Activites, Camps and After School Classes in Chicago, IL

This class is for Youth age 12-17 years old. ABOUT: This class covers the basics of making cups and bowls on the pottery wheel, pulling handles, trimming, and glazing pieces. Students will finish 4-6 projects. - This class includes unlimited clay the duration of the class. Students will have access to the studio and clay for practicing outside of class time. - Students have up to 2 months to glaze pieces. - tools provided - Classes non-refundable after the first class commences. Cancellations will not be refunded less than 24 hours in advance. We don't do individual make ups. There will be a group make up class on Friday, Nov. 17 from 6-8pm and Thursday, Dec. 21st from 6-8pm. You can possibly drop into another class if you email in advance. HEALTH WARNING: Wheel throwing can be physically intense on joints and muscles, and can cause minor strains and injury.

Each week, our littlest Broadway fans and caregivers are introduced to exciting new songs, characters, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life by a team of professional teaching artists. Created by a professional performer turned early childhood development specialist, Broadway & Me's unique curriculum is both entertaining and developmentally appropriate. Each class incorporates activities that are designed to support your little one’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.

Each week, our littlest Broadway fans and caregivers are introduced to exciting new songs, characters, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life by a team of professional teaching artists. Created by a professional performer turned early childhood development specialist, Broadway & Me's unique curriculum is both entertaining and developmentally appropriate. Each class incorporates activities that are designed to support your little one’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.

A class for new babies, new parents, and caregivers! What do you get when you combine the best music class in the city with an opportunity to connect with other new parents and caregivers PLUS chat about your little one's development with a licensed Developmental Therapist? The perfect first music class for Broadway Babies and their adults! Introducing Lullaby League. New to Stages? Your first session of Lullaby League is our gift to you! Just enter promo code NEWBABY at checkout. Created and taught by professional performers who also have M.S. degrees in Child Development from Erikson Institute, Lullaby League offers a unique opportunity to engage with your little one in a musical environment while learning about their physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development. Each week, infants and their caregivers are introduced to exciting new sensory experiences, songs, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life. Throughout the class, teachers will moderate informal discussions about apects of your little one's developmental journey as well as answer all of your burning questions. There's also time for adults to socialize and build community!

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Allergen free food and snacks welcome Water bottles/Coffee/Nursing and baby bottles welcome. Purple Monkey is a shoe-free space. Socks are required and are for sale in the playroom at $2/pair if you forget. Strollers absolutely must be folded upon arrival.

No school? No problem! Spend the day with Stages! With singing, dancing, acting, and art inspired by your child's favorite musicals, we’ve got something for every creative kid. Choose to enroll for one day-off camp or join us for the entire school year for a discounted rate! Friday, September 26 - Eras (Taylor Swift) Monday, October 13 - Zombies Monday, October 27 - Kpop Demon Hunters Tuesday, November 11 - Hamilton Monday November 24 - Wicked Tuesday, November 25 - Descendants Wednesday, November 26 - Shrek Monday, January 5 - The Lion King Monday, January 19 - Superhero Monday, February 16 - Beauty & the Beast Tuesday, February 17 - The Little Mermaid Tuesday, March 17 - Zootopia Wednesday, March 18 - The Lion King Friday, April 3 - Seussical Stages is committed to making our camps accessible for all families. For information regarding free or reduced tuition, please visit https://www.stageschicago.org/tuition-assistance. ***Families are responsible for providing: - Nut free morning snack - Nut free lunch - Nut free afternoon snack - A water bottle. Please make sure that everything is labeled.

Let your freak flag fly! We're bringing life to everyone's favorite fairy tale creatures for our 2026 Broadway Stars Mainstage Production, SHREK: THE MUSICAL JR.! Join our talented cast of young performers and learn how theater can make everyone the hero of their own story! Broadway Stars was created by a professional performer turned child development specialist with the primary goal of helping children develop the foundational skills and technique every musical theater performer needs while giving them the opportunity to find their voice, build confidence, and do what every budding Broadway Star loves most: PERFORM! Classes are taught by a team of professional teaching artists with years of experience both in the classroom and on professional stages, and feature a customized curriculum designed to challenge and showcase the strengths of each young performer. PRODUCTION ADMIN FEE INCLUDES: *2 Full Cast Rehearsals *Tech Week Rehearsals *4 tickets to our production (Additional tickets will be available to purchase closer to the performance) *Scripts & other class materials *Costumes (Families will NOT be asked to go out and purchase items for the show but may be asked to bring clothing you already own.) *Props & Sets *Week Long Rental at The Biograph Theater AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP: Stages offers after school pick-up from Skinner West, Skinner West Branch, Montessori Academy of Chicago, Intercultural Montessori & World Language Academy. Pick-up will be approximately 20min before the start of class to give us enough time to gather students and walk over to Soul City. WHAT TO EXPECT: --Weeks 1-2 (Jan 5 - Jan 17): Setting the Stage— Families who are new to Stages are invited to join us for a FREE TRIAL the week of January 6-11, 2025. The first two weeks of the semester will focus on learning and perfecting the foundational musical theater skills every Broadway Star needs when performing on stage. Classes will participate in acting games and begin to learn music and choreography for their auditions. These first two weeks of the semester also allow our teachers to get to know students and start to determine which scenes, songs, and roles will be the best fit for each child. --Weeks 3-4 (Jan 19 - Jan 31): I Hope I Get It!-- During weeks 3-4 of the semester, students will participate in a personalized audition process. Auditions at Stages are designed to be a low stress, fun experience where Broadway Stars get to show off what they’ve been learning the first few weeks of the semester and tell us what they are most excited to do in the show. Every audition will look different as every child is different. For children who are new to performing or nervous about auditioning, this will be an informal, low-stakes experience. For children who are older, have been performing for a while, or are ready for a challenge, this will be treated as a more formal audition. How Does This Work? Each class will be assigned specific scenes and songs from from our musical, not the entire musical. Classes will come together for the final performance to perform the show in its entirety. EVERY CHILD WILL BE GIVEN A ROLE OR SPECIAL PART IN THE SHOW. We will work together with participants to make sure they have a speaking line, solo, duet, etc. that they are excited to perform! --Weeks 5-12 (Feb 2 - Mar 21): Putting It Together-- During Weeks 5-12, children will begin putting together their show! Each week, classes will work on their assigned scenes and songs. During these classes, we will focus on learning and rehearsing musical numbers and choreography, blocking acting scenes, and introducing various theatrical elements that will be used in our show such as sets, props, and costumes. Don’t worry, it’s not all work. Classes will also have the opportunity to play theater games designed to introduce new performance skills and brush up on concepts we’ve learned in previous classes. --Weeks 13-16 (April 6 - April 25): Prepping for Opening Night-- Classes will begin running doing “Run Thrus” where they perform all of their scenes and songs from start to finish. We’ll also start adding in transitions so performers know when and how to enter/exit the stage, when to get microphones, make a costume change, or pick up a prop from the prop table. These classes are VERY important and we ask that you do your best to ensure your child is at every class unless they are ill. --Week 17: Tech Week– Monday, April 27 - Thursday, April 30 The week of the show, we will be having rehearsal after school April 27 - April 30 where ALL of the classes are brought together to run the show in the space. These rehearsals will be MANDATORY. *Students in K-2 Classes will not be required to attend every night during tech week. Dates will be confirmed mid-March to give families plenty of time to make arrangements to ensure their child’s attendance. SHOW DATES: May 1-3, 2026 SHOW LOCATION: The Biograph Theatre (2433 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614)

A class for new babies, new parents, and caregivers! What do you get when you combine the best music class in the city with an opportunity to connect with other new parents and caregivers PLUS chat about your little one's development with a licensed Developmental Therapist? The perfect first music class for Broadway Babies and their adults! Introducing Lullaby League. New to Stages? Your first session of Lullaby League is our gift to you! Just enter promo code NEWBABY at checkout. Created and taught by professional performers who also have M.S. degrees in Child Development from Erikson Institute, Lullaby League offers a unique opportunity to engage with your little one in a musical environment while learning about their physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development. Each week, infants and their caregivers are introduced to exciting new sensory experiences, songs, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life. Throughout the class, teachers will moderate informal discussions about apects of your little one's developmental journey as well as answer all of your burning questions. There's also time for adults to socialize and build community!

Each week, our littlest Broadway fans and caregivers are introduced to exciting new songs, characters, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life by a team of professional teaching artists. Created by a professional performer turned early childhood development specialist, Broadway & Me's unique curriculum is both entertaining and developmentally appropriate. Each class incorporates activities that are designed to support your little one’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.

Each week, our littlest Broadway fans and caregivers are introduced to exciting new songs, characters, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life by a team of professional teaching artists. Created by a professional performer turned early childhood development specialist, Broadway & Me's unique curriculum is both entertaining and developmentally appropriate. Each class incorporates activities that are designed to support your little one’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.

Each week, our littlest Broadway fans and caregivers are introduced to exciting new songs, characters, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life by a team of professional teaching artists. Created by a professional performer turned early childhood development specialist, Broadway & Me's unique curriculum is both entertaining and developmentally appropriate. Each class incorporates activities that are designed to support your little one’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.

A class for new babies, new parents, and caregivers! What do you get when you combine the best music class in the city with an opportunity to connect with other new parents and caregivers PLUS chat about your little one's development with a licensed Developmental Therapist? The perfect first music class for Broadway Babies and their adults! Introducing Lullaby League. New to Stages? Your first session of Lullaby League is our gift to you! Just enter promo code NEWBABY at checkout. Created and taught by professional performers who also have M.S. degrees in Child Development from Erikson Institute, Lullaby League offers a unique opportunity to engage with your little one in a musical environment while learning about their physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development. Each week, infants and their caregivers are introduced to exciting new sensory experiences, songs, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life. Throughout the class, teachers will moderate informal discussions about apects of your little one's developmental journey as well as answer all of your burning questions. There's also time for adults to socialize and build community!

This class is for Youth age 12-17 years old. ABOUT: This class covers the basics of making cups and bowls on the pottery wheel, pulling handles, trimming, and glazing pieces. Students will finish 4-6 projects. - This class includes unlimited clay the duration of the class. Students will have access to the studio and clay for practicing outside of class time. - Students have up to 2 months to glaze pieces. - tools provided - Classes non-refundable after the first class commences. Cancellations will not be refunded less than 24 hours in advance. We don't do individual make ups. There will be a group make up class on Friday, Nov. 17 from 6-8pm and Thursday, Dec. 21st from 6-8pm. You can possibly drop into another class if you email in advance. HEALTH WARNING: Wheel throwing can be physically intense on joints and muscles, and can cause minor strains and injury.

Little Stars: Broadway Dance combines the magic of Broadway with a creative movement class that focuses heavily on creativity and helping young dancers discover new ways to move their bodies. Each class features music and activities that are inspired by a different Broadway Musical and designed to support fine and gross motor skills, imagination, rhythm, and body awareness while also introducing elements of formal dance classes such as a warm-up routine, “across the floor," and learning choreography in a fun, developmentally appropriate way. At the end of each session, Little Stars will get to show off their new Broadway moves in an Open House on the last day of class. Here at Stages, we believe that dance is for everyone! Our team is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all children can feel comfortable.

Each week, our littlest Broadway fans and caregivers are introduced to exciting new songs, characters, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life by a team of professional teaching artists. Created by a professional performer turned early childhood development specialist, Broadway & Me's unique curriculum is both entertaining and developmentally appropriate. Each class incorporates activities that are designed to support your little one’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.

Preschoolers can now experience the magic of Broadway with a class designed specifically for them! Each week, Broadway Little Stars introduces preschoolers to a new musical through activities inspired by the “show of the week” and designed to get them singing, dancing, and acting along. Classes are taught by professional teaching artists who are experts at engaging and educating children in fun, developmentally appropriate ways. Whether your child is ready for the spotlight or simply loves musicals, this class is for them!

Discover the elegance and beauty of Hanfu, the traditional 
clothing of ancient China, in this one-of-a-kind cultural experience here at our Chinatown Visitor Center! Step into Ancient Elegance in Authentic Hanfu Costumes! Take stunning photos & share with your friends Learn about the history and meaning of Hanfu Fun for families, friends, and culture lovers of all ages

Capture your Chicago moments with a creative twist! Using both iPhone and Polaroid cameras, you’ll get a mix of vibrant digital images and timeless instant prints that showcase the city’s charm in every frame. Enjoy a relaxed and fun photoshoot experience—no posing pressure here! I’ll guide you through natural, flattering poses to help you look and feel your best. You’ll receive approximately 50 digital photos, 5 beautifully edited images, and 5 one-of-a-kind Polaroid prints to keep as stylish mementos of your Chicago adventure.

With Crazy Dash, you'll use an app to explore Chicago in this exciting scavenger hunt! Use an app to find things around the city in any order you want, take photos, and collect points. At the end, take a look at the rankings to see your score compared to others across the country. All scavenger hunts have a live remote host that will help via chat. Crazy Dash is our most easy-going scavenger hunt. Come join us in Chicago today!

This is the first tour in Chicago that truly celebrates Chicago's street art scene. No other tour takes guests out into the streets to showcase and highlight the vibrant street art scene, which many people overlook on a daily basis. As we walk along the Union Pacific viaduct, you’ll learn the history of this 50-year-old project and watch it evolve from a community-based mural program to an international attraction featuring artists from all over the world. You’ll deepen your understanding of the elements of street art by exploring the eclectic work of hundreds of artists and volunteers. We hope you join us to experience something truly unique in Chicago.

-First, we will meet at the first location. -Then, we will enter a nice cozy lovely bar that offers local beers and affordable cocktails. -Then, we will enter a neighborhood tavern that offers spirit-forward cocktails, craft beer and wine. With interesting wall objects and beautiful outdoor space when weather permits. -Last, they will visit a landmark funky cocktail bar and intimate live music venue with an atmosphere that echoes another era.