November 27, 2023 at 2:53pm
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Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
December is all about getting ready for the holidays, but don’t forget to plan for the New Year by registering for the host of programs and activities offered by the Northbrook Park District in winter and spring.
There are tons of options for children, adults and seniors, as well as the whole family, to enjoy recreational and educational activities.
You can play soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, pickleball and paddle, and can skateboard and practice martial arts. You can take lessons to perfect your skills, or check out the extensive schedule of youth and adult sports leagues for some friendly competition and a chance to make new friends.
Techny Prairie Activity Center (TPAC) has all the equipment you need for cardio, strength and functional fitness, along with a great indoor track. The group fitness schedule has a variety of in-person and virtual options, including yoga, Pilates, cycling, Zumba, barre and strength training. There are new specialty classes and workshops, such as “Sound Bath for Teens” so teenagers can relax and unwind to the sound of singing bows, “Prenatal Yoga” to stay flexible and centered before your baby arrives, and “Strong Moms” to bring your strength back post-baby.
Without leaving the comfort of Northbrook, you can play golf on the best courses from all around the world on the state-of-the-art Full Swing Pro simulators at Heritage Oaks Golf Club. Simulator rentals are available daily and can be made up to one week in advance.
It wouldn’t be winter without ice, so enjoy all the classes and programs offered on the two full-sized ice rinks at the Northbrook Sport Center. You can learn to skate, or take speedskating, hockey and figure skating lessons. The little ones can join in starting at age 3, if they are potty trained.
Public skating takes place Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. You can also get into the holiday spirit with “Skate with Santa” on December 17, and show off your moves to DJ tunes during Cosmic Skating on December 16, January 13, February 10 and March 9.
Outdoor skating is available at Meadowhill Park and Tower Rink.
A moment in the spotlight will be offered by the award-winning Northbrook-On-Ice, an amateur ice show that has dazzled spectators since 1969. The registration fee includes a costume, rehearsal ice time and choreographer’s expenses.
Kids can experience the thrill of the stage with Northbrook Theater Youth Company, which will present “Finding Nemo” in March, or try their hand at being behind the scenes with the “Create A Play” workshop series starting in January.
Seniors can celebrate Chinese New Year and Mardi Gras, as well as attend educational workshops about downsizing, acupuncture and estate planning, all at the Senior Center which is located inside the Leisure Center. Drop-in classes for Senior Center Members include bocce, chess, bunco and humanities programs. And fret not, there are always numerous bingo options.
Delightful hassle-free senior trips include “Fiddler on the Roof” at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace in March and a four-course tea extravaganza “High Tea with Gerri” in April in Lincolnshire.
There are plenty of special events for the whole family, such as the “Light the Night” family dance on February 2, for an evening of DJ music, games and treats, and “Brunch with the Bunny” on March 9, for a morning of crafts, activities and, of course, the Easter Bunny.
Summer might feel far away, but don’t miss out on booking summer camp spots for your children before it’s too late. New camp offerings include “World Explorers” for preschoolers and “Lil’ Artists” along with favorites such as “Sports Mania” and “Summer Escapades.”
Registration opens at 9am on November 29 for residents, and at 9am on December 6 for non-residents. For more information, visit nbparks.org/winterguide or call 847-291-2993.