Enrichment

EASTERN ILLINOIS FOODBANK | FREE!

All Ages

Eastern Illinois Foodbank strives to increase access to healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, to those in situations of food insecurity. Produce Pop-Up was developed to bring fresh, regionally-sourced produce directly to underserved communities to help fill the widening gap caused by grocery inflation and rising transportation costs. EIF’s Produce Pop-Up will be distributing at Martens Center. Please call the Martens Center for times and dates

Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3973

CARLE MOBILE CLINIC

All Ages

The Carle Mobile Health Clinic brings affordable, non-urgent medical services to neighborhoods near you. Our 40-foot, wheelchair-friendly mobile medical clinic offers infants, children and adults full-service medical care to make sure families stay healthy. Practitioners have experience in pediatrics, family medicine, and women’s health and pregnancy. Services provided include: chronic condition management and education, treatment of acute illness, physicals, wellness care and assessments, school and sports physicals and immunizations, lab testing, and referrals and applications for social services.

Date: Every 4th Monday of the month 
Time: 9a – 4p
Question: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org

MONTHLY LEGO CLUB

1st-3rd & 4th-6th graders

Do you enjoy creating, building, and imagining with LEGO? Learn engineering and design skills through guided hands-on exploration. Create animals, buildings, simple machines, transportation, and build your own LEGO creations.

Time: 4:30-5:30p
Location: Martens Center
Fee (R/NR): $30/$45
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3973

REMARKABLE REPTILES

All ages with parent

Join our friends from the Homer Lake Interpretive Center to meet some of our resident reptiles and learn about their adaptations to the local environment. Participants of all ages will get the chance to see live animals up close while learning about what makes them special. This is NOT a drop off event.

Date: April 13
Day: Thursday
Time: 4:30-5:30p
Deadline: April 6
Location: Martens Center
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3973

REGISTRATION >> 

SPRING INTO GARDENING TOGETHER | NEW!

3rd-5th graders (in Fall 2023)

Learn all about plants and how they grow! Get hands on experience planting, maintaining, and growing plants in a garden, as well as learning about their special characteristics.

May 8 | Discovering Plants
May 22 | Exploring Seeds and How They Grow
June 12 | The Importance of Water and Sun in Photosynthesis
June 26 | Investigating Soil
July 10 | Friend or Foe? Part 1: How Plants Defend Themselves
July 24 | Friend or Foe? Part 2: Plant Companions
August 14 | Fruits or Roots?
August 28 | Exploring the World of Agriculture

Day: Monday
Time: 4:30-6p
Fee (R/NR): $50/$75
Deadline: May 4
Location: Martens Center

SPRING INTO GARDENING REGISTRATION >> 

SPREAD YOUR WINGS IN THE WORLD OF BIRDS

Ages 6-11

Explore the world of birds and all their special characteristics. We will have live chicken eggs incubating in the classroom and on the last day students will watch them hatch. Participants will also have the same opportunity to see live birds. Parents are welcome to stay

May 9 | All About Birds Introduction
May 16 | Birds, Bills, and Beaks
May 23 | Feathers and Feet
May 30 | Birds in Your Backyard

Day: Tuesday
Time: 4:30-5:30p
Fee (R/NR): $45/$67.50
Deadline: May 2
Location: Martens Center

SPREAD YOUR WINGS REGISTRATION >> 

3D PRINTING: CONCEPTS TO KEYCHAIN CREATIONS | NEW!

2nd-5th graders (in Fall 2023)

Join us for a fun day of 3D printing! Children will learn how 3D printing works and also design and print their very own keychain! Keychains will be ready for pickup 1 week after the scheduled program.

Date: June 3
Day: Saturday
Time: 12-2p
Deadline: May 27
Fee (R/NR): $25/$37.50
Location: Martens Center

KEYCHAIN 3D PRINTING REGISTRATION >> 

3D PRINTING: BRING YOUR IMAGINATION TO LIFE | NEW!

5th – 8th graders (in Fall 2023)

Watch your imagination come to life with 3D printing! Learn how 3D printers work, and then design, create, and print your very own 3D masterpiece! Show off your creation at the last class!

June 5 | 3D Printing Basics 
July 3 | Design Your Own Creation
August 7 | Show and Tell Your Masterpiece

Day: Monday
Time: 2-3:30p
Deadline: May 30
Fee (R/NR): $45/$67.50
Location: Martens Center

3D PRINTING REGISTRATION >> 

NATIONAL URBAN BEEKEEPING DAY | NEW!

3rd-7th graders (in Fall 2023)

Come celebrate National Urban Beekeeping Day with us! Learn all about the relationship between beekeepers and honey bees and their vital role in our community. Children will be doing hands-on activities to explore the world of honey bees and why beekeepers are their best friends.

Date: July 19
Day: Wednesday
Time: 1-3p
Deadline: July 12
Fee (R/NR): $26/$39
Location: Martens Center

BEEKEEPING DAY REGISTRATION >> 

STRUCTURALLY SOUND: AN INTRO TO ENGINEERING | NEW!

5th-8th graders (in Fall 2023)

In this interactive program, children will learn about engineering and how it is all around us. Participants will put their engineering skills to the test as they construct bridges and other sorts of inventions to see the importance of engineering in the construction of everyday structures.

August 2 | The World of Engineering
August 9 | Strong Structures
August 16 | Bridge Test
August 23 | Engineering in Medicine

Date: August 2 –  23
Day: Wednesday
Time: 4:30-6p
Deadline: July 18
Fee (R/NR): $50/$75
Location: Martens Center

STRUCTURALLY SOUND REGISTRATION >> 

GROWN-UP AND ME DECORATING: SPRING EDITION | NEW!

Ages 5+; Adult & child(ren) must both register

Hop into decorating with Hunny Bunny Bakes. Each child will get to decorate six cookies! We will provide step-by-step instructions, cupcakes, frosting, and sprinkles!

Date: April 1
Day: Saturday
Time: 1-2p
Deadline: March 25
Fee (R/NR): $20/$30
Location: Martens Center
Instructor: Hunny Bunny Bakes
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org

REGISTRATION >> 

FUN WITH FOOD: ADULT FOOD AND NUTRITION CLASS

Ages 18+

Join the University of Illinois Extension for a series of seven classes on a variety of Food and Nutrition topics. Each class will include a variety of healthy cooking demonstrations as well as some fun activities. This class is free but you must be a Martens Center member and register.

DATE | DAY | TIME | MAKEUP DAY | DEADLINE

June 6 – July 18* | Tu  | 1-3p | July 25 | May 30

June 8 – July 20 | Th | 5-6:30p | July 27 | June 1

No Class*: July 4
Martens Members ONLY: FREE, but registration is required
Location: Martens Center
Questions: lynne.franco@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3971

FUN WITH FOOD REGISTRATION >> 

COOKING WITH UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION | NEW!

Ages 8-13; 13-18

Join the University of Illinois Extension for several classes on a variety of Food and Nutrition topics. Each class includes healthy cooking demonstrations as well as fun activities.

PROGRAM | AGES | DATE | DAY | TIME | DEADLINE

Illinois Jr Chef | 8-13 | June 6 – August 8* | Tu | 10-11a | May 30

Illinois Jr Chef | 8-13 | June 6 – August 10 | Th | 10-11a | June 1

“Cool” inary Class for Teens | 13-18 | June 6 – July 18* | Tu  | 3-4p | May 30

“Cool” inary Class for Teens | 13-18 | June 8 – July 20* | Th  | 1-2p | June 1

No Class*: July 4
Fee (R/NR): FREE, but registration is required
Location: Martens Center

COOKING WITH U OF I REGISTRATION >> 

ROCKET LAUNCHES

All Ages
The Central Illinois Aerospace Model Rocket Club schedules launches twice a month, generally on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays. Most of these are held at Dodds Park, through occasionally we will fly at other locations. If you have a model rocket, bring it and fly with us or just come out to watch. For further information call 217-359-8225 or go to www.ciarocketry.org. 

Location: Dodds Park 
Questions: sean.hurst@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3901

C.U.A.S. FAMILY SKYWATCH

Ages 5+
Join members of the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society, Inc. on select Saturdays for an evening under the stars. See the stars and planets through the largest public telescope in East Central Illinois. All skywatch sessions are cancelled in the event of cloudy weather (visit cuas.org.).No registration required.

• March 25
• April 29
• May 27
• June 24
• July 22
• August 19

Time: Sunset
Location: CUAS Observatory, 926 County Road 700E, Champaign
Questions: sean.hurst@champaignparks.com or 217-819-3901

CUAS Directions >> 

FULL S.T.EA.M. AHEAD

3rd – 7th Graders

Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Mathematics. This is what makes up STEAM. Various science organizations from UIUC, in partnership with X-Time, are excited to introduce you to the wonderful world of STEAM and all that it entails. This is NOT a drop off event.

• April 6 | Deadline: March 30 
• April 20 | Deadline: April 13
• May 4 | Deadline: April 27
• May 18 | Deadline: May 11
• June 1 | Deadline: May 25
• June 15 | Deadline June 8
• July 6 | Deadline: June 29
• July 20 | Deadline: July 13
• August 3 | Deadline: July 27
• August 17 | Deadline: August 10

Day: Thursday
Time: 4:30-6p
Fee: FREE, but registration is required for each session
Location: Martens Center 
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3973

Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead Registration >> 

Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead Summer Registration >> 

INTRODUCTION TO MODEL ROCKETRY

All Ages

Here’s your opportunity to get started in this fun and exciting hobby. We will give a short presentation on what is involved in building and flying model rockets and how anyone can get involved in the hobby. Pre-registration is required.

Date: Tuesday, May 2
Time: 7p
Fee (R/NR): FREE, but registration is required
Deadline: April 25
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Instructor: Central Illinois Aerospace  

INTRO TO MODEL ROCKETRY REGISTRATION >> 

INTRODUCTION TO HIGH POWER ROCKETRY

All Ages

Have you been flying model rockets for a while and are now interested in flying some of the bigger ones? Here’s your opportunity to get started in this fun and exciting hobby. We will give a short presentation and answer any questions on what is involved in getting started in high power rocketry. This is open to all ages. Pre-registration is required.

Date: Tuesday, August 1
Time: 7p
Fee (R/NR): FREE, but registration is required
Deadline: July 25
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Instructor: Central Illinois Aerospace 

INTRO TO HIGH POWER ROCKETRY REGISTRATION >> 

3,2,1, … BLAST OFF!

Ages 8-12

Come out and have a blast at the Champaign Park District Model Rocket Workshop. Each participant will make his or her own model rocket and learn how to launch it. Rockets will be built in the morning regardless of the weather, and then flown in the afternoon at Dodds Park. Parents are welcome to fly rockets with children.

Date: Saturday, May 13
Time:9-11a
Fee (R/NR): $24/$36 (includes rocket kit)
Deadline: May 6
Location: Leonhard Recreation Center
Instructor: Central Illinois Aerospace  

BLAST OFF REGISTRATION >> 

MAD SCIENTIST CLUB | NEW!

1st – 3rd Graders (in Fall 2023)

Find your inner Mad Scientist as we have fun with 3 different science topics.

• June 6 – 20 | Messy Mayhem | Deadline: May 30
• July 11 – 25 | Playing with Colors | Deadline: July 4
• August 1 – 15 | Inspirations from the Past | Deadline: July 25

Day: Tuesday
Time: 2-3p
Fee (R/NR): $45/$67.50
Location: Martens Center 
Questions: paige.duncan@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843

MAD SCIENTIST REGISTRATION >> 

SCIENCE CLUB JR | NEW!

Ages 3-5 with parent

Join us as we explore cool science topics by reading a storybook and doing hands-on (and a tad bit messy) experimentation. Each class focuses on a different topic. This is NOT  a drop-off program.

• June 6 | Exploring Colors: Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet | Deadline: May 30
• June 13 | Exploring Bubbles: Big Bad Bubble by Adam Rubin | Deadline: June 6
• June 20 | Exploring Gravity: Egg Drop by Mini Grey | Deadline: June 13
• June 27 | Exploring Water & Dissolving: The Gingerbread Man by Eric Suben | Deadline: June 20
• July 11 | Chemistry Science: Whopper Cake by Karma Wilson and Will Hillenbrand | Deadline: June 27
• July 18 | Shadow Science: What Makes a Shadow? by Clyde Robert Bulla | Deadline: July 11
• July 25 | Magnet Science: Stuck by Oliver Jeffers | Deadline: July 18
• August 1 | Water Science: Water by Frank Asch | Deadline: 25
• August 8 | Strength & Material: The Three Little Pigs by Bernadette Watts | Deadline: August 1
• August 15 | Weather: Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema | Deadline: August 8
• August 22 | Science Skills: Observations with in the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming | Deadline: August 15
• August 29 | Science Skills: Counting and Measuring with Pizza at Sally’s by Monica Wellington | Deadline: August 22

Day: Tuesday
Time: 1-1:30p
Fee (R/NR): $15/$22.50
Location: Martens Center 

SCIENCE CLUB JR. REGISTRATION >> 

THE ART OF STEAM | NEW!

3rd-7th graders (in Fall 2023)

Science + Technology + Engineering + Art + Mathematics = Creativity! This essential component of innovation will help kids develop the critical thinking skills to think outside the box.

• June 3 – July 1 | Mixing It Up | Deadline: May 27
• July 8 – August 5 | Lights, Cameras, Take Action! | Deadline: June 24

Day: Saturday
Time: 10-11:30a
Fee (R/NR): $75/$112.50
Location: Martens Center 

THE ART OF STEAM REGISTRATION >> 

CURIOSITY FUELS THE IMAGINATION

All Ages

The Curiosity Cube® is a retrofitted shipping container that has been transformed into a mobile science lab. Inside the Curiosity Cube® visitors of all ages experience hands-on science experiments. In 2023, the Curiosity Cube® experiments will focus on contamination. We can’t wait to teach students about the various forms of contamination around us and how we can all contribute to protecting the planet. Visit thecuriositycube.com to learn more.

Date : Saturday, June 10
Time: 10-1p
Fee (R/NR): FREE
Location: Martens Center 
Questions: lynne.franco@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3971

LEARN TO FISH | FREE!

All Ages

People of all ages can learn to fish at these free clinics run by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Individuals and groups are invited to join us at Kaufman Lake. Each clinic will have two portions: education and actual fishing. The education portion will last about 45 minutes and focus on safety, fishing techniques, proper ethics and aquatic ecology. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided. Registration for this program is required. Children under the age of 18 SHOULD be supervised by an adult. Children under the age of 13 MUST be supervised by an adult.

• June 20 | Tu | 9-11a
• June 22 | Th | 1-3p
• June 27 | Tu | 9-11a
• June 29 | Th | 1-3p
• July 6 | Th | 1-3p
• July 11 | Tu | 9-11a
• July 13 | Th | 1-3p
• July 18 | Tu | 9-11a
• July 20 | Th | 1-3p
• July 25 | Tu | 9-11a
• July 27 | Th | 1-3p

Fee (R/NR): FREE, but registration is required
Deadline: One week prior to each clinic
Location: Kaufman Lake
Questions: william.schoell@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3926

LEARN TO FISH REGISTRATION >> 

THE BABY BUNCH

Ages 18+
Mothers bring your newborn and join this social network. Interact with other new moms and share your joys, concerns, and struggles this new change in life presents. Our instructor will guide you and provide topics of discussion. Feel comfortable in this supportive atmosphere and discover new friendships.

Time: 10:00 – 11:30a
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Fee (R/NR): $55/$82.50
Instructor: Datia Rosenberg, Prenatal Educator & Birth Doula
Questions: sean.hurst@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3901

REGISTRATION >> 

PREPARING FOR BIRTH

Ages 18+
Explore and enjoy this special and life changing time in your life! Learn exercises, massage techniques and other comfort measures during pregnancy and labor. Based on the Lamaze philosophy of six healthy birth practices, you will learn to make informed decisions based on the latest scientific evidence. Focus on maintaining a healthy pregnancy, expectations during labor and empower yourself to give birth with confidence. Partners are not required but must register if participating.

Time: 6:30-8p
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Fee (R/NR): $55/$82.50
Instructor: Datia Rosenberg, Prenatal Educator & Birth Doula
Questions: sean.hurst@champaignparks.com or 217-819-3901

REGISTRATION >> 

EXPRESS LAMAZE WORKSHOPS

Ages 18+
Are you pregnant and haven’t taken a prenatal education or birthing class? Are you running out of time or unable to commit to a full class? These workshops cover the six healthy birth practices and some comfort measures, plus a question and answer period. As a Lamaze certified childbirth educator and a birth Doula certified with DONA International, Datia Rosenberg discusses topics like: healthy pregnancy, nutrition and exercise, labor and symptoms, natural remedies for pain relief, comfort measures during labor, and more. Partners are not required but must register if participating.

Location: Springer Cultural Center
Fee (R/NR): $33/$49.50
Instructor: Datia Rosenberg, Prenatal Educator & Birth Doula
Questions: sean.hurst@champaignparks.com or 217-819-3901

REGISTRATION >> 

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BABYSITTING

Ages 11-15

Become the babysitter that kids beg their parents to have! This class will teach you the basics and give you the confidence to successfully take on any babysitting job. You will be trained by certified staff on skills to become a safe, fun, and nurturing sitter. Our program features basic first aid, safety, age-appropriate games, and discipline techniques.

The Champaign Park District is an accredited program site through Safe Sitter®, the only national, nonprofit organization exclusively devoted to baby-sitting. You must attend all sessions in order to complete the course and to be certified by Safe Sitter®.

Date: Mondays, June 5 – 26
Time: 4-5:30p
Fee (R/NR): $60/$90
Min/Max: 4/8
Deadline: May 29
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: michelle.horvat@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2376

WONDERFUL WORLD OF BABYSITTING REGISTRATION >> 

HEARTSAVER FIRST AID, CPR/AED CLASSES BY VITAL EDUCATION & SUPPLY 

Ages 9+
This course covers topics ranging from heart attacks and strokes to animal bites and allergic reactions. Also covered is CPR for the adult, child and infant victim, and AED use. A CPR certification card will be given after successful completion of class. In order to receive a refund, cancellation requests must be submitted at least two days prior to the class date.

Dates: March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19
Day: Saturday
Time: 9a-3p
Fee (R/NR): $78/$117 
Deadline: March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: sean.hurst@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3901

REGISTRATION >> 

SUMMER REGISTRATION >> 

All Language in Action classes teach different concepts and can be taken independently of each other. You do not have to take the classes in order.

CENA Y CIENCIAS: SERVING UP SCIENCE ONE MEAL AT A TIME | NEW! | FREE!

Family with children ages Kindergarten – 5th grade

Grab your family and come learn about different sciences. This program is suitable for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Cena y Ciencias is a collaborative scientific outreach program in the bilingual community. Enjoy a free meal afterward. Everyone is welcome, but please note that this program is completely spoken in Spanish and is NOT a drop-off event. 

• Aerospace Science | March 6
• Topic TBD | April 3

Day: Monday 
Time: 5-7p
Fee: FREE
Location: Martens Center
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org

ZOOM SPANISH CLASSES FOR KIDS – LIVE

Ages 3-6 & 7-11
Join us right from your living room as we explore new cultures and learn the Spanish language via the interactive Zoom platform! Younger children will learn conversational Spanish through fun and interactive activities and music while older children will also learn some Spanish phonetics to begin reading and writing in Spanish. Taught live by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be emailed to participants before the first class.

Ages 3-6

Ages 7-11

Location: Zoom
Fee (R/NR): $89/$133.50 (SPRING), $46/$69 (SUMMER)
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2573

SPANISH FOR KIDS SPRING REGISTRATION >> 

SPANISH FOR KDIS SUMMER REGISTRATION >> 

ZOOM SPANISH CLASSES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL & JR. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS – LIVE

6th – 8th graders
This class is a great supplement to middle school or junior high Spanish classes or may also be taken by students not enrolled in a school Spanish class. Students will learn Spanish grammar and communication skills that will give them a strong foundation for high school Spanish. Classes are taught live by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be emailed to participants before the first class.

No Class*: July 4
Location: Zoom
Fee (R/NR): $89/$133.50 (SPRING), $66/$99 (SUMMER)
Instructor: Language in Action, Inc.
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2573

MIDDLE/JR HIGH SPANISH SPRING REGISTRATION >> 

MIDDLE/JR HIGH SPANISH SUMMER REGISTRATION >> 

ZOOM SPANISH CLASSES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS – LIVE

9th – 12th graders
This class is a great supplement to high school Spanish classes or may also be taken by students not enrolled in a high school Spanish class. High school students will cover basic grammar points and vocabulary and practice conversational skills. Classes taught live by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be emailed to participants before the first class.

Location: Zoom
Fee (R/NR): $89/$133.50 (SPRING), $66/$99 (SUMMER)
Instructor: Language in Action, Inc.
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2573

HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH SPRING REGISTRATION >> 

HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH SUMMER REGISTRATION >> 

ZOOM SPANISH FOR ADULTS – LIVE

Ages 18+
Have you ever wanted to learn a foreign language, but never had the opportunity? Now is the time! Stay connected and learn Spanish from the safety and comfort of your own home via the interactive Zoom platform! In this class you will learn conversational Spanish that you can immediately begin using. The class will be tailored to the needs of the students enrolled. Taught live by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be emailed to participants before the first class.

No Class*: July 4
Location: Zoom
Fee (R/NR): $89/$133.50 (SPRING), $46/$69 (SUMMER)
Instructor: Language in Action, Inc.
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2573

ADULT SPANISH SPRING REGISTRATION >> 

ADULT SPANISH SUMMER REGISTRATION >> 

ZOOM FRENCH & ITALIAN CLASSES FOR KIDS & ADULTS – LIVE

Ages 7-11
Join us right from your living room as we explore new cultures and learn the French and Italian languages via the interactive Zoom platform! Taught live by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be emailed to participants before the first class.

I Speak French

I Speak Italian 

Location: Virtual
Fee (R/NR): $89/$133.50 (SPRING), $46/$69 (SUMMER)
Instructor: Language in Action, Inc.
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2573

FRENCH/ITALIAN SPRING REGISTRATION >> 

FRENCH/ITALIAN SUMMER REGISTRATION >> 

CREATIVE WRITING FOR KIDS ON ZOOM

Ages 7-11

Let the creative juices flow! In this fun and interactive class, kids will use their own natural talent of creativity and imagination to learn how to effectively develop and write their own stories. Each session covers different activities and topics. Zoom login information will be emailed to participants before each session.

Session I | June 21 – July 12 | 10:30-11:30a | Deadline: June 16
Session II | July 19 – August 9 | 10:30-11:30a | Deadline: July 13

Day: Wednesday
Fee (R/NR): $46/$69
Instructor: Language in Action, Inc

CREATIVE WRITING ON ZOOM REGISTRATION >>