The Champaign-Urbana area has a variety of offerings for kids classes, activities, lessons and teams during the school year
Activities that keep your kids active and engaged? Check. Activities that stretch your kids’ brain power? Check. Activities that your kids will be asking to go to? Check. We have the info on a variety of extra curricular activities that kids will enjoy all year long.
Registration for fall activities are up and running at many organizations, although some may not have information ready yet. Please note that all listings are paid sponsors of chambanamoms.
Champaign Gymnastics Academy (CGA)
At CGA, every child is encouraged to celebrate their individuality in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. They offer structured gymnastics classes for ages 2–18, along with infant and adult open gyms—providing opportunities for everyone to explore, discover, and grow through the sport of gymnastics.
Classes offer more than just gymnastics—they help children develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of movement. CGA is a place where kids feel supported, celebrated, and encouraged to be themselves. With a focus on safety, positive coaching, and developmentally appropriate progression, we’re here to help every child thrive.
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Champaign Park District
Coming soon!
Locations: Various
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Central Illinois Youth Chorus (CIYC)
Since 1978, CIYC has provided choral music instruction, vocal training, and performance opportunities for singers in Central Illinois Youth Chorus (CIYC) provides choral music instruction, vocal training, and exciting performance opportunities for singers in kindergarten through twelfth grade. CIYC offers weekly rehearsals and multiple performances per year for four choir levels to help singers build their vocal technique and musicianship. This season features three performances at the Krannert Center with the Champaign Urbana Symphony Orchestra, including Carmina Burana!
Location: Faith United Methodist Church, 1719 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Champaign Ballet Academy / Champaign Urbana Ballet
Your kid, on stage at the Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign — under the lights, in full costume, ready to shine. For 28 years, Champaign Ballet Academy & Champaign Urbana Ballet have turned first-time dancers into confident leaders, sharp problem-solvers, and (yes) stunning Nutcracker performers.
Ballet isn’t just pointe shoes and tutus… it’s confidence, connection, and community, built one class at a time. Boys and girls. Total beginners to seasoned dancers. All are welcome. Not sure it’s your kid’s thing? Come find out for free. First class is on them.
Location: Champaign Ballet Academy, 2810 W Clark Rd., Champaign
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Stephens Family YMCA
At the Stephens Family YMCA, children can explore, play, and grow in a welcoming, supportive environment. Their programs encourage curiosity, teamwork, and healthy habits while giving kids opportunities to discover new interests. Every experience is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and meaningful for all members of our community.
Location: 2501 Field S Dr., Champaign
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
YMCA HEAT Swim Team
At HEAT, they provide every athlete an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability, from novice to international competitor. It offers stroke development levels up to national- and international-level competitive swimming.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Will Barker, HEAT offers high quality, professional coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities. They intend to do this by challenging each athlete to harness the power of positive thinking, learn the values of good sportsmanship and teamwork, develop good time management skills, set goals that will foster personal improvement both in the pool and on land, and value each other, coaches, parents, and our program through honesty, caring, and respect. HEAT is based at the Stephens Family YMCA and registered with Illinois Swimming, Inc. (ISI), USA Swimming, and YMCA Swimming.
Location: Stephens Family YMCA, 2501 Fields South Dr., Champaign
For more information: Website, Facebook, or call (217) 239-2806.
Class Act
Class Act’s performing arts classes help students (ages 3 to adult) build confidence, creativity and collaborative skills. In a nurturing environment, budding performers of all levels can receive training year-round in acting, improvisation, voice, creative movement, and musical theatre, taught by experienced theatre and music educators.
Location: Academy High, 2001 Fox Dr., Champaign
For more information: Website or Facebook
Horizon Climbing
Horizon Climbing offers a variety of youth climbing classes! Single-session Boulder Basics group classes are a great way to get a taste of bouldering. Our friendly Boulder Basics instructors teach bouldering technique for beginner climbers. After-School Climbing Club is a 6-week program that covers bouldering technique and includes games and hangout time on and off the climbing wall. Kids will meet weekly for six weeks and get to know each other! Additionally, Horizon Climbing offers private one-on-one or small group lessons! All youth programs are led by Mika Malter, early childhood educator and co-owner of Horizon Climbing!
Location: Horizon Climbing, Round Barn Road, Champaign
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Urbana Fine Arts Center
High quality dance instruction, structured classes, focused on the needs of each student, in a warm, respectful and safe environment. Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Tap and Hip Hop. Ages 3 and older. Full semester and Drop-in options.
Location: Urbana Fine Arts Center, 2860 S Philo Rd, Urbana
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
