LINCOLN PARK FALL FAMILY GUIDE | | |
From after school fun and school open houses to festive events and seasonal activities, our Fall Family Guide has everything you need to plan for the upcoming season.
- After School Programs
- Educational Assistance
- Pre-School and Elementary Admission Events
- Middle and High School Admission Events
- Special Events
- Volunteer & Job Opportunities
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Youth After School Art Program at Art City
Art City’s Youth After School Art Program inspires creativity through hands-on projects in drawing, painting, sculpture, and more. Perfect for young artists ages 6 – 12, this fun, supportive environment helps kids explore their imaginations and develop new skills after school. Classes begin August 19, and run throughout the school year. Creative classes for students ages 10 - 17 are also available.
Art City
1400 N. Halsted
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Back-to-School Jiu-Jitsu at Bel Air Martial Arts & Fitness
Help your child build resilience, focus, and self-discipline at Bel Air Martial Arts. Bel Air Martial Arts is a youth-focused academy offering high-quality lessons in small, age-specific groups. More than a gym, they're a place where kids grow and thrive.
Click here for more information.
Bel Air Martial Arts & Fitness
2657 N. Clybourn
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GUS® School Dance Classes Season '25-'26 at GUS® | Gus Giordano Dance School
GUS® School Dance Classes return for the 2025–2026 season! Dancers of all ages can explore ballet, jazz, hip hop, tumbling, and more in a welcoming, family-run studio. Includes performances, costumes, surprise gifts, and Parent Observation Day. Enroll now—classes fill quickly!
Monday, September 8 – Saturday, May 9
Afternoons and Saturdays
GUS® | Gus Giordano Dance School
5230 N. Clark
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Monthly Educational Activity Boxes from Happy Minds
Happy Minds offers sensory play kits, activity boxes, and educational materials for children ages 0–4, designed to support early development through hands-on, engaging and age-appropriate activities.
Happy Minds
Online Store
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1-Hour Classes Throughout the Day at Junior Chefs Kitchen
Junior Chefs Kitchen offers hands-on cooking classes where kids explore new foods, build confidence, and develop motor skills - all while having fun in the kitchen. Their in-studio programs are designed to educate, empower, and inspire every child.
Monday - Saturday
1-Hour Classes throughout the Day
Junior Chefs Kitchen
2448 N. Lincoln, Suite 2
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Back to Ballet Party and Fall Classes at Tutu School Lincoln Park
Twirl with Tutu School Lincoln Park! They offer several ballet classes on weekdays and weekends to join, including new options available for fall. Join them for a very special Back to Ballet celebration: Summer Splash with their special guest, Ariel! Twirl away under the sea at Tutu School Lincoln Park with lots of dancing, crafting, snacks, and games.
Saturday, August 23
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Tutu School Lincoln Park
1015 W. Armitage
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Open House at KidStrong
KidStrong is a science-based kids training program focused on building strong, confident, and high-character kids. They do this through weekly 45-minute classes led by expert coaches which are based on child development research. Join them for an open house on Saturday, November 1, to learn more.
Saturday, November 1
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
KidStrong
2037 N. Clybourn
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After School Programs at The Menomonee Club
The Menomonee Club is a not-for-profit community center located in Lincoln Park.
Programs include fencing, judo, taekwondo, basketball and stem programs.
They also offer summer camps and school day-off camps.
Monday, September 8 – Sunday, December 7
Click here to register.
The Menomonee Club
1535 N. Dayton
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Music Classes for Babies, Kids, & Teens at Merit School of Music – Near North
Turn up the music at Merit School of Music's location in Old Town! Their fun, high-quality music classes for all ages include group instrumental classes and Early Childhood classes. Start building skills, confidence, and friendships through music.
Open House
Saturday, August 23
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Fall Classes begin Monday, September 15.
Merit School of Music – Near North
458 W. Eugenie
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Fall Session Art Classes at The Paintbrush
The Paintbrush’s Fall Session offers creative art classes for kids ages 1 to 12, designed to nurture artistic skills and self-expression in a fun, welcoming environment. From painting and drawing to cartooning and preschool art, there's something for every budding artist this fall.
Monday, August 26 – Saturday, October 18
Click here for full schedule.
The Paintbrush
2446 N. Clark
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Pediatric Services at Lumiere Children's Therapy
Lumiere Children’s Therapy helps children thrive through play-based ABA, speech, OT, and PT—building skills, confidence, and independence. Programs include:
- ABA Therapy
- Therapeutic Preschool
- Physical Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Social Work
Now enrolling: their inclusive Chicago Therapeutic Preschool offers small-group support tailored to each child’s needs, promoting growth, learning, and peer connection.
Click here to learn more.
Lumiere Children's Therapy
1500 N. Clybourn, Suite C-105
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RUSH Kids Pediatric Therapy
Join RUSH Kids Pediatric Therapy for a complimentary informational session as their multi-disciplinary team of pediatric physical, occupational, speech therapists and behavior analysts share an overview of their Foundations for Learning program and how it can benefit your child(ren). See how all therapeutic disciplines work together to ensure the readiness of children for a school setting. Following the presentation, they will have a Q&A session where you can ask specific questions regarding your child.
Tuesday, August 5
12:30 p.m.
Online Event - Join Here
| | PRE-SCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY ADMISSION EVENTS | | |
Family Friendly Open Houses at British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park
Discover BISC Lincoln Park at a family-friendly Open House and learn more about this diverse and dynamic international school for children ages 15 months to 11 years. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet staff and members of the parent community and tour the campus.
Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, January 11
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park
814 W. Eastman
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Kensington School of Lincoln Park
Kensington School has grown to become a nationally recognized leader in education, bringing over 50 years of excellence to Chicago. A Kensington School experience instills confidence, encourages critical thinking, and emphasizes the value of kindness. Our child-centered curriculum of curiosity sets the stage for a joyful life of learning!
Tours are available on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Click here to schedule tour.
Kensington School of Lincoln Park
2745 N. Lincoln
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Back to School Open House at Kiddie Academy
Join Kiddie Academy of Lincoln Park for their Back-to-School Open House! Discover their nurturing environment, meet their dedicated teachers, and explore engaging curriculum programs designed to spark your child’s love for learning. All families are welcome!
Saturday, August 9
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Kiddie Academy
1645 W. Fullerton
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Fall '26-26 Enrollment at L&L Academy and Preschool
L&L Academy is currently enrolling new students ages 6 weeks through 5 years for their early childhood education program. They offer a comprehensive curriculum that fosters growth and learning. Space is limited. Schedule a tour today!
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
L&L Academy and Preschool
2346-2350 N. Clark
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Lower School Open House - Grades JK-4 at Latin School of Chicago
Attend Latin’s Lower School Open House for junior kindergarten through fourth grade to discover how their innovative approach to learning and shared values of excellence, community and integrity foster confidence, encourage growth, and support the success of every student.
Thursday, October 23
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Latin School of Chicago
1531 N. Dearborn
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Schedule a Tour at Little Green Tree House
Little Green Tree House nurtures curious minds and joyful hearts through a play-based approach to early childhood education. With four unique, eco-friendly campuses, they create safe and inspiring spaces where children can grow, explore, and thrive.
Click here to schedule tour.
Little Green Tree House
1929 N. Halsted
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Parent-Tot Openings for Fall 2025 at Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School
Join their Parent-Tot program and become part of our cooperative community! Class meets once a week on Friday mornings at either 8:30 or 10:30 am for 90 minutes. Children attend with an adult and are 18 months by 9/1. Learn and play alongside other families with the partnership and support of our veteran teachers. First Day of School is September 6, 2025.
Click here for more information.
Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School
1753 N. Fern
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Park West Pop-In Tour and Open House at Park West Cooperative Nursery School
Visit Park West Co-op for a Park West Pop-In Tour, including an overview of Park West's philosophy and pedagogy, information about their preschool programs and a tour of their award-winning classrooms and indoor gym space.
Pop-In Tour
Tours begin Wednesday, October 29.
Click here for schedule.
Open House
Wednesday, December 17
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Park West Cooperative Nursery School
2214 N. Bissell
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Saint Clement School Admissions Coffee & Tour
Join Saint Clement School for an Admissions Coffee & Tour on Tuesday, October 7, at 8:45 a.m. Meet their principal, talk with current parents and students, and experience their school in action.
Click here to learn more and sign up today.
Tuesday, October 7
8:45 a.m.
Saint Clement School
2524 N. Orchard
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Mini Mavericks at St. James Lutheran School
Mini Mavericks program is starting back up this Fall, beginning September 11, and repeating on Thursday Mornings! Families with children from birth to age 4 are invited to join them for interactive play and early childhood development.
Every Thursday morning beginning September 11
8:45 - 10:15 a.m.
St. James Lutheran School
2101 N. Fremont
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St. James Admissions Coffee - Fall Sessions
Join St. James for their Virtual Admissions Coffee and see why St. James is the right choice for your family. Book your spot by contacting Joy Campbell. jcampbell@stjames-lutheran.org
Friday, September 12
Friday, October 10
Friday, November 14
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Online Event
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St. Josaphat School (SJS) Tour & Coffee Events
SJS Tour & Coffee Events are a great way to see their HAWKS in action during the school day, hear from students, teachers, and administrators during an interactive presentation, and meet some of their awesome parent volunteers that lead the tours.
Click here for full Tour & Coffee schedule and to sign up.
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
St. Josaphat School
2245 N. Southport
| | MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION EVENTS | | |
Middle School Open House - Grades 5-8 at Latin School of Chicago
Join Latin’s Middle School Open House and explore how they nurture, challenge, and support students in grades five through eight as they build a strong foundation for learning, grow in confidence, and prepare for future success.
Tuesday, October 28
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Latin School of Chicago
45 W. North
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Upper School Open House - Grades 9-12 at Latin School of Chicago
Attend Latin’s Upper School Open House to discover how their rigorous liberal arts education and shared values of excellence, community and integrity empower students in grades nine through 12 to explore boldly, think critically, and lead with confidence.
Sunday, October 26
Session 1: 9:00 - 11:40 a.m.
Session 2 - 12:30 - 3:10 p.m.
Latin School of Chicago
59 W. North
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St. James Block Party and Open House
Join St. James Lutheran School for an Open House and fun-filled block party with live music, games, food, and more! This is a great way to see and get to know our school community and enjoy fellowship with neighbors.
Sunday, September 7
12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Fremont and Dickens
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Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago’s FREE fall celebration returns to Lincoln Park Zoo with plenty of harvest-time fun! This festival offers something new each weekend and comes with special events for all ages, including Haunted History Tours, free trick-or-treating at Spooky Zoo, and Adults Night Out: Howl-o-ween.
Friday, September 26 - Sunday, October 26
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Cannon at Fullerton
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Prenatal & Postpartum Nutrition Counseling with Morgan Mullins Nutrition PLLC
Morgan Mullins, MS, RDN, LDN is a prenatal and postpartum dietitian offering virtual nutrition counseling. She helps expecting moms ease pregnancy symptoms and supports postpartum moms regain energy. Book a free 30-minute discovery call to create your custom plan.
Morgan Mullins Nutrition PLLC
Click here to book your virtual appointment.
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The Chicago International Film Festival at NEWCITY
NEWCITY proudly welcomes back The Chicago International Film Festival, celebrating 61 years of cinematic excellence in the 61st edition of North America’s longest-running competitive film fest, unspooling October 15–26, 2025 at venues citywide - centered at AMC NEWCITY 14.
Wednesday, October 15 - Sunday, October 26
Click here for schedule.
NEWCITY
1457 N. Halsted
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Elephant and Piggie's "WE ARE IN A PLAY!" with The Young People's Theatre of Chicago
It's fun to sing and dance with your bestus friend ever! Mo Willems is back, adapting his own best-selling book series into a rollicking musical that celebrates friendship, forgiveness, and the glorious fun of being in a musical!
Saturday, September 27 – Sunday, October 19
Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Greenhouse Theater Center
2257 N. Lincoln
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Family Open Gym at Park West Co-op
Family Open Gym at Park West Co-op is a great opportunity for families to bond and play together in a safe and welcoming environment. A free way to have fun with your loved ones and meet other local families!
Sunday, September 28
Sunday, December 7
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Park West Cooperative Nursery School
2214 N. Bissell
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Fall Saturday Tots at Park West Co-op
Children ages 18 months to 3 years old are invited to play and learn in our preschool classroom and gym with a parent or other trusted caregiver. Spend Saturday morning engaged with your child in joyous discovery!
Saturdays, October 18 - December 13
10:00 - 11:15 a.m.
Park West Cooperative Nursery School
2214 N. Bissell
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Spooky Sensory Science Party at Brain Builders Academy
Join Brain Builders for a Spooky Science Halloween Party featuring hands-on experiments, creepy crafts, and bubbling potions! Designed for ages 3–9, this family-friendly event blends science and fun for a frightfully educational celebration. Costumes encouraged!
Saturday, October 25
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Brain Builders Academy
225 S. Sangamon
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A Year With Frog and Toad with The Young People's Theatre (YPT) of Chicago
Get ready for some hoppin’ good holiday fun when Arnold Lobel’s beloved amphibians jump from the page to YPT’s stage in a family holiday show the NY Times called “bright, bouncy and altogether lovable!”
Saturday, November 29 – Sunday, December 21
Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Greenhouse Theater Center
2257 N. Lincoln
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St. Josaphat School (SJS) Breakfast with Santa
Come on over to SJS’s annual Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 7, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Get your picture taken with the Big Man in Red while enjoying a pancake breakfast, a raffle, and some fun Christmas activities. Contact Megan Davidson (stjosaphatpto@gmail.com) for more information.
Sunday, December 7
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
St Josaphat School
2245 N. Southport
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WhirlyBall Chicago
Host your next event at WhirlyBall! They have options for Teacher Appreciation Events, Field Trips, Student Celebrations, and everything in between!
WhirlyBall
1825 W. Webster
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Chicago Public Library 2025 Community Survey
The future of Chicago Public Library starts now. What’s working? What should be better? What kind of library - and what kind of city - do you want to build? Your answers will help guide how they invest, where they grow, and how they serve you better.
Take this survey and help shape the library’s 2026–2030 plan.
| | VOLUNTEER & JOB OPPORTUNITIES | | |
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago is an affiliate of the oldest, most respected mentoring organization in the US. They provide high quality 1:1 mentoring services to almost 2,000 children and their families in Metro Chicago across Cook, DuPage and Lake Counties in Illinois and Indiana. Their volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”) from age seven through high school graduation. Their programs are proven to keep kids in school, out of trouble and on the path to post-graduate success.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago
130 S. Jefferson, Suite 200
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Now Hiring: Neurofeedback Clinician at Cognitive Solutions LC
Cognitive Solutions LC is hiring a Neurofeedback Clinician! They are seeking an independently licensed mental health provider - neurofeedback experience not required. Join a collaborative, mission-driven clinic serving children, teens, and adults. Apply online or email jessica@helpforld.com.
Cognitive Solutions LC
2419 N. Ashland
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JPA Junior Board at Juvenile Protective Association (JPA)
JPA’s Junior Board is open to high school students and provides a chance to build leadership skills, volunteer, and make a difference. Members meet quarterly, help plan and run fundraisers, participate in events, and support mental health initiatives.
Juvenile Protective Association (JPA)
1707 N. Halsted
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Little Green Tree House Lincoln Park
Little Green Tree House is now hiring qualified, passionate teachers to join their early childhood education team! If you love working with young children and creating a nurturing, play-based learning environment, they'd love to hear from you. Apply today!
Little Green Tree House Lincoln Park
1929 N. Halsted
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