District 214 Community Education

Trail blaze a true American icon as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Route 66! Originally commissioned in 1926, "America’s Mother Road" turns a century old. Join an expert guide in Joliet—an official Centennial satellite city—for a narrated tour south to Pontiac. We’ll revisit the Golden Age at legendary stops like Wilmington's "Gemini Giant" and the historic Ambler-Becker Texaco station. After lunch at the Old Route 66 Café, we explore the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum. On our return, we’ll visit Braidwood's famous Polk-A-Dot Diner. Don't miss this chance to experience the freedom, passion, and spirit of Route 66!

Step onto the original path of "The Main Street of America" with our "100 Years of Route 66 - Chicago Neighborhoods" tour. This journey isn't just about the road; it's about the soul of Chicago and the vibrant communities that shaped its legendary start. As the fabled highway celebrates its centennial in 2026, join us as we journey from its official start across from the Art Institute of Chicago on a narrated guided tour. Travel through the heart of the city's history, past architectural gems like the Rookery Building, iconic eateries such as Lou Mitchell's, and the historic Old St. Pat's Church. Our route continues down Ogden Avenue, taking you through vibrant and historically significant neighborhoods like Tri-Taylor, Little Village, and North Lawndale. Along the way, you'll discover hidden gems, including the new Route 66 mural at LuLu's, the legendary Ferrara Candy Company, and a site integral to the Civil Rights movement, the Dr. King legacy apartments. The tour culminates at the historic Berghoff restaurant, where you will savor a delicious lunch and toast to the enduring legacy of Route 66.

Celebrate the season at Fort Atkinson’s Fireside Dinner Theatre with the hilarious holiday classic, A Christmas Story: The Musical. Follow young Ralphie Parker’s nostalgic quest for a Red Ryder BB gun, featuring a heartwarming score by Pasek and Paul and all your favorite movie moments. Before the show, explore The Fireside’s gift shops for unique treasures, festive decor, and bakery treats. Then, savor an exceptional matinee meal in a beautifully decorated setting. Don’t miss this spectacular blend of fine dining and Broadway-quality theater!

Mahjong is a Chinese tile game of luck, skill, and strategy that is gaining popularity in the US. Are you looking for something fun to do? Come on your own, or bring your friends and learn how to play American Mah-Jongg! In the beginner class you will learn the basic rules and strategies, and play the game in a casual and friendly environment. Beginners will be provided with primer cards to play and will transition to the NMJL cards. *In order to help people to play with a friend, we will allow you to add multiple registrations and pay for multiple participants under your name. WE WILL ACCEPT NO MORE THAN 2 REGISTRATIONS PER PERSON, simply update the quantity to 2 before checking out. If anyone registers for more than 2 participants, we will remove and refund them. Once the class is full, we will contact you to get the name and contact information for the registered friend.

Chair Yoga is for those who would like to access the benefits of yoga without having to sit, kneel or lie on the floor. This class is done seated in a chair and standing by a chair that can be used for support. Participants may also choose to remain seated for the entire class. We will practice gentle, fluid movements to promote circulation, alignment, flexibility, balance, overall strength and deeper, smoother breathing. Mental effects include mind-body awareness, improved concentration and a sense of well-being. Use of light weights is optional.

Depart on a historical experience as we celebrate the Chicago Fire Department! This afternoon we will board a retired Chicago Fireboat, the Fred A. Busse for a unique tour and cruise! The Fred A. Busse was built in 1936 and named for the former mayor of Chicago, who served from 1907 until 1911.When placed into service with the Fire Department in 1937, it was the largest diesel-powered fireboat in the world. It was built specifically for Chicago to fit underneath the city’s bridges, minimizing response times for emergencies. Today the fireboat is back in action giving tours on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, focusing on the history of this boat, the history of the fire department and all that the boat did for the city. Historic photos show her in action, back when the Chicago River was used for manufacturing and how it fought the McCormick Place fire in 1967. See the city from the water like you never have before! Before the cruise, we will have lunch at one of Chicago’s premier restaurants, The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant. Formerly Engine Company 104 of the Chicago Fire Department, this original 1905 Romanesque Revival firehouse has been a cornerstone in this South Loop neighborhood which protected nearby Prairie Avenue, Chicago’s former Millionaire Row, including the mansions of McCormick, Palmer and Glessner. Dine amongst the pointed historical features and well-defined ambiance in this highly-rated fine dining restaurant opening especially for our group!

Experience the heart of Chicago’s dramatic history with this exclusive theatre and fashion tour. Our journey begins with a curated driving tour of Roaring Twenties architectural marvels, including the opulent Cadillac Palace, the Lyric Opera House, and the historic James M. Nederlander and Auditorium theatres. We then head behind the scenes for an intimate interior tour of the world-famous Chicago Theatre. After a sophisticated lunch at The Remington, we’ll visit the Museum of Science and Industry to explore Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell. Marvel at the Tony Award-winning artistry behind hits like Hamilton and The Color Purple in this unforgettable tribute to creative genius. This tour requires you to be able to use stairs at the Chicago Theatre and moderate walking at the Museum.

Brighten up your autumn evening at this incredible lights festival that has become a Milwaukee area tradition! China Lights is an event that celebrates the art, skill, and beauty of traditional Chinese lantern festivals that have been celebrated across Asia for over 400 years! Held each fall in suburban Milwaukee at the lovely Boerner Botanical Gardens in Whitnall Park, this after-sundown celebration of Asian life and culture, transforms the Gardens into a magical paradise of dazzling illuminated displays. Dragons, glowing pagodas and iridescent pinwheels are just some of the stunning illuminated sculptures you will see on a ¾ walking path at the gardens. China Lights also features amazing stage performances highlighting Asian folk-culture performances. Cultural display cases in Boerner’s historic Garden House feature replicas of historic Chinese artifacts and a video viewing area showcasing China’s beauty. Before our visit to China Lights enjoy a dinner at the Steakout Restaurant Restaurant in nearby Greendale, WI