Upcoming Events
Time with family is important, so the DeKalb Park District loves to create opportunities to spend more quality time together! Check out our year-round family-friendly programs below.
Browse our web calendar for seasonal family-oriented special events like Polar Palooza, Daddy Daughter & Heroes Dance, Concerts & Movies in the Park, Mom/Son Night Out, and more!
We have a variety of programs! Check out some of the categories below:
By signing up for programs early, you're not just securing your spot, you're also playing a crucial role in preventing cancellations and ensuring that our programs meet their minimum participant requirements. So, why not take the lead and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to join you or spread the word in our community?
Family Skate Day at Fargo
Ages 3+
Sunday, March 1 • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Fargo Skateboarding, 641 E. Lincoln Hwy. DeKalb, IL
Bring the whole family out to discover skateboarding together! Come try Skateboarding at Fargo in this beginner-friendly event designed for all ages! Designed for families who want to learn something new in a supportive and fun environment.
Start with a structured skate class where instructors will walk you through the very basics, how to stand on a board, how to balance, and how to safely push. After the class, families will have the chance to practice together inside the skatepark, with instructors nearby to offer tips, answer questions, and help guide you through your first tricks. All ages are welcome, and no prior experience is needed.
Families can bring their own helmets, safety gear, and skateboards, but equipment is available to borrow if needed. Up to four people can join in as a family group, making it a perfect way to try something active and adventurous together!
Family of 4 - Resident: $25.00 | $31.00
Additional Family Member - Resident: $5 | Non-resident: $6
Register Below:
| Family of 4 Registration | Register Here |
| Additional Family Member | Register Here |
Puzzle Palooza Competition & Puzzle Swap
Ages 6+
Sundays • 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Sports and Recreation Center, East Gym
Teams of 2-4 individuals will race against other teams to finish the same 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. The team who is closest to finishing at the end of two hours wins!
The 1st and 2nd place teams will receive a winning certificate and prize. Stick around after the competition for our puzzle swap.
Puzzle Swap: Bring your own old puzzle(s) that are ready to be rehomed (please make sure all the pieces are present) and leave with a new-to-you puzzle.
Please choose one person to register for the competition and enter your team’s name and number of players in the special box at registration.
Only two people on your team can be 16+.
Resident: $45.00 | Non-resident: $56.00

Register Below:
| March 29 | Register Here |
Guided Forest Therapy Walk
Ages 16+
Thursday, April 30 • Multiple Time Slots Available
Lions Park Shelter
Find peace in nature with a guided forest therapy walk that will let you experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of shinrin-yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Awaken your senses and reconnect with nature during these mindful walks with a certified forest therapy guide. On these short, gentle walks, you will experience a series of guided invitations to open the senses, cultivate presence, and invite healing interactions between people and the natural world.
Resident: $22 | Non-resident: $28
Register Below:
| 9:00 - 10:30 AM | Register Here |
| 5:30 - 7:00 PM | Register Here |
Family Street Smart
Ages 5+
Saturdays • 10:00 AM - Noon
Sports and Recreation Center, West Gym
This class is designed to empower children and parents, strengthen children's personal boundaries and boost parental confidence. Learn how to replace fear with knowledge, skill, and power, by enhancing a child's critical thinking abilities and physical resistance skills. This program provides the opportunity to recognize, avoid, resist, and if necessary escape violence or harm while remaining joyful and safer.
Resident: $14 | Non-resident: $18
Register Below:
| March 14 | Register Here |
CPR/AED/First Aid for the Workplace
Ages 14+
Wednesday, February 18 • 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Sports and Recreation Center, Conference Room
Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide basic care for breathing emergencies, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use an automated external defibrillator (AED) on victims of sudden cardiac arrest and basic first aid. Participants that pass the course will receive a two year certification with the American Red Cross. There is a 2 hour online component of this class that will be emailed to you that you must complete before attending the in-person class.
Resident: $58 | Non-resident: $78

Register Below:
| Wednesday, February 18 | Register Here |
Hooked on Crochet
Ages 8+
Wednesdays • 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Sports and Recreation Center, Conference Room
Get together with a crochet guild to learn this hobby. You will be given a starter kit that you can take home with you to continue your projects. This class will guide you on how to start projects and teach different techniques. Ages 15 and under must have an adult present. If you have your own supplies, skip the starter kit and register at a discounted rate in person.
Resident: $28 | Non-resident: $35
Register Below:
| February 25 | Register Here |
| March 25 | Register Here |
| April 29 | Register Here |
Sew it Begins
Ages 13+
Tuesdays • 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Sports and Recreation Center, Conference Room
New to sewing or need a refresher? This class is perfect for anyone looking to learn the basics of using a sewing machine and starting simple projects. Whether you have a project in mind or just want to explore, our instructor will demonstrate essential techniques and guide you step-by-step. Bring your own sewing machine and get ready to stitch! Fabric is provided for practice, or feel free to bring your own materials and ideas to work on.
Resident: $64 | Non-resident: $78
Register Below:
|
February 3 - February 24 |
Register Here |
| April 7 - April 28 | Register Here |
Everyday Sewing
Ages 13+
Saturdays • 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Sports and Recreation Center, Conference Room
Resident: $21 | Non-resident: $26
Learn the practical skills that make a big difference! In this hands-on class, you'll master everyday sewing techniques like patching holes, reattaching buttons, and giving well-loved stuffed animals a second life. Have a favorite item of clothing that needs mending? Bring it with you! We'll guide you through the repair process step-by-step, and you'll leave with both new skills and your finished project in hand. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to gain confidence in basic sewing repairs.
Register Below:
| March 21 | Register Here |
Beginner Photography Class: Capturing the Basics
Ages 12+
Sunday, April 12 • 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Hopkins Community Center, Lower Level
Discover the art of photography in this new class designed for aspiring photographers with little to no experience. This course covers the essential skills and techniques, programs used in post-production, and will finish with a guided walk and hands-on-practice. Bring your camera, a notebook and pen and dress appropriately for weather conditions. Pre-registration is required. Program will be cancelled if minimums are not met.
Resident: $46 | Non-resident: $56
Register Below:
| April 12 | Register Here |
The Play that Goes Wrong
Ages 8+
Thursday, March 5 • 10:45 AM - 5:30 PM
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Arlington Heights, IL
Embark on a trip to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre to see "The Play that Goes Wrong". Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, The Play That Goes Wrong is an Olivier-Award winning gut-busting global sensation that is guaranteed to leave you aching from laughter. In this show, a bungling troupe of thespians attempt to stage a 1920’s WHODUNIT murder mystery. Instead, these accident-prone actors trip over everything, including their lines, and things quickly go from bad to absolutely disastrous. Will these avocational actors even make it to the final curtain? Before the show, enjoy lunch at Armand's Pizzeria. Trip includes transportation, lunch, and show ticket. Please register by February 18.
Resident: $95.00 | Non-resident: $119.00
Register Below:
| March 5 | Register Here |
Mystery Lunch Trip
Ages 8+
Tuesday, March 17 • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Mystery Location! (Located one hour within DeKalb, IL)
Join us for a day of adventure and surprise! Our destination remains a secret until we arrive, but you can count on a fun-filled outing with exciting activities, great company, and a delicious lunch included in the trip.
Mystery Trip location is within 1-hour of DeKalb. Price of trip includes lunch (up to $20 value).
For this trip, we will depart from the Sports & Recreation Center at 11:00am and will return by 4:00pm. An itinerary will be emailed to you the week before the trip. Participants under the age of 17 must attend with a guardian.
Resident: $40.00 | Non-resident: $50.00
Register Below:
| March 17 | Register Here |
Hard Rock Casino
Ages 21+
Friday, March 20 • 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Hard Rock Casino, Rockford, IL
Hit the road with the DeKalb Park District for an exciting day of gaming, entertainment, and fun at the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford! There are four delicious dining options available for you to choose from for lunch. Try your luck at slot machines, table games, or just soak in the lively atmosphere.
Trip includes transportation, a $10 free play pass and free time at the casino.
What to Bring: Valid ID, spending money, and comfortable shoes for walking.
We will depart as a group from the Sports & Recreation Center at 9:30 am and will return to DeKalb by 4:00 pm. Only adults 21+ are permitted on this trip.
Resident: $35.00 | Non-resident: $44.00
Register Below:
| March 20 | Register Here |
Elmhurst Art Museum & Lunch
Ages 5+
Wednesday, April 22 • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst, IL
Join us for a day of art, culture, and good company! We’ll travel to the Elmhurst Art Museum, home to rotating contemporary art exhibits and the iconic McCormick House designed by Mies van der Rohe. Enjoy a guided tour highlighting the museum’s unique architecture and current exhibitions. Beforehand, we’ll head to Modern Plate, a local restaurant for a relaxing group lunch. Trip includes transportation, lunch, and museum ticket. Please register by April 20.
Resident: $65.00 | Non-resident: $81.00
Register Below:
| April 22 | Register Here |
