4 Program Highlights for Fall 2025

This fall at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities, we’ve had several great programs, but we wanted to take a moment to highlight just a few. One is a returning program with a new twist, the second is an all-new program, and the last two are held frequently but had some special #bestofall takeaways.

Achievers (18+)

GiGi’s Achievers had another successful session this fall! We filled our weeks with creativity, movement, and healthy habits—working hard on our scrapbooks, enjoying yoga with Ms. Stephanie, and preparing nutritious snacks together.

A special addition this year was getting out into the community. One #bestofall highlight was visiting our friends at Inspire Continuing Care in Geneseo, where we held a full Achievers session alongside new friends and showed them what GiGi’s Achievers is all about. We also made a trip to King’s Harvest No-Kill Animal Shelter for a tour and some much-loved time socializing with the cats and kittens. This visit was extra meaningful because we were able to donate dog and cat toys that we made, along with items from their “most needed” list. Giving back is a goal every session, but this one might have been our cutest yet!

We wrapped up the season with a celebratory lunch at Applebee’s, which was a fun, low-key outing that gave everyone a chance to practice social and speech skills in a familiar community setting.

Another standout project this fall was making yarn pom-poms to create wreaths. Two for the gala auction and another that will be displayed at this year’s Quad Cities Arts Festival of Trees. If you’re headed to the Festival of Trees, be sure to look for the “Pretty Pom-Poms” wreath on designer door 229!

Destination Discovery: Robotics (13-18 years)

This fall, we launched an all-new program thanks to the Pleasant Valley High School Robotics Team—and it was a hit! While the group was small, the excitement was big as participants learned how to drive and control the robots. The student leaders did an incredible job recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths that Gavin, Abby, and Katie brought to each session.

The PVHS Robotics Team has also invited our participants to attend their home meet on December 13th and plans to order t-shirts so everyone can show their team camaraderie. And #bestofall, they’ve already expressed interest in partnering with us again in the future!

Music Makers Kids (5-12 years)

Music Makers Kids is held once or twice a year, and this fall, we had the highest registration that we’ve seen. The #bestofall was having 2 new friends join the program. Meeting new friends and building relationships is always a #bestofall highlight here at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities.

This program is led by Dr Erin Hopkins, who created the Music Makers program for GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland. She relocated to the Quad Cities and brought this program to our playhouse with her. She is an Assistant Professor in the Music Department at Augustana College and has a long history of researching music and teaching music in various settings. We are blessed to have her as a volunteer program leader for this program and also assisting with the Music Makers Rock Band program.

LMNOP (Birth – 3 years)

Language, Music N’ Our Peeps is held monthly and is focused on incorporating sign language and singing into the daily lives and routines of individuals with Down syndrome and their family members. This program is designed for children from birth to 3 years; however, we encourage anyone under the age of 5 who loves music or is interested in learning new communication methods.

There are still programs being offered through the end of the year for various age groups, including our annual all-family holiday party and some special Open Play sessions for all ages. Be sure to visit the website calendar linked here and register today!

We are working hard to plan the programs for 2026! If you’re a volunteer interested in becoming a program leader or assistant, contact our Program & Volunteer Coordinator via email at volunteerquadcities@gigisplayhouse.org or by calling the playhouse at 309-762-7529. If you are new to volunteering, visit the volunteer page on our website and look for the “Become A Volunteer” button!