2026-27 Guide to Kids Classes and Teams

At Gemini, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and successful. For over 20 years, we've helped kids throughout the La Grange area build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills by putting the child first and the sport second.

From our Tiny Twistars preschool program (ages 18 months to 5) to Recreational Gymnastics & Tumbling (ages 5+) and our invite-only Xcel Competitive Team, every class is led by a leadership team with over 100 years of combined experience. Kids don't just learn cartwheels and handstands, they build strength, coordination, and a growth mindset in a positive, encouraging environment.

Every month brings new themes, special events, and unforgettable moments, including our beloved Skills In Bloom celebration each May, when families watch their child's progress come to life.

Classes offered 7 days a week. Come see how your child can GROW. STRONG.

The top priority at BIG Gymnastics is to teach both girls and boys in a positive and safe environment. Their professional and certified staff truly enjoys working with children and teaching a sport they love. They strive to help every child achieve their personal best while developing skills and confidence. BIG’s goal is to help each athlete reach their fullest potential and dream BIG!

They offer classes for children from walking age through high school, including gymnastics, ninja, and tumbling. BIG is also home to two competitive teams, ensuring there is something for every age and ability level. Classes run year-round with convenient monthly enrollment options. Daytime, evening, and weekend classes are available.

Get in the game with the Park District of Oak Park! Hockey classes are available for ages two and up, with a focus on building confidence and coordination on the ice. Learn the fundamentals of skating, stickhandling, shooting in a fun, encouraging environment! Our hockey program follows industry-leading standards from Learn to Skate USA and USA, offering high-quality instruction that will equip your child with lasting skills.

New to hockey? No problem! Skate rentals are included in the cost of each class, and we offer FREE rental gear for kids ages 3-10.

For those ready to take their game to the next level, our co-ed Ice Bears travel hockey team gives players the opportunity to develop their skills and sportsmanship. The Ice Bears are part of the Northwest Hockey League and is open to ages 8-14.

Learn more and register at pdop.org/ice-hockey.

The Park District of Oak Park figure skating program has something for everyone, from ages two and up! Learn-to-skate classes teach the basics of standing, marching, and gliding in a supportive and safe environment. From there, skaters can progress at their own pace, moving through our skill-based classes that cover everything from crossovers to one-foot spins and waltz jumps. Our skating program follows industry-leading standards from Learn to Skate USA and is part of the Great Chicagoland Basic Skills Committee.

New to skating? No problem! Skate rentals are included in the cost of each class.

Skaters looking to expand their skating skillset are invited to try out synchronized skating with our Infinite Style Synchronized skating team! The team is open to ages 7-18 and fosters teamwork, precision, and confidence.

Learn more and register at pdop.org/ice-skating.

Train like a Ninja at Gemini Gymnastics Academy!

This action-packed class is for everyone. Kids will roll, flip, run, and swing their way through exciting Ninja skills that build balance, coordination, and strength. Every class challenges their bodies and minds, developing grit, resilience, and confidence!

Classes offered 7 days a week. Come see how your child can GROW. STRONG.

Welcome to Ninja Squad Gym, where we're passionate about empowering kids to love their bodies, build confidence, and have fun while developing lifelong skills. Our energized, skill-based programming makes fitness feel like a game, fostering strength, balance, and creativity in a clean, safe, and supportive environment.

Classes progress with your child every step of the way. Buddy Ninjas (2-3 yrs) and Lil Movers (2-3 yrs) introduce toddlers to games, obstacles, and locomotor skills, while Mini Ninjas (4-5 yrs) builds early childhood development through gross motor and social skills, plus tougher "ninja skills."

As kids grow, New Ninjas (5-13 yrs) covers flipping, swinging, and rolling basics, Mighty Ninjas (5+ yrs) advances into handstand walking, handsprings, and parkour vaults, and Mega/Master (7+ yrs) tackles wall flips, long laches, and truly challenging obstacle courses.

No matter their age or skill level, there's a class ready to help your ninja thrive!

For over 30 years, Foss Swim School has been helping children and families build confidence in the water through a proven, child-centered approach to swim instruction.

Our small class sizes and highly trained adult teachers create a supportive environment where students of all ages and abilities can learn at their own place. From babies experiencing the water for the first time to advanced swimmers refining their technique, every lesson is designed to develop essential water safety skills while making learning fun.

Our proprietary curriculum emphasizes gradual skill progression, positive reinforcement, and individualized attention to help every student succeed.

With warm water pools, flexible scheduling, and a welcoming atmosphere, FOSS makes it easy for families to prioritize water safety and lifelong swimming skills.

Whether your goal is building confidence, learning to swim, or preparing for competitive swimming, Foss Swim School is committed to helping every swimmer discover the joy and confidence that comes with being safe in the water.

Water Babies offers expert swim lessons for babies, toddlers, and young children, helping every child build confidence, safety skills, and a lifelong love of the water. As a locally owned family business, we combine personalized attention with the proven Water Babies curriculum, developed through decades of child development research and trusted by families around the world.

Our highly trained instructors complete Water Babies' world-renowned training program, allowing us to tailor each lesson to a child's unique needs, abilities, and comfort level. Whether your child is experiencing the water for the first time or building more advanced swimming skills, we meet them where they are and help them progress with confidence.

Founded in the UK more than 25 years ago, Water Babies is now the world's largest baby and child swim school. We're proud to be one of the first Water Babies locations in the United States and the only franchise in Illinois. We also offer professional underwater photography sessions, creating unforgettable memories for families throughout the year.

Leagues and practices in McCook, Willowbrook, Lombard, Western Springs, and Palos Heights

1st Alliance Volleyball Club is one of the most respected and successful volleyball clubs in Chicago. For more than 30 years, our athletes and coaches have excelled at the highest levels of competition, both locally and nationally. 1st Alliance is currently ranked the #1 club in the state of Illinios and 9th nationally. Come work with the staff that has brought you these numbers at one of our camps, clinics, leagues, lessons or more.

Give your child more than just an art class! At Children’s Art Classes Arlington Heights, kids ages 3+ develop real artistic skills while building creativity and confidence.

Our structured, age-appropriate fine arts curriculum introduces students to drawing, painting, watercolor, clay, sculpture, printmaking, design, mixed media and more. With step-by-step instruction and exciting new projects, students learn important art concepts and techniques while creating artwork they’re proud of.

Whether your child is picking up a paintbrush for the first time or already loves creating, there’s a place for them at our studio.

🎨 Our new semester begins August 24!

Come experience what makes our program different with a FREE Trial Class before enrolling.

Reserve your free trial today and give your child the gift of art!

Kidinary Cooking Academy is a mobile, nut-free cooking school serving Naperville and Plainfield. We bring hands-on cooking classes and camps directly to schools and to local facilities (open to the public). We offer fall classes (once a week) as well as cooking camps when school is out (lunch included).

Our fall classes (ages 4-13) build real independence—skills kids will use through college and beyond. Every class teaches kitchen confidence, self-sufficiency, and practical life skills while reinforcing what they learn in school. Kids develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities while exploring different cultures through food.

They'll know how to take care of themselves through cooking and nutrition education—a confidence that spills over into everything else. We're fully equipped and allergy-friendly—every child belongs at our table.

Classes start September 8th. Register now at kidinarycooking.com/activities/cooking-classes

Jo’s is celebrating 43 years of dance in the community! They offer many types of dance, from Shining Stars for preschoolers and kindergarteners to ballet, tap, pointe, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip hop, performance companies, and more for all age groups, which are all taught by master instructors, professional performers, certified and/or degreed teachers. Jo’s mission is simple: to provide a creative environment for all ages that allows dancers to excel and enjoy forever memories.

The home of dance, fitness and movement classes for ages 18 months- 18 years. We promise to be a safe space for dancers, artists and people to grow, mentally and physically. To encourage and support growth on individual levels. To foster a community of positivity, education and creativity.

Join Mattix Music Studio for musical fun for all ages and abilities in Western Springs, Hinsdale and La Grange!

Private Lessons (age 3+): One-on-one piano, violin, viola, voice, guitar, ukulele and brass with engaging, kind teachers. Traditional and Suzuki methods, 7 days a week, in-studio, virtual or in-home. Western Springs and Hinsdale. Register at mattixmusic.com/private-music-lessons.

Music Together® (ages 0-5): Sing, dance and play instruments as a family. New this year: a bilingual English/Spanish class. Western Springs and La Grange. Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration.

Exploring Music (Pre-K): Introduces preschoolers to music through play, movement and hands-on activities. Western Springs. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-music.

Exploring Piano (K-2nd grade): Group piano classes combining instruction, creative activities and collaborative learning. Western Springs. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-piano.

Exploring Guitar (ages 9-13 & 14-adult): Supportive group classes for beginners and developing players. La Grange. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-guitar.

Join Mattix Music Studio for musical fun for all ages and abilities in Western Springs, Hinsdale and La Grange!

Private Lessons (age 3+): One-on-one piano, violin, viola, voice, guitar, ukulele and brass with engaging, kind teachers. Traditional and Suzuki methods, 7 days a week, in-studio, virtual or in-home. Western Springs and Hinsdale. Register at mattixmusic.com/private-music-lessons.

Music Together® (ages 0-5): Sing, dance and play instruments as a family. New this year: a bilingual English/Spanish class. Western Springs and La Grange. Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration.

Exploring Music (Pre-K): Introduces preschoolers to music through play, movement and hands-on activities. Western Springs. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-music.

Little Dreamer Play Classes

Imagine a place where your child can dive into art, music, storytelling, and hands-on play, while you enjoy a few hours to yourself, completely guilt-free. Welcome to Little Dreamer Play Classes! Whether you need a daily routine or an enhancement to your child's weekly schedule, these high-quality classes fit your schedule, so come every day or whenever works for you.

Designed for potty-trained preschoolers, each class follows a joyful rhythm of morning meeting, yoga, storytime, music and art, imaginative play, and a closing circle, all in a safe, nurturing space with a max of 10 dreamers per class. Every month debuts a new theme that sparks wonder while building core "Dreamer Skills" like collaboration, innovation, creative thinking, empathy, and resilience.

Choose from three flexible tracks: Monday-Friday, Monday/Wednesday/Friday, or Tuesday/Thursday. It's learning through joy, creativity, and connection, where every child can thrive.

The Little Gym of Orland Park, is the place where children ages 4 months to 12 years learn and grow through movement-based learning and imaginative play. Our gyms are safe spaces for both children and parents to not only explore gymnastics, but so much more.

We offer parent-child classes for babies and toddlers, gymnastics programs for all skill levels, and birthday parties that make lasting memories.

We believe in movement with meaning.

At The Little Gym of Orland Park, children build the confidence and skills needed at each stage of childhood while parents enjoy a supportive and positive community. Discover how the power of gymnastics with purpose can build courage, resilience, and joy in your child. That’s what we call Serious Fun!

We offer introductory classes for ages 4months to 12 years.

Classes run year-round with monthly enrollment options. Daytime, evening, and weekend classes are available.

Jo’s is celebrating 43 years of dance in the community! They offer many types of dance, from Shining Stars for preschoolers and kindergarteners to ballet, tap, pointe, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip hop, performance companies, and more for all age groups, which are all taught by master instructors, professional performers, certified and/or degreed teachers. Jo’s mission is simple: to provide a creative environment for all ages that allows dancers to excel and enjoy forever memories.

At Gemini, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and successful. For over 20 years, we've helped children throughout the La Grange area build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills by putting the child first and the sport second.

Tiny Twistars, Ages 18 Months–5 Years

Our Tiny Twistars preschool program blends imaginative themes, music, games, and age-appropriate gymnastics into a joyful weekly experience your child will love. Each class sparks curiosity and excitement while helping little ones build strength, balance, coordination, listening skills, and early social-emotional growth, all guided by a leadership team with over 100 years of combined experience.

As children explore gymnastics fundamentals, they're also developing resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of movement in a fun, supportive setting. Every month brings new adventures, including our beloved Skills In Bloom celebration each May!

Classes offered 7 days a week. Come see how your child can GROW. STRONG.

Music Together® (ages 0-5)
Sing, dance, play instruments and grow! Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and big kids will love making music as a family. New this year – Music Together® con Español – a bilingual English/Spanish family class for Spanish speakers looking for a more accessible way to experience Music Together, as well as for families who want some exposure to the Spanish language through music.

Locations in Western Springs and La Grange.

Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration.

ABC Preschool at Oak Brook Park District provides a coordinated and progressive early childhood education experience for children ages 2 to 4. Through a nurturing, play based environment, children build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning while developing important social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills.

The program proudly embraces an inclusive philosophy, allowing children of all abilities to learn and grow together while receiving individualized support when needed. Through a partnership with Butler School District 53, specialized professionals including speech and language, occupational, and physical therapists collaborate with staff and families to support each child's development.

ABC Preschool offers a variety of full-day and half-day options, flexible scheduling, low teacher to student ratios, engaging classrooms, interactive technology, and spacious indoor and outdoor play areas. The 2's program introduces early learning concepts through art, music, stories, free play, and social interaction, while the 3's and 4's programs build kindergarten readiness through hands on experiences, creativity, problem solving, and social emotional growth. At Oak Brook Park District, every child is encouraged to learn, explore, and thrive in a supportive and fun environment.