guides

2025-26 Local Extracurricular Activity Guide

Get in While You Still Can!

By Debra Flanagan, Macaroni KID Chicago Northside August 1, 2025

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!

1. Bookmark this Guide, as new programs are added throughout the year.
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


Kids and teens ages 3–16 explore a variety of art forms including pottery, painting, drawing, metalsmithing, printmaking, sewing, and digital art.

Learn more or register today for Lillstreet Art Center

The Studio W.I.P.


The Studio W.I.P. is the original Spray Paint workshop offering weekly workshops, private workshops, and other endless opportunities to create with SPRAY PAINT! 

Learn more or register today for The Studio W.I.P.

Unicoi Art Studio




Unicoi’s mission is to “draw” out the imagination in every child, with a variety of projects and mediums designed to be informative, engaging and fun for children ages 3-15. Session and Drop-in classes available for flexible scheduling! 
Use promo code "macaroni" for 10% off your first order with Unicoi!

Learn more or register today for Unicoi Art Studio


GENERAL PLAY

ClimbZone Chicago

Chicago's favorite venue for active entertainment.

Learn more or register today for ClimbZone Chicago


PERFORMING ARTS

Chicago Mini Musicians


The #1 early childhood music school in the western suburbs has opened up a satellite location in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago as Chicago Mini Musicians, and we can't wait to share our skill-building, playful, and engaging music classes with your little one!

Learn more or register today for Chicago Mini Musicians

CirquesExperience

From ages 5 to 99, anyone can learn Gym Wheel, Aerials, Trampoline and more at CirquesExperience!

Learn more or register today for CirquesExperience

Extensions Dance

Join us for Twinkle Stars Academy (ages 2.5-5) or sign up for our youth training classes! Extensions Dance offers an array of youth classes in Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Pointe, Acro and more for ages 6-18.

Learn more or register today for Extensions Dance

Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Lakeview

We specialize in teaching brand new students, giving them confidence, a sense of rhythm and a LOVE for dance! Ask about our Kids Classes!

Learn more or register today for Fred Astaire Dance Studio

Imagine Performing Arts

Let your imagination run wild with an Imagine Performing Arts theatre class! We offer weekly classes and day-off camps to ages 4-14 that focus on building a strong theatrical foundation and enhancing performance skills.

Learn more or register today for Imagine Performing Arts

LYRIQ Music School

LYRIQ Music School specializes in private and small group lessons in piano, voice, violin, guitar, and more! Customized lessons to meet you where you are, ages 5 through adults. 

Learn more or register today for LYRIQ Music School

Merit School of Music

The sound of discovering a new passion! 🎶 Learn to play an instrument or sing at a top Chicago music school with classes and lessons taught by the best music teachers in the region.

Learn more or register today for Merit School of Music


SPORTS 

Chicago City Soccer Club


Chicago City Soccer Club offers a full development pathway for players ages 18 months to 18 years, including partnerships with Lil’ Kickers, Mini City, and Haas Park Recreation. We provide year-round training, leagues, and elite-level opportunities across Chicagoland.

Learn more or register today for Chicago City Soccer

Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts


We offer classes in many different martial art styles. 

Learn more or register today for Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts

i9 Sports - Chicago Northside

i9 Sports offers age-appropriate, fun sports leagues for kids ages 3-14 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 - Chicago Northside

Ultimate Ninjas Chicago








Ultimate Ninjas is a ninja warrior obstacle gym offering classes, camps, parties, and family fun night! Challenging and fun for all ages...Come conquer our obstacles!

Learn more or register today for Ultimate Ninjas Chicago


STEM

iCode Ravenswood



iCode Ravenswood offers hands-on STEM and coding classes, robotics, game design, and
digital arts for kids and teens.

Learn more or register today at iCode Ravenswood