All Events

Arts and Crafts Events

Nature Story Trail “It’s Fall” by Linda Glaser

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Walk 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 60480

Join 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 60305

Join 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 60428

Join 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 60634

In 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 60062

Why 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 60305

Sketch 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 60062

Celebrate 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 60473

Medals 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 60714

Family-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 60120

Carve a pumpkin while surrounded by the natural beauty within the Forest Preserves. Supplies provided.

Stars, Spooky Stories, & S ’mores

Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

Join 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 60617

Sponsored 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 60617

Join 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 60473

Get 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 60305

Make 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 60305

Learn 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 60074

Repurpose 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 60473

Celebrate 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 60646

Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up.

Winter Bonfire

Camp Dan Beard • Northbrook, IL 60062

Celebrate 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 60062

Drop 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 60473

Visit 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 60305

Make 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 60305

Walk a short trail and read the posted story, then pick up a craft and activity bag.

Winter Bonfire

Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473

Join us as we celebrate the beginning of winter with a large bonfire, artmaking, nature walks and more.

Art in Nature

Dan Ryan Woods-South • Chicago, IL 60620

In this instructor-led course, create a painting inspired by nature. All materials provided. Ages 15 and up.