ParkTalk Blog – New Programs Coming Winter 2026!

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Naperville Park District offers a wide variety of programs for all ages and interests to enjoy. More than 8,000 recreational classes, athletic teams, events and performances are provided annually, allowing community members to discover new passions or participate in something they already love. Every quarter, new programs are added to the seasonal Program Guide to fulfill the recreational needs and interests of every individual. 

Many of the new programs are suggested through the New Program Request Form – an online form on the Park District’s website where anyone can submit their ideas for programs they would like to see the District offer. Once the Park District receives the program request, Program Managers review them to determine whether the program aligns with the District’s mission, vision and core values of promoting healthy lives, healthy minds and a healthy community.

If the program is already offered by the District, staff will consider reevaluating the existing program and revamp it to meet current recreation trends. Additionally, Program Managers often come up with new program ideas on their own if they realize a certain need isn’t being met. 

The 2026 Winter Program Guide will be available exclusively on the Park District’s website beginning Wednesday, December 3. This edition will highlight some of the District’s most popular programs along with a variety of new programs for the community to enjoy. Here are three new programs the community can discover this winter:

Intuitive Painting

Art is an expression of creativity and imagination through a visual medium. While there are key techniques artists could master, any expression of artistic emotion can be powerful and moving. With the new program Intuitive Painting, participants can express themselves in a non-judgmental setting and engage in open ended, process-based exploration. This is the perfect program for new and experienced artists, as it encourages participants to trust their impulses and express themselves spontaneously on their canvas. Intuitive painting removes the barriers of perfection and precision that artists can put on themselves, therefore removing stresses and improving mental health. This program is for adults ages 18 and older and meets three times per program session.

Introduction to Sewing – Adult Sewing and Parent/Child

Sewing is a practical and resourceful skill for any age, and the Park District will offer introductory sewing programs for children and adults this winter. Sewing can help people live a more sustainable life as it is a great way to repair old clothes and reduce waste. Learning to sew also allows individuals to express their own personal style through fabrics and designs of their choice. Throughout these programs, participants will learn how to thread a machine, wind a bobbin and sew in straight lines. If the child participating in the Parent/Child Introduction to Sewing is younger than 13-years-old, a parent must attend the class with them. They will work on a project together.

Sign of a Charity Scam Presentation

Along with recreational programs, the Park District also includes informative presentations among their quarterly offerings. One of the new presentations, the Sign of a Charity Scam, is designed for seniors and details how scammers can portray themselves as a charitable organization to lure seniors into “donating” money. Unfortunately, seniors are often the targets of this type of fraud. According to data compiled by the FBI, nearly 18,000 people aged 60 and older reported being victims. During this presentation, seniors will learn how to recognize the signs of a scam whether they are contacted through mail, text messaging or email. While most programs have a registration fee, this presentation is free and only requires pre-registration in order to attend.

The Naperville Park District offers a variety of programs each season for every interest and age group. To learn more about other programs, presentations, trips and more this winter, view the 2026 Program Guide beginning Wednesday, December 3 at www.napervilleparks.org/programguides.