On The Go Chicago

Looking for low cost indoor options for you and your kids this winter, check out the Chicago Park Distirct’s Winter Class Schedule.  As many of you know, the Chicago Park district offers a wide array of classes from music and gymnastics to play groups and sports.  The classes are a fraction of the costs of similar classes offered elsewhere ($35-$45 for the entire 11 week session), but you need to plan ahead, sign up early and have a bit a luck if you want to get in!

Following are a couple tips for planning your winter park district schedule:

• If you have not already, sign up for an account with the Chicago Park District.  It is free and allows you to build a “Wish List” and register online. Click on this link.  You will see the sign in option on the right side of your screen under the “Wish List” header.
• Once you are logged in, you can search the Winter Program Schedule by age group, park name, program type or zip code.
• Once you’ve identified the classes you are interested in, put them in your Wish List.  Although this does not save a spot for you, it allows you to register for them more quickly when online registration opens on November 30th at 9am. The quicker the better on the 30th, because these classes go FAST!
• On November 30th, all you have to do is long into your account, click onto your Wish List, pick the class you most want to register for and click register.  That, and say a little prayer!
• You can then enter multiple children’s names into the registration option.  It will also show you how many slots are available.  This is a great if you want to register siblings or your child’s friends in the same class.
• One Park District employee told me that you should try multiple times if a class comes up full on the 30th.  Apparently their system gets a bit overloaded and will show classes are full if too many people are accessing them at once.
• If you are still not able to get into the class you’ve selected, put yourself on the waiting list.  I’ve spoken to a couple people at the Park District, and they all confirm that a number of people get in via the waiting list.
• Starting December 5th, you can also register in-person at most park locations.
• If you have questions about specific class descriptions, I recommend calling the actual park where the class is held.  Each park has their own class curriculums and policies.
• Registration ends December 21st.
• The Winter Program runs from January 4 – March 21, 2010

Good luck!  Let me know if you have any other tips on the registration process for Chicago Park District Classes.