Activites, Camps and After School Classes in Chicago, IL

Our Artsy Science class combines the magic of art and the excitement of science to create a unique and enriching experience for young children. Each session thoughtfully designed to support developmental milestones through sensory exploration, creative expression, problem-solving, early literacy and social interaction!

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!

Starting to think about preschool or looking for meaningful ways your little one can connect with other children their age? Then Broadway Prep is for you! Developed by a professional performer turned child development specialist, Broadway Prep combines the creativity and energy of our Broadway & Me classes with a play-based curriculum that gives children the opportunity to learn through messy art projects, sensory play adventures, and child lead explorations. Designed specifically for children ages 2-3 years old, Prep provides a fun and supportive environment where little ones (and their parents) can adapt to being on their own in "big kid" class at their own pace. Each week children will be introduced to the world of a new Broadway Musical and at the end of each week, parents will be provided with pictures from class as well as a Weekly Report sharing information about the week’s activities. Broadway Prep is a GENTLE SEPARATION CLASS. While the goal is drop-off, we understand that for many children, this will be their first separation experience. Parents will be allowed to stay in class with their child for as long as necessary and Prep teachers will work with parents to create a drop-off routine for each child that ensures both kiddos and their parents are comfortable. Parents and caregivers whose children feel comfortable being dropped off are welcome to stay at Soul City and hang out while classes are taking place but it is not required. There are plenty of comfy couches, tables where you can work remotely, and free wifi!​ Stages is committed to making our quality arts integrated early learning experiences available and affordable for all families. For information about tuition assistance and free classes, please visit our Tuition Assistance Page *Ready for a longer class? Ask about extended day Prep Program!

Join us for a delightful journey in the world of numbers, shapes, and patterns designed especially for little ones aged 1-3. Our Math Munchkins class is all about making math fun and accessible through playful and engaging activities that support early childhood development. Stay and play from 10 am to 12 pm for 25% off! Register for the full series and play for free on Thursdays from 3 pm to 5 pm.

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 27 - Mary Poppins Monday, October 14 - Frozen 2 Monday, November 4 - Hamilton Tuesday, November 5 - Eras (Taylor Swift) Monday November 25 - Wicked Tuesday, November 26 - & Juliet Wednesday, November 27 - Moana Monday, January 20 - Mamma Mia Tuesday, January 21 - Matilda Monday, February 17 - Descendants Tuesday, February 25 - Footloose Monday, March 31 - The Lion King Tuesday, April 1 - Six Friday, April 18 - Superhero 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: - A nut free snack - A water bottle. Please make sure that everything is labeled.

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around in the bubble machine, and bat balloons to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Limited to 15 kids per session for enhanced comfort and safety.

Get ready to Defy Gravity this summer with everyone's favorite witches! Our week-long musical theater camp the hit musical Wicked and its iconic movie adaptation will bring your child's favorite songs and characters to life through music, dance, dramatic play, and process art activities. Stages camps are run by professional teaching artists with years of experience on professional stages as well as in the classroom so you can drop-off feeling confident that your child is in good hands all week long. Best of all? Half Day campers get to take center stage at the end of the week in a Final Performance for family and friends. Whether your child has taken performing arts classes in the past or you’re simply looking for something new to try this summer, Stages is for you! 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.

Experience the magical world of Harry Potter in a whole new way as you rehearse and perform scenes from the beloved films & hit Broadway play! Young actors will be introduced to several famous methods of acting as they participate in scene study, character analysis, and rehearse for their Final Performance which will take place on the last day of camp! Campers will also be given the chance to discover what goes on “behind the scenes” helping to create costume pieces, sets, and props that they'll use in their final performance! Don’t worry – it’s not all work and no play here at Stages! We take advantage of the fun and freedom of summer, ensuring campers have time outside each day as well as free play (and rest). Best of all? Our camps are run by professional teaching artists with years of experience on professional stages as well as in the classroom so you can drop-off feeling confident that your child will be in good hands all week long. Whether your child has taken performing arts classes in the past or you’re simply looking for something new to try this summer, Stages is for you! 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. 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.

Welcome to Summer at Stages with Encanto! The perfect camp for your Encanto-loving kid where all the people are fantastical and magical and it's totally ok to talk and SING about Bruno! Our week-long musical theater camp inspired by Encanto will bring your child's favorite songs and characters to life through music, dance, dramatic play, and process art activities. Stages camps are run by professional teaching artists with years of experience on professional stages as well as in the classroom so you can drop-off feeling confident that your child is in good hands all week long. Best of all? Half Day campers get to take center stage at the end of the week in a Final Performance for family and friends. Whether your child has taken performing arts classes in the past or you’re simply looking for something new to try this summer, Stages is for you! 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.

Let the magic of Broadway and musical theater take your camper "Into the Unknown" this summer without ever leaving the city! Our week-long musical theater camp inspired by Frozen will bring your child's favorite songs and characters to life through music, dance, dramatic play, process art activities, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Stages camps are run by professional teaching artists with years of experience on professional stages as well as in the classroom so you can drop-off feeling confident that your child is in good hands all week long. Best of all? Half Day campers get to take center stage at the end of the week in a Final Performance for family and friends. Whether your child has taken performing arts classes in the past or you’re simply looking for something new to try this summer, Stages is for you! 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.

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.

Welcome to Summer at Stages with Encanto! The perfect camp for your Encanto-loving kid where all the people are fantastical and magical and it's totally ok to talk and SING about Bruno! Our week-long musical theater camp inspired by Encanto will bring your child's favorite songs and characters to life through music, dance, dramatic play, and process art activities. Stages camps are run by professional teaching artists with years of experience on professional stages as well as in the classroom so you can drop-off feeling confident that your child is in good hands all week long. Best of all? Half Day campers get to take center stage at the end of the week in a Final Performance for family and friends. Whether your child has taken performing arts classes in the past or you’re simply looking for something new to try this summer, Stages is for you! 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.

Get ready to Defy Gravity this summer with everyone's favorite witches! Don't wait to enroll, this week is going to be POP-U-LAR! Here at Stages, we combine the magic of musical theater with the fun and freedom of summer to help campers develop the skills every performer needs to perform on a Broadway Stage! Campers will learn the foundations of musical theatre while experiencing the thrill of an intensive audition and rehearsal process. Throughout the week, they will participate in music, choreography, and blocking rehearsals, all in preparation for their final performance on the last day of camp. Don’t worry – it’s not all work and no play here at Stages! We take advantage of the fun and freedom of summer, ensuring campers have time outside each day as well as free play (and rest). They’ll also be given the chance to discover what goes on “behind the scenes” helping to create costume pieces, sets, and props that they'll use in their final performance! BEST OF ALL? Our camps are run by professional teaching artists with years of experience on professional stages as well as in the classroom so you can drop-off feeling confident that your child will be in good hands. If your child is ready to work hard, have fun, and take their talent to the next level, Stages is for you! *Mark your Calendar: Final Performance will take place on FRIDAY at 4:15pm. Children will be released to families following the performance. Final Performances will be recorded and shared for families who are unable to attend. 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.

Experience the magical world of Harry Potter in a whole new way as you rehearse and perform scenes from the beloved films & hit Broadway play! Young actors will be introduced to several famous methods of acting as they participate in scene study, character analysis, and rehearse for their Final Performance which will take place on the last day of camp! Campers will also be given the chance to discover what goes on “behind the scenes” helping to create costume pieces, sets, and props that they'll use in their final performance! Don’t worry – it’s not all work and no play here at Stages! We take advantage of the fun and freedom of summer, ensuring campers have time outside each day as well as free play (and rest). Best of all? Our camps are run by professional teaching artists with years of experience on professional stages as well as in the classroom so you can drop-off feeling confident that your child will be in good hands all week long. Whether your child has taken performing arts classes in the past or you’re simply looking for something new to try this summer, Stages is for you! 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.

Ready to tackle the works of William Shakespeare? Our Summer Shakespeare Intensive gives young performers the opportunity to rehearse and perform scenes from his most iconic plays AND their famous modern-day adaptations like Aida, West Side Story, Lion King, and more! Campers will learn the foundations of BOTH classical and musical theatre while experiencing the thrill of an intensive audition and rehearsal process. Throughout the week, campers will participate in Shakespeare 101 (a crash course in classical acting), vocal coaching, choreography sessions, all in preparation for their final performance on the last day of camp. Don’t worry – it’s not all work and no play here at Stages! We take advantage of the fun and freedom of summer, ensuring campers have time outside each day as well as free play (and rest). They’ll also be given the chance to discover what goes on “behind the scenes” helping to create costume pieces, sets, and props that they'll use in their final performance! BEST OF ALL? Our camps are run by professional teaching artists with years of experience on professional stages as well as in the classroom so you can drop-off feeling confident that your child will be in good hands. If your child is ready to work hard, have fun, and take their talent to the next level, Summer at Stages is for you! 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.

Get ready to set sail with Moana and Maui for an epic summer adventure! Our week-long musical theater camp inspired by Moana will bring your child's favorite songs and characters to life through music, dance, dramatic play, and process art activities. Stages camps are run by professional teaching artists with years of experience on professional stages as well as in the classroom so you can drop-off feeling confident that your child is in good hands all week long. Best of all? Half Day campers get to take center stage at the end of the week in a Final Performance for family and friends. Whether your child has taken performing arts classes in the past or you’re simply looking for something new to try this summer, Stages is for you! 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.

Dive into the summer and join us under the sea for Summer at Stages with The Little Mermaid! Our week-long musical theater camp inspired by The Little Mermaid uses this iconic Disney musical to help your camper develop the skills every performer needs to perform on a Broadway Stage. Campers will spend the week singing, dancing, acting, and rehearsing for their Final Performance which will take place on the last day of camp! They’ll also be given the chance to discover what goes on “behind the scenes” helping to create costume pieces, sets, and props that they'll use in their final performance! Don’t worry – it’s not all work and no play here at Stages! We take advantage of the fun and freedom of summer, ensuring campers have time outside each day as well as free play (and rest). Best of all? Our camps are run by professional teaching artists with years of experience on professional stages as well as in the classroom so you can drop-off feeling confident that your child will be in good hands all week long. Whether your child has taken performing arts classes in the past or you’re simply looking for something new to try this summer, Stages is for you! 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.

Do not throw away your shot to celebrate the 4th of July with Hamilton! Here at Stages, we combine the magic of musical theater with the fun and freedom of summer to help campers develop the skills every performer needs to perform on a Broadway Stage! Campers will learn the foundations of musical theatre while experiencing the thrill of an intensive audition and rehearsal process. Throughout the week, they will participate in music, choreography, and blocking rehearsals, all in preparation for their final performance on the last day of camp. Don’t worry – it’s not all work and no play here at Stages! We take advantage of the fun and freedom of summer, ensuring campers have time outside each day as well as free play (and rest). They’ll also be given the chance to discover what goes on “behind the scenes” helping to create costume pieces, sets, and props that they'll use in their final performance! BEST OF ALL? Our camps are run by professional teaching artists with years of experience on professional stages as well as in the classroom so you can drop-off feeling confident that your child will be in good hands. If your child is ready to work hard, have fun, and take their talent to the next level, Summer at Stages is for you! 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.

Cup Surface Decoration: this workshop will explore using "Sgraffito" or carving clay make designs on the surface. Participants will get pre-made cylinders and tiles to work on during the class. Family day workshops are designed for parents and children to work on projects together led by an instructor. One reservation ($45) for up to four participants, an $10/person for more than four (paid day of). No experience necessary. There is no age limit, but participants under 4 years old will require much more guidance from guardian. All kids must be accompanied by a guardian. Clay and underglaze are included. Projects will be clear glazed and ready for pick up two weeks after the class.

Join us for family playtime! Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and WiFi as your children explore our 1,500 sq. foot space!

Let your children explore creativity and learning while having a blast on their day off! Children K-2 will stay engaged with an enriching day camp packed with a dynamic blend of STEM, art, literacy, and movement activities! Packed lunch required. Snacks provided. Discounts are available for siblings. Extended care available. Packing a Safe Lunch The playroom is a peanut and nut-safe facility. All ingredients should be checked to screen out products that contain nuts, are prepared in a factory where nuts are present, or on equipment that processes nut products. This will help eliminate any potential risk to children with nut allergies. Due to limited space in the playroom, refrigerators will not be available to keep your child’s lunch cold. Please use a gel pack or alternatives to keep food cold. Sample Day Schedule 8:30 am - 9:30 am: Arrival, open play, and introductions 9:30 am - 10:15 am: Bathroom break, morning snacks, and camp overview; clean-up 10:15 am - 10:45 am: Storytime and reflections 10:45 am - 11:00 am: Movement activity 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Kids divided into stations Station 1: Magnetic slime making (Magnetic exploration) Station 2: Playdough making (Sensory and Chemistry) Station 3: Painting with racing cars (Gravity, friction, and art) 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: lunch and quiet time 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: 2nd station rotation 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: 3rd station rotation 3:00 pm - 3:15 pm: Yoga 3:15 pm - 3:30 pm: Circle time; open play 3:30 pm : Pick-up or extended care Note: We are unable to accommodate naptime