If you’re looking for classes and teams for your children to join this school year, you’re in the right place! The local businesses in our community have wonderful options for all ages and interests. We’ve divided our guide into four sections to help you find what you’re looking for:
- Sports Teams and Classes
- Fine Arts Classes (including music, art, dance, theater, and more)
- Brain Power (with STEAM, language, and etiquette)
- Classes for Little Kids 0-5 years old
If you live in the west or northwest suburbs of Chicago, we have you covered!
This guide to kids classes is made possible by the featured listings under each heading. We have researched and communicated with these featured businesses to make sure they’re a great fit for our readers!
As always, we also strive to present all of the options so you can make informed decisions and start your research off right. Please click on the full articles for each class and team category under each heading for more information.
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Sports | Fine Arts | Brain Power | Little Kids
Kids Sports Classes and Teams
Basketball Teams and Clinics
Kids can build skills and have fun playing basketball starting in kindergarten. We have options for kids all the way through high school!
Breakaway Basketball
Breakaway Basketball
Locations in Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Lombard, Lemont, Orland Park, and Mt. Prospect
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Breakaway Basketball is the leader in basketball skill development for players in Kindergarten through twelfth grade. They are the largest skill development program in Illinois, servicing over 14,000 players a year and coaching over 500 teams. They offer year-round group training, camps, specialty clinics, leagues and teams. Breakaway is the place to attend for athletes who truly want to GET BETTER both on and off the court. To learn more about Breakaway Basketball, visit www.breakawaybasketball.com.
Detailed Basketball
Detailed Basketball
Locations in Hinsdale and Lombard
Website | Facebook | Instagram | X
Detailed Basketball is a girls-focused, woman-owned basketball training academy dedicated to empowering young athletes. We offer training options seven days a week, including individual workouts, two-player workouts, group workouts, camps/clinics, and spring travel teams in Hinsdale and Elmhurst! Our programs cater to players from 3 years old through college, providing a dynamic and supportive environment where athletes can refine their skills and enjoy the game.
Our group classes are designed to foster growth at every level, emphasizing fundamental, detail-oriented drills that build a strong foundation in basketball. With the guidance of our experienced female coaches, players will not only improve their abilities and build confidence but also cultivate a genuine love for the sport.
Cheerleading Classes and Squads
Find the cheerleading team closest to you, where kids can start learning the skills needed to cheer and compete.
Golf Lessons
Golf classes and lessons are a great way to introduce your child to the fundamentals of golf. We’ve rounded up all the options with private, group, and simulated learning.
Gymnastics Classes
Balance, flexibility, and discipline. Check out all of these wonderful places where your kids can learn gymnastics and hone their skills.
Gemini Gymnastics Academy
Gemini Gymnastics Academy
330 Washington Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-2977
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Gemini Gymnastics Academy’s leadership team has a combined 100 years of industry experience! We have been serving the youth of the La Grange area for 20 years while focusing on the child first and the sport second. We deliver a people first, concierge experience, that allows students & staff to GROW.STRONG. for a lifetime!
Tiny Twistars – Preschool Ages 2-5
Our Tiny Twistars co-ed classes combine playful themes with foundational gymnastics skills to create a fun, positive learning experience. Using child-focused teaching, we foster healthy learning attitudes and a lifelong love of movement. In this program, gymnastics skills are tools for building confidence, focus, and joy—while skill mastery comes naturally along the way.
Flip, Twist, and Have Fun at Gemini Gymnastics Academy – LaGrange!
Join our recreational gymnastics and tumbling classes and discover the joy of movement in a safe, encouraging environment. Whether you’re a beginner or building on your skills, our experienced coaches will help you gain strength, flexibility, and confidence – all while having a blast!
Xcel Competitive Team – Gemini Gymnastics Academy
Our Xcel Team is an invite-only competition program where girls can grow their gymnastics skills, build confidence, and learn the art of competing. With our five levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond—athletes progress at a pace that challenges and inspires them. Team members typically train 2–3 days per week for 1.5–3 hours, depending on their level, in a supportive and motivating environment.
Classes are offered 7 days a week.
BIG Gymnastics
BIG Gymnastics
16w110 83rd Street
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
(630) 323-6244
Website | Facebook | Instagram
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.
Hockey Teams and Classes
Lace up those skates! Our big list of kids hockey classes and teams in Chicago’s suburbs has what you need to get your kids started.
Hockey Lessons in Oak Park
Paul Hruby Ice Arena
418 Lake Street
Oak Park, IL 60302
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.
Horseback Riding Lessons
Find great destinations for kids to saddle up and ride horses! We have horseback riding locations and details.
Ice Skating Lessons
Do your kids dream of twirling across the ice? We’ve looked into all of the ice skating lessons to help you find the best rink for your family.
Ice Skating Lessons in Oak Park
Paul Hruby Ice Arena
418 Lake Street
Oak Park, IL 60302
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.
Lacrosse Classes and Teams
Lacrosse has been growing in popularity the last several years and now kids as young as 4 years old are learning the game! Check out all the places in the western suburbs that offer classes, camps, and teams.
Martial Arts Classes
Martial arts and karate classes for kids are a great way to boost discipline, self-esteem, and fitness. If you’re looking for taekwondo, hapkido, jiu jitsu, martial arts, and karate classes for kids, check out our master list of places to train. Be sure to ask about free trials offered at many of these spots.
Ninja Classes
Your kids can build athleticism, balance, coordination and strength while having tons of fun being a kid ninja in one of these ninja classes and open gyms!
Ninja at Gemini Gymnastics Academy
Ninja at Gemini Gymnastics Academy
330 Washington Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-2977
Website | Facebook | Instagram
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 are offered 7 days a week.
Ski Lessons
Ready to hit the slopes this year or wanting to hone some skills? Your kids can take ski lessons in our area to prepare for your next trip or learn some tricks.
Soccer Classes and Teams
If you are looking for AYSO, click here to find the region in your area. We also have great soccer programs available in our area all year round! The indoor facilities around here are wonderful. We didn’t buy soccer cleats right away and found it was perfectly fine to let our kids wear gym shoes when they started, but then headed to Dick’s for a pair of cleats once they got into it.
Swim Lessons
Keep the swim lessons and pool safety going all year long with indoor swim lessons! There are some amazing options in the west suburbs.
Tennis Lessons
Learn teamwork and sports skills alike. Kids as young as three years old can start taking tennis lessons!
Pro tip from Annie: If your littlest one is interested in the game, you’ll want to buy a 17″ racket. As your child grows, you will need to buy larger rackets and court shoes. The tennis pros where you take lessons will advise you on sizes.
Volleyball Teams and Clinics
Volleyball is a great team sport for both girls and boys! It’s something that you can easily practice at home, too. Passing and setting in the yard is one of our favorite ways to be active and practice skills.
Lions Jrs Volleyball Club
Lions Jrs Volleyball Club
Locations include Max-McCook, 1st Alliance in Woodridge, and programs in Willowbrook, La Grange, Lombard, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Orland, Plainfield, Crestwood, Oak Park, and Oak Lawn
Website | Facebook | Instagram | X
Lions Jrs Volleyball Club continues its success by being ranked the #1 club in the state of Illinois in 2024-25. Lions Jrs offers volleyball for boys and girls from ages 18 months to 18 years old through their volley babies program, seasonal leagues, camps, clinics and club/travel volleyball. Whether you want to play locally or compete against the best in the country, Lions Jrs has something to offer you! Click here to visit their website and check out their next league: The 2025 Lions Fall League that begins in September.
Wrestling Classes
There are a ton of wrestling clubs and academies where kids can get coaching and practice their moves on the mat.
Yoga Classes
Balance, focus, flexibility, relaxation, stress reduction… there are so many benefits from yoga! Yoga classes designed for kids are harder to find, but we have a great list of options near you!
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Sports | Fine Arts | Brain Power | Little Kids
Fine Arts Classes for Kids
Art Classes for Kids
For all the kids out there who love to create, we’ve rounded up drawing and painting studios that nurture creativity and build skills!
Children’s Choirs
Little songbirds soar in children’s choirs! Choirs meet across the area, from Chicago to Orland Park, Naperville, Wheaton, Oak Park, Evanston and more.
Cooking Classes and Kid-Friendly Meal Prep
At cooking classes for kids, children learn new skills, build kitchen confidence, and try new foods. And who knows — you may end up with breakfast in bed.
Junior Chefs Kitchen
Junior Chefs Kitchen
2448 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 264-9622
Website | Facebook | Instagram
At Junior Chefs Kitchen in Lincoln Park, kids don’t just eat—they create, explore, and build confidence through hands-on cooking classes! Our fun, instructor-led experiences teach real kitchen skills while helping kids develop a love for trying new foods. From toddlers to tweens, we make cooking accessible and exciting with age-appropriate recipes that emphasize creativity, nutrition, and life skills.
Perfect for picky eaters and budding chefs alike, our classes help children become more adventurous eaters while learning independence, teamwork, and healthy habits. We offer weekly classes, one-time pop-ups, birthday parties, field trips, and camps—so there’s always something cooking!
Let your child experience the joy of cooking from scratch in a warm, welcoming environment where messes are encouraged and memories are made. Use the code JCKFALL2025 at checkout for 40% off your child’s first class.
Dance Classes
There is such a variety of dance classes! Kids tend to start out in ballet and tap, but then the choices multiply. Many Kidlist team members’ kids have taken dance classes through the years, so we’ve looked into all kind of options, including jazz, hip hop, ballet, tap, modern, ballroom, irish dance, and more. There are great dance studios for all ages and abilities.
Jo’s Footwork Studio
Jo’s Footwork Studio
1500 Walker Street
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 246-6878
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Jo’s is celebrating 42 years of dance in the community! They offer many types of dance, from Twinkle 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.
Artistic Pursuit
Artistic Pursuit
226 N Cass Avenue
Westmont, IL 60559
(630) 541-9207
Website | Facebook | Instagram
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.
Music Lessons: Instruments and Voice
We have the info on local music classes for kids, including private lessons, voice training, and various instruments. These lessons help kids build confidence, rhythm, and brain power!
Mattix Music Studio
Mattix Music Studio
Grand Avenue Community Center
4211 Grand Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 638-3027
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Join Mattix Music Studio for musical fun for all ages and abilities in Western Springs!
Private Lessons (age 3+)
Piano, Violin, Viola, Voice, Trumpet, & Guitar
Learn one-on-one with their incredible faculty. Traditional and Suzuki Methods available 7 days a week. In-Studio, Virtual or In-Home. Register at mattixmusic.com/private-lesson-registration/.
Music Together® (ages 0-5)
Sing, dance, play instruments and grow! Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and big kids will love making music! Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration.
Exploring Music (Pre-K & K-2nd)
Explore piano, singing, rhythm and music basics in our fun and engaging small group classes for preschoolers and kindergarten-2nd graders. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-music/.
Exploring Singing (1st & 2nd)
Love to sing? Come explore singing in a fun small group setting. You’ll love our fun songs and community of friends. 8 week sessions available. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-singing.
Pottery Classes
From sculpting figures out of clay to throwing pieces on the wheel, pottery is a hands-on activity that combines technique and creativity.
Sewing Classes
From Naperville to Western Springs and beyond, there are sewing classes for kids all over Chicago’s western suburbs! Check our list to find one near you.
Theater and Drama Classes
From the art of improv to musical theater, there are kids theater classes throughout Chicagoland. Some culminate in a big show, while others focus on a specific skill.
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Sports | Fine Arts | Brain Power | Little Kids
Brain Power!
Language Schools
Embrace new cultures and traditions while also learning how to communicate with others! There are many local language schools (as well as virtual classes based in Chicago) that teach French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Mandarin, German, English, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic, Russian, Polish, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese, Hebrew, Swedish, Indonesian, and Latin.
STEAM/STEM Classes
STEAM and STEM classes for kids challenge minds and engage creativity through hands-on learning about science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Check out these spots for local STEM classes.
Math Education Programs for Grades K-12
Math Education Programs for Grades K-12
Russian School of Mathematics
Locations in Buffalo Grove, Lincoln Park, Naperville, Schaumburg, Skokie, and Wheeling
Website | Facebook
Discover the Math School That’s Redefining How Kids Learn
The Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) is a nationally recognized after-school math enrichment program trusted by families for over 25 years. With 85+ locations across North America, RSM offers a proven K–12 curriculum taught by expert teachers in a supportive classroom environment.
Designed to build deep understanding, confidence, and advanced problem-solving skills, RSM’s program goes far beyond traditional tutoring. Students progress through a continuous learning path, preparing for school success, math competitions, or standardized tests. Many families credit RSM with helping their children get ahead—both academically and in developing a lifelong appreciation for math.
RSM has been featured by NPR and The Atlantic as a key player in the “Math Revolution” and was named a top school by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.
Fall enrollment is now open. Visit our website to learn more and find a class near you!
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Sports | Fine Arts | Brain Power | Little Kids
Classes for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Classes for Little Kids (0-5 years old)
Little kids love classes, too! From babies to preschoolers, kids of all ages can take part in fun music, art, sports, and dance classes. Find them all here!
Mattix Music Studio
Mattix Music Studio
Grand Avenue Community Center
4211 Grand Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 638-3027
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Join Mattix Music Studio for musical fun for all ages and abilities in Western Springs!
Private Lessons (age 3+)
Piano, Violin, Viola, Voice, Trumpet, & Guitar
Learn one-on-one with their incredible faculty. Traditional and Suzuki Methods available 7 days a week. Register at mattixmusic.com/private-lesson-registration/
Music Together® (ages 0-5)
Sing, dance, play instruments and grow! Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration
Exploring Music Level 1 & 2 (PreK, K-2)
Level 1 is a perfect introduction to music education, designed specifically for your preschooler’s age and skills. Students will learn the order of the musical alphabet, black and white notes on the piano, sing songs, and learn to count rhythms, all in a play-based setting. Graduate to Level 2 when you’re ready for more of a challenge. No home piano required. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-music/
Music Together® at Young Naperville Singers
Music Together at Young Naperville Singers
St. John’s Episcopal Church
750 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Music Together® classes at Young Naperville Singers are for children from birth through age 5—and the grownups who love them! Classes are play-based, active music-making experiences.
Each 45-minute class includes singing, dancing, and playing instruments. The award-winning music, illustrated songbook, and other print and online resources will help you continue the music-making fun at home and nurture your child’s musical growth—even if you don’t think of yourself as a great singer or dancer.
Music Together is a research-based program that has been used for 38 years in 35+ countries. All of the instructors at Music Together Young Naperville Singers are moms and highly trained musicians and educators.
Gathering babies, toddlers, and preschoolers together makes each class fun for all. There are lots of group activities for kids out there, but Music Together offers a true family music class for the youngest infant to the oldest great-grandparent, and everyone in between.
Twinkle Stars at Jo’s Footwork Studio
Jo’s Footwork Studio
1500 Walker Street
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 246-6878
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Jo’s is celebrating 42 years of dance in the community! They offer many classes for kids 2-6 years old, including Twinkle Stars, ballet, ballet/tap combo, jazz, poms, hip hop, and jazz/poms combo. Classes are available during the week and Saturday mornings. Jo’s mission is simple: to provide a creative environment for all ages that allows dancers to excel and enjoy forever memories.
Tiny Twistars at Gemini Gymnastics Academy
Gemini Gymnastics Academy
330 Washington Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-2977
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Tiny Twistars – Preschool Ages 2-5
Our Tiny Twistars co-ed classes combine playful themes with foundational gymnastics skills to create a fun, positive learning experience. Using child-focused teaching, we foster healthy learning attitudes and a lifelong love of movement. In this program, gymnastics skills are tools for building confidence, focus, and joy—while skill mastery comes naturally along the way.
Classes are offered 7 days a week.
Mommy and Me Classes
There are tons of classes for parents and kids to take together in the west and northwest suburbs. In our Mommy and Me Classes article you’ll find great opportunities to spend time together, including dance, art, swim, gymnastics and more.
Mattix Music Studio
Mattix Music Studio
Grand Avenue Community Center
4211 Grand Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 638-3027
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Music Together®
Playful, rich, and engaging, Music Together® helps children of all ages—babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids—discover their inner music-maker by playing with the grownups they love. The music and movement classes at Mattix Music Studio also offer other important mental, physical, verbal and social benefits to children. Even grown-ups find they grow in their musical abilities in their classes!
Join Mattix Music Studio to experience the magic of music with your little ones! Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration
Safety Villages
Your child can learn pedestrian, passenger and at-home safety while navigating one of these safety villages. These camps, classes, and open roads are not available all the time, but locations, dates, and ages are included in the link below so you can plan ahead. Many sell out when registration opens in the late winter/early spring.
Preschool, Daycare, and Extended Care Guide
Find education and child care near you. Check out all the preschools, daycares, and schools with extended care in one place!
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Sports | Fine Arts | Brain Power | Little Kids
