Northbrook Park District classes for children 7 and under foster love for arts, dance, sports

With a wide range of amenities — including a turf field, gymnasiums, grass soccer fields, ice rink, fine art spaces, dance studios, a cooking classroom and a theater — the Northbrook Park District offers myriad ways for children, ages 7 and younger, to develop new interests and skills.

The Taglianetti siblings have taken a plethora of park district classes and programs that have helped them gain new friendships and develop a sense of independence, their mother Gina said.

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 enrolled in soccer and ice skating. She has previously taken ballet, tap, cooking, soccer, ice skating — including participating in the Northbrook-on-Ice show — Hot Shots Sports and the early childhood Camp Sunshine.

Both kids also have had lunch with the Easter Bunny and breakfast with Santa.

“The park district classes are great to get your kids active and trying new things,” Gina Taglianetti said. “There is such a wide variety of classes that are offered that it's easy to find something everyone will enjoy.”

Early childhood and general interest

Parents appreciate the park district’s programs because they can be sure children are having fun while receiving quality instruction from seasoned teachers, said Recreation Supervisor Maria Warren.

“Our teachers understand the importance of a safe and comforting classroom environment,” she added.

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

Among the park district’s newest offerings is Emotion Detectives, a class for 3- to 5-year-olds that is based on the premise that social-emotional learning is essential. The next class starts Oct. 31.

“Children with strong social emotional skills are better able to adapt to change and are better able to self-regulate when something goes awry,” Warren said. “Emotion Detectives is focused on giving children these skills to give them the best possible chance of being successful.”

Sports and leagues

The park district’s instructors excel in delivering top-notch programs, and families enjoy the variety of sports classes that allow children to develop skills and figure out what they like, Athletics Manager Meri Shea said.

“Most of these classes are for beginners and don’t require set skills. Children enjoy gaining new skills each week as the class progresses,” Shea said.

Youth sports open to children, ages 7 and younger, that start in mid- to late October include fencing, golf, lacrosse, hockey, soccer, basketball and ice skating. There are introductory classes for a variety of sports, as well as Hot Shots classes for 3- to 5-year-olds such as Parent-Tot and Mini Ninja Warriors.

There are also youth leagues that start at the pre-kindergarten level and focus on the development of children as individuals and athletes who exhibit respect and sportsmanship, Shea said.

This fall, children ages 7 and younger can enroll in volleyball and basketball leagues, with practice starting in early November.

For information about youth leagues, visit nbparks.org/leagues.

Dance and theater

Taking dance and theater classes stimulates and nurtures a love for the performing arts while building confidence and self-expression, Performing Arts Supervisor Melody DeRogatis said.

“Our programs are recreation-based — they teach the fundamentals of dance and drama, while being built around fun,” she said. “Our dance and theatre programs are a great place to start a performing arts journey. Our classes are designed to be 100% beginner-friendly, and many young dancers and actors discover their passion for the arts here.”

Theater classes for children, ages 7 and younger, this fall include Storybook Drama I, for ages 3 to 5; and Storybook Drama II, for ages 5 to 7. The next session for these classes starts Nov. 2.

Early childhood and intro-level dance classes for children this fall include Tutu 2’s, Tutu 3’s and Mini Movers: Ballet and Tap for ages 4 to 5. All feature sessions starting Nov. 2.

For information about the park district’s classes and programs, visit nbparks.org/programs.