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Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake CountyRecreation – Programs
When it comes to leisure and recreation, the Waukegan Park District has something for everyone. Recreation and play are elements of the human condition. People derive enjoyment, pleasure, or amusement and view recreational activities as fun. Offered are indoor and outdoor activities. Please refer to the current Waukegan Park District Brochure, the Recreation Connection for a complete listing of seasonal programs offered. Below are some of the programs provided each year.
To register for programs using our online registration system, click here. |
Youth Programs & Services
2013 -2014 Preschool Enrichment Program Ages 2-4
Children's Connection
Waukegan Park District Children’s Connection Program is designed to provide your child with quality PLAY experiences that will foster their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
We believe that children learn to play and play to learn. As your child plays, they will learn to solve problems, to get along with others and to develop the fine and gross motor skills needed to grow, learn and have a head start on their school years ahead.
- Moonbeams (2 years)
- Shooting Stars (2-3 years)
- Sun Rays (3-4 years)
Click here for Parent Handbook |
| YOUTH & TEEN STAFF |
Recreation Specialist – Early Childhood Programs & Services: Angela Minichiello Phone: (847)360-4706 |
Recreation Specialist – Youth & Teen Programs & Services: Phone: (847)360-4708 Email: |
Recreation Supervisor – Youth & Teen Programs & Services: Mike Mayfield Phone: (847)360-4710 Email: mmayfield@waukeganparks.org |
Early Childhood Recreation Programs Ages 2-5
Here at the Waukegan Park District, we have designed a variety of programs to meet the developmental milestones of your infant or toddler. Your child will learn to play and interact with other children their own age. Parents will also have a chance to meet others parents. Programs include:
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Physical Programs
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Social Programs
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Creative Programs
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Cooking Programs
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Parent/Tot Programs
Adult-Child Infant and Toddler
These classes are specifically designed to meet the developmental milestones of your infant or toddler. In these classes, parents will play with their child to develop important social, cognitive, and physical skills. Parents will also have a chance to meet others with children in the same age group!
Pre-School Children Ages 2-5
Classes are specifically designed to stimulate imagination, foster social skills and fine tune large motor skills. These classes and programs often include group singing, storytelling and reading, dramatic play, and games. Some classes are parent child.
Youth Recreation Programs Ages 5-12
The Waukegan Park District provides a variety of supervised opportunities for youth to build and learn new skills, interact and socialize with their peers in a fun environment. Programs we have to offer include:
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Cooking
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Creative Arts
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Skills and Hobbies
Outdoor Recreation Programs
The Waukegan Park District subscribes to the concept of “leave no person inside”. Whether it’s hiking, canoeing, climbing, or bird watching, we make it easy to take advantage of the fun opportunities just outside your back door.
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Crafts
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Exploration
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Trips
Before & After School Program Grades K-5
The Waukegan Park District Before and After School Experience (B.A.S.E.) is for boys and girls from first through fifth grade. The Before School program is also available for morning Kindergarten students and the After School program is available for afternoon kindergarten students. Your child will participate in fun activities including games, arts and crafts, sports, nature activities and more! Homework assistance and snacks will be provided daily.
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Before School Program (7am-9am)
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After School Program – Early Release (2:30pm-6:00pm)
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After School Program – Late Release (3:30pm-6:00pm)
Teen and Tweens Recreation Programs Ages 12-15
The Waukegan Park District loves teens! We strive to provide enriching recreational activities that challenge and motivate young people to learn new things and to keep having fun. Programs include:
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Cooking
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Skills and Hobbies
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Social Programs
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Trips
Summer Day Camps- Click Here Ages 2-17
Choice from six different camps opportunities. We offer camps for preschools to teens; half and full-day; and before and after extended care.
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Camp Starburst (ages 2-3)
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Camp Little Fort (ages 3-5)
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Kaleidoscope Kids (ages 5-10)
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Belvidere Park Explorers (ages 6-11)
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Bowen Park Rangers (ages 5-11)
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Teen Quest (ages 12-14)
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Counselor-In-Training (ages 15-17)
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Before and After Care
Wise Kids Scholarship The Waukegan Park District has been
selected by the Sajai Foundation to receive a scholarship that will be used to
educate children in camps about how to live healthy.
School Day Off, Holiday & Spring Break Programs Ages 6-12
Take a break from school, but not from friends and fun! The day will consist of field trips, arts and crafts, games, sports, and more!
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School Days Off
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Holiday Adventures
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Spring Break Adventures
Click here for more information regarding Day Camps and After School/School's Out programs.
Family Programs
Family programs strengthen family bonds. Programs provide for “together” time, challenges, and fun to be enjoyed by all regardless of age.
Nature Programs
Connecting children with the outdoors through education and exploration develops an appreciation of nature and inspires the next generation of environmental stewards. The District’s No Child Left Inside initiative encourages youth to get outside, 
explore and be physically active.
Adult Programs
Adult programs offered by the Waukegan Park District are intended to provide leisure opportunities that encourage social interaction among adults, promote health and fitness, and offer opportunities for continued learning.
Adults Trips
The Waukegan Park District offers memorable social trips for adults, 21 years and older. These great trips provide you with experiences related to delicious food, fairs, historical tours, theater, shopping museum visits, and much more. Come with a friend or simple come to meet new people and try something new.
Click here for the Trip Hit Parade Newsletter, including rules and registration form.
Click here for the current listing of Adult Programs and Trips.
Pet Programs
With our dog training classes, dogs become a well behaved family pet, one
that is a joy to own and a pleasure to take anywhere. All teaching and training
methods are based on reward, motivation, and positive reinforcement, as well as dog and handler training needs. By using these kinds of
effective methods, training becomes fun for both dog and owner. There are number of different classes and levels to challenge dogs and handlers.
Aquatics - Click Here
- SwimSmart Lessons
- Water Aerobics
Athletic Programs & Sport Associations
- Baseball/Softball - Click Here
- Basketball - Click Here
- Football - Click Here
- Miscellaneous Athletics - Click Here
- Soccer - Click Here
- Volleyball - Click Here
- Youth Associations - Click Here
Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County - Click Here
- Special Recreation Services and Programs
Scholarship Fund
The Waukegan Park District scholarship fund provides financial assistance to low-income families to ensure youth and adults have the opportunity to take part in park district programs. For more information please call 847-360-4700 and you will be put in contact with a friendly and knowledgeable staff member who can assist you.