Formerly the Indian Ridge School, the Leisure Center serves as headquarters for recreation programs for children and adults in Northbrook. The Center hosts general recreation classes, Sunshine Preschool, special events, birthday parties and rentals. The building also contains the Senior Center, Northbrook Theatre and the Performing Arts Department, and The Ridge fitness space.

History

Due to declining enrollment, Northbrook School District #27 closed the Indian Ridge School in 1982. The Park District initiated a referendum for the community to approve the purchase of the 40,000-square-foot building and surrounding land, totaling 7.5 acres. Park District voters approved a referendum in 1984 for a purchase price of $1.2 million for the school and land. Renamed the Northbrook Leisure Center, the building became a center of recreational programming, adding a theatre in 1986. The Senior Center moved from Village Green to the Leisure Center in 1993.

The Art of Shibori Workshop

Northbrook Leisure Center 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook

Learn the art of Shibori dyeing! In this workshop you will learn about 5 different Shibori techniques and be able to make two items. There are infinite numbers of patterns you can create, and this class you will get an in-depth look at a few of them. This workshop will begin with a demonstration of …

$39 – $49

Fall Safety Tips for Seniors

Northbrook Leisure Center 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook

The Northbrook Police Department will present helpful prevention and safety tips to keep residents safe. Community Engagement Officer Jaegers will share trending scams and techniques criminals are using to target residents and ways to help us stay vigilant. Registration required. register now

$9

[Canceled] Resin Jewelry Making

Northbrook Leisure Center 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook

Unfortunately, this program has been canceled due to low enrollment.  In this class you will learn how to make your own stylish resin jewelry. Students will get to make colorful pendants, earrings, and/or beads using a variety of bright colors and pressed flowers. No experience necessary. All supplies included. register now

$25 – $35

Senior Center Trip: Chicago Botanic Garden Fall Festival

Northbrook Leisure Center 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook

Ages 55+ Celebrate fall season with us in full color at the Chicago Botanic Garden Fall Festival. The ginkgos are starting to turn as bright as the sun, maples promise a spectacularly vibrant array of multitones, and sumacs' colorful clusters stand out in glorious shades of bright red and purple. Enjoy the garden grounds and …

$35 – $45

Your Memoir – A Family Keepsake

Northbrook Leisure Center 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook

Ages 55+ Everyone has a story, even if they think they don't. Learn how writing your story benefits your family and surprisingly, yourself. You'll receive an outline of the process, how to list your life highlights and easy to use memoir writing platforms. No formal writing experience necessary. register online

Free – $9

Adrian Bringham Presents: The Story of Smoky

Northbrook Leisure Center 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook

Ages 55+ Come hear the story of Smoky, the first dog honored with the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal, the highest award American animals can receive. This amazing true story will captivate and warm your heart. register online

$10 – $15

Park Larks Begins

Northbrook Leisure Center 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook

Ages 55+ Calling all singers! Join us for music and fellowship as we sing and perform show tunes for local community centers and events. Park Larks is led under direction of David Zizic. join now

$59 – $75

Barry Bradford Presents 1948

Northbrook Leisure Center 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook

Ages 55+ Presidential award-winning historian Barry Bradford will take us on a time capsule look at 1948 - America 75 years ago. We will examine what famous people were born and died that year, the top news stories, music, movies, and more. Among the fascinating topics that will be covered include the establishment of Israel, …

$10 – $15

Coil Basket Weaving

Northbrook Leisure Center 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook

This class teaches the step-by-step process of coil basket weaving. Participants will learn about the historical process and make their own coil basket using natural fibers. No experience required. All supplies included. register now

$25 – $35

Halloween Gore-tastic Hour

Northbrook Leisure Center 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook

Investigate what makes Halloween so chilling in this electrifying S.T.E.M. workshop. Kids have fun with weird and horrifying Halloween concepts like puking pumpkins, fizzing ghosts, static powered witches, a kitchen science blood lab, spooktacular Halloween pranks, a haunted fall carnival, creepy candy experiments, eek estimation jar, and more ghoulish Halloween exploration! Kids will have such …

$35 – $49