Nature Open Mic Night
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Perform songs and poetry or relax and enjoy the live performances while overlooking the slough at sunset.
Perform songs and poetry or relax and enjoy the live performances while overlooking the slough at sunset.
Walk a short trail near the Museum while reading the posted story. Afterwards, stop in the Museum lobby to pick […]
Join us for the Annual Arts and Craft Fair! Art of all styles will be sold by artists inspired by […]
Experience a story unfold along a short, looped trail. A craft is available to take home after you complete the […]
Join our partners the River Forest Public Library and the River Forest Park District for an evening of slightly spooky […]
Join us in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and community organizations for the annual Awe of Nature Festival! The festival […]
In partnership with the American Indian Center of Chicago, join us to celebrate Native American culture with a mini-Powwow. Make […]
Why should the kids have all the fun? An adults-only pumpkin decorating night. Materials & refreshments provided. Ages 21 & […]
Sketch and paint. For both beginners and more experienced artists. All materials provided.
Participate in a canoe trip, fishing, archery, Dia de los Muertos-themed pumpkin painting, nature play, and Bach-to-Rock music. The rain […]
Celebrate the season with a special day of autumn fun, entertainment, beekeeping demonstrations, pumpkin painting, honey sales, activities and more! […]
Medals awarded to winners of professionally juried competitive MC’ing, DJ’ing, Dance, Visual Art, Knowledge and Quintathlon categories. Registration starts at […]
Family-friendly activities including pumpkin painting and bowling, ring toss, leaf rubbings, fall-themed obstacle course, and more. In partnership with Jerome […]
Carve a pumpkin while surrounded by the natural beauty within the Forest Preserves. Supplies provided.
Join a family-friendly evening with a cozy fire, s ’mores, a “spooky” story trail, star gazing, pumpkin painting and more. […]
Sponsored by the East Side Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween event, complete with plenty of candy.
Join us for a free family-friendly event to celebrate el Día de los Muertos at Eggers Grove. There will be […]
Get inspired by the colors of the season as we paint tree cookies and make art with fallen leaves. All […]
Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own and join the jam by playing or listening.
Let nature inspire your creativity. Join in on various nature-themed arts and crafts projects. Hosted at Swallow Cliff Woods Pavilion.
Learn about the basics of knitting and simple techniques through a tutorial led by staff. Supplies provided. Ages 13 & […]
Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up. Participants under 16 must be accompanied […]
Celebrate the rich heritage of the Calumet region. On this day, we will collaborate with various partner organizations that host […]
Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.
Celebrate the start of the winter season with a giant bonfire under the night sky. Enjoy winter craft and star […]
Drop in to learn the basics about winter bird feeding and pick up a do-it-yourself pinecone bird feeder craft.
Visit our pioneer cabins as we celebrate winter holiday traditions. Play with handmade toys, make a craft, and see what’s […]
Make a festive birdseed wreath to help our feathered friends this winter! Materials provided. Ages 13 & up.
Walk a short trail and read the posted story, then pick up a craft and activity bag.
Join us as we celebrate the beginning of winter with a large bonfire, artmaking, nature walks and more.
Nearly all Forest Preserves events are free; some require registration and/or a low fee. Residents may qualify for free admission opportunities at our partners: Brookfield Zoo Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Printed copies of our quarterly Events Guide are available at our Nature Centers and General Headquarters. They may also be available at your local city hall or library. Know a location that should have our Events Guide? Contact us.
Events Guide (PDF)Get free transportation to the Forest Preserves for your group.
Learn MoreSign up for the Forest Way and receive the latest Forest Preserves news, events and volunteer opportunities each month. View past newsletters.
Sign UpThe Forest Preserves is committed to providing equal, integrated participation for individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Nature Center hosting your event or program 72 hours in advance to request reasonable accommodations or inquire about site accessibility.
Please contact Experience.Nature@cookcountyil.gov or 708-771-1573 about accommodations for specific camping and outdoor recreation activities.