown Library for grades 5-9. Kids design Monkey Ball-style courses, then build them and test with Sphero robots. Free, registration required — fills fast.
EPL The Loft — Teen Space
Ages 11-18
Dedicated teen space (grades 6-12) at the Main Library with 3D printing (2 free prints/month), vinyl cutter, Nintendo Switch & PS5 gaming. Programs: Teen Anime Club, monthly D&D, Roll Out tabletop RPG (Kids on Brooms), Teen Advisory Board, and craft sessions. Drop-in Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 3-6pm.
Evanston Ecology Center — CIT Program
Ages 12-14
Counselor in Training program for ages 12-14 at the Ladd Arboretum. Leadership development through nature education — step up from the younger day camps.
Tabletop RPG Club (Parks & Rec)
Ages 12+
WinterGreenie Festival Tabletop RPG Club — collaboratively create characters and stories with a Dungeon Master. All ages, 12+ can attend unaccompanied. At Gibbs Morrison Cultural Center.
Gym 1801 — Youth Sports Academy
Ages 12-18
Sport-specific training for elite athletes ages 12-18 at 1801 Central St. Speed, power, agility, strength, and stability training designed for young athletes looking for a competitive advantage.
High School (14-18)
ETHS is one of the largest high schools in Illinois with a massive extracurricular program — 80+ clubs and one of the most comprehensive athletic programs in the state. Beyond school, Evanston has strong club sports and pre-professional arts training.
Sports
ETHS Wildkits Athletics
Ages 14-18
More athletic programs than any other high school in Illinois — more than half of ETHS students compete on a Wildkit team each year. Sports include football, basketball, soccer, swimming, track, tennis, water polo, wrestling, volleyball, badminton, baseball, lacrosse, softball, and more. Frosh, sophomore, JV, and varsity levels. Summer sports camps for incoming freshmen.
NASA Wildcat Aquatics — High School Training
Ages 14-18
USA Swimming club team for high school swimmers training year-round. Silver-level team, top 100 nationally. Practices at Northwestern's Norris Aquatic Center. College recruiting pipeline.
MOD Volleyball Club
Ages 14-18
Club volleyball for serious players competing beyond the high school season. Tournament travel across the Midwest. Recruiting exposure for college-bound athletes.
High-level club soccer for U13-U19 players through the Evanston Soccer Association. Year-round competitive play beyond the ETHS season.
Coaches the ETHS sailing team. Also offers Race Team and advanced racing programs for experienced teen sailors at Wilmette Harbor on Lake Michigan.
High school basketball league at Fleetwood-Jourdain Center. Develop skills and compete in a team setting outside of the school season.
Arts & Performance
ETHS Theater, Music & Performing Arts
Ages 14-18
Award-winning theater department with multiple productions per year — fall play, winter musical, and student-directed shows. Jazz band, orchestra, choir, and a cappella groups. ETHS Dance Company. State-level competition in forensics and debate.
Advanced teen and young adult training in the Viola Spolin/Theatre Games tradition. Many Piven students go on to study theater in college. One of the few youth programs that teaches a real acting technique. Scholarship forms available.
Actors Gymnasium — Teen Ensemble
Ages 14-18
Advanced teen circus arts — aerial, acrobatics, and physical theater. The Teen Ensemble (est. 2005) creates and performs original shows. Students perform in public shows and some pursue circus arts professionally.
Northwestern Music Academy
Ages 14-18
Pre-college music instruction at the Bienen School. Private lessons in piano, violin, viola, cello, and guitar. Group classes, ensembles, and theory for students considering music in college.
House Band and All-Stars programs for serious teen musicians. Real gigs at venues around Chicago. Students learn stage performance, recording, and band dynamics. Also Music Production Workshop for digital music creation.
A Fairytale Ballet — Academy Program
Ages 14-17
Academy Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Contemporary, and Dance Medley for ages 5-17. Nutcracker performance in December and ballet recital in June. Both in-person and virtual options.
Serious ballet study with live musical accompaniment. Students take their full level schedule and may supplement with modern classes. Pre-Professional Division progresses through levels without audition but with demonstrated technical mastery.
Youth/teen art classes including ceramics wheel throwing, drawing, painting, printmaking, 3D printing, cartooning, game programming, and more. Summer youth camps and after-school sessions. Lakefront studio at 1717 Central St.
Enrichment & Leadership
ETHS Clubs & Activities
Ages 14-18
80+ student organizations — Ambassadors, Wildkit Buddies, Chess Club, E-Squad Step Team, E-Town Tuners Car Club, ETHS Dance Company, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Model UN, debate, robotics, student government, newspaper, literary magazine, speech team, mock trial, and more.
Y.O.U. High School Programs
Ages 14-18
College prep, internship placement, and community leadership. Strong track record of supporting Evanston students into college and careers. Integrated academic, social, and emotional support.
Center for Talent Development (Northwestern)
Ages 14-17
Intensive academic programs for high-achieving high schoolers — 3-week summer academic camps, Saturday seminars, and online courses on the Northwestern campus. STEM, humanities, and social sciences.
BSA Troops (Evanston)
Ages 11-17
Multiple Scout troops in Evanston — camping, Eagle Scout projects, leadership development, and community service. Several troops with active outdoor programs.
EPL The Loft — Teen Space
Ages 14-18
Dedicated teen space (grades 6-12) at the Main Library with 3D printing (2 free prints/month), vinyl cutter, Nintendo Switch & PS5 gaming. Teen Anime Club, monthly D&D, Roll Out tabletop RPG, Teen Advisory Board, and craft sessions. Drop-in Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 3-6pm.
McGaw YMCA Camp Echo — Teen Wilderness Trips
Ages 14-17
Teen wilderness and adventure trips for 9th-11th graders from the 100+ year old Camp Echo on 500 acres in Michigan. Extended outdoor experiences beyond the standard camp sessions.
Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program
Ages 14-18
City of Evanston summer employment program connecting youth with work opportunities. Real-world experience and career development for Evanston teens.
Birthday Party Venues in Evanston
15 party venues with pricing, capacity, and what's included — so you can compare without calling every place.
Robert Crown — Ice Skating Party
Ice Rink
$
Your group skates during a public session on the gorgeous rink inside the Robert Crown Community Center (opened 2021), then moves to a private party room (Room E) for cake and presents. The rink is modern and well-maintained, and skate rental is available on-site. It's a classic Evanston birthday — kids love lacing up and wobbling around the ice together.
Ages: 5-14
Cost: $330 residents / $430 non-residents for up to 30 guests
Capacity: Up to 30 guests (kids + adults)
Duration: 3 hours (Saturday or Sunday 12:00-3:00 PM or 12:30-3:30 PM)
Includes: Public skating session, Private party room (Room E), Table setup
Bring: Food, Cake, Decorations, Skate rental ($5/pair if needed)
$150 deposit due at booking. Full balance due 12 days before the party. Weekend slots book up fast in winter — reserve 4-6 weeks ahead.
Noyes Cultural Arts Center — Themed Art Party
Art Studio
$
Hosted inside the historic Noyes Cultural Arts Center (a converted elementary school turned arts hub), these parties offer themed creative experiences — TTRPG adventures, medieval crafts, visual arts, sensory exploration, or a custom theme of your choice. The space feels artistic and special, and the instructors run everything so parents can relax. A great pick for kids who love making things.
Ages: 4-12
Cost: $325 residents / $423 non-residents
Capacity: Up to 15-20 kids
Duration: 2 hours
Includes: Themed activity with instructor, Props, playthings, and supplies, Party room setup
Bring: Snacks, Cake and ice cream, Plates and utensils
$150 deposit due at booking. Fill out the Noyes Cultural Center Party Request Form online — staff contacts you within 2-4 business days. Not available June through August.
Sky Zone Evanston — Epic Party
Trampoline
$
An hour of jumping on trampolines, dodgeball, freestyle bounce, and all the Sky Zone attractions, followed by an hour in a private party room with pizza and drinks. The staff handles setup and cleanup. It's loud, high-energy, and kids absolutely love it. The Evanston location is right on Maple Ave, easy to get to.
Ages: 4-15
Cost: $350 for 10 jumpers ($35 per additional jumper)
Capacity: 10+ jumpers (no strict max)
Duration: 2 hours (1 hour jump time + 1 hour party room)
Includes: SkySocks for all guests, 1 hour jump time, Private party room for 2 hours, 1 large pizza per 5 jumpers, 1 pitcher of drinks per 5 jumpers, Digital invitations, Full setup and cleanup
Bring: Cake, Additional food beyond pizza
$75 non-refundable deposit required. No outside food allowed (except cake). Use code BDAY25 for 25% off weekday parties. Book 2-3 weeks ahead; weekends fill fast.
Sky Zone Evanston — Mega Party
Trampoline
$$
The upgraded package with double the jump time — kids get a full 2 hours bouncing on trampolines, playing dodgeball, and exploring all the attractions. Includes pizza, drinks, SkySocks, stickers, and souvenir water bottles. Same loud, awesome energy as the Epic party, just more of it.
Ages: 4-15
Cost: $430 for 10 jumpers ($43 per additional jumper)
Capacity: 10+ jumpers (no strict max)
Duration: 2 hours (2 hours jump time + party room)
Includes: SkySocks for all guests, 2 hours jump time, Private party room, 1 large pizza per 5 jumpers, 1 pitcher of drinks per 5 jumpers, Digital invitations, Stickers, Souvenir water bottles, Full setup and cleanup
Bring: Cake, Additional food beyond pizza
$75 non-refundable deposit required. No outside food allowed (except cake). Use code BDAY25 for 25% off weekday parties. Book 2-3 weeks ahead; weekends fill fast.
Indoor Play & Rainy Day Spots Near Evanston
13 places to take the kids when it's raining, freezing, or you just need to get out of the house.
Kids Empire Evanston
$
DROP-IN
Play Cafe
Ages 1-12
Massive floor-to-ceiling indoor playground with climbing walls, giant play structures, ball pits, slides, mazes, obstacle courses, a block area, and dance room. Great for burning energy on a rainy day. Can get very loud and crowded on weekend mornings — weekday mornings are calmer. Non-grip socks required (available for purchase). Parents can sit in the seating area while kids roam free.
Cost: ~$15-20/child for unlimited play. Adults free. Check website for current pricing.
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sun 10am-10pm
Climbing wallsBall pitsSlidesObstacle coursesDance roomBlock areaParty rooms
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
$
DROP-IN
Trampoline
Ages 3-16
Full trampoline park right in downtown Evanston with wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, and ninja obstacle courses. Great for ages 6+ who want to jump out their energy. They have a dedicated Little Leapers time for younger kids. Weekend mornings can get packed — Friday evenings have a fun glow-jump vibe for older kids.
Cost: ~$20-30/hour per jumper. Memberships available ($32/month for unlimited weekday play). Grip socks required (~$4).
Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 9am-9pm
TrampolinesFoam pitsDodgeballNinja courseLittle Leapers timeParty rooms
Kohl Children's Museum
$
DROP-IN
Museum
Ages 0-8
8 min
Premier hands-on children's museum with interactive exhibits including water play, a pretend grocery store, construction zone, music room, and outdoor nature trail. Excellent for toddlers through early elementary. Gets very busy Saturday mornings — go right at opening or after lunch for smaller crowds. Two-fer Tuesdays in February offer BOGO admission. Free parking in the attached garage.
Cost: $20/person at door ($18 online advance). Infants under 12 months free. SNAP/WIC $5/person.
Hours: Tue-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun 9:30am-1pm. Closed Mon.
Water playGrocery store exhibitConstruction zoneMusic roomOutdoor nature trailArt studio
Summer Camps in Evanston
46 camp programs with hours, before/after care, and cost per week — everything working parents need to plan summer.
June 8 - August 28, 2026
Camp season
Fun Factory
General
$/wk
Evanston Parks & Recreation • Ages Rising K-2nd grade (ages 5-7)
The go-to full-day camp for working parents with younger kids. Runs in two 4-week sessions at Robert Crown Community Center. Kids rotate through sports, games, arts and crafts, ice skating, theme days, and field trips. The 8am-6pm option is a lifesaver for full-time workers — one of the few city camps with truly work-friendly hours built in. Popular and fills quickly at registration.
Cost: $234/week residents ($935 per 4-week session), $293/week non-residents ($1,170 per 4-week session) for 8am-6pm; $189/week residents ($756 per 4-week session) for 9am-4pm
Lunch: Bring your own
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Before care: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (included in extended day rate)
After care: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (included in extended day rate)
Registration opens Feb 7 at 8am online for Evanston residents, Feb 16 for non-residents. $25 deposit per child per session. Must be toilet trained. First-come, first-served — fills fast.
Kid City Summer Camp
General
$/wk
Evanston Parks & Recreation • Ages Rising 3rd-5th grade (ages 7-10)
The elementary-age counterpart to Fun Factory at Robert Crown. Same great 8am-6pm option for working parents. Kids do organized sports, games, arts and crafts, with children's choice theme days and field trips. Two 4-week sessions cover most of the summer. Ice skating at the rink is a highlight kids love.
Cost: $234/week residents ($935 per 4-week session), $293/week non-residents ($1,170 per 4-week session) for 8am-6pm; $189/week residents ($756 per 4-week session) for 9am-4pm
Lunch: Bring your own
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Before care: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (included in extended day rate)
After care: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (included in extended day rate)
Registration opens Feb 7 at 8am online for Evanston residents, Feb 16 for non-residents. $25 deposit per child per session. First-come, first-served.
Tween Scene
General
$/wk
Evanston Parks & Recreation • Ages Rising 6th-7th grade (ages 11-12)
The tween-specific camp at Robert Crown for kids who've aged out of Kid City. Same work-friendly 8am-6pm option. Focus on trying new things, team-building, field trips, and beach days. Important for parents of older kids who need full-day coverage — tween camps are harder to find.
Cost: $234/week residents ($935 per 4-week session), $293/week non-residents ($1,170 per 4-week session) for 8am-6pm; $189/week residents ($756 per 4-week session) for 9am-4pm
Lunch: Bring your own
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Before care: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (included in extended day rate)
After care: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (included in extended day rate)
Registration opens Feb 7 at 8am online for Evanston residents, Feb 16 for non-residents. $25 deposit per child per session.
End of Summer Bash
General
$/wk
Evanston Parks & Recreation • Ages Rising K-7th grade (ages 5-12)
A single-week camp in early August that bridges the gap between the main camp sessions and school starting. Same Robert Crown location and 8am-6pm option. Great for filling that last week when other camps have ended.
Cost: $234/week residents, $304/week non-residents for 8am-6pm; $189/week residents, $246/week non-residents for 9am-4pm
Lunch: Bring your own
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Before care: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (included in extended day rate)
After care: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (included in extended day rate)
Registration opens Feb 7 at 8am online for Evanston residents, Feb 16 for non-residents.
What Evanston Parents Say
Real tips from local parents on Reddit — registration advice, hidden gems, and honest recommendations.
Hidden Gem
16 upvotes
Evanston Transit Alliance advocates for safer kid bike routes to schools
Parents concerned about kids biking to school in Evanston should know that the Evanston Transit Alliance (evanstontransitalliance.org) is actively pushing for better bike infrastructure. Key corridors like Oakton near Chute, Prieto Center, and Oakton School lack separated bike lanes. Parents can participate in the ongoing Bike Plan Update at communityremarks.com/evanston.
Hidden Gem
12 upvotes
Penny Park in Evanston has a classic wooden playground
Penny Park was recommended as one of the few remaining old-fashioned wooden playgrounds in the Chicago suburbs area. These wooden parks are increasingly rare and being replaced, so visit while you can.
Activity Recommendation
2 upvotes
Infinity Athletics offers boys basketball leagues in Evanston
Infinity Athletics (infinityathletics.org) was recommended as an alternative to Full Package and Hoops4Health for boys basketball leagues in Evanston. They offer spring league options.
Activity Recommendation
2 upvotes
Steve & Kate's Camps offer flexible day-by-day summer camp scheduling
For parents who need part-week summer camp options, Steve & Kate's Camps was recommended for their flexible, all-inclusive format where you can sign up by individual days rather than full weeks. Check if they have a location convenient to you.
Registration Tip
2 upvotes
Local gymnastics and ninja gyms often offer flexible summer day camps
If you need part-week summer camp options, check local gymnastics studios and ninja gyms — they often offer flexible day-by-day scheduling. Also ask your school's aftercare provider, as some run summer programs with per-day enrollment.
Schools in Evanston
Evanston/Skokie District 65 & ETHS District 202 — 17,500 students across 19 schools
Public
Grades 9-12
•3,500 students
1600 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
School Calendar
Public
Grades K-5
•299 students
440 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
School Calendar
Public
Grades K-5
•330 students
1551 Wesley Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
School Calendar
Public
Grades K-5
•322 students
2300 Green Bay Rd, Evanston, IL 60201
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Public
Grades K-5
•380 students
910 Forest Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
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Public
Grades K-5
•304 students
2600 Colfax St, Evanston, IL 60201
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Public
Grades K-5
•350 students
436 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
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Public
Grades K-5
•245 students
2636 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
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Public
Grades K-5
•385 students
3601 Church St, Evanston, IL 60203
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Public
Grades K-5
•423 students
914 Ashland Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
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Public
Grades K-5
•369 students
2700 Hurd Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
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Public
Grades 6-8
•564 students
1400 Oakton St, Evanston, IL 60202
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Public
Grades 6-8
•676 students
2417 Prairie Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
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Public
Grades 6-8
•622 students
800 Greenleaf St, Evanston, IL 60201
School Calendar
Public
Grades K-8
•413 students
2425 Greenwood St, Evanston, IL 60201
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Public
Grades K-8
•274 students
3701 Davis St, Skokie, IL 60076
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Public
Grades PK
•220 students
1500 McDaniel Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
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Public
Grades PK-12
•65 students
828 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202
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Public
Grades 1-8
•25 students
1101 Washington St, Evanston, IL 60202
School Calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities are available for kids in Evanston, IL?
Evanston offers 140+ organized programs for children ages 0-18, including Sports, Enrichment & STEM, Arts & Music, Arts & Performance, and more. Programs are available through the local park district, YMCA, private studios, and community organizations. Browse our complete activity guide above organized by age group.
What schools are in Evanston, IL?
Evanston has 19 schools across the Evanston/Skokie District 65 & ETHS District 202 districts. This includes public schools serving approximately 17,500 students. Schools range from elementary through high school, with grade configurations varying by district.
How can I keep track of my kids' school and activity schedule in Evanston?
Tenary is a free AI-powered app that helps Evanston parents manage their children's schedules. It automatically processes emails from schools, coaches, and activity organizers, extracts event details (practices, games, field trips, deadlines), and syncs them to your calendar. Download Tenary from the App Store to get started.
Where can I find school calendars for Evanston schools?
We've compiled calendar links for 19 schools in Evanston. You can find individual school calendar links in our schools section above. Most Evanston schools publish their calendars on their websites, and Tenary can automatically sync these events to your personal calendar.
What are the best activities for elementary-age kids in Evanston?
Evanston has an excellent range of programs for elementary-age kids (5-10). Popular options include youth sports leagues, arts and music classes, STEM and enrichment programs, and martial arts. Check our Elementary (5-10) section in the activity guide above for 58 verified programs with direct links.
Where can I have a kids' birthday party in Evanston?
We've compiled 15 birthday party venues in and near Evanston, including ice rink, art studio, trampoline park, indoor play space options. Each listing includes pricing, capacity, what's included, and booking tips. See our complete birthday party guide at /for/evanston-il/birthday-parties/ for details.
What are good indoor activities for kids near Evanston?
We've found 13 indoor play spots within a short drive of Evanston, including 4 free options. From children's museums and indoor play spaces to library programs and open gym sessions, there are options for every age and budget — perfect for rainy days and cold Chicago winters. See our complete indoor play guide at /for/evanston-il/indoor-play/ for all options.
When does summer camp registration open in Evanston?
Evanston has 46 summer camp programs listed in our guide, with details on hours, before/after care (15 camps offer extended care), and cost per week. Registration timing varies — park district camps often open in March for residents, while specialty camps may have earlier or later registration. See our complete summer camps guide at /for/evanston-il/summer-camps/ for registration dates and tips on which camps fill fastest.
MANAGING ALL THESE ACTIVITIES IN EVANSTON?
Between sports, arts, and school, Evanston parents have a lot to track. Tenary pulls it all into one place — automatically. Free to download.
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