Special Interests
The River Trails Park District offers numerous activities for youth and teens! Check out our current special interest class and Parkour Programs. Youth also enjoy our summer camps, dance and athletic programming.
Young Magicians
Join us for a fun night of magic and mystery! Magic tricks will be taught that include cards, coins, ropes, and much more! You will discover that the tricks are quick to learn and easy to perform. All materials are provided on-site. Each child will receive a magic kit at the end of class. Participants are grouped by age and learn age-appropriate tricks. New tricks are taught at each session, so sign up again and again!
Note: These classes take place at Arlington Heights Park District.
Location: Arlington Heights Park District
Age: 5-12yrs.
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Monday | 6:30-7:25 pm | Jan 27 | $25/$30 |
| Wednesday | 5-5:55 pm | Mar 26 | $25/$30 |
| Thursday | 5-5:55 pm | May 15 | $25/$30 |
Chess Scholars
Develop your child’s intellect through the royal game of chess! Current research has shown a strong link between chess and academic performance in a variety of area, including mathematics and language arts. Chess has been proven to enhance children’s motivation, concentration, focus, social skills, and creativity. Each class will consist of fun, interactive teaching period and guided practice time. Both beginner and experienced players are welcome and will learn under the guidance of an experienced Chess Scholars coach. Note: There
will be no classes 10/31 & 11/21.
Location: Indian Grove School
Grade: K-5
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Tuesdays | 3:45-4:30 pm | Jan 21-March 18 | $219/$239 |
| Tuesdays | 3:45-4:30 pm | Apr 8-May 27 | $194/$214 |
SafeSitter Courses
Do you feel ready to stay home alone, watch your brothers and sisters while your parents are gone, or babysit for younger children? Safe Sitter® is for kids and young teens in grades 4–8 ready to learn the skills needed to care for themselves and younger children. Safe Sitter® also teaches young teens life and business skills to be prepared, responsible, and considerate whether they are babysitting or doing odd jobs for family, friends, or neighbors. You’ll have fun and learn a lot. At the end of the day, you can proudly say, “I am a Safe Sitter®!”
Safe@Home
Grade: 4-6
Location: Burning Bush Community Center
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Wed | 5:30-7 pm | Feb 5 | $39/$47 |
| Wed | 5:30-7 pm | May 21 | $39/$47 |
Intro to Safe Babysitting
Grade: 6-8
Location: Burning Bush Community Center
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Wed | 5:30-7 pm | Apr 9 | $39/$47 |
Robot Engineers
This course builds knowledge of simple machines, engineering, programming, and teamwork using the LEGO WeDo Robotics System, as students use
an intuitive, icon-based programming environment, helping to bring their model to life.
Ages: 7-12
Location: Weiss Community Center
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Wed | 6-7:15 pm | Apr 30-May 21 | $70/$84 |
Castles, Moats & Catapults
Build to withstand any siege! Students learn principles of construction and use math skills as they experiment with scale and size, staggering vs. stacking. In a hands– on class using Lego® materials, we’ll work in teams to build castles, towers of strength and working catapults. On the last day, we will have a marshmallow launching challenge with our catapults!
Ages: 4-6yrs
Location: Prospect Heights Park District
| Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Wed | 6-7 pm | Feb 26-Mar 19 | $56/$67 |
Children’s Theatre
A musical theatre workshop culminates in a showcase featuring age-appropriate excerpts! Students will learn the basics of vocal technique, choreography, and acting while working together to produce an in-class performance for family and friends. The showcase will take place during the last 30 minutes of our final class.
Grade: K-6
Location: Burning Bush Community Center
| Theatre Program | Day | Time | Date | Fee (R/NR) |
| Beauty and The Beast | Wed | 3:45-4:45 pm | Feb 5-Mar 26 | $150/$170 |
| Sparks Fly | Wed | 3:45-4:45 pm | Apr 2-May 21 | $150/$170 |
