Local Activities

Christopher Laughlin’s dream of creating a premier music school became reality in 1996 when he opened the doors to the Christopher Laughlin School of Music. Located in Glenview, IL, the school began as the Christopher Laughlin Classical Guitar Studio in a single room. With years of success as a performing classical guitarist, having toured across North America and in 25 nations on five continents, Christopher Laughlin was already an in-demand guitar teacher. With the founding of the school, he could consolidate most of his teaching into one location. As the school grew, Christopher added more teachers, more lesson programs, and more space. His vision of creating a premier music school came to fruition and today the Christopher Laughlin School of Music is still going strong. With a wide range of lessons and programs for all ages and skill levels, the school strives to be a leader in music education.

The Friendship Circle goes beyond providing a service and becomes an extended family for those involved. Not only do the children benefit from the relationships they build with the volunteers, but the teenagers also grow from the experience. They learn to appreciate life's challenges, how to accept and appreciate those who are different, and how to approach life with a positive attitude. Through this organization, both the children and their families are able to find understanding, acceptance, and joy.

At Glenbrook Racquet Club, we want to give you the best of everything. Our membership gets you instant access to our club's luxurious amenities, experienced instructors and a variety of tennis classes you won't find anywhere else. With options for beginners, intermediate, advanced and Xtreme players, we have something for everyone. We'll help you reach whatever goals you have, whether you're just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro. Our commitment to providing a top-notch club experience doesn’t just stop with our members. We also extend our services to our guests, offering the same great amenities and programs. Glenbrook Racquet Club is the perfect place to up your game, no matter your skill level.

Welcome to Hi-Five Sports, a staple of the North Shore of Chicago since 1990! Each season, we offer multiple programs at various locations that emphasize the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and, of course, FUN. Our outdoor summer sports camp has been a hit with kids for the past three decades. And, for all the birthday party-goers out there, we've recently opened the Hi-Five Sports Zone in Northbrook Court. Hi-Five Sports encourages kids of all ages to stay active and develop healthy habits. Our programs are designed to promote a healthy lifestyle while still having a blast. Whether it's our outdoor summer camp, our various sports leagues, or our Hi-Five Sports Zone, we have something for everyone to enjoy. At Hi-Five Sports, we believe that sports should be fun for all ages. That's why we strive to create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere where kids can learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. With thirty years of experience under our belt, Hi-Five Sports is the perfect place to get your kids out of the house and into the game.

At Northbrook Community Synagogue, we are committed to the emotional, physical, and spiritual health and comfort of our entire community. We strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment for all Jews regardless of affiliation, commitment, or background. Our synagogue is dedicated to our youth and teen programming, as well as providing education for all ages, and we value enriching the lives of the elderly, home-bound, and those with physical and developmental challenges. We also proudly stand with Israel and make it a priority to support the Jewish state.

Our Arlington Heights and Libertyville centers have veteran and former first responder teams that can provide your family with unique and educational activities that will help your kids stay active while they learn and grow. From exciting fitness classes to private team-building events, Hot Ground Gym® has something for everyone. Our experienced and knowledgeable teams in Arlington Heights and Libertyville have the skills and experience to provide your kids with a “one of a kind” experience that will help them stay active, learn, and grow. So, if you’re looking for something special for your kids, look no further than Hot Ground Gym®.

At Decoma Day Camp, every child is special to us and we pride ourselves on getting to know them as individuals. Our commitment to your children's safety and happiness has been a part of our camp since it first opened its doors back in 1949. Throughout the years, Decoma Day Camp has grown and flourished, and the Deutsch Family continues to provide campers with fun-filled summer vacations and lasting friendships. Our programs offer a variety of activities, from sports and swimming to arts and crafts, ensuring that your children have a summer full of fun and adventure. Decoma Day Camp has been a part of the community for over 70 years and we are proud to say that our campers and families have become part of the extended Decoma Day Camp family. We look forward to welcoming your children this summer and helping them create memories that will last a lifetime.

We create an environment that's fun and safe, while giving your child the opportunity to build physical and cognitive skills. As parents, we all want to give our children the best start in life. We invest in educational materials, parenting courses, and more. But there is a lot to consider and it can be overwhelming. The key to your child’s cognitive growth is found in two essential elements: a safe environment and learning through guided play. It is through these activities that children develop the skills and courage to take on new challenges. At Goldfish Swim School, we understand this concept and have developed our swimming lessons with this philosophy in mind. Our approach is based on the understanding that kids learn best when they are having fun. We create an environment that is both rewarding and safe, while also providing children with the opportunity to grow both physically and cognitively. This way, we can help your child unlock their potential and get the best start in life.

Fit 4 Kids™ was created to address this issue and get the kids of today off the couch and into physical activity. For over 15 years, Fit 4 Kids™ has been dedicated to providing quality physical activity and sports programs for kids of all ages. From our Fit 4 Kids™ program, designed to get kids ages 4-14 moving and active, to our Elite program for kids ages 10-18, Fit 4 Kids™ is committed to getting kids off the couch and into physical activity. Our programs are designed to accommodate all levels of skill and experience, from beginners to advanced athletes, and are focused on the overall development and well-being of each child. At Fit 4 Kids™, we believe that physical activity and sports are an essential part of a child’s development. We strive to provide a safe and fun environment for kids to learn, grow, and become more physically active. Our programs are designed to get kids off the couch and into physical activity, while also teaching them the importance of exercise, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We focus on the overall development and well-being of each child, and strive to give them the tools they need to lead healthy and active lives.

At our Northbrook location, our instructors are dedicated to helping you achieve these goals. At our martial arts school in Northbrook, we believe that physical fitness and character development go hand in hand. We strive to foster a sense of self-esteem and resilience in our students, enabling them to become respectful and competent citizens of our global society. Through our program, we aim to strengthen focus and self-confidence so our students can reach their full potential.

Noggin Builders, founded in August 2013, is the perfect place to do just that! Their unique and fun activities for kids ages 2 to 14 help them build the skills they need to succeed in the future. STEM, an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math, is the focus of their activities. Through the hands-on activities, kids learn important skills like creative problem solving, collaboration, communication, flexibility, and perseverance. It's never too early to start preparing our kids for the unknown challenges that await them. Noggin Builders offers an amazing opportunity for kids of all ages to build the skills they need for success. With their unique approach to STEM, our children can become the future leaders of the world.

We are proud to offer family-friendly programs and tools that promote health and wellness, foster connection and build confidence. Our programs cover topics such as nutrition, physical fitness, mindfulness, stress management and more. We believe that the more connected and engaged we are in our community, the better off we will be. At the YMCA, we strive to make a positive impact in Northbrook and the surrounding areas. We offer programs and tools that help individuals become healthier, more connected and confident. Our goal is to invest in our community and each other so that lasting personal and social change can occur. We understand that everyone needs access to quality resources, so we make sure to be inclusive and welcoming for all members of our community. Our programs are tailored to families, and cover a variety of topics that promote health and wellness, connection and confidence. We are committed to making a difference in Northbrook and beyond. By working together, we can create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the programs and tools the YMCA has to offer.

At the Northbrook Park District, our mission is to enrich the lives of our community members by providing exceptional services, parks, and facilities. We are dedicated to environmental, social, and financial stewardship and proudly partner with the community to create meaningful experiences through our programs, parks, and facilities. Our district encompasses Northfield and Wheeling Townships and is surrounded by beautiful nature. We are bordered by Deerfield and Highland Park in the north, Glenview in the south, Glencoe and Northfield in the east, and Wheeling in the west. We are also proud to have hundreds of acres of Cook County Forest Preserves surrounding our district.

At Gymboree Play & Music, we understand that play is essential to your child’s development. That’s why we’ve developed classes that are designed to nurture the physical, cognitive, and social development of your little one. Our unique, play-based learning activities challenge your child in a safe and supportive environment. Our teachers are there to guide you and your child as you spend quality time together, and our custom curriculum is built upon the latest early education research and is designed to grow with your child from birth to kindergarten.

If you’re looking for an ideal place to take your family for a fun day of sports and recreation, the North Shore SportsCenter is the perfect destination. Formerly known as the Athletico Center, this premier facility is located on Chicago’s North Shore and is the sister facility to the Berto Center in Northbrook. Whether you’re looking for a place to host a party or corporate or community event, the North Shore SportsCenter is the ideal spot. For those looking to enhance their athletic training, the North Shore SportsCenter is the perfect place. With its long history of providing an enjoyable and safe environment for families to enjoy sports and recreation, the North Shore SportsCenter is a great choice. Plus, it is the sister facility to the Berto Center in Northbrook, so you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality of service. Whether you’re looking to host an event or just have a fun day of sports and recreation, the North Shore SportsCenter has you covered.

For over fifty years, North Shore Racquet Club has been providing quality tennis and basketball programs to the Midwest region. Established in 1961, NSRC has become renowned as the oldest and longest running indoor tennis facility in the area. The club offers a range of activities, including championship tennis teams, adult and junior tennis development programs, junior basketball, fitness, and a variety of other programs. At North Shore Racquet Club, the “Karzen Way” focuses on providing students with an enthusiastic and positive environment for learning and having fun. The club was founded by Jerry Karzen and John Karzen, who put a strong emphasis on encouraging students to reach their potential while having fun doing it. NSRC offers a wide range of activities and programs designed to help students of all ages and abilities develop their skills and improve their game. North Shore Racquet Club has been providing quality programs to the Midwest region for over fifty years. The club is dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities learn, improve, and have fun in an enthusiastic and positive environment. From championship tennis teams to junior basketball and fitness programs, NSRC has something for everyone. The “Karzen Way” is to provide an invigorating and enjoyable experience for students to learn, improve, and play.

Northbrook Racquet Club gives players of all ages an opportunity to learn and grow in a fun and relaxed environment. Our experienced tennis professionals provide instruction for players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced levels. We also offer competitive leagues for men and women, as well as house leagues for players to meet and play with others. Our senior players ages 55 and over are always welcome to join in on the fun. No matter your age or experience, Northbrook Racquet Club is the perfect place to get your game on.

Anderson Musik is located in the Northbrook/Deerfield area and has 6 degreed and experienced music instructors on staff. We are proud to have been in business in the same location for over 30 years. We are passionate about helping our students learn and grow. We look forward to you joining our community and discovering the joy and beauty of music.

Ready to get in the spotlight? Bach to Rock Northbrook is here to help you get your music career off the ground! From private lessons to band programs, we have something for everyone. Our students learn the fundamentals of music, play the songs they love, and make friends with their peers. We offer fun and social opportunities to make music, such as live performances and competitions. Plus, we have cutting-edge facilities for those interested in music production and DJing. No matter your age or skill level, Bach to Rock Northbrook has something for you!

At Harmonious Horizons, we understand how important music is in the development of children. Our more than 20 classes held in 8 different locations throughout the North Shore of Chicago are staffed by highly trained and experienced teachers. Our classes provide an opportunity for children to explore and express their musicality in a fun, playful, and supportive environment. Our mission is to make the world a better place by helping children develop their musicality and involving the adults who love them in this magical process. We believe that music is a powerful tool that can help children reach their full potential, and our goal is to provide high-quality music and movement experiences to children everywhere.

Camp Gan Israel of Chicago offers a unique camping experience for children from diverse Jewish backgrounds and affiliations. From the exciting activities and stimulating environment, CGIOFCHI promises to provide an enriching experience that will leave your child with lasting memories. CGIOFCHI is proud to be part of the largest and fastest growing network of day camps in the world. With innovative ideas and creative activities, CGIOFCHI encourages children to have fun, learn, and try new and exciting things! CGIOFCHI is a pioneer in Jewish camping, with a commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children of all ages. Parents can rest assured that their children are in good hands with experienced and qualified counselors to ensure an unforgettable summer. CGIOFCHI offers a wide variety of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and so much more, all designed to help children grow and develop in a positive way.

On June 29, 1927, the Northbrook Park District was formed with Commissioners Clarence Bartelme, Wallace Clore, J.W. Cooksey, E.D. Landwehr and Herman Meier, President. The first order of business was to appropriate an $1,800 budget for fiscal year 1927. In 1994, the District became the first park district in the United States to be accredited by the National Park and Recreation Association (NPRA) for its management, programming and operational proficiency. Then in 1996, the District received the National Gold Medal Award from NPRA for excellence in park and recreation management. The District provides a full range of indoor and outdoor activities and special events. Major recreation programs include fitness, summer camps, ice skating, performing arts, athletics, preschool and aquatics.