Many Park District outdoor activities don’t cost much—or anything at all! When snow covers the ground, get out the snowboards, sleds and inner tubes to coast down hills at Langum Park and Timber Trails Park while cross country skiers explore miles of trails throughout St. Charles. Strap on skates and venture out to the ice skating rinks at Lincoln Park and Davis Park or grab a hockey stick and practice passing and shooting at Langum Park’s ice hockey rink. Explore natural areas wearing snow shoes and join us for a Snow Shoe Hike this winter.

The St. Charles Park District commits to clearing several trails within parks this winter so runners and walkers can continue their exercise routines while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

Norris Recreation Center is your one-stop shop for individual and family fitness! Membership includes access to the fitness center, minigym, cycling studio and TRX equipment; group fitness classes; child care; program discounts for tennis, personal training, massage and swimming; and many more amenities for anyone who is beginning or maintaining their fitness journey. Students looking for a health club to use during their school break can sign up for a student holiday 1-month membership for only $25! Make family fitness a priority and participate together in a variety of exercise options, drills and games on Sunday mornings. NRC tennis pros offer a selection of new and returning programs this winter for players of all ages. Swimming, diving and water polo can be enjoyed year-round, so throw your suits & goggles on and head on over to NRC today.

Venture out of St. Charles on a variety of trips offered each month for adults 50+ to museums and theatres throughout the Chicagoland area, including tours of the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, Illinois Holocaust Museum and the DuPage County Historical Museum, as well as shows at the Paramount, The Arcada and Drury Lane. Dine locally with friends through the Let's Do Lunch program. Take advantage of opportunities to volunteer with a group at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, take a refresher course on the rules of the road and be creative learning new crafts.

Join Pam Otto every Tuesday night online for the Good Natured Hour where she takes a closer look at timely nature topics. Or join her in person on January 24 for Owl Be Seeing You and take a look at three species of owls and their amazing adaptations to living in the Fox Valley.

Take a "cabbage walk" on the trails of Primrose Farm for the Kohlfahrt, an eating & drinking tour that's a winter tradition in northwest Germany!

Adults 18+, grab a friend and head to Sportsplex or Haines Gymnasium to walk while staying warm. With no advance registration required and free to residents, drop-in walking is available Tuesday & Thursday at lunchtime at Haines and Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:30-9:30 am.

Pickleball's aplenty at Haines Gymnasium and Pottawatomie Community Center, just bring your own equipment. Other sports court space is available if you call ahead to either of these facilities.

Sportsplex offers drop-in activities for kids aged 5-14, such as soccer and dodgeball. Itsy Bitsy Playtime for the 5 and under crowd is a great opportunity for parents and little ones to play and exercise before lunch and naptime.

The Adult Activity Center at Pottawatomie Community Center is open seven days a week with a variety of drop-in activities for the 50+ crowd to enjoy. Play pinochle, table tennis and bridge; join the book club; or quilt with the Queen Bees.

The Park District’s before and after school program, Baker Station, offers on-site care at many D303 schools. Full-day care is available on No School Days at Haines Gymnasium for elementary students to enjoy fun activities with their friends. School might not be in session, but nature never closes. No School NATURE Days provide engaging indoor and outdoor activities for your curious student.

The STC Underground Teen Center is open to middle and high-school students to study and socialize. Encourage your teen to check out the refreshed space in the lower level of Baker Community Center and learn more about the gaming tournaments, study nights and organized trips specifically planned with teenage interests in mind.

Teens can learn more about seasonal jobs available at the Park District at the free Employment Expo at Pottawatomie Community Center on February 26.

Beat the winter blues with fun activities for the whole family from the comfort of your own home. Purchase the Escape Quest Kit, a creative experience designed for story seekers and puzzle lovers alike. Head out to Hickory Knolls Discovery Center for Nature Trivia Night and test your nature knowledge for a chance to win free family nature programs and take home activity kits!

Enjoy the beauty of twinkling yard displays this holiday season on a self-guided Holiday Lights Tour from December 6-January 2. Take a leisurely stroll with those who light up your life with love through the enchantingly-lit path at Pottawatomie Park from February 1-15.

Give nature a hand and help the naturalists restore and maintain St. Charles' natural areas. There are a variety of opportunities to volunteer to help with brush clearing, invasive species removal, seed collection, native plantings and more!