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Programs / Events » Youth Programs

Youth Programs

Unlock a world of adventure for your child on school days off with Des Plaines Park District’s exciting programs: Kruisin’ Kids and Leisure Lizards! 🌟 Designed to keep young minds engaged and spirits soaring, Kruisin’ Kids offers dynamic activities that blend learning with fun. At the same time, Leisure Lizards provides a laid-back environment for relaxation and creativity. Enroll today and watch your child thrive in an enriching, safe, and supportive environment!

Kruisin’ Kids Ages 8–14, Grades 3-8

Adventure Awaits – Join Us for Epic Field Trips!

Travel with us to exciting local spots for sports, games, food, and nonstop fun! Every trip is a new adventure—you won’t want to miss it!

🍽️ Lunch is included on every trip!

📍 Departure & Return: All trips leave from and return to Prairie Lakes Community Center.

🔔 Important:
Register by 5:00 PM the day before each trip
No day-of registrations accepted

Secure your spot and get ready for an unforgettable day!

MORE INFORMATION/REGISTER

Leisure Lizards Ages 5–14, Grades K–8

A Day of Fun at Prairie Lakes!

Spend the day with friends at Prairie Lakes Complex, packed with awesome activities!

🏀 Gym sports & games
🎨 Arts & crafts
🎭 Special events
🌳 Outdoor fun (weather permitting)

Our amazing Park District staff will be there to supervise all the excitement!

🔔 Important:
Register by 5:00 PM the day before each day off
No day-of registrations accepted

Sign up now and get ready for an unforgettable day!

MORE INFORMATION/REGISTER

👩‍🍳 Calling all young chefs! In this fun, hands-on cooking classes, kids will chop, mix, and create delicious meals under the guidance of a professional chef. Each class features a unique menu, so your chef-in-training can explore new flavors, cuisines, and techniques! 🔥🍕🥗

🥄 What to Know:
✅ Each class offers a different menu & skills to learn
Registration required by ⏳ 5:00 PM the day before – no day-of sign-ups accepted

🥕👨‍🍳 Sign up today and let your child discover the joy of cooking! 🍰🎉

MORE INFORMATION/REGISTER

💦Grades 6–8! Prairie Lakes September–May / Chippewa Pool June–August

Grab your friends and dive into a night of fun at H2O Nights!  

🎶 Music & pool games
🍕 Pizza & soft drinks
🌊 Plenty of splashing & excitement!

Don’t miss out—join us for an unforgettable night!

MORE INFORMATION/REGISTER

Map and directions

🖥️ TechStars™ STEM Programs 🚀

The Des Plaines Park District brings cutting-edge STEM learning to the community with COMPUTER EXPLORERS TechStars™! These hands-on programs introduce kids to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through exciting, interactive experiences. Participants will use the latest software, apps, and technology to explore 21st Century Learning, STEM initiatives, and Next Generation Science Standards in a fun and engaging way.

⚙️ Why Join?
✅ Strengthen academic skills & problem-solving expertise 🧠
✅ Spark creativity through hands-on technology projects 🎨
✅ Build teamwork & collaboration skills 🤝

💡 Give your child a head start in STEM—register today! 🔬📲

MORE INFORMATION/REGISTER

New! 🎨✨ Crafternoons

Do you love arts and crafts? 🎭✂️ Join us for our brand-new Crafternoons program! 🖌️🎉

🧵🖍️ Each month, participants will have the opportunity to create fun and unique craft projects! 🏺🌟

👩‍🎨 Instructor: DPPD Staff
📍 Location: Prairie Lakes, Art Room 🎨🏡

Come get creative with us! 🎊🎨

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