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- New Date for Opening Day of Forest Preserves of Cook County Picnic, Special Event Permit Sales: Nov. 15
Oct 16, 2018
- Forest Preserves of Cook County Prepares for Fall Trout Fishing Season
Oct 9, 2018
- Forest Preserves of Cook County opens new interpretive trail
Oct 3, 2018
- Forest Preserves of Cook County sets goal of 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
Sep 28, 2018
- Public Invited to Cal Sag Trail Update
Sep 19, 2018
- Celebrate the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Public Land with Party for the Preserves events
Sep 13, 2018
- Forest Preserves of Cook County to Host Career Opportunity Information Session
Sep 13, 2018
- Nearly 100 Cook County Youth Participate in Summer Jobs Program
Jul 27, 2018
- Forest Preserves of Cook County Events and Programs – July 2018
Jun 29, 2018
- Great egrets tagged, medical work-ups conducted in the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Jun 27, 2018
- Older News
Forest Preserves of Cook County Summer Day Camp Registration Opens April 2
Mar 29, 2018
Camps feature hikes, nature games and more
Looking for a fun and educational summer camp? Check out the different opportunities available at the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Nature Centers. During the summer camp programs, children will be immersed in nature fun and learning.
Registration for Nature Center day camps is required, and opens on Monday, April 2. For more information, including day camp costs, visit fpdcc.com/daycamp.
NORTHWEST
Tuesday, June 12 – Wednesday, June 13 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills
Plant some seeds, learn about plants, and have fun with garden art. Ages 7 – 10; $20/child. Release form and cash/check payment required.
Thursday, June 14 – Friday June 15 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills
Children ages 7 through 12 will investigate fish on day 1, then go fishing at a local lake on day 2. $20/child.
Wednesday, June 20 – Friday, June 22
Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills
Hone your survival skills. Learn how to build shelters, make fire, ID poisonous and edible plants, and much more. Ages 11 – 14; $35/child. Release form and cash/check payment required.
Wednesday & Thursday • 9:30 am – Noon; Friday • 9:30 am – 3 pm.
Tuesday, June 26 – Thursday, June 28 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills
Search for crawling, slithering and flying creatures in this activity packed day camp. Ages 6 – 9; $30/child. Release form and cash/check payment required.
Tuesday, July 10 – Wednesday, July 11 • 9:30 – 12 pm
Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills
Children ages 7 through 12 will investigate fish on day 1, then go fishing at a local lake on day 2. $20/child.
Tuesday, July 31 – Wednesday, August 1 • 9 am – 11:30 am
Rolling Knolls, 11N260 Rohrssen Rd, Elgin
Children ages 7 through 12 will investigate fish on day 1, then go fishing at a local lake on day 2. $20/child. Release form and cash/check payment required.
NORTH
Monday, June 18 – Friday, June 22 • 9 am – 3:30 pm
River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
Travel throughout the Forest Preserves for a variety of adventures which could include hiking, swimming, canoeing and other outdoor activities. Call for more information. Children entering 6th – 8th grades. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.
Monday, June 25 – Friday, June 29 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
Get your hands dirty. Learn about the proper care, feeding, and cleaning of Nature Center animals. Children entering 4th – 6th grades. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.
Discovery Days Camp: Session 1
Monday, July 9 – Friday, July 13 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
Discover nature at River Trail through engaging hands-on activities, hikes, crafts and outdoor play. Children ages 4 – 6. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.
Nature Explorers Camp: Morning Session
Monday, July 16 – Friday, July 20 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
Explore the wonders of nature at River Trail through hands-on science, art and outdoor play. Children entering 1st – 3rd grades. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.
Nature Explorers Camp: Afternoon Session
Monday, July 16 – Friday, July 20 • 1:30 pm – 4 pm
River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
Explore the wonders of nature at River Trail through hands-on science, art and outdoor play. Children entering 1st – 3rd grades. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.
Discovery Days Camp: Session 2
Monday, July 23 – Friday, July 27 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
Discover nature at River Trail through engaging hands-on activities, hikes, crafts and outdoor play. Children ages 4 – 6. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.
Monday, July 30 – Friday, August 3 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
Get your hands dirty. Learn about the proper care, feeding, and cleaning of Nature Center animals. Children entering 4th – 6th grades. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.
CENTRAL
MakerNature Camp – Yard to Table
Monday, June 11 – Friday, June 15 • 9 am – 12 pm
Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 W Chicago Ave, River Forest
Campers ages 7-13 will learn how to grow herbs and vegetables in a small raised bed, containers and hanging planters that they will build and take home. We’ll explore garden habitats and creatures, from worms in the soil, to catching grasshoppers and studying birds and squirrels. Register at www.thelittlebitsworkshop.com.
MakerNature Camp – The Backyard Camper
Monday, June 18 – Friday, June 22 • 9 am – 3 pm
Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 W Chicago Ave, River Forest
Campers entering 4th – 6th grade will make their very own tent, perfect for camping in their backyard. They’ll learn how to make a safe campfire, cook with fire and other survival skills. Campers entering 1st – 3rd grade will build, furnish and decorate a miniature vintage camper. All campers will enjoy kayaking, hiking and exploring. Register at www.thelittlebitsworkshop.com.
MakerNature Camp – Harnessing the Wind
Monday, June 25 – Friday, June 29 • 9 am – 12 pm
Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 W Chicago Ave, River Forest
From kites to whirly-gigs, campers ages 7 and up will create wind powered art projects. They will experiment and learn about weather by creating a cloud, sailing a giant solar tube, making a weather station and learning to read the sky. Register at www.thelittlebitsworkshop.com.
Wednesday, July 11 – Thursday, July 12 • 9 am – 11 am
Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest
Learn to identify local fish, bait hooks, practice casting, and do some fishing on our pond! Ages 8 – 12. Registration and payment required in advance.
SOUTHWEST
Little Green Thumbs Nature Camp
Tuesday, June 12 – Thursday, June 14 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs
Children ages 6 – 8 will be engaged in various gardening projects and activities.
Tuesday, June 19 – Thursday, June 21 • 10 am – 12 pm
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs
Children ages 5 – 6 will enjoy three fun filled days discovering nature. We’ll hike, explore wildlife habitat, and learn through activities.
Tuesday, July 10 – Thursday, July 12 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs
Children ages 9 – 11 will enjoy hiking, field experiments, and wildlife discovery during this hands-on camp.
“Naturalist for a Day” Field Camp
Wednesday, July 18 – Friday, July 20 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs
Children ages 12 – 14 will engage in hands-on animal care and outdoor exploration activities.
Tuesday, July 24 – Thursday, July 26 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs
Children ages 7 – 8 will enjoy hiking, field experiments, and wildlife discovery during this hands-on camp.
SOUTH
Monday, June 25 – Thursday, June 28 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S Paxton Ave, South Holland
Children ages 7 – 8 will enjoy four mornings of fun activities and nature exploration.
Monday, July 9 – Thursday, July 12 • 9:30 am – 12 pm
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S Paxton Ave, South Holland
Children ages 9 – 10 will join in nature-themed activities and games during four mornings of outdoor fun.
Cooler in the Forest
Are you hosting a youth day camp group? Consider scheduling a field trip to the Forest Preserves! The Cooler in the Forest program offers fun and engaging outdoor adventure experiences and valuable education opportunities at various Forest Preserves locations. A day in the Forest Preserves will include activities in an outdoor setting, such as hikes and using exploration gear, while celebrating the natural wonders of the forest. Nature games and activities are tailored for children 6-12 years old. Email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov or call 708-386-4042 for more information.
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536 North Harlem Ave. River Forest, IL 60305 » (800) 870-3666 | ADA Notice
