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Youth & Teen
Once upon a time, the Prairie Farm animals hosted story time. Children of all ages stopped by the farm to enjoy animal stories. Some children brought blankets and picnic baskets filled with goodies. Others brought their smile, but they all lived happily ever after.
Date: Monday until July 24
Time: 2-2:30p
Location: Prairie Farm
Ages 3-5 with parent
In Science Club Jr. we explore cool science topics by reading a storybook and doing hands-on (and a tad bit messy) experimentation. Each class focuses on a different topic. This is NOT a drop-off program.
- June 27 | Exploring Water & Dissolving: The Gingerbread Man by Eric Suben | Deadline: June 20
- July 11 | Chemistry Science: Whopper Cake by Karma Wilson and Will Hillenbrand | Deadline: June 27
- July 18 | Shadow Science: What Makes a Shadow? by Clyde Robert Bulla | Deadline: July 11
- July 25 | Magnet Science: Stuck by Oliver Jeffers | Deadline: July 18
- August 1 | Water Science: Water by Frank Asch | Deadline: July 25
Day: Tuesday
Time: 1-1:30p
Fee (R/NR): $15/$22.50
Location: Martens Center
3rd-7th graders (in Fall 2023)
Science + Technology + Engineering + Art + Mathematics = Creativity! This essential component of innovation will help kids develop the critical thinking skills to think outside the box. Join us for The Art of STEAM!
- July 8 – August 5 | Lights, Cameras, Take Action! | Deadline: June 24
Day: Saturday
Time: 10-11:30a
Fee (R/NR): $75/$112.50
Location: Martens Center
Ages 5+
Join members of the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society, Inc. on select Saturdays for an evening under the stars. See the stars and planets through the largest public telescope in East Central Illinois. All skywatch sessions are cancelled in the event of cloudy weather (visit cuas.org.). No registration required.
- June 24
- July 22
Time: Sunset
Location: CUAS Observatory, 926 County Road 700E, Champaign
Questions: sean.hurst@champaignparks.com or 217-819-3901
1st-3rd Grade
Do you enjoy creating, building, and imagining with LEGO? Join us at the brand new Martens Center for our Monthly Lego Club! Learn engineering and design skills through guided hands-on exploration. Create animals, buildings, simple machines, transportation, and build your own LEGO creations.
Date: June 28, July 26, August 23
Day: Wednesday
Deadline: June 26
Time: 4:30-5:30p
Location: Martens Center
Fee (R/NR): $30/$45
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3973
Ages 7+, Adult & Child must both register
Bring out your creativity at the Martens Center, with the ladies from Unveiled Creations for Grown Up and Me Paint. They will guide you to create beautiful canvas creations to take home. Each parent and child participant will create a canvas that will combine to make a larger picture.
- July 9 | “Flip Flop Fun!” paintings | 1-3p | Deadline: June 30
- August 6 | “By the Light of the Moon” paintings | 1-3p | Deadline: July 28
Day: Sunday
Fee: $60/$90
Location: Martens Center
Instructor: Kim Burcham and Keri Tavenner
Questions: lynne.franco@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3971
Ages 2-4, with parent
Hay, hay, hay! Here’s a fun class for little ones to enjoy with their parents! Pee Wee Farmer sessions include plenty of contact with the animals, arts & crafts, games, and songs. Wear tennis shoes or boots to all classes. NO sandals, please. T-shirt included in fee!
*Refunds will not be given due to inclement weather cancellations unless more than on of the classes in a session are canceled. If more than one class is canceled, we will offer a prorated refund as a household credit.
Dates:
- June 2 – June 23 | Friday
- June 8 – June 29 | Thursday
- July 7 – July 28 | Friday
Fee (R/NR): $44/$66
Deadline: 1 week prior to start date
1st – 3rd Graders (in Fall 2023)
Find your inner Mad Scientist as we have fun with different science topics!
- July 11 – 25 | Playing with Colors | Deadline: July 4
- August 1 – 15 | Inspirations from the Past | Deadline: July 25
Day: Tuesday
Time: 2-3p
Fee (R/NR): $45/$67.50
Location: Martens Center
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
3rd-7th graders (in Fall 2023)
Come celebrate National Urban Beekeeping Day with us! Learn all about the relationship between beekeepers and honey bees and their vital role in our community. Children will be doing hands-on activities to explore the world of honey bees and why beekeepers are their best friends.
Date: July 19
Day: Wednesday
Time: 1-3p
Deadline: July 12
Fee (R/NR): $26/$39
Location: Martens Center
Sports & Fitness
Ages 15+
Join us for Hatha Yoga! Improve and enhance your body’s strength, flexibility, and balance as we focus on the whole body. This gentle class will also help relieve stress and tension as we learn yoga postures, meditation, and breathing exercises.
Date: June 27 – August 15*
Day: Tuesday
Fee (R/NR): $36/$54
Deadline: June 20
Session 4
Date: June 29 – August 17*
Day: Tuesday
Fee (R/NR): $42/$63
Deadline: June 22
No Class*: July 4, July 18, July 20
Time: 5:30-6:15p
Location: Leonhard Recreation Center
Instructor: Pat Casey
Questions: shannon.walter@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3988
Ages 3-6
Calling all preschoolers – this is your chance to be a big star! Mini Dribblers is designed to practice basic dribbling, passing, and shooting skills. We’ll use 8′ hoops, just the right size to build skills. Players will be grouped with those of similar ability.
DATE | DAY | TIME | DEADLINE
July 13 – August 3 | Th | 6-6:45p | Deadline: June 26
Fee (R/NR): $54/$81, includes t-shirt
Late Registration: If there are still openings in the program, a $10 fee will be assessed. T-shirt not guaranteed with late registration.
Location: Leonhard Recreation Center
Questions: brittany.delmar@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3983
Ages 15+
Beginners and active seniors; enjoy fun music, easy-to-follow moves, and a friendly atmosphere in a class that improves flexibility, joint stability, balance, coordination, muscular strength, and endurance. In Forever Fit, we combine light cardio (to strengthen heart and lungs) with strength training to make this a workout you’ll look forward to.
Session 2
Date: July 5 – August 16
Day: Monday/Wednesday
Fee (R/NR): $65/$97.50
Deadline: June 28
Time: 8:30-9:15a
Location: Leonhard Recreation Center
Instructor: Jo Rodriguez
Questions:shannon.walter@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3988
Ages 3-6
Bitty Ballers Clinic is designed to help children learn basic dribbling, passing, and shooting skills using our mini basketball hoops and lowered rims.
DATE | DAY | TIME | DEADLINE
July 15 – August 5 | Sa | 9:30-10:15a | July 1
Fee (R/NR): $50/$75
Location: Martens Center
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks@org or 217-819-3973
K-8th graders ( VOLUNTEER COACHES NEEDED! )
Learn hard work, teamwork, and social skills while having a great time! The leagues focus on fun, sportsmanship, fundamental instruction, and opportunity. All players will receive approximately equal playing time, minimum 50% playing time. Each league uses soccer balls, goals, and fields proportional to their age as recommended by the U.S. Youth Soccer. All teams will play six officiated games on Saturdays or on weeknights (depending on the league). Older ages (3rd grade+) will also play in an end of season tournament.
TIMELINE:
- Last day to register – July 2
- Coaches Contact – Week of July 17
- Coaches Meeting – July 13 at 6p at Leonhard Recreation Center
- Practices Begin – Week of July 24
- Games Begin – August 5
| Ages | Session | Date | Day | Time | Fee (R/NR) | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-11 | I | September 13 - October 18 | Wednesday | 5-5:45p | $74/$111 | September 8 |
| 7-11 | II | October 25 - November 29 | Wednesday | 5-5:45p | $74/$111 | October 20 |
| 7-11 | III | December 6 - January 10 | Wednesday | 5-5:45p | $74/$111 | December 1 |
| 12-18 | I | September 13 - October 18 | Wednesday | 6-6:45p | $74/$111 | September 8 |
| 12-18 | II | October 25 - November 29 | Wednesday | 6-6:45p | $74/$111 | October 20 |
| 12-18 | III | December 6 - January 10 | Wednesday | 6-6:45p | $74/$111 | December 1 |
| 18+ | I | September 13 - October 18 | Wednesday | 7-8p | $74/$111 | September 8 |
| 18+ | II | October 25 - November 29 | Wednesday | 6-6:45p | $74/$111 | October 20 |
| 18+ | III | December 6 - January 10 | Wednesday | 6-6:45p | $74/$111 | December 1 |
*NOTE: More players may be allowed, depending on coaching availability. Team size varies depending on enrollment & number of coaches
Registration Deadline: July 2
Questions: brittany.delmar@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3983
Ages 3-14
Challenger British Soccer Camps provide young players of all abilities with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international experts right in the heart of their own community. Campers will be exposed to individual foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games, and scrimmages. Soccer skills are coached within a framework of character development based on respect, responsibility, integrity, leadership and sportsmanship. We offer a cultural education too! Our ever-popular Camp World Cup Tournament allows us to introduce players to the geography, traditions, and culture of other great soccer-playing countries.
Each child will receive a free t-shirt, soccer ball, giant fold-out poster, and a personal player evaluation. Supplies: Campers should bring plenty of water each day. Full-day campers should also bring a packed lunch with a beverage and snacks each day. All campers should arrive at camp with sunscreen already applied, as well as with additional sunscreen to apply as needed (we recommend an SPF of at least 30).
- Tiny Tykes (ages 3-5) is a fun introduction to the very basic elements of the game. Small coaching groups, lots of running, kicking, laughing, and new friends.
- Half-Day Recreational (ages 6-11) develops individual foot skills, technical practices, tactical progressions and small sided games.
- Half-Day Competitive (ages 8-14) is for the more advanced player. These sessions offer some of the same skill building as the Half-Day Recreational with a much stronger emphasis on competition and advanced play.
- Full-Day sessions (ages 10-14) are for the senior player and include a high level of individual skill building, tactical instruction, and an emphasis on highly competitive game-related activities.
Attire: Summer active wear, shin guards, and athletic shoes or soccer cleats. Partial rebates are available for families willing to host the British coaches.
HOST A COACH:
For the full experience and a chance to add an international flair to your summer, host a Challenger coach for the week and get a taste of England. Host families also receive a partial rebate.
WEEK TWO: JULY 17-21
Registration Deadline: July 17
Free Challenger Soccer Jersey: Register online at challengersports.com before June 17, 2023 and receive a free Challenger soccer jersey.
CAMP | AGES | DAY | TIME | FEE BEFORE MAY 20 | FEE AS OF MAY 20
Tiny Tykes | 3-5 | M-F | 8-8:45a | $112 | $132
Half Day Rec. | 6-11 | M-F | 9a-12p | $153 | $183
Half Day Comp. | 11-14 | M-F | 1-4p | $153 | $183
Full Day | 10-14 | M-F | 9a-4p | $228 | $268
Location: Dodds Soccer Complex (both weeks)
All registration online through Challenger Sports.
Questions: brittany.delmar@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3983
Ages 18+
A dance party for beginners and seniors, Zumba Gold offers fun and easy moves to Latin and other international rhythms at a slightly slower pace than traditional Zumba.
- July 22 – August 26 | Sa | Deadline: July 18
No Class*: July 1
Time: 9-9:45a
Fee (R/NR): $50/$75
Location: Martens Center
Instructor: Rena Leake
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
50 Plus!
Join our 50 Plus! program to socialize, adventure, and learn! Individuals aged 50+ living in Champaign-Urbana join for an annual fee of $30. Those outside of Champaign-Urbana pay $40. Non-members are always welcome to participate at the non-member (NM) fee, varies per program.
BENEFITS
-
Discounted rates on many programs at both Hays Recreation Center and Douglass Annex.
- Members get advanced early registration for the yearly senior trip.
- Free admission to several annual events plus these programs: Games, Fitness, Brown Bag Lunch Discussions, Socials, Picnics, and more.
FREEBIES FOR ALL
- Fresh coffee weekday mornings.
- Table area to play cards/gather (based on availability).
BECOME A MEMBER
It’s easy to become a member! Register at any Champaign Park District facility, and you’ll be entered into our system to automatically receive member discounts on programming. Membership is nontransferable.
- M = Member
- NM = Non-member
Is quilting your hobby? Stop by and join our quilting club. This club has a great group of participants that creates different quilting designs together.
Date: Year Round
Day: Tu/W
Time: 10a – 12:30p
Location: Douglass Annex
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Men’s Club is a great way to come together to have fun, learn new things, and share experiences. Men’s Club will meet the first Wednesday of each month.
Date: July 5, August 2
Day: Wednesday
Time: 10:30-11:30a
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4
Location: Hays Recreation Center
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
Join us for some DIY crafts and coffee. Enjoy making things such as motivational cards for individuals in nursing homes, bookmarks for children, and homeless mats for those less fortunate. We will provide ideas, supplies, and coffee – you just bring your creativity!
HAYS RECREATION CENTER
Date: 7/11, 7/25
Day: Tuesday
Time: 10a-12p
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
Sign up in the Senior Binder at Hays Recreation Center or call 217-239-1152
DOUGLASS ANNEX
Date: 7/6, 7/20
Day: Wednesday
Time: 1-2:30p
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Sign up at Douglass Annex
Fee (/NM): Free/$4 per session
It’s time for summer fun on the run! Van space is limited, so hurry and register for these members-only trips!
- June 28 | Bloomington, Illinois
- Tentatively planned
- Deadline: June 21
- Time: 9a-3p
- Fee (Members Only): $30
- Tentatively planned
- July 26 | Peoria, Illinois
- Tentatively planned
- Deadline: July 19
- Time: 9a-3p
- Fee (Members Only): $30
- Tentatively planned
Enjoy a delectable, leisurely lunch with friends. Pass around pictures of grandkids or share a funny story. There’s nothing like bonding over a meal! Meet us at the restaurant.
Date | Location | Deadline
- July 12 | Jupiters at the Crossing | Deadline: July 10
Day: Wednesday
Time: 11a
Fee: Cost of your meal
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
Sign up in the Senior Binder at Hays Recreation Center or call 217-239-1152
Whether you would like to learn about email or even troubleshoot some sort of tech, this class is perfect for you. In Tech Talk, you will have the chance to learn about computer basics, how to use your mobile device, apps, the internet, and much more.
Date: July 11
Day: Thursday
Time: 1-2:30p
Location: Douglass Annex
Deadline: Call and register for specific dates
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
TGIF! End your week with fun people and a game of BINGO. Prepare to have a great time! Champaign Park District will provide the prizes.
Deadline: Must register weekly by 7 days prior to the program date
HAYS RECREATION CENTER
Date: 7/7, 7/21
Day: Friday
Time: 10-11a
Min/Max: 6/30
Fee (M/NM): Free/ $4 per session
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
Sign up in the Senior Binder at Hays Recreation Center or call 217-239-1152
DOUGLASS ANNEX
Date: 6/30, 7/28
Day: Friday
Time: 12-2p
Min/Max: 6/10
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Fee (M/NM): Free/$3 per session
Sign up at Douglass Annex
We cover it all, from your favorite classics to new premier movies at our Movie Mondays. Come view a different movie every Monday and we will provide the popcorn and beverages.
Date: Monday, July 17
Time: 12p
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
Location: Douglass Annex
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Douglass Annex
512 E. Grove St
Champaign, IL 61820
Robert White
robert.white@champaignparks.org
Hays Recreation Center
1311 W. Church Street
Champaign, IL 61821
Jean Cousett
veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
Events & More
We are honored to be nominated for 11 News-Gazette People’s Choice Awards >> this year! Voting is open until July 7, 2023. Click below to view all the categories we’re nominated for and make sure to vote!
This summer, gather your friends, family, and neighbors for our Jazz in the Park Summer Concerts. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and refreshments.
- June 22 | Chip McNeil Quartet
- Location: Porter Park
- July 20 | Leon Lewis Nicol Trio
- Location: Kaufman Lake
Time: 6-8p
Movie Nights are open to season pool pass holders only – so don’t miss out on the fun – get your pass today!
Date | Movie
June 24 | Luca
July 15 | Hook
Time: 8-10p
Questions: ryan.hays@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3985
This summer, gather your friends, family, and neighbors for our Hessel Park Concerts. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and refreshments.
Date: July 1
Time: 6-8p
Band: Samba Soul
Location: Hessel Park
Grab some popcorn and a blanket and join us under the stars for a Thursday night flick every month during the summer with different and on-site food trucks to enjoy! Movies begin at dusk.
- July 6 | Movie: Encanto
- Location: Clark Park
Enjoy family fun and sensory friendly swimming at Sholem Aquatic Center! Sholem has various special sensory considerations and a water wheelchair. Please bring extra money for concessions.
GOALS: Learn new skills, increase peer interaction, socialization, motor functioning and development.
Date: July 7, July 28
Location: Sholem Aquatic Center
Fee (R/NR): $6/$9 Sholem Entry Fee – pay at door
Catch a movie or a performance at the historic Virginia Theatre! Make sure to follow the Virginia Theatre’s Facebook and Instagram to know when a new show has been added, when a movie is showing or to enter a ticket giveaway!
JULY EVENTS:
- July 12: Mulholland Drive (2001)
- July 13: Three Dog Night
- July 15: I Love Lucy: The Movie (1953)
- July 27: Ann Wilson of Heart & Tripsetter
Click below to explore events and purchase tickets!
Because some residents are unable to participate in recreation programs due to economic hardship, the Champaign Park District offers scholarships to reduce certain fees and charges. We now offer both scholarship and registration forms in Spanish! Fill out the form and submit the completed packet in one of the three ways listed on the form.
Questions: Please call 217-398-2550
