The area in and around Westmont makes finding places for your kids to get into sports incredibly easy thanks to the range of parks, classes, and facilities around town. Whether you have young kids just starting out in a favorite activity or you have older children looking to hone their skills, you’ll find the perfect spot for playing sports close to home.
Sometimes finding the ideal class or facility for your child’s unique needs can feel like a challenge, though. Crème de la Crème of Westmont is here to take the guesswork out of finding local places for your kids to play sports. We’ve put together this guide to our area to get you started.
Westmont Community Center Gym
“boy wearing baseball gear” used with permission via Unsplash by benhershey
Westmont’s WCC Gym, located at 75 E. Richmond St., is home to a range of programs designed to get kids active and into sports. Even the littlest kiddos have a way to get involved in sports thanks to the All-Star Sports opportunities our town offers. Depending on your child’s interests and age, you can check out:
- Parent Tot Multi Sports: Offered for kids ages 2 to 3 years old and their adult caregivers, the Parent Tot Multi Sports program lets you bond with your child while learning about an assortment of sports. The class builds motor skills like catching and throwing, passing, running, and more. You’ll participate alongside your child while playing sports such as basketball, football, hockey, and T-ball.
- Jr. Multi Sports: Area kids ages 4 to 5 years old can get in on the multi-sport action through Westmont’s Jr. Multi Sports program. Kids get to improve motor skills and hand-eye coordination while gaining knowledge of the rules of various sports. Each class focuses on a new sport, including basic rules and mechanics.
- Jr. Basketball: If you have a budding basketball star at home, you’ll want to check out the Jr. Basketball program. This instructional program for children ages 3 to 5 teaches basketball at a basic level. Kiddos stay active while exploring different skills and building confidence in their footwork and more. From dribbling, passing, and shooting techniques to the rules of basic basketball offense and defense, this program covers it all in an age-appropriate way.
- Jr. T-Ball/Softball: If your child lists baseball as their favorite game, then this program is for you. The program engages kids ages 3 to 5 with any skill level, building basic skills, mechanics, and hand-eye coordination. Kids stay active even when they’re in the dugout here! As with all All-Star Sport programs, sportsmanship and teamwork are also key tenets of every activity.
Seven Bridges Ice Arena
Seven Bridges Ice Arena, located at 6690 IL-53 in nearby Woodridge, has you covered if you’re searching for a place to get the kids into winter sports. With a range of instructional sessions and open programs here, you’re sure to find the perfect way to get your kids active out on the ice. Some programs Seven Bridges Ice Arena offers include:
- Learn to Skate: The various Learn to Skate Programs through the Skate School at Seven Bridges is for folks who want to learn the skill of ice skating. The program caters to people who want to become hockey players or figure skaters as well as those who just want to learn to ice skate for fun. No matter your child’s goals, this is the place to go for a fun, safe skating experience that teaches basic techniques and builds ice skating skills.
- Learn to Play Hockey: Designed around USA Hockey’s ADM model, the Learn to Play Hockey program teaches kids the fundamental skills of ice hockey skating. The non-competitive, positive environment ensures your kid’s first hockey experience is fun. Your child will learn essential skills for ice hockey while boosting their confidence and self-esteem, not to mention developing a lifetime love of hockey.
- Public Skating: Even if your child is not interested in organized skating classes, you’ll still want to have Seven Bridges Ice Arena on your list of local places for playing sports. They typically offer public skating sessions perfect for fun out on the ice. Public skating is not currently available, but check the Seven Bridges Ice Arena website for updates so you can take advantage of the opportunity when they offer it again.
- Freestyle Ice: Competitive youth and adult skaters can head to Seven Bridges Ice Arena during freestyle ice sessions for practice time and private lessons. Freestyle ice is also available for private lessons and extra practice for beginners or Skate School participants.
- Stick and Puck: Available for hockey players of all ages, Stick and Puck sessions let participants practice skating and stick handling skills. Stick and puck sessions are non-competitive.
Westmont Parks
It’s easy to get active thanks to all the Westmont parks you’ll find practically in your own backyard! Whether you’re looking for flag football or soccer fields, basketball or tennis courts, or anything in between, chances are, you’ll find the ideal spot to play your family’s favorite sport close to home. You can also head to Westmont parks for walking paths, playgrounds, and beyond, so you have plenty of opportunities to get active as a family. Some highlights include:
- Bellerive Park: Head to 201 W. 63rd St. when you’re looking for a skate park for the kids. Bellerive Park also boasts flag football fields and soccer fields.
- Diane Main Park: With four tennis courts and three softball fields, not to mention a basketball court, football field, soccer field, and sand volleyball court, Diane Main Park makes playing sports easier than ever before. Find the park at 300 W. 59th St.
- Fritz Werley Park: Located at 490 N. Warwick Ave., Fritz Werley Park has a tennis court, basketball court, and T-ball field.
- James M. Long Park: Three lighted basketball courts and a lighted sand volleyball court make this neighborhood park another top option. You can visit the park at 867 N. Blackhawk Drive.
That wraps up Crème de la Crème of Westmont’s guide for families with kids who want to play sports close to home. Do you have another favorite place we missed? Let us know your local recommendation so we can add it!