Early Childhood Programming

Drop-In Open Play Program 

This open-play program is perfect for ages birth through 5 years with a parent or caregiver. This program offers a fun space to play and gives both adults and children the opportunity to make new friends and play indoors. And it’s a great place to make morning playdates!

Time Together Open Play Calendar

See the link above for an up-to-date calendar of Time Together Open Play dates.

Mondays, 4-6pm & Saturdays, 9:30-11:30am, Blue Room

• Soft mats, foam tiles, and pillows line the floor and children are welcome to play with toys, puzzles, books, blocks, and more.

• Tables and chairs are provided for both adults and children for coloring, puzzles, board games, or reading/working.

• This drop-in program is a great space for siblings of students in Saturday Chandler sports programs.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9:30-11:30am, South Gym (Gymnastics)

• Children can enjoy open gym on the gymnastics equipment with a parent/guardian’s help.

• Soft mats, balls, and small equipment will be available for children to explore (note that not all gymnastics equipment will be available during Time Together). 

Cost

All first-time guests attend our program for free!

Fee: $10R/$13.00NR for one child/caregiver, $5R/$6.50NR

Punch Passes: 10-visit punch pass for $70R/$91NR can be purchased online , over the phone at 847.448.8252, or at the Chandler-Newberger Center front desk.

Parking

• Free parking is available in the Chandler-Newberger parking lot off Central Street in Evanston. Parking permits are available at the front desk.

• 4-hour street parking is also available on Lincoln Street.

• Our facility is just west of the Central Street CTA Purple Line Station. 

Family Rock (1-5 yrs w/ caregiver)

It’s a family affair! Join Family Rock to sing, dance, play, learn, and imagine! This popular movement-based program uses music to facilitate learning. Activities include the use of rhythm instruments and movement props, work on gross and fine motor skills, including balance and coordination, and engagement in imaginative play.

 All classes are structured and include early listening and following directions skills. You’ll have a rockin’ good time! Get more information at www.rockitkids.com

Registration is for one child and an adult. $69 for an additional child. Register online, over the phone at 847.448.8252, or at the Chandler-Newberger Center front desk between 9-5pm M-F.

Little Book Club (9 months-5 yrs w/ caregiver)

Little Book Club was born out of a desire to make reading fun for all kids, in addition to fostering creativity and early socialization. The class is led by licensed teachers who are trained to be energetic, personable, knowledgeable, extroverted, and inclusive. Our goal is to build relationships with families and kids while making class a place they want to come back to and reading something they are passionate about. Each session includes a read-aloud, hands-on literacy activity, craft, sensory bin, and bubbles. Hosted by Connections Academics. 

Next session starts in January 2026.

Register online, over the phone at 847.448.8252, or at the Chandler-Newberger Center front desk.

Little Learners Club (2.5-5 yrs w/ caregiver)

We'll dive into stories, activities, routines, and play that will help prepare your little one for preschool. As we progress, we'll ask caregivers to give participants more independence to prepare them for the preschool setting. Our goal is to encourage toddlers to communicate, socialise, and learn through play with peers. The class is led by licensed teachers who are trained to be energetic, personable, knowledgeable, extroverted, and inclusive. Our goal is to build relationships with families and kids while making class a place they want to come back to. Hosted by Connections Academics. 

Register online, over the phone at 847.448.8252, or at the Chandler-Newberger Center front desk.

Next session starts in January 2026.

Infant Expressions (0-15 months w/caregiver)

This program focuses on developing your baby's first gestures, signs, and vocalizations. Led by a certified speech-language pathologist, little ones engage in small-group book reading, music, sensory and motor play, while caregivers learn strategies to enhance language at home. Hosted by Little Giggles Speech Therapy. 

Register online, over the phone at 847.448.8252, or at the Chandler-Newberger Center front desk.

Gymnastics With A Grown-Up (1.5-3.5 yrs old)

An introductory class for toddlers with the help of a caregiver. Tots will practice gross motor skills, explore obstacle courses  and be introduced to various age-appropriate gymnastic skills each week.  See our gymnastics page for more information about our gymnastic program.

For our current class schedule, please see Parks & Recreation Program Guide and registration  or call 847.448.8252.

Preschool Gymnastics:  (3.5-5.5 years)

Our instructors work with children to improve their coordination, balance, flexibility, and gross motor skills in a fun, safe environment. Gymnasts will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of new movements and activities at their own pace, and will be gently introduced to the more structured schedule and rules of school-age gymnastics classes. Students are grouped by age and experience.

For our current class schedule, please see Parks & Recreation Program Guide and registration or call 847.448.8252.

Questions?

Contact: Kathryn Dolan - Gymnastics and Youth Programs Coordinator
kdolan@cityofevanston.org
847-448-8680