Welcome to Adult Variety programs! We have something for nearly every interest. Learn a new skill or make new friends within the DeKalb Park District community! We also offer Fitness Classes, Adult Athletics, Memberships, Indoor Open Walk, Open Gym, and Open Pickleball. 

Register Now! 


NIU Outdoor Adventures

Pop-Up Learn How: Cross-Country Ski

When there is enough snow, try out cross-country skiing as a fun activity for the whole family! Equipment and instruction are provided. Plan for a 90-minute workshop on a weekend afternoon or weekday early evening on a date when the snow is just right. Dates will be announced on social media or email outdooradventure@niu.edu to be added to a custom email list for this special pop-up event.

Date TBD (weather pending)
Time TBD (weather pending)
Buena Vista Golf Course, 131 Buena Vista Drive 
$18 R/ $21 NR

Learn How: Snowboard Clinics

Snowboarding can be an intimidating sport. A gentle introduction will help start building confidence. Learn the basic skills to get you started for a taste of the fun in a safe and controlled environment. These beginner lessons are offered for children ages 3+ and adults can register as well. Included in the fee is instruction and all snowboarding equipment including boots, board, and helmet. Group sizes are limited to 4 participants per session. The Sled Hill will be closed to the public during this clinic. 

Sunday, Feburary 18 (Rain date: Sunday, February 25)
11:00 am, 12:00 pm, or 1:00 pm (each 45-Minute time slots)
Hopkins Park Sled Hill, 1403 Sycamore Road 
$31 R / $37 NR per time slot

Teen/Adult S.A.M.A. Karate of DeKalb

(Ages 14+)

Learn discipline, focus, self-confidence, coordination, fitness, self-defense, and more through the study of karate. Classes are taught by Sensei Shannon Marbutt and his assistants. Belt, tests, uniforms, and other equipment are available at reasonable fees payable to the instructor. Voted "The Best" Martial Arts programs in DeKalb County's Finest, as part of the 2022 Daily Chronicle Reader's Choice Awards.

Save the date and pre-register for our FREE KARATE TRIALS on December 19, February 1, March 7, and April 18! 

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Session 1: January 9 - February 1
Session 2: February 13 - March 7
Session 3: March 19 - April 18, No Class 03/26/24 & 03/28/24

7:30- 8:30 pm
Haish Gymnasium, Large Gym 
$48 R/ $60 NR per session

NEW! Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention

(Ages 55+)

This program has been designed for people with arthritis, but is open to all. Recommended by the CDC, and supported by Arthritis Foundations throughout the world, it is safe and proven effective. Participate in this journey to better health to find relief from pain, improved balance and health, and a better quality of life. The slow movements are often described as "meditation in motion."

Wear comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle, and a willingness to improve your condition with Tom Scott, certified instructor in Dr. Pal Lams Tai Chi for Health programs!

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Fall Session: December 5-21 ( $49 R/ $61 NR for this session)


Session 1: January 9 - February 1
Session 2: February 6 - 29
Session 3: March 5 - 28

10:00 – 10:50 am

Sports & Recreation Center Studio
$65 R/ $81 NR per session

NEW! Tai Chi for Energy 

(Ages 55+)

This program is designed for active seniors and is comprised of two different Tai Chi styles. Chen style is vigorous and complex combining fast and slow movements with powerful spiral force. Sun style incorporates unique qigone life energy movements with agile stepping. These two seemingly contrasting styles have complementary internal energy.

Wear comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle, and a willingness to improve your condition with Tom Scott, certified instructor in Dr. Pal Lams Tai Chi for Health programs!

Tuesdays & Thursdays
Session 1: January 9 - February 1
Session 2: February 6 - 29
Session 3: March 5 - 28

11:00 – 11:50 am

Sports & Recreation, Studio
$65 R/ $81 NR per session

Adult Beginner Crochet

(Ages 17+)

Learn basic stitches and how to use them in this beginner class. Everyone will leave with their own project and be directed through the project by our instructor.

Fridays, January 12- February 2 
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Sports & Recreation Center, Conference Room
$39 R/ $49 NR

Adult Intermediate Crochet

(Ages 17+)

Build on basic stitches and learn several different types of crochet stitches. Bring your own pattern of a project that you want to work on and our instructor will help guide you through the steps. 

Fridays, February 16 - March 8
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Sports & Recreation Center, Art Room
$39 R/ $49 NR

Beginning Sewing

(Ages 17+)

This class is for anyone who wants to learn how to use their sewing machines or beginner sewers. Do you have an idea but need help? The instructor can demonstrate useful techniques and walk you through the process. We have lots of fabric to play with or bring your own project. Class participants must bring their own sewing machine.  

Thursday, February 8
5:00 - 6:30 pm
Sports & Recreation Center, Art Room
$10 R/ $13 NR

Private Pickleball Lessons

(Ages 16+)

Schedule either a private or semi-private lesson with Brad Benson, our certified pickleball instructor through the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR). Sessions are one hour long and prices are per person. Please contact Athletic Coordinator, Jeff Myles, at jmyles@dekalbparkdistrict.com or (779) 777-7264.

Based on Availability
TBD
Sports and Recreation Center

1 Lesson- $40

3 Lessons- $110

Pickleball Leagues

(Ages 18+)

Round robin 6-week formatted leagues with up to 16-players per league. Allocated 90 minutes to play 6 games, each with a different and against a different pair of opponents. Subs are emailed as a group on an as needed basis.

Tuesday Competitive League Schedule

Tuesday Competitive League Standings

Tuesday Competitive League

Session 1:  January 9 - February 13
Session 2: February 27 - April 2
Session 3: April 16 - May 21


Friday Competitive League

Session 1:  January 12 - February 16
Session 2: March 1 - April 5 
Session 3: April 19 - May 24

6:00-8:00 pm
Sports and Recreation Center
$40 per person per session

Thursday Night Open Pickleball Challenge

(Ages 16+) 

Pickleball is a recreation sensation sweeping the nation! Think badminton, tennis, and ping pong all wrapped up into one awesome game that is great fun, and terrific exercise. From beginners to advanced, players come join this action-packed game. Limited beginner level paddles and balls provided. 

Thursdays, January 4 - March 28
5:30-8:30 pm
Sports & Recreation Center
$5 R/ $6 NR per drop-in date