If your kid is glued to their phone, watching brain rot videos, or constantly saying “67” — I can help with that. Well, not the “67” thing. That ain’t ever going away. But the other thing? I got you.
Are you looking for programs for your kids outside of basketball, football, and cheer? Do you want your child to explore, be social, try new things, and actually come home excited about something they learned?
If yes — this page is for you.
I’m a homeschooling mom of six. I get DMs and comments almost daily from parents asking how I find the programs my children participate in. Chicago parents especially want to know where to look. So I finally put together a list.
There are incredible programs happening all over Chicagoland for kids of every age, for free or nearly free, that the average parent will never know about. They don’t advertise. They don’t show up on Google. They fill up through word of mouth. Or they don’t fill up at all.
Today I’m pulling 10 of those programs out of my rolodex and handing them to you for free.
This isn’t a calendar. This isn’t a list of trampoline parks or Bluey shows. This isn’t an algorithm spitting out sponsored “things to do this weekend.”
This is a parent who’s already done the digging — who enrolled her own six kids in these programs, sat through the orientations, paid the fees (when there were any), and watched her daughter come home with a $500 scholarship and a homemade pizza recipe.
And before you ask — no, you don’t have to be rich. The 8-week engineering course my kids took? Free. The 10-week app course at the University of Illinois? Free. The financial literacy course my daughter walked out of with a $500 scholarship? Completely free. The 4-week teen construction class was $40 for the whole thing. Access has far more to do with information than income.
So here they are. The 10 Chicagoland Youth Programs I bet you don’t know about. Save this page. Share it with a parent who needs it.
Give your child a summer of creativity, discovery, and FUN. Reading and math, coding (Scratch, mBlock, Python), web development (HTML/CSS/Java/JavaScript/SQL/PHP), robotics, drones, AI, game development (C++, C#, GDScript), and FUN Fridays every week.
Trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills — designed to transform their lives and their communities.
Learning experiences and opportunities for young women. The program ignites a spark that fuels their scholars’ agency to pursue their passions in a tech-driven world.
A free 5-day cybersecurity camp for girls — hands-on labs, technical challenges with prizes, sessions with current cybersecurity professionals, and mentorship opportunities. Early August, Mon–Fri, 9 AM–3 PM.
We love the CAC in my household. My kids have taken classes here and they’ve always had an amazing time — but more than that, they’ve made lasting connections and learned real, practical skills. Twice-monthly workshops, open to students in 9th–12th grade, with the option to join single sessions or explore all offerings.
A hidden gem. This was one of the first classes I signed my kids up for and they loved it. Each week they came home with a new recipe — and I swear to you, my daughter makes the best pizza from scratch (dough and everything) because of this class. $40 for the whole 4-week class. You can’t beat that.
For a limited time, Bank of America is inviting kids to golf with them through a free one-year membership to Youth on Course — giving them access to tee times for $5 or less at thousands of courses nationwide.
More sports programs inside the membership →
Soccer leagues, basketball camps, swim teams, gymnastics, niche sports your kid hasn’t heard of yet.
Don’t miss the next round. Get the full list updated weekly.
Join the Membership →An 8–10 week paid internship designed to introduce high school students to construction engineering, architecture, and transportation logistics through hands-on experience with the Red Line Extension. Runs late June through mid-August. Interns work 20 hours per week.
More trade and career programs inside →
Construction classes (the $40 one my son took), HVAC bootcamps, electrical apprenticeship pipelines, welding intros, plumbing 101.
Farm internships, urban gardening, fishing programs, conservation crews, nature immersion camps, and the homesteading classes my own family uses.
See What’s InsideA free 4-week Financial Empowerment Program for youth designed to build real financial literacy. Once your child successfully completes the program, they’re eligible for a college scholarship.
A tuition-free academic mentorship program offering one-of-a-kind experiences, resources, and educational opportunities. This is the kind of mentorship that carries kids all the way through high school.
Private scholarships, essay contests with cash prizes, financial aid the public never sees, and the small local awards that don’t make the headlines but actually fund your kid’s future.
See What’s InsideFree museum days the city doesn’t advertise. Private family events. Local festivals worth the drive. Where we’ve actually been with our six kids — and what we’d skip next time.
See What’s InsideMedical shadowing programs. Veterinary intros. Pilot academies. Public speaking workshops. The “I didn’t know this existed” programs that aren’t on anyone’s radar yet.
See What’s InsideThe comments below are pulled straight from real Instagram posts featuring my own kids actually doing these programs. Real parents. Real reactions. Real demand.
My son is in soccer, band, and taking an intro engineering class. He’s 13 and don’t have time for tomfoolery and shenanigans.
@w_ on Instagram ♥ 137 likes
Gatekeeping has become code for not wanting to take initiative. Really do appreciate the share. 🙏 My 15 y/o twins already have me running like crazy with their activities but I’m definitely going to look into these and see how they can join one of these classes in the upcoming months.
@j_ on Instagram
This right here is how we need to be showing young boys how to be men and giving them a viable skill.
@r_ on Instagram
I’m married to an electrician and he says all the time not enough youngsters getting into trades anymore….I’m loving this 🙌🔥
@a_ on Instagram
Every single time I post about a program, my comments and DMs look like this. Parents aren’t asking IF the program is worth it. They’re asking WHERE to sign up.
“Please 🙏 what’s the name of the trade school, I want it for my sons.”
@p_ · Instagram
“How can I start something like this? I’m 15 and want to learn plumbing!”
@j_ · Instagram (a teen asking)
“You are amazing and these boys are blessed. Where are the classes held? I’m in Chicago too.”
@1_ · Instagram
“Where are any of these offers located? I have 3 boys.”
@i_ · Instagram
“And I would like to sign my child up. How do I do that — what program is this?”
@g_ · Instagram
“Can you link the course or class? This would be great for my nephew, 15.”
@v_ · Instagram
Inside the membership you get every program I’ve found — plus everything I post about, the moment I post it.
Use code EARLYBIRD for 20% off annual
Join The Membership