Winter 2026 GUIDE Adult Trips REGISTERNOW TRIPS FOR Winter
Luncheon at the Little Traveler
Tuesday, November 25, 10:30AM-2:30PM
DUE DATE: AT REG.
Join us for a trip to Geneva, a charming town along the Fox River. Visit The Little Traveler, a unique shop and café set in an Italianate Victorian home with 36 rooms of global treasures. Enjoy the welcoming staff, explore nearby boutiques and bakeries, and start your holiday shopping while spending time with friends before Thanksgiving. Lunch includes an entrée and a nonalcoholic beverage of your choice and dessert. Select your entrée at time of registration.
$40R/$46NR 32984
Christmas
Around the World
Thursday, December 18, 8:30AM-4PM
DUE DATE: AT REG.
Join us for a festive visit to the Museum of Science and Industry's Christmas Around the World. Discover ornately decorated trees that represent global cultures, and enjoy exploring the unique history behind each display. Treat yourself to lunch and snacks from various museum food vendors.
$37R/$43NR 32989
Million Dollar Quartet
Christmas
Sunday, January 4, 10:15AM-5:15PM
DUE DATE: DECEMBER 1
Get ready for a rockin' Christmas musical from the creators of Million Dollar Quartet! Join legends Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley as they reunite at Sun Records studio to celebrate the holidays with festive cheer and electrifying performances. Before the show at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, enjoy lunch on your own at Culvers.
$84R/$90NR 34070
Adult Trips
Four Winds Casino
Wednesday, January 7, 8:30AM-5:30PM
DUE DATE: DECEMBER 15
At the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, MI, choose from blackjack, craps, baccarat, roulette, poker, keno, and over 3,000 slots, including penny machines. Receive a $10 credit towards lunch and $15 for slot play. A valid state ID is required. Advanced registration is necessary.
$32R/$38NR 33825
Candlelight: Tribute to the Beatles
Friday, January 23, 4:45-8:45PM
DUE DATE: DECEMBER 1
Join us at the Arts Center of Oak Park for an evening of award-winning live music in a warm and captivating atmosphere performed by a classical string quartet. Experience your favorite music with the soft glow of thousands of candles in this beautiful historic venue. Meal is not included in this event, make sure to eat before you arrive.
$84R/$90NR 34071
Birthday Candles
Sunday, January 25, 12:30-5:30PM
DUE DATE: DECEMBER 15
Join as at Wheaton Drama Theater Downtown Wheaton for this poetic and profound play. We meet Ernestine Ashworth on her 17th birthday and stay with her as she celebrates birthdays across nine decades—all while baking the same cake. As time passes around her, Ernestine wrestles with life, love, loss and legacy, wondering if her life will ever be extraordinary. With a tender mix of humor and poignancy, Birthday Candles invites audiences to reflect on the rituals that define us, the memories that shape us, and the beauty in every ordinary moment. Meal is not included in this event, make sure you eat before you arrive.
$45R/$51NR 34077
Russian Tea Time
Tuesday, February 3, 9:30AM-3:30PM
DUE DATE: JANUARY 1
Indulge in afternoon tea in the heart of Chicago’s downtown “culinary landmark.” Enjoy classic tea service including a pot of tea, beginnings, savories and sweets in this cozy environment embellished with rich mahogany and birch wood finishes, brass samovars and heart-warming balalaika music. A truly unforgettable experience to share with friends.
$72R/$78NR 34078
Dear Evan Hanson
Wednesday, February 11, 11AM-5:15PM
DUE DATE: JANUARY 15
"Dear Evan Hansen" at the Paramount Theater follows the journey of Evan, a lonely and anxious high schooler who starts each day with a letter to himself, aiming to make it a good one. This coping mechanism leads him into a web of lies, but ultimately, his story reveals that everyone can find love, acceptance, and belonging, even after making mistakes. The musical has won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. A pre-show lunch at the Meyer Ballroom is included.
$72R/$78NR 34080
Adult Trips
Spring Program Preview Day
Thursday, February 12, 2-3:30PM FREE FREE
Get the inside scoop on our Spring trips before they’re open for registration to the public! Bingo and light snacks are included along with a chance to win a $25 park district gift certificate. 34302
Chicago Bakery Tour
Wednesday, February 17, 8AM-3PM
DUE DATE: JANUARY 15
Enjoy a delicious afternoon with Chicago Tour Co. as we venture downtown to some of the tastiest bakeries in Chicago! We start our day at a stop to Stan’s donuts where you enjoy a fresh donut of your choice. We then head over to Great Harvest where we have the opportunity to sample while we shop. We take an included lunch break at Fireside Grill where we enjoy a selection of entrée salads. Following lunch, we indulge in dessert at Lutz Bakery!
$115R/$121NR 34088
Hard Rock Casino
Wednesday, February 25, 10AM-7PM
DUE DATE: FEBRUARY 1
At the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, play as many table games and slots as you desire. Each participant receives $10 in game play credit with the addition of $10 extra if you sign up to become a member. If you get hungry throughout the day, stop by any of the casino restaurants for a meal at an additional cost.
Ages 21+
$18R/$24NR 34072
The Art Institute of Chicago
Thursday, March 5, 9:30AM-4:30PM
DUE DATE: FEBRUARY 15
Spend the day downtown at the Art Institute of Chicago! Enjoy the day reveling in their worldfamous art collection and exhibits. Enjoy lunch on your own at the museum cafe.
$52R/$58NR 34089
American Writer’s Museum & Eataly
Friday, February 6, 8:30AM-3:30PM
DUE DATE: JANUARY 1
The American Writers Museum is the first and only museum of its kind in the nation dedicated to the breadth and impact of writing on our history, our culture and our daily lives. Learn about the history of writing in the United States in this interactive museum with engaging exhibits and celebrate the writers who continue to inspire and inform us. Enjoy free time and lunch on your own at Eataly following the guided tour.
$40R/$46NR 34079
Adult Trips
Glessner House Guided Tour
Friday, March 13, 8:15AM-3:15PM
DUE DATE: FEBRUARY 15
Explore the Glessner House, a National Historic Landmark in Chicago that celebrates innovative design and cultural arts from the late 1800s to today. This unique museum offers original artifacts and fascinating family history. After your tour, enjoy lunch on your own at From Here On Food Hall.
$45R/$51NR 34090
Milwaukee Fish Fry Guided Tour
Friday, March 20, 7:45AM-4:45PM
DUE DATE: FEBRUARY 15
Thank Cod It’s Friday! Join Milwaukee Food Tours for a Friday Lenten tradition featuring delicious fish fries. Start with a docent-led tour of a beautiful Catholic church, then savor two of Milwaukee’s finest fish fries. Finish the experience with a stop for famous Milwaukee custard and a visit to Mars Cheese Castle on the way home.
$140R/$146NR
Chicago Blackhawks
Sunday, March 22, 11:30AM-7:30PM
DUE DATE: AT REG.
Enjoy this family friendly outing to the United Center as the Chicago Blackhawks face the Nashville Predators! Our group is sitting in the 300 level. Food and drinks are on your own at the game.
Ages 6+
$94R/$100NR 33897
American Place Casino
Wednesday, March 25, 9AM-4PM
DUE DATE: MARCH 15
Press your luck at the new American Place Casino in Waukegan, with over 900 slot machines, including penny slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
Ages 21+
$22R/$28NR 34073
Hamilton
Wednesday, April 22, 10:30AM-5:30PM DUE DATE: JANUARY 15
Back by popular demand, Hamilton follows the rise of the Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Do not miss this must-see event, presented by Broadway in Chicago at the CIBC Theatre! Optional box lunch from Mariano’s includes a chocolate chunk cookie, apple, potato chips, and water bottle.
$103R/$109NR 34311
Box Lunch Entrée Selections:
1. Mozzarella & Tomato Salad (V)
2. Cob with Chicken & Bacon Salad
3. Ham & Swiss on Marble Rye Sandwich
4. Turkey & Cheddar Croissant Sandwich
$13R/NR 34314
Adult Trips
Adult Trips
New York City & the Statue of Liberty May 14-20 34161
Join Diamond Tours for this exciting destination to the "city that never sleeps." Your adventure to New York City includes guided tours of Manhattan with visits to Central Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the 9/11 Memorial. Enjoy a visit to Ellis Island and Liberty Island - home to the Statue of Liberty! This trip includes motorcoach transportation, 10 meals and 6 nights of lodging.
MORE INFORMATION
Activity Key
Minimal Activity = Indicates limited walking and a mostly seated experience. Example: Most theatre trips.
Moderate Activity = Indicates an increased level of activity, but with opportunity to go at one’s own pace. Example: Casino trips.
Extensive Activity = Indicates a high level of activity, including stairs, periods of extended standing, long walking distances, balcony seating, or other limited accessibility at a venue. Example: Festivals.
Accessibility
Most adult trips are accessible, however, participants using walkers or wheelchairs should confirm the trip location’s accessibility in advance. Use the Activity Key as a guide when determining if a program suits your capabilities. Indicate any accommodation requests on your registration form. Front bus seating may be reserved in advance for those with applicable medical special needs only. Participants requesting front of bus seating should arrive fifteen minutes prior to departure time. For more information, contact us at 630-784-6100.
Dietary Restrictions
Contact us prior to the payment due date with any dietary requests (vegetarian options are often available).
Pick-Up Location
The park district bus picks up at Simkus Recreation Center, 849 West Lies Road, unless otherwise noted. Meet in the lobby by the north east entrance.
Departure Times
Departure times listed for each trip reflect the time when the bus departs. Always arrive five to ten minutes early in order to check in and board the bus. Seating is first come, first served. Specific individual seats are not reserved for participants. See Accessibility section if you have a medical need that requires specific seating.
Payments
Registrants are required to either pay in full or enroll in a payment plan and complete an Automatic Payment Request form at the time of registration. If enrolling in a payment plan, payments for trips are withdrawn from the account listed on the Automatic Payment Request form on the payment due date for each trip. If a due date has passed, you may still enroll in the trip if space is available, payment is then due at registration. Enroll in the waitlist for a trip any time at no fee.
Trip Cancellations
Withdrawals should be requested prior to the payment deadline. If you can no longer attend after the deadline, withdrawals are only processed if a participant on the waitlist takes your spot or if you find a replacement. There is no guarantee that a waitlist replacement can be found after the due date has passed. If a friend is taking your place on the trip, a signed waiver and payment are due before your withdrawal can be processed. Passengers not on our roster are not permitted to attend. Refer to our Refund and Withdrawal Policy
ADULT SPECIAL INTEREST
Holiday Appetizers
Unlock your entertaining potential with "Easy & Elegant Appetizers"! This class teaches you to create impressive homemade hors d'oeuvres that are simple to make, enhancing any gathering.
Ages 21+
Fri 12/5 6:30-8:30PM $45R/$50NR 33468
Johnston Recreation Center, 172 S. Circle Ave., Bloomingdale
Adult Cookie Decorating
Join us for a creative night of decorating cookies with royal icing techniques like piping, flooding, and layering. Perfect for all skill levels, the class promotes fun and friendship.
Ages 16+
Winter Wonderland
Adult Painting
Create your masterpiece with Pinot’s Palette! Receive step-by-step instructions to create your work of art with the guidance of a local artist. No experience required and all supplied provided. Paintings on a 16x20 canvas unless otherwise noted.
Ages 17+
Cozy Winter Love
Fri 1/30 6-8PM $40R/$60NR 34064
A Fresh Spring
Fri 3/20 6-8PM $40R/$60NR 34063
Fountain View Recreation Center
The Art of Clay
Thu 1/22 6-8PM $45R/$65NR 33916
A Taste of Spring
Thu 3/12 6-8PM $45R/$65NR 33917
Fountain View Recreation Center
All supplies are provided, but participants should bring their own container to take cookies home.
Chef Pina’s Cooking Classes
Prepare for a memorable culinary experience with Chef Pina, where you’ll see, smell, and taste your way through a hands-on cooking class. More than just recipes, each session features a unique, mouth-watering menu that leaves you full, inspired, and possibly heading home with delicious leftovers. Enjoy a flavorful meal, engaging conversation, and pick up new techniques along the way. Just bring your appetite and a container for your creations.
Ages 21+
Salmon Wellington
Fri 1/23 6-9PM
Stuffed Meatballs
$56R/$61NR 34238
Fri 2/13 6-9PM $56R/$61NR 34239
Taste of Asia
Fri 3/20 6-9PM
$56R/$61NR 34240
Johnston Recreation, 172 S. Circle Ave, Bloomingdale
All meals served served with bread and a dessert.
See the possibilities a little bit of clay and a lot of imagination can bring, Participants learn techniques in hand-building including coil, slab, slumping, and glazing to transform wet clay into a fun and functional seasonal ceramic piece.
Ages 18+
Sun 2/1 10-11:30AM $51R/$71NR 34069
Fountain View Recreation Center Items will be kiln fired and ready for pick-up two weeks after class. Taught by Whim Studio staff.
Adult Owl Prowl
Discover the owls that call Lincoln Marsh home. Learn owling techniques and hit the trails in searc of these magnificent nocturnal predators.
Ages 18+
Sun 12/14 4:30-5:30PM $15R/$19NR 33058
Lincoln Marsh: Harrison Ave. and Pierce Ave., Wheaton
Adult Horsemanship
Dunham Woods Farm has offered exceptional equestrian instruction and horse care for over 50 years. Participants will learn grooming, tacking, and handling horses, as well as riding basics at the walk and trot.
Ages 18+
Wed 1/14-2/18 7-8PM $205R/$225NR 33743
Dunham Woods Farm, 9N755 Nesler Road, Elgin
ADULT SPECIAL INTEREST
Adult Piano Lessons
Always wanted to play piano or get back to it? This eight-week session offers private, flexible 30-minute lessons for adult beginners or returning players. Learn to read music, play your favorite songs, and enjoy the process with supportive instructors. Lesson day and time will be arranged by A & A Music when you register for the classes according to your schedule.
Ages 18+
Week of 1/5-2/23 TBD $208R/$228NR 33909
A & A Music Academy 1975 E Devon Ave., Hanover Park
Instant Piano/Guitar for Hopelessly Busy People
In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give you years of musical enjoyment. Learn to play piano/guitar the way professionals do - using chords. The chord method is LOTS of fun and dramatically easier to learn than reading notes.
Ages 13+
Piano
Mon 2/9 6:30-9:30PM $70R/$90NR 33918
Guitar
Tue 2/10 6:30-9PM $70R/$90NR 33919
Fee includes the online book, online follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also an optional periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and partly lecture/demonstration.
Learn to Speak Italian/French
Join us right from your living room as we explore new cultures and learn new languages via the interactive Zoom platform. Each session covers new material.
Ages 13+
French Mon 1/12-3/2 6-7PM $111R/$131NR 33927
Italian Wed 1/14-2/18 7-8PM $111R/$131NR 33926
Taught live on the Zoom platform by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be emailed to participants before the first class.
Adult Learn to Sign: Language in Action ASL
Interested in learning the basics of American Sign Language or communicating with your young child through signing? Join us from the comfort and convenience of your living room as you learn to sign in a fun, interactive and lively environment. Each session covers new material.
Ages 13+
Wed 2/25-4/1 7-8PM $111R/$131NR 33928
Taught live on the Zoom platform by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be emailed to participants before the first class.
CPR, AED, & First Aid Training
Learn life-saving skills in CPR, AED, and First Aid Training with hands-on instruction. A certification card from the American Safety & Health Institute is included.
Ages 15+
Tue 12/16 5-8PM $54R 33110
ARC Center, 201 W. National St., West Chicago
People Training Dogs
This five-week educational dog class will not only work your dog's obedience but also teach you how to recognize, manage, and change behaviors before they become undesirable. You and your furry friend learn how to walk on leash properly, sit, down, stay, place, come and stand for a veterinary exam. This class is for dogs five months and older. First class there are no dogs as we will have a Q&A session along with going over the first week's homework assignment. Some training equipment will be needed: a sixfoot leash, 15-foot leash, place cot/dog bed, and tasty treats. The first class is mandatory to continue this course. Get them trained with Roc Solid Obedience!
Wed 1/21-2/18 6:30-8PM $130R/$163NR 34074
Wed 2/25-3/25 6:30-8PM $130R/$163NR 34075
Wheaton Park District Community Center
Free course repeats as needed! All dogs are required to be upto-date on immunizations (Rabies, Parvo, and Distemper) with a negative stool sample checked no more than two weeks’ prior to the first class.
People Training Dogs - Continued
Thu 2/26-3/26 6:30-8PM $130R/$163NR 34076
Wheaton Park District Community Center
This class is only open to Roc Solid Obedience clients that have completed our basic class.
The Park District is Hiring!
Employees receive a complimentary Fountain View Fitness, Coral Cove Water Park and Dog Park Membership.
Notice of Changes in Guide Listings
The policies, procedures, requirements, programs, fees and facility availability contained in this Playbook represent the Park District program and policies at the time of publication. Sometimes changes in the programs (including fees, locations, times, etc.) and policies are necessary after guide publication but prior to program commencement or facility operation.
To provide the best services, programs, and facilities to the public, the Park District reserves the right to add, to change, modify or delete any program or policies after they have been published. The Park District attempts to make a reasonable effort to give prompt public notice of any material changes in the programs and policies, but notice cannot be assured. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
How to Register
Gain Visibility and Community Engagement when you partner with the Carol Stream Park District through sponsorships or advertising. Logo inclusion in promotional marketing collateral, team/program apparel and sponsor tables at events are just some of the benefits of sponsorship. Reach community members with high visibility advertising platforms. Print, Field and Facility Banners, Digital and Social Media platforms area available throughout the year. Go to our website under About Us, to learn more about how to utilize our reach for your marketing needs. Let our reach be an extension of your reach.
info@cspark.org
csparks.org
Adult Trips
Check the trips you would like to attend.
If not paying in full at registration, check Auto Pay to be charged on the listed due date—completion of Automatic Payment Request form required. Waiver & Release must be signed for the participant to be eligible for the trip/event. Trips depart from the Simkus Recreation Center unless otherwise noted.
Luncheon at the Little Traveler 11/25 32984
Christmas Around the World 12/18 32989
$40R/$46NR At Reg.
$37R/$43NR At Reg.
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas 1/4 34070 $84R/$90NR 12/1
Four Winds Casino 1/7 33825 $32R/$38NR 12/15
Candlelight: Beatles Tribute 1/23 34071 $84R/$90NR 12/1
Wheaton Drama presents Birthday Candles 1/25 34077
Activity Key
Minimal Activity =
Indicates limited walking and a mostly seated experience. Example: Most theatre trips.
Moderate Activity = Indicates an increased level of activity, but with opportunity to go at one’s own pace. Example: Casino trips.
Extensive Activity =
Indicates a high level of activity, including stairs, periods of extended standing, long walking distances, balcony seating, or other limited accessibility at a venue. Example: Festivals.
Adult Trips
The Carol Stream Park District is committed to conducting its recreation programs and activities in a safe manner and holds the safety of participants in high regard. The Carol Stream Park District continually strives to reduce such risks and insists that all participants follow safety rules and instructions that are designed to protect the participants’ safety. However, participants registering for Forever Young trips, outings and activities must recognize that there is an inherent risk of injury arising out of this activity.
You are solely responsible for determining if you are physically fit and/or adequately skilled for the activities contemplated by this agreement. It is always advisable, especially if the participant is pregnant, disabled in any way or recently suffered an illness, injury or impairment, to consult a physician before undertaking any physical activity.
WARNING OF RISK
Despite careful and proper preparation, instruction, medical advice, conditioning and equipment, there is still a risk of serious injury when participating in any recreational activity/program. Understandably, not all hazards and dangers can be foreseen.
Participants must understand that depending upon the particular activity, certain risks, dangers and injuries due to acts of God, inclement weather, slips and falls, inadequate or defective equipment, inadequate supervision or instruction, premises defects, carelessness, horseplay, vehicle accidents and all other circumstances inherent to recreational activities/programs exist. In this regard, it must be recognized that it is impossible for the Carol Stream Park District to guarantee absolute safety.
WAIVER & RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Read this form carefully and be aware that in signing up and participating in this program/activity, you will be expressly assuming the risk and legal liability and waiving and releasing all claims for injuries, damages or loss which you or your minor child/ward might sustain as a result of participating in any and all activities connected with and associated with this program/activity (including transportation services and vehicle operations, when provided).
I recognize and acknowledge that there are certain risks of physical injury to participants in this program/activity, and I voluntarily agree to assume the full risk of any and all injuries, damages or loss, regardless of severity, that my minor child/ward or I may sustain as a result of said participation. I further agree to waive and relinquish all claims I or my minor child/ward may have (or accrue to me or my child/ward) as a result of participating in this program/activity against the Carol Stream Park District, including its officials, agents, volunteers and employees.
I have read and fully understand the above important information, warning of risk, assumption of risk and waiver and release of all claims. If registering online or via fax, my online or facsimile signature shall substitute for and have the same legal effect as an original form signature.