Youth Classes

Register for classes at the Park Office (250 Pine Lake Ave.) or by phone at 219-326-9600. Visa/MasterCard are accepted.

Ceramics

If you are looking for a fun, creative outlet, try one of our ceramic classes. It provides a great way to get away and meet friends, all while making some unique projects for yourself or gifts for others.  We offer pre-registered specialty classes as well as open classes, held in the Ceramics Room at the Civic Auditorium. The fee of the specialty classes varies per project and includes everything necessary to complete the project. The cost is $6 per class during the open classes.  Also offering group classes for birthday parties, youth groups, or other organizations. Contact Recreation Director Pam Carroll at pcarroll@cityoflaportein.gov to schedule your group class.  Check back for a new list of classes.

Gymnastics

We are very excited to announce the return of the popular Junior Rec Gymnastics classes for the little ones in our community!  This program is being offered through a grant from the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte. 

Our instructor, Christie, is a mom of two, yoga teacher, owner and founder of Divine Child Yoga and has over ten years experience coaching recreational, developmental (pre-team) and competitive gymnastics.  Before relocating to La Porte, she was the Program Director for FlipStar Gymnastics Academy for many years.  She is First Aid, CPR and AED certified and confidently leads developmentally appropriate yoga and gymnastics classes in a safe, fun and supportive environment for all ages and abilities.

All of the classes are 30 minutes in length and are held in the lower level of the La Porte Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street.  Please use the entrance door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street.  The fee for the six-week session is $90.  The classes have minimum registration requirements and a maximum of eight students per class. Deadline to register is a week prior to the class.  Pre-registration is required and may be completed at the Park Office weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. or by calling with your credit card 219-326-9600.

TODDLER & ME GYM - Ages 18 months to 3 years with caregiver 
This is an interactive parent and child class where the child will develop physically and socially. During the class, parents will assist the child with warm-up activities, balance, climbing, swinging and jumping. These are just a few of the activities you and your little one will enjoy!

PRESCHOOL GYM - Ages 3.5 to 5 years old 
This fun program will teach basic gymnastics fundamentals while building confidence, independence, agility and coordination. Class will follow a circuit format, while learning skills such as forward rolls, handstands, cartwheels, strength and flexibility. Each class the child will practice bars, beams, floor and tumbling skills and other active fun!

KINDER GYM - Ages 5 to 6 years old                                                                                                                   

This class focuses on the fundamentals of the sport.  Children will learn basic terminology and gymnastics skills while improving their strength, flexibility, coordination, agility and self confidence.  Each class the child will practice bars, beams, floor and tumbling skills.  Shaping and stations will help your child build a stong foundation while having fun and learning new skills!

*Class times subject to change based on enrollment.

Kooking with Kids

This five-week cooking class is a fun, interactive cooking class that provides a hands-on experience for children in cooking/preparing healthy dishes and snacks with the five food groups. Kids cooking programs are a fantastic way to get kids interested and even excited about healthy foods. Participants have the opportunity to create healthy meals that teach kids important math and reading skills as they follow recipes and measure ingredients. Children will learn about food safety and meal planning in a fun, interactive way.  Check back for new dates!

Kid's Art Classes - Parties on the Gogh

We are thrilled to collaborate with Parties on the Gogh's owner Kristi Chadderdon for a variety of new inspiring classes! Let your artistic abilities shine by attending one of these new classes.  Classes will change monthly, so keep an eye on this page!  Youth specialty classes are offered throughout the year with varying fees based on the project.  Minimum and maximum class size requirements.  Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.  All classes are held in the Ceramics Room in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium,1001 Ridge Street, (enter through the door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street).  Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. 

Kid's Pottery - Wheel Throwing

The art of wheel throwing is both a therapeutic and expressive way to create pottery. This class focuses solely on techniques in throwing clay forms on a pottery wheel. During the five-week class, students will learn to apply aesthetics, proper thickness, and craftsmanship needed to make functional pottery. You'll be guided by local artist Alayna Bublitz who has a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art with a concentration in ceramics. Learn the process of making, decorating and glazing your work. A class for all skill levels. The fee for the program is $47. We offer children's classes (ages 7-17) on Fridays from 4-5:30 p.m. All classes are held in the Ceramics Room in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium (enter through the door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street).  Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. 

Kid's Pottery - Clay Sculpting

Learn about traditional methods of clay sculpting including pinching, coiling, and slab techniques. You'll be guided by local artist Alayna Bublitz who has a bachelor's degree in Studio Art with a concentration in ceramics. Learn the process of making, decorating and glazing your work. A class for all skill levels! The fee for the program is $47. We offer youth classes (ages 7-17). All classes are held in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street, in the Ceramics Room (enter through the door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street). Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Kids Yoga

Our program brings life and excitement to each of the Kids Yoga poses. Children can imitate, feel and experiment with different poses in an interactive, fun, and imaginative way.

Toddler Yoga

A supportive, fun-loving and active yoga class.  As tot's mobility increases, classes offer tot-centric poses that encourage and support their physical explorations.  Toddlers become more confident in their moving bodies as they practice yoga both in and out of class.  Class incorporates movement, repetition, music and songs, props and more!  Poses and much needed relaxation included for caregivers as well!

Classes held in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street, (enter through the door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street).  Mobile babies up to 3 years of age are eligible for this class with a caregiver. The fee for the four-week session is $40. Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.  Class size requirements are needed.  Walk-ins are welcome with a drop-in fee of $12 per yogi, per class. Please check the individual schedules below.

Toddler Yoga Schedule

Pre-K Yoga

Yoga designed for the pre-school-aged child.  Kids practice age-appropriate poses that develop strength, coordination, gross and fine motor skills, flexibility and balance.  This class promotes movement and learning with fun themes and imaginative exploration.  Each class is filled with movement, locomotions, music, mat work, breathing techniques and so much fun.

Classes held in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street, (enter through the door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street).  Children 3 to 5 years of age are eligible for this class. The fee for the four-week session is $40. Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.  Class size requirements are needed.  Walk-ins are welcome with a drop-in fee of $12 per yogi, per class.  

Kid's Yoga

Kids will practice various poses for a complete exercise with themed classes that promote learning with an engaging, whole body approach. In yoga class, kids will learn self-care strategies, tools for anxiety, coping methods, social skills, fitness & self-esteem, community building, and energy regulation.

Classes held in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street, (enter through the door at the end of the ramp on Plain Street).  Children in grades K-5 are eligible for this class. The fee for the four-week session is $40. Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.  Class size requirements are needed.  

Instructor Christie Trksak is a La Porte resident, mom of two and owner of Divine Child Yoga LLC.  She has been teaching yoga since 2015 and is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher.  Christie is also a Certified YogaKids® instructor and holds specialty certifications in Baby & Toddler Yoga and Prenatal Yoga.  She also has 10 years experience coaching gymnastics and was a Program Director for her former gym in Illinois.