guides

2022-23 Guide to Local After-School Programs and Weekend Classes

By Debra Flanagan, Macaroni KID Chicago Northside July 26, 2022

Are you ready for Back to School?  What about Back to After-School? There are so many after-school and weekend classes to choose from. We are rounding up some of the best for you to look into. Get in on the fun before programs fill up!

*Since many businesses are still finalizing their programming for this year, we will continue to add to this list.  Keep checking back!

1. Bookmark this guide.
2. Click on Learn More for details about each program.
3. Contact each business directly for help with registration or questions.
4. Tell them you found them on Macaroni KID, and they'll be pleased to help you with anything you need.

Programs are listed alphabetically under the relevant categories.

ART|GENERAL PLAY|PERFORMING ARTS|SPORTS|STEM|


ART

Lillstreet Art Center 


Art classes for all ages and levels in Chicago's Ravenswood Neighborhood. Students explore topics in ceramics, textiles, metalsmithing, drawing, painting, printmaking, and more.

Learn more or register today at Lillstreet Art Center


GENERAL PLAY

Redline VR


Virtual Reality arcade, escape rooms and parties with stage, comedy, karaoke, and more! Special after-school pricing.

Learn more or register today for Redline VR


PERFORMING ARTS

American Eagle Productions


Explore the magic of musical theatre with American Eagle's performing arts classes!  Led by professional teaching artists, our instructors engage students with drama games, improv, movement, and singing, all while fostering confidence, empathy, and collaboration.

Learn more or register today for American Eagle Productions

Aerial Dance Chicago

Aerial Dance Chicago is a contemporary dance company, created in 1999 and guided by the original creative vision of Founder & Artistic Director Chloe Jensen. ADC operates Chicago’s premiere dance center dedicated to the art of aerial dance, offering cutting-edge curriculum for students of all ages, beginner through professional (no experience needed for beginner level classes.)

Learn more or register today for Aerial Dance Chicago

CirquesExperience


Circus After-Care Program that is Fun, Safe, Nurturing, and Convenient featuring: Rolling admission, Flexible scheduling, and Pick-up available from your child’s school within a 2.5 miles radius of our gym!


Learn more or register today for CirquesExperience

Filament Theatre


Filament’s education programs focus on amplifying the creativity of the young participants. With Filament there are no scripts and no assigned roles–each participant creates their own dream role.

Learn more or register today for Filament Theatre

GingerSnap Performing Arts

GingerSnap Performing Arts is a Chicago based Children's Theatre Company focused on creating personal growth through creative expression by creating professional Performing Arts Education for children and young people lead by the very best and most experienced teaching artists and performers in the city. 

Learn more or register today for GingerSnap Performing Arts

The Rooted Space


At The Rooted Space our kids/teen classes explore the fundamentals of dance & movement while learning body awareness, creativity and newly found artistry in a supportive and engaging environment. 

Learn more or register today for The Rooted Space

School of Rock Andersonville



School of Rock Andersonville is a growing passionate community dedicated to enriching lives through performance-based music education. Our powerful patented music programs build strong musical proficiency and help kids rock out on stage and in life. 

Learn more or register today for School of Rock Andersonville


SPORTS 

Chicago City Soccer Club 




Youth Soccer of all levels for boys and girls throughout the City of Chicago.

Learn more or register today for Chicago City Soccer Club

i9 Sports 



i9 Sports offers age-appropriate, fun sports leagues for kids ages 3-16 in soccer, flag football, baseball, basketball and volleyball.  Our leagues are only on weekends and are perfect for busy families looking for a fun outlet for kids.

Learn more or register today for i9 Sports

Little Beans Cafe

Gymnastics classes at Little Beans Cafe + Play

Learn more or register today at Little Beans Cafe

Movement Climbing Gyms




In this program, young climbers can learn climbing skills through bouldering and other activities. This is a great starting point for any child looking to get introduced to the world of climbing in a fun-filled educational environment. 

Learn more or register today at Movement Climbing Gyms

Quad Indoor Sports



Quad Indoor Sports is a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports complex serving the greater Evanston & Chicago area (Chicago’s North Side, North Shore and Northwest Suburbs). Quad Indoor Sports provides a climate-controlled environment that ensures that athletes of all skill levels advance, learn, and enjoy playing the games they love. Our programs are dedicated & built to train, play competitively, improve skills, and most importantly to have fun!  

Learn more or register today at Quad Indoor Sports


STEM