Who loves winter? We do! No need to hibernate. Winter is a great time to get active and learn new things. Your Park District has a great lineup of programs, events, and outdoor activities for everyone this season:

• The Great Ornament Hunt: Heller Trees are waiting to be decorated, just in time for the season of winter cheer to start. Follow our trails as we hunt for ornaments hidden in the trees
• New!! Winter Wonderland: Step into a world of twinkling lights and holiday magic at our Winter Wonderland celebration! Gather with family and friends for a day filled with joyful activities and cherished traditions, where all activities are included for your enjoyment.
• Shine Bright: A Hanukkah Event: Enjoy a Hanukkah-themed story, read by the published author herself, along with some fun crafting, music, and tasty treats! 
• Wolf Moon Yoga: On this evening we will practice when the moon’s surface is in direct sunlight and is fully illuminated for us to enjoy our breathtaking lakefront in an extraordinary way!
• Eagle Watch Winter Trip: It’s back! Travel with us to Starved Rock State Park for the Illinois Audubon Society’s annual Eagle Watch Weekend. See live bird shows, view wild eagles fishing along the river, make crafts and participate in hands-on activities.
• NEW!! Kids’ Night Out: Drop the kids off at Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center to explore science and nature with our naturalists, while you enjoy a nice dinner or anything else you might have planned for Valentine’s Day.
• NEW!! Shiver Me Timbers Plunge: Challenge your body and mind like you have never challenged it before! Plunge in Lake Michigan at our inaugural Shiver Me Timbers Plunge.
• Indoor Beach Yoga: Escape the cold but still enjoy the breathtaking views at Rosewood Beach! Join us for yoga at the Interpretive Center on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings!
• Play Indoor Pickleball at the Rec Center or Deer Creek: Elevate your game indoors! Whether you’re joining open play or reserving a court for you and your friends, we’ve got the perfect spot for your pickleball play.

View a complete listing of all our winter program offerings on the left.

❄️ Registration Dates ❄️

• Resident registration begins Wednesday, November 6 at 7am
• Non-resident registration begins Wednesday, November 13 at 7am

For tennis and pickleball programs:

• Current student registration is now-Sunday, November 3 (in-person only)
• Member registration begins Tuesday, November 5 at noon
• Resident registration begins Wednesday, November 6 at 7am
• Non-resident registration begins Wednesday, November 13 at 7am

❄️ Good Things to Know! ❄️

Looking for Weekend Programs?
We have you covered with weekend sessions for baseball, swimming, dance, tennis, music, flag football, theater, gymnastics, ice skating, pickleball, hockey, basketball, art, and more!

Update Your Account Before Registration Day
To avoid registration frustration, make sure your account is set up correctly and ready to go.  Learn more.

Highwood Residents K-12 Grade Can Register as Residents
To provide equity and inclusion for all our Highland Park and Highwood school-aged participants, resident privileges, including priority registration and resident fees, are now extended to all Kindergarten through Grade 12 students living in the geographic boundaries of North Shore School District 112 and Highland Park High School. Parents of these children are not eligible for resident fees.

Need Financial Assistance?
We do not want a program fee to be a deterrent to you or your family from participating in programs. If you are a Highland Park or Highwood resident experiencing financial hardship, please email [email protected] or call 847.579.3101 to speak with our staff about available scholarship opportunities. All scholarships and inquiries regarding financial aid are completely confidential. Learn more about our scholarships.

❄️ Making a Donation is Easier Than Ever! ❄️

Donate to the Parks Foundation at checkout to ensure that all community members can participate in Park District programs. There are two ways to donate while you register:

1. On the Shopping Cart page, the “Recommended Programs” section offers $5, $10, and $25 donation opportunities.
2. On the Checkout page, you will be asked if you would like to round up your registration fee and donate the difference to the Parks Foundation.

The Parks Foundation raises funds to support and enhance exceptional Park District projects and provides scholarship funding to ensure that all Highwood and Highland Park residents are able to participate in Park District programs.

Learn more about the Parks Foundation of Highland Park.