EPR e-News: Fall activities, recreation programs, new access mats, after-school programs, new registration platform, and more

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 09/19/2025 10:01 AM CDT

Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 | View in browser

Good morning,

Check out this week's news on Fall activities, recreation programs, new access mats, after-school programs, improved registration platform, and more.

News

Register for Fall Programs

Registration is now open for our Fall programs! From engaging classes and seasonal events to enriching after-school programs and exciting school day-off adventures, there’s something for everyone this fall.

Exciting News: A New Registration Platform is Coming!

Evanston Parks & Recreation is launching a brand-new, improved registration platform this October. The new system will make it easier than ever to:

Manage your household account
Find and register for programs
Rent facilities
Explore events and activities

The platform will go live just in time for Winter program registration in November. You’ll access the new platform at the same address: cityofevanston.org/recreation.

Stay tuned—more details and step-by-step guidance will be shared soon to help you get started with ease.

Celebrate the Grand Reopening of the Evanston Ecology Center

Join us for the grand reopening of the Evanston Ecology Center on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m. at 2024 McCormick Blvd. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the renovated facility, and previews of upcoming programs—including the Indoor Farmers Market, a Wild Weekends animal presentation, Thanksgiving Break Camp, and more.

The City of Evanston began major renovations of the Ecology Center in 2024, the 50th anniversary of its founding. The much-needed updates modernize the building and prepare it to serve the community for the next 50 years.

Highlights of the renovation include:

A new reception desk and waiting area
Renovated classroom
Updated restrooms
Refreshed office spaces
LEED Gold certification
All-electric mechanical systems, making the facility zero on-site carbon emissions

Help celebrate this milestone and explore the new ways the Ecology Center will connect the community to nature.

City Offers Access Mats to Improve Mobility at Parks and Beaches

Access mats are now available for use at any of the City of Evanston’s programs and activities. These 3-by-3-foot durable mats can be temporarily placed over grass and sand to create or extend accessible paths and seating areas for people who use mobility devices, or anyone who may benefit from a more stable surface. You can request access mats in advance of City of Evanston events, and mats can also be reserved for individual visits to parks and beaches.

Contact Lauren Ruiz, Inclusion & Accessibility Division manager and ADA coordinator, at lruiz@cityofevanston.orgor 847-708-7300 with questions or to request this accommodation.

Bringing Fresh Ideas Home: Evanston Parks Team at NRPA Conference

This week, members of the Evanston Parks and Recreation team headed the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Annual Conference. This national gathering brought together park and recreation professionals from across the country to share ideas, explore new trends and learn how to create even stronger community programs.

Our team joined workshops on fun and innovative programming, environmental sustainability, equity and inclusion, and ways to make parks and facilities even more welcoming for everyone. We also connected with park leaders from other cities to exchange creative solutions and fresh ideas.

We’re excited to bring what we learned back to Evanston and put it into action. Whether it’s enhancing our parks, improving recreation programs or finding new ways to connect with residents, these new skills will help us continue to make Evanston a great place to live, play and grow.

Upcoming Events

Fall Sound Meditation: September 19

Join sound meditation facilitator Jay Taylor for an hour-long immersive experience. Lie back and relax as the singing bowls enter the sonic landscape. Our session will start with a brief introduction to meditation followed by some light guided breathing, easing you into a meditative state. No prior experience, skills or beliefs are required to participate. Please bring your own yoga mat, blanket, and pillow to make yourself comfortable.

Event details
Date: Friday, September 19
Hours: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $25 R/$33 NR
Register

Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: September 20

Sweet, ripe, and ready—don’t miss this Saturday’s Evanston Farmers’ Market, where the season’s best fruits and fresh finds await.

Event details
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (early shopping for seniors & those with disabilities starts at 7 a.m.)
Location: University Place & Oak Ave., behind the Hilton Garden Inn
Cost: Free
Live entertainment:
8 a.m.: New Tradition Choir
10:30 a.m.: North Branch Trio

Fall Nature BioBlitz: September 20

Join us for an exciting Fall Nature BioBlitz as we explore the ecosystems of Lighthouse Beach! Participants will work together to identify and catalog as many plant, animal, and fungi species as possible using field guides and the iNaturalist app. All ages are invited to contribute, as we will see how many species we can find together. Any children need to be accompanied by an enrolled adult.

Event details
Date: Saturday, September 20
Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: Lighthouse Beach Fog Houses
Cost: $10 R/$13 NR
Register

Family Campfire: September 20

Celebrate the last Saturday of summer with a fun Family Campfire at Lighthouse Beach! Enjoy an evening of stories, nature activities, and the ever-popular s’mores, as we lean into the new season and learn about the fall equinox. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.

Event details
Date: Saturday, September 20
Hours: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Lighthouse Beach
Cost: $10 R/$13 NR
Register

Blissful Sound Meditation: September 23

Immerse yourself in a 90-minute acoustic experience designed to soothe the mind, relax the body, and renew the spirit. Guided by sound practitioner Preston Klik, this unique meditation uses a variety of world instruments—including the Ocean Gong, Native flutes, crystal singing bowls, handpan, and chimes—to create a deeply calming soundscape. Participants are invited to lie down, close their eyes, and drift into a dreamlike state of deep relaxation. Perfect for those seeking stress relief, inner peace, or a restorative reset.

Location: Levy Senior Center (Locust Room)
Date: Tuesday, September 23
Time: 6–7:30 PM
Fee: $45R / $59NR
Register

Community Acupuncture: September 25

Experience healing in community through group acupuncture as modeled by the Lincoln Hospital Detox Program developed by Dr. Mutulu Shakur. If you do not want to have acupuncture, you can still benefit from the treatment by sitting with the group or having magnets placed on points as an alternative.

Event details
Date: September 25; October 9, 23; November 13
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: $11 R/$31 NR
Register online

Harvest Fest: September 27

Celebrate the joys of the fall season at Eggleston Park during our fall Harvest Festival! Go on a tour of the Farmette, Bee Apiary, and Food Forest and partake in fall-themed games, a pumpkin patch, a scarecrow-making contest, crafts, and more!

Celebrating the season with gratitude to Hagerty Consulting, Windy City Garden Center, and Whole Foods! Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, the music, pumpkins, and apples make for a truly bountiful autumn.

Event details
Date: Saturday, September 27
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Eggleston Park
Cost: Free

Want to be part of the scarecrow contest? Just bring your own costume and jump in!

Moonlight Mindfulness: September 27

Step into serenity with Moonlight Mindfulness, an evening of forest bathing to help you reconnect with the natural world. Join Sarah Abu-Absi, a certified nature and forest therapy guide, for this outdoor experience that encourages participants to slow down, engage their senses, and be present in the moment. We will end our evening around the fire circle in the Ladd Arboretum.

Event details
Date: Saturday, September 27
Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Meeting Location: Ladd Arboretum
Cost: $20 R/$26 NR
Register

D.A.S.H. & G.O.: Disabled Adult Social Hour & Gaming Opportunity
October 1 & 21, November 5 & 18

Looking for a fun, welcoming way to connect with others in the community? Join D.A.S.H. & G.O. (Disabled Adult Social Hour & Gaming Opportunity) — a free, peer-run gathering for adults (18 and up) who identify as disabled. Bring your favorite game and any adapted equipment you may need, and enjoy an afternoon of connection, laughter, and play.

Event details
Dates: Wednesday, October 1; Tuesday, October 21; Wednesday, November 5; Tuesday, November 18
Hours: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: Free

This program is presented in collaboration with the Inclusion & Accessibility Division of Evanston Parks & Recreation. No registration required. For more information, email lruiz@cityofevanston.org or call 847-708-7300.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Join the Dementia Evanston Walkers: October 4

Support the fight against Alzheimer’s by walking with the Dementia Evanston Walkers in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This inspiring event brings our community together to honor loved ones, raise awareness and help fund critical research and support programs.

Event details
Date: Saturday, October 4
Location: Lincoln Park Grove, Chicago
Register for the walk

Zombie Scramble: October 18

Celebrate a decade of the undead at the 10th Annual Zombie Scramble! This thrilling event challenges you to make it through a zombie-infested course with your “lives” — represented by flags on a flag football belt — still intact. As you navigate the haunted trail, zombies will try to snatch your flags.

To commemorate 10 years of heart-pounding fun, our Presenting Sponsor, Anchorfish Printing, will be on site creating and selling limited-edition shirts exclusively for this milestone event. Don’t miss your chance to grab one and show off your survivor (or zombie) pride!

Are you ready to run for your life?

Event details
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Ladd Arboretum
Cost: $35 R/$46 NR
Register

Trunk or Treat: October 31

Firetrucks, police cars, construction vehicles, and other unique rides will be on display at this year’s Trunk or Treat! Held in the Robert Crown Community Center Parking Lot off Main Street, young trick-or-treaters can collect candy while enjoying how vehicles “dress up” for Halloween. This safe and festive event is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Event details
Date: Friday, Oct. 31
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center Parking Lot (off Main Street)
Cost: Free

Calling all vehicles! We’re looking for cars, trucks, and unique rides to be part of the fun. Fill out this form to join the fun.

Thank you to Goldfish Swim School of Evanston for supporting this free community event!

Fall Classes

Register for our Fall programming at cityofevanston.org/recreation. View all our upcoming classes, camps, workshops, school days off activities, and special events in the Fall Program Guide.

Little Dough-Nuts

Little hands, big imagination: In this fun class, kids squish, roll, and shape dough to make all kinds of creations. Along the way, they’ll explore animals, colors, shapes, and more—building skills while they play. At the end, they’ll make a special project to take home and share. A four-class session starts on October 10. Register now.

Jamberry Music

Bond with your child through nursery rhymes, circle songs, movement, puppets, and instrument exploration! Activities will introduce musical concepts, self-regulation, and motor skills. Note: Child must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.
Register now for Chandler classes.
Register now for Prieto classes.

Little Blackhawks: Learn to Play

Little Blackhawks Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first time participants, between 4-9 years of age, head-to-toe equipment, age-appropriate instruction and certified coaching, led by NHL Alumni, in a fun and safe atmosphere. This program is for first-timers only. Register now.

Neurobics with Sissy

Boost your brain and body wellness through movement and rhythm! Join Sissy for Neurobics, a unique program that combines Latin dance styles—like tango—with neurobic activities designed to energize both mind and body. Class is for ages 18 and older and is held Tuesdays, September 30 to October 28. Register now.

Fall Madness Basketball: K-2nd Graders

Evanston’s very own hardnose, tough, and gritty premier Youth Hoops League for kids in grades K-2nd. Boys and Girls compete amongst their peers, in effort to bring home the Gold, while learning to exercise sportsmanship through some of their toughest challenges. Iron sharpens Iron and Dog begets Dog. In this clash of fun and hard work, the team that learns to compete and rise together will come out on top. Register now.

Fall Madness Men's League

Men from all over the North Shore unite in Evanston's very own Pro-Am style league, for some of the best and most competitive basketball in the area.This league boasts talent and skill like no other, while athleticism soars high above most other programs. Each team will battle for a final prize but, the bragging rights amongst some of the top competitors on the Northside, will be motivating enough to drive any real hooper. Register now.

After School and School Days Off

School’s Out? Cool Out!

Make the most of your day off from school at the Robert Crown Community Center! Kids ages 5–12 can enjoy a full day of fun, including field trips, arts and crafts, ice skating, and games.

Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Register in person at Robert Crown
More information: aeberhardt@cityofevanston.org

Kid Zone After-School Program

The Kid Zone after-school/school days out is packed with enriching activities that blend learning and fun. From homework help and educational games to sports, arts and creative workshops, there's something for every child's interest. We emphasize teamwork, creativity and positive social interactions. Plus we've got you covered on school holidays as well. Available for kids ages 5-12.

Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Days: Monday - Friday
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Register by calling 847-448-8254

After School Adventure at Robert Crown

Blast off into an afternoon of fun and learning with After School Adventure at the Robert Crown Community Center! Students will enjoy a variety of enrichment activities that keep them active, engaged, and inspired, including homework help, arts and science activities, snacks and cooking classes, ice skating, and more.

Who We Serve
Students in District 65
Ages 5–12

Hours
3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday–Friday
11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on School Improvement Days

Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Register in person at Robert Crown
More information: aeerbhardt@cityofevanston.org

Play Time, Drop-in Activities, and Rentals

Planning a Party, Meeting, or Special Event? We’ve Got the Perfect Space

Whether you're hosting a birthday bash, baby shower, community meeting, or family celebration, Evanston’s Parks & Recreation rental facilities offer flexible, affordable spaces to fit your needs.

Choose from a variety of rooms, community centers, and party packages across the city — perfect for both small gatherings and big milestones.

Looking to celebrate a child’s birthday? Check out our birthday party packages featuring fun themes and activities at select locations.

Spaces book up fast — plan ahead and secure your ideal date today.

Explore rental options and book online

For more info, call 847-448-4311 or email recreation@cityofevanston.org.

Tennis/Pickleball Outdoor Court Reservations

Tennis and Pickleball courts can be reserved online by community members. If a court is reserved, the person or group with the reservation has priority at that time — even if the court is in use. When no reservation is scheduled, courts are open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard “rack-up” rules apply. Secure your spot in advance at cityofevanston.org/courts.

Let’s Play Drop-In

Looking for a fun and flexible activity for your kids? The Prieto Community Center offers Let’s Play Drop-In, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We’ve recently lowered prices to better support families.

Pricing:

Residents: $10 per child, $7 for each additional child
Non-residents: $13 per child, $10 for each additional child

Demential Friendly Evanston Tip Sheet: September

Learn more about the October 4 Walk to End Alzheimer's and find brain health resources in this month's tip sheet.

Get Involved

Donate to the Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book & Toy Drive

This holiday season, you can make a lasting impact right here in Evanston. Through the Evanston Parks Foundation, your financial gift helps provide food, books, and toys for families in need—ensuring every neighbor has a brighter holiday season.

Your generosity goes directly to supporting the Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book & Toy Drive, bringing warmth and joy to households across our community.

Give today and help us reach more families than ever before.

Accessibility for all

The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a citywide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or complete a request form online.