Northbrook Park District: Art, dance and sports classes available for children

Northbrook Park District press release:

October 21, 2024

With a wide range of facilities – including a turf field, gymnasiums, turf soccer fields, an ice rink, art rooms, dance studios, a cooking classroom and a theater – the Northbrook Park District offers endless opportunities for the development of children ages 7 and under, new interests and Skills.

The Taglianetti siblings have taken numerous classes and programs at the Park District that have helped them make new friends and develop a sense of independence, said their mother, Gina.

Eight-year-old Mac is currently enrolled in soccer; In the past he has enjoyed Flag Football, Skateboarding, Lacrosse, Basketball, Art, Magic Class, Thanksgiving Lego Building, Sports Mania Camp, Hot Shots Sports and the Ultimate Ninja Spring Break Escape.

Four-year-old Bella is signed up for soccer and ice skating. Previously, she has dabbled in ballet, tap dancing, cooking, soccer and ice skating – including participating in the Northbrook on Ice show – Hot Shots Sports and early childhood Camp Sunshine.

Both children also had lunch with the Easter Bunny and breakfast with Santa Claus.

“Park District classes are great for getting your kids active and trying new things,” said Gina Taglianetti. “The range of courses on offer is so diverse that it is easy to find something that everyone will enjoy.”

“Parents value the park district’s programs because they can be assured that children are having fun while receiving quality instruction from experienced teachers,” said Maria Warren, recreation director. “Our teachers understand the importance of a safe and comfortable classroom environment,” she added.

Classes for ages 7 and under, starting in late October and early November, include Tumbling for Tots, Colorful Creations, Kiddie Concoctions, Wee Chefs, Wild Tots and Kindermusik. There are also a variety of youth workshops for children ages 5 to 12, including ice cream making, candy lab, Halloween STEM and more.

The Park District’s newest offerings include Emotion Detectives, a course for 3- to 5-year-olds based on the premise that social-emotional learning is essential. The next course starts on October 31st.

“Children with strong social and emotional skills are better able to adapt to change and are better able to self-regulate when things go wrong,” Warren said. “Emotion Detectives focuses on teaching children these skills to give them the best possible chance for success.”

The park district’s instructors excel at offering top-notch programs, and families enjoy the variety of sports classes that allow children to develop skills and discover what they like, said athletics manager Meri Shea.

“Most of these courses are aimed at beginners and do not require any set skills. The kids enjoy learning new skills each week as the class progresses,” Shea said.

Youth sports open to children age 7 and under, beginning in mid- to late October, include fencing, golf, lacrosse, hockey, soccer, basketball and ice skating. There are introductory courses for various sports, as well as hot shots courses for 3- to 5-year-olds such as Parent-Tot and Mini Ninja Warriors.

There are also youth leagues that begin as early as preschool and focus on developing children as individuals and athletes who demonstrate respect and sportsmanship, Shea said.

This fall, children 7 and under can sign up for volleyball and basketball leagues. Training begins at the beginning of November. For more information about youth leagues, visit nbparks.org/youthleagues.

Participating in dance and theater classes inspires and fosters a love for the performing arts while building confidence and self-expression, said Melody DeRogatis, director of performing arts.

“Our programs are recreational-oriented – teaching the fundamentals of dance and theater while being fun-oriented,” she said. “Our dance and theater programs are a great starting point for a journey into the performing arts. Our courses are designed to be 100% beginner-friendly and many young dancers and actors discover their passion for the art here.”

This fall’s theater courses for ages 7 and under include Storybook Drama I for ages 3 to 5; and Storybook Drama II for 5- to 7-year-olds. The next session for these courses begins on November 2nd.

Early childhood and introductory dance classes for children this fall include Tutu 2, Tutu 3 and Mini Movers: Ballet and Tap for ages 4 to 5. All main events begin on November 2nd. For more information about the park district’s courses and programs, visit nbparks.org/programs.

This press release was prepared by the Northbrook Park District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.