Did you know we have several eNewsletters to sign up for? Stay up-to-date with all Champaign Park District news by subscribing to more mailing lists!
Youth & Teen
All Ages
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, May 29 – July 24
Time: 2-2:30p
Fee: FREE
Ages 6-10
Kids will create fun weekly projects out of clay and learn basic ceramic handbuilding techniques including pinching, coils, and slab. They will finish their creations with brightly colored ceramic underglazes. Pieces will be ready for pick up in approximately 2 weeks. All ability and experience levels are welcome. Fee includes all clay, glazes, tools, and firing costs.
Dates:
- June 6 – July 18* | Tu | Fee (R/NR): $96/$144 | Deadline: May 30
- June 8 – July 13 | Th | Fee (R/NR):$96/$144 | Deadline: June 1
- (Pottery for Kids II*) June 7 – July 12 | W | Fee (R/NR): $96/$144 | Deadline: May 31
Time: 4-5p
Location: Springer Cultural Center
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.
- June 11 | “A Whaley Good Time” paintings | 1-3p | Deadline: June 2
- July 9 | “Flip Flop Fun!” paintings | 1-3p | Deadline: June 30
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 Farmers 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
Farmhands is a program where horsin’ around is encouraged! Kids can develop an appreciation for animals and learn about their care through hands-on activities. Wear clothes that can get dirty and tennis shoes or boots. Fee includes a t-shirt!
*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.
Ages 4-5
Geared toward pre-readers, with emphasis on animal appreciation and identification.
Date | Day | Time | Fee (R/NR)
June 5 – June 26 | Monday | 9-11a | $64/$96
July 10 – July 24 | Monday | 9-11a | $48/$72
Ages 6-7
Emphasis is placed on animal welfare with more advanced crafts and activities.
Date | Day | Time | Fee (R/NR)
June 6 – June 27 | Tuesday | 9-11a | $64/$96
July 11 – July 25 | Tuesday | 9-11a | $48/$72
Ages 8-11
Basic animal handling techniques are covered.
Date | Day | Time | Fee (R/NR)
June 7 – June 28 | Wednesday | 9-11a | $64/$96
July 5 – July 26 | Wednesday | 9-11a | $64/$96
*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.
Deadline: 1 week prior to start date
Ages 7-11 | Level: Beginner
Explore the world of comics! Comic strips, comic books, and even manga will be our creative inspiration. Students will create characters and build stories and worlds. Learn new drawing and discovery techniques to bring your stories to life and share with others.
A supply list of around $15 will print at time of registration.
There is a $25 non-refundable fee for this program.
Date: June 17 – July 29*
Day: Saturday
Time: 10:30-12p
No Class*: July 1
Fee (R/NR): $95/$142.50
Deadline: June 10
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Instructor: Kelli Roos
Questions: michelle.olden@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3909
Suggested Ages 5-18
Gain self-confidence, enhance social skills, and have a sense of accomplishment as a member of our swim team! Improve swimming skills and endurance through daily practices and weekly competitions. Swimmers must be able to swim a 25-yard free style comfortably with their face in the water. If not, we encourage children to enroll in our swim lessons or pre-swim team program. Swimmers will compete within their own age group in the East Central Illinois Swim Conference. All meets will be held on Saturdays. Swimmers must swim three meets to compete in the championship meet.
Age | Practice Dates | Times
Ages 8 & Under | May 30 – July 22*, M-F | 9-10a
Ages 9 & 10 | May 30 – July 22*, M-F | 9-10:15a
Ages 11+ | May 30 – July 22*, M-F | 7:30-9a
Fee (R/NR): $148/$198 **
Deadline: June 12
Recommended Equipment: Swim Goggles
No Program*: July 4
Location: Sholem Aquatic Center
**Fee includes t-shirt and swim cap
Ages 3-7, with parent
Join our staff to learn about the animals on the farm and how we care for them plus a themed craft activity. You will get to interact with the animals, so tennis hoes or boots are required for all classes.
Date: June 17, June 24, July 8, July 15
Day: Saturday
Time: 9-10:30a
Fee (R/NR): $18/$27 per child
Deadline: 1 week prior to start date
Ages 0–5 with parent/guardian
One of Champaign-Urbana’s “best kept secrets,” Tiny Tots Splash Time provides a wonderful opportunity for you to spend some quality water play time with your little one before the afternoon rush. Only the kiddie pool will be available for Tiny Tots. This is a paid activity and is not part of swim lessons or swim team.
Date: Daily, June 3-August 13, 2023*
Time: 8-10:45a
No Program: June 9, June 24, July 4, July 7, July 8, July 15, July 28*
Location: Sholem Aquatic Center
Fee (R/NR): $5/$7.50 per person or FREE for pool pass holders! Children ages 3 and under are free with a paying adult.
Questions: ryan.hays@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3985
Ages 6 Months – Adult
Swim lessons can save a life, build a child’s confidence, and introduce little ones to a lifelong habit of exercise. Our instructors are carefully selected and trained, and our curriculum is expertly planned by our team of experienced managers. Whether your child is fearful of the water or just wants to perfect a particular stroke, we have the right class for you!
Location: Sholem Aquatic Center
Questions: ryan.hays@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3985
Sports & Fitness
Ages 8-15
The Champaign Park District is excited to bring Women’s Basketball Leagues back to the community. Join the fun, meet new people, and stay in shape with friendly competition. Experience the great atmosphere of the Leonhard Recreation Center’s gymnasium this summer.
At the time of registration, an application and all fees are due. No registration will be accepted without full payment. Completed rosters with names, addresses, phone numbers, and signatures are due the first day of games.
Spots are limited, so secure yours today!
Date: June 20 – August 15*
Day: Tuesday
No Games*: July 4
Location: Leonhard Recreation Center
Time: 6:30-9p
Team Fee: $535
Season Length: 6 Games followed by a playoff week.
DEADLINE EXTENDED: June 6
Late Registration: A team that wishes to register after the deadline may do so, provided: The league maximum has not been exceeded, schedules have not been made, and a late fee of $25 is paid with the league fee.
Managers Meeting: June 13 at 5:30p, Leonhard Recreation Center
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.
- June 3 – July 15* | Sa | Deadline: May 31
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
Ages 15+
Power Vinyasa Yoga helps improve strength, flexibility, balance, focus, and joy. The structure of this class is designed to include all bodies and levels with many modifications and variations. Notice the differences in your mind, body, breath. Bring a mat, 1 to 2 yoga blocks, and water.
| 2022 Winter Nights at Prairie Farm Attendance | 20,000+ |
|---|---|
| 2022 Winter Nights at Prairie Farm Website Visits | 7,000+ |
| Online Fall Explore! Program Guide | 10,000+ |
| CPD Newsletter Subscribers | 1,400 |
| Social Media Audiences | Facebook: 12,600 Twitter: 6,300 Instagram: 4,300 |
No Class*: July 2
Fee (R/NR): $40/$60
Location: Martens Center
Instructor: Simone Graham-Bickham
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
Ages 15+
Tone and sculpt your whole body. Participants learn the building blocks you need to help you transform your body. This class is designed for all fitness levels.
Date: June 13 – July 13*
Day: Tuesday/Thursday
Fee (R/NR): $45/$67.50
Deadline: June 6
Questions: shannon.walter@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3988
Ages 8-15
En Garde! Looking for something more than just the same old sport camp? Add some excitement to your summer vacation with the Cavalier Fencing Camps. We have a variety of camp experiences for the beginner and the more experienced youth fencer. Fencers will spend the week playing games and learning footwork, blade technique, tactics, and the principles of competitive fencing—in short, everything you need to know about the sport! Fencers should come dressed to work hard in loose clothing (no denim jeans) and tennis shoes. All fencing equipment is provided.
CO-ED CAMPS | AGES | DATE | DAY | DEADLINE
Beg. Fencing | 8-12 | June 12-16 | M-F | June 6
Beg. Fencing | 8-12 | July 10-14 | M-F | June 27
Adv. Fencing | 11-15 | July 17-21 | M-F | July 4
Time: 8:30a-12p
Location: The Point Fencing Club & School, 401 N. Vine, Urbana
Fee (R/NR): $145/$195
Questions: justice.miller@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3984
3rd-6th graders (in Fall 2023)
Children can enhance their basketball skills and knowledge, and work on developing fundamentals of the game at our Summer Hoops Clinic. Shooting, dribbling, passing, and defensive skills are emphasized. This program uses regular hoops.
GRADE | DATE | DAY | TIME
3rd & 4th | June 17 – July 8 | Sa | 9:30-10:30a
5th & 6th | June 17 – July 8 | Sa | 10:45-11:45a
Deadline: June 12
Location: Martens Center
Fee (R/NR): $50/$75
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3973
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.
Week One Registration Deadline: June 19
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
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: June 7
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
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
- June 14 | Billy Barooz | Deadline: June 12
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
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.
- June 19
Day: Monday
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
It’s the peak of summer, so what better time to indulge in a cold, creamy treat? We will supply delicious ice cream for you to enjoy. This is the best way to stay cool this summer at Douglass Annex!
Date: June 23
Time: 1-3p
Location: Douglass Annex
Deadline: 1 week prior to program date
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4
Events & More
Subscribe to CPD Weekend Explorer to receive information on Champaign Park District special events and programs happening that upcoming weekend.
Email frequency: Once a week, every Thursday (beginning Thursday, May 25, 2023
Advertise With Us: Want to reach event lovers in the Champaign-Urbana area? Thinking about diversifying your digital marketing efforts and need a fresh new way? We have TWO advertising spots available every week in our Weekend Explorer email newsletter. Visit our sponsorship opportunities page for more information >>.
Subscribe to CPD Weekend Explorer
***If you receive “Too many subscribe attempts for this email address” error, you may need to turn off the autofill feature in your internet browser. To fix the error, turn off autofill and try again in about 5 minutes.-MailChimp Troubleshooting Information >>
If error continues, please reach out to marketing@champaignparks.org.
Get your summer started in style at Sholem Aquatic Center! Grab your swimsuits, friends and/or family and come take a dip in the pool!
Opening Day: May 27
Hours: 11:30a – 7p (pool pass holders enter at 11a)
It’s open season at Prairie Farm!
Prairie Farm is a replica turn-of-the century farm complete with barn, farmhouse, pond, pasture, & flower garden. Admission is free and the Farm is open to the general public from Memorial Day to early August and features a variety of your child’s favorite animals including cows, sheep, pigs, goats, turtles, and a beautifully established koi pond. Wandering paths and big shade trees make the farm a truly enjoyable destination all summer long.
Closed-toe shoes are a requirement when participating in programs or entering the Petting Zoo.
Date: May 29
Time: 1-7p
Location: Prairie Farm
Questions: david.galvin@champaignparks.org
This summer, gather your friends, family, and neighbors for our Hessel Park Concerts. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and refreshments.
- June 3 | 6-8p | TyJon Charlie
Date: June 3
Time: 6-8p
Location: Hessel Park
Grab some popcorn and a blanket and join us under the stars for a Thursday Night Flix every month during the summer with different and on-site food trucks to enjoy! Movies begin at dusk.
- June 8 | Wakanda Forever | Location: Mattis Park
Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States, is one event you don’t want to miss. Enjoy music and visit different vendors while learning about this important holiday. Children can make arts and crafts, play on the bounce house and obstacle course, or get soaked in the Splash Pad.
Date: June 17
Time: 12-3p
Location: Douglass Park
Join us for a Day in the Park filled with games, music, food, and more!
May 28 | Mayfair Park
June 25 | Turnberry Ridge Park
July 23 | Spalding Park
Time: 1-3p
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!
JUNE EVENTS:
- June 3: Twist & Shout, Dance & Cheer Recital 2023
- June 9 – 10: Art in Motion Dance Recital Showcase 2023
- June 16: Pat Metheny Side-Eye
- June 17: Enter the Dragon (1973)
- June 23: Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
- June 29: School of Rock (2003)
- June 30: Mama Bears (2022)
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
