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.
Arts and Crafts Events
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Arts and Crafts
Nature Story Trail “It’s Fall” by Linda Glaser
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Walk a short trail near the Museum while reading the posted story. Afterwards, stop in the Museum lobby to pick […]
Art Fair
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us for the Annual Arts and Craft Fair! Art of all styles will be sold by artists inspired by […]
Story Trail (en Español)
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Experience a story unfold along a short, looped trail. A craft is available to take home after you complete the […]
Halloween Hoot and Howl
Keystone Park • River Forest, IL 60305Join our partners the River Forest Public Library and the River Forest Park District for an evening of slightly spooky […]
Awe of Nature
Midlothian Meadows • Cook County, IL 60428Join us in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and community organizations for the annual Awe of Nature Festival! The festival […]
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Festival
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634In partnership with the American Indian Center of Chicago, join us to celebrate Native American culture with a mini-Powwow. Make […]
Not Your Typical Pumpkin Party
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Why should the kids have all the fun? An adults-only pumpkin decorating night. Materials & refreshments provided. Ages 21 & […]
$25
Bird painting Step-by-Step: Screech Owl
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Sketch and paint. For both beginners and more experienced artists. All materials provided.
$5
Fall Paddle Festival
Tower Road Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60093 (near Winnetka)Participate in a canoe trip, fishing, archery, Dia de los Muertos-themed pumpkin painting, nature play, and Bach-to-Rock music. The rain […]
Fall Festival
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Celebrate the season with a special day of autumn fun, entertainment, beekeeping demonstrations, pumpkin painting, honey sales, activities and more! […]
Hip-Hop Olympics
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Medals awarded to winners of professionally juried competitive MC’ing, DJ’ing, Dance, Visual Art, Knowledge and Quintathlon categories. Registration starts at […]
Pumpkinpalooza
Bunker Hill • Niles, IL 60714Family-friendly activities including pumpkin painting and bowling, ring toss, leaf rubbings, fall-themed obstacle course, and more. In partnership with Jerome […]
Teen Exploration Day: Pumpkin Carving
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120Carve a pumpkin while surrounded by the natural beauty within the Forest Preserves. Supplies provided.
Stars, Spooky Stories, & S ’mores
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Join a family-friendly evening with a cozy fire, s ’mores, a “spooky” story trail, star gazing, pumpkin painting and more. […]
Trunk or Treat
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Sponsored by the East Side Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween event, complete with plenty of candy.
Día de los Muertos
Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Join us for a free family-friendly event to celebrate el Día de los Muertos at Eggers Grove. There will be […]
Autumnal Artmaking
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Get inspired by the colors of the season as we paint tree cookies and make art with fallen leaves. All […]
Makin’ Music Bluegrass Jam
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own and join the jam by playing or listening.
Crafternoon
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Let nature inspire your creativity. Join in on various nature-themed arts and crafts projects. Hosted at Swallow Cliff Woods Pavilion.
Teen Exploration Day: Knitting in Nature
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Learn about the basics of knitting and simple techniques through a tutorial led by staff. Supplies provided. Ages 13 & […]
Woodworking with Invasives
Camp Reinberg • Palatine, IL 60074Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up. Participants under 16 must be accompanied […]
Sand Ridge Heritage Day
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Celebrate the rich heritage of the Calumet region. On this day, we will collaborate with various partner organizations that host […]
Woodworking with Invasives
Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center • Chicago, IL 60646Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.
Winter Bonfire
Camp Dan Beard • Northbrook, IL 60062Celebrate the start of the winter season with a giant bonfire under the night sky. Enjoy winter craft and star […]
Bird Feeding
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Drop in to learn the basics about winter bird feeding and pick up a do-it-yourself pinecone bird feeder craft.
Holiday Past
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Visit our pioneer cabins as we celebrate winter holiday traditions. Play with handmade toys, make a craft, and see what’s […]
DIY Holiday Bird Feeder Wreath
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Make a festive birdseed wreath to help our feathered friends this winter! Materials provided. Ages 13 & up.
Story Trail: “The Snowy Day” Drop-In
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Walk a short trail and read the posted story, then pick up a craft and activity bag.
Winter Bonfire
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Join us as we celebrate the beginning of winter with a large bonfire, artmaking, nature walks and more.