Friday, Jan. 2, 2025 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's news on Summer Camp dates, indoor farmers' market, special events, and more.
 Summer Camp Planning Starts Now
Evanston Parks & Recreation’s 2026 Summer Camps offer kids a season filled with fun, friends, and new experiences. Mark your calendar for these important upcoming dates.
-
January 5 – Summer Program Guide available at cityofevanston.org/recreation
-
January 9 – Camp Open House, 5–8 p.m. at the Levy Center
-
February 7 – Online registration opens for Evanston residents
-
February 9 – In-person registration opens for Evanston residents
-
February 16 – Registration opens for nonresidents
From sports and skating to arts, nature, and enrichment programs, there’s something for every age and interest. Join us at the Camp Open House to meet staff, explore programs and get your questions answered before registration begins.
Get ready to explore the Camp Guide and register at cityofevanston.org/recreation.
 Evanston Celebrates Kwanzaa
On Dec. 26, the community gathered for a joyful Kwanzaa celebration filled with music, dance, and learning at the Robert Crown Center. The evening featured an African drum circle, a performance by the Chofit Dancers, and the lighting of the first Kwanzaa candle. We loved seeing neighbors of all ages—including Mayor Daniel Biss who joined the drum circle—come together to celebrate culture and connection.
 The Great Elf Hunt: Thru January 4
The elves are on the loose in Evanston — and they’re causing all kinds of holiday mischief! We need sharp-eyed elf hunters to help track them down and send them back to the North Pole.
Visit participating Evanston Parks & Recreation locations, find each hidden elf, and snap a photo with them.
How to Enter:
- Each elf photo = one raffle entry
- Include your name and phone number with each submission
- Send your photos to kgrundin@cityofevanston.org and you’ll be entered into a raffle to win gift cards to local Evanston businesses! One lucky winner will take home four North Goal tickets to see the Chicago Stars at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium!
- Limit one photo per location per person/family
- Photos may be used for marketing unless otherwise requested
Where to Find the Elves:
- Chandler-Newberger
- Ecology Center
- Eiden Park
- Fleetwood-Jourdain
- Independence Park
- Lee Street Beach
- Levy Senior Center
- Noyes Cultural Arts Center
- Oldberg Park
- Prieto Community Center
- Robert Crown Community Center
Event details
Date: Thru January 4
Cost: Free
 Summer Camp Open House: January 9
It may be cold and snowy outside, but summer is already heating up in Evanston! Step out of the winter chill and into sunshine at our Summer Camp 2026 Open House on January 9. Get a warm preview of all the adventure, creativity and fun waiting for your kids this summer — from sports and arts to science, nature and more.
Bring the kids, meet our camp teams, try hands-on activities, and start dreaming about sunny days ahead.
Open house will feature:
- Info sessions with camp managers
- Hands-on activities
- Giveaways
- Job fair for seasonal positions
- Refreshments
Plus, get your Camp Passport stamped at each station and enter for a chance to win discounts on camp registration!
Event details:
Date: Friday, January 9
Time: 5–8 p.m.
Location: Levy Center
Cost: Free, no registration required
 Nature Play Date: January 9
Explore winter wonders with the Ecology Center! You and your child will explore the winter-scape through games, crafts, stories and outdoor play. This free-style play date allows your child to discover which activities they like best and go at their own pace. Each month is a different winter theme with indoor activities in the nature classroom before our outdoor adventures. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Event details
Date: Friday, January 9
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $20 R/$26.02 NR
Register now online or call (847) 448-8256.
 Indoor Market: January 10
The Indoor Farmers’ Market at the Evanston Ecology Center continues on select Saturdays thru April. Shop local vendors and enjoy your favorite farm-fresh finds all winter long.
Event details
Date: Saturday, January 10
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: Free
View the indoor market schedule.
In between shopping for fresh foods, you can take fun winter classes at the Ecology Center starting at 10 a.m. Register at links below.
 Candle Making: January 10
The winter season is a time to celebrate holidays, festivals, and traditions that use candles to brighten up the darkest time of the year! Learn how to make candles that you can use to incorporate light and fragrances into festive gatherings and in your home. We will make and decorate our own candles to take home. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Event details
Date: January 10
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $23 R/$29.93 NR
Register
 Volo Auto Museum: January 22
Experience the World-Famous Volo Museum—two great enterprises, one location! Enjoy 39+ exhibits including Hollywood cars, Titanic, Disney displays, a vintage carousel, and more. Browse Auto Sales with 300+ classic cars. Something for all ages to explore. Lunch is on your own at the museum and a lot of walking involved.
Event details
Date: Thursday, January 22
Time: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Volo Auto Museum (transportation to and from the Levy Center)
Ages: 55+
Cost: $65LM/$84.59NM
Register
 Light the Night: January 24
For one night only, solar- and battery-powered works by local artists will illuminate Tallmadge Park! We invite you out to sip hot cocoa and wander through the magical lights.
Event details
Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Tallmadge Park at Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: Free
 K.I.S.S. Dance (Kids Invite Someone Special): February 15
Join our Kids Invite Someone Special Dance, where kids and their favorite
grown-up can twirl, laugh and make unforgettable memories together.
Dress up, hit the dance floor, and enjoy sweet treats, music and fun.
Event details
Date: Sunday, February 15
Time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: $30 per couple
Register
 Black History Month Family Game Night: February 27
Bring the whole family out for a night of fun, laughter, and learning! Celebrate Black History Month with games that highlight culture, history, and community pride. Enjoy trivia, team challenges, and music, while connecting with friends and neighbors. It’s an evening of joyful celebration for all ages.
Event details
Date: Friday, February 27
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: Free
Fill your winter with fun by exploring classes, events, and activities for all ages in our Winter Program Guide or on our new registration platform—both available at www.cityofevanston.org/recreation.
Check out a few of the classes we're offering this winter below and then discover hundreds of other Parks and Rec programs.
 Cooking With Kids
From sweet to savory, young chefs ages 7-12 will explore the joy of cooking through fun, easy recipes. They’ll learn new skills, make a little mess, and a lot of memories in the kitchen! Register now.
 Adapted Pickleball
This beginner, adapted program will teach you the skills and basic rules of the sport that is ever-growing in popularity. Adapted equipment will be provided and we'll get our friendly competition on in an environment that focuses on fun, socialization, and increasing our physical activity. Register now.
 Jr. Wildkits Floor Hockey
Join us for our new FREE floor hockey program, January 10-February 21! This six-session program is perfect for children who are curious about hockey but haven't learned to skate. Led by experienced ice hockey coaches, the program combines skill-building activities with games. No equipment required. Register now.
 1st-5th Grade Basketball League
Registration is now open for Evanston’s 1st–5th Grade Basketball Leagues, running Saturdays from January 24 to February 28 at District 65 schools. The season includes six games, coached by volunteers from each participating school. Game times vary weekly between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., with possible bye weeks depending on team count. All participants must be registered by Jan. 8
Register:
 More Than Basic Drawing
Have you always wanted to learn to draw or has it been ages since you drew and you are feeling a bit rusty? Join us for a “More than Basics Drawing.” Students will work primarily from still life, develop their drawing skills and have fun working with other art enthusiast. For ages 55+. Register now.
 Cheer Academy
Cheerleaders will spend 8 sessions learning cheers/routines from the experts at Chicago Loves Dance. Cheerleaders will then cheer at the 10 a.m. basketball games each Saturday, Jan. 24-Feb. 28, for the 4th and 5th grade basketball league. Uniform shirt included. All participants must be registered by Jan. 8. Register now.
 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
 Accessible Recreation After-School Program
Join our daily accessible recreation after-school programs. Select the days your child would like to attend or register for a full week of fun programming!
 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
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.
Facility Locations and Phone Numbers
Chandler-Newberger Community Center: 847-448-8252
Levy Senior Center: 847-448-8250
Robert Crown Community Center: 847-448-8258
Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center: 847-448-8254
Ecology Center: 847-448-8256
Prieto Community Center: 847-859-7697
 |
|
Support Evanston Parks & Recreation
Your donation will help support lakefront upkeep and the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater.
Donate now
|
Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,
The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team
|
