District 214 Community Education

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.

Journey to South Bend, Indiana, for an unforgettable day trip! This tour is a perfect blend of history, fun, and delicious treats, all conveniently located within the impressive, brand-new Continental Divide Park campus. Our adventure begins at the Indiana Dinosaur Museum. Marvel at life-sized dinosaur sculptures and ancient fossils. The museum's engaging exhibits and rare specimens offer a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life that will captivate visitors of all ages. Next, enjoy lunch at The Public House Restaurant, located inside the park and known for its "Upside-Down Burger." Cap off the day as you indulge your sweet tooth with a guided tour of the South Bend Chocolate Factory. The tour includes a tasting and time to shop, along with a museum visit showcasing a large collection of chocolate memorabilia, including a 1,300-year-old Mayan chocolate pot. It's a perfect day filled with unique experiences, all in one great destination!

Start your springtime with a dazzling display of color after the long winter doldrums! At the Chicago Orchid Show, step into a paradise of over 10,000 breathtaking blooms. The Chicago Botanic Garden's indoor galleries are transformed into a spectacular, themed world of orchids, featuring towering installations and a dazzling array of orchids from around the globe. This is your chance to see some of the world's most exquisite and rare flowers in one unforgettable setting. Following our vibrant tour of the orchid show, we'll head to Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant for an exceptional lunch. Our final stop is the unique and enchanting "Jungle of Niles." More than just a plant store, this destination is a true plant-lover's paradise and a one-of-a-kind experience. Wander through a lush, tropical landscape filled with an incredible variety of rare and common houseplants, plus a family of resident animals.

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.

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 order to participate in open play, students must have some basic knowledge of the game. Groups will play independently, and the instructor will be available to guide players and provide support and assistance when needed. Come ready to play with the new National Mahjongg League Card.

Unlock a world of creative possibilities with Canva, the ideal digital tool for beginners and novices! This class will teach you how to harness the power of Canva, the easiest design website available, all for free. You'll learn to create stunning designs form scratch or use templates with step-by-step guidance for any digital image you need. Whether it's online documents, business cards, email signatures, or more, you'll leave this class with the confidence and skills to use Canva effectively and creatively.

Discover the rich history and vibrant cultures of two of Chicago's most iconic immigrant communities on this unique guided tour. From the stunning architecture of the Polish Triangle to the delicious flavors of Greektown, you'll experience a day filled with art, history, and incredible food! We'll start our day at the historic Polish Triangle, the heart of Chicago's Polish community. As we explore this vibrant area, you'll see why it's a hub of Polish-American culture. At the Polish Museum of America, see remarkable exhibits on Polish art, folk costumes, and historical artifacts. In Chicago’s Greektown, visit a lively neighborhood bursting with Hellenic culture. Tour the Hellenic Museum, dedicated to preserving and sharing Greek history and culture. We'll gather for a traditional family-style lunch at the legendary Greek Islands Restaurant, where you'll savor authentic dishes in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Experience the best of Chicago's Polish and Greek heritage in one unforgettable day!