Celebrate Spring Fest
Cummings Square • River Forest, IL 60305Celebrate the vernal equinox and the arrival of spring by painting a bird house, learning about seasonal changes, building and […]
Celebrate the vernal equinox and the arrival of spring by painting a bird house, learning about seasonal changes, building and […]
Celebrate the changing season and learn about Cook County’s wildlife through crafts, themed walks, refreshments and more. Drop-in.
Celebrate spring with arts and crafts inspired by the changing season. Ages 18 & up or ages 13-17 w/adult.
Enjoy time out of school with activities including archery, nature play, hikes, art, and other fun. Drop-in.
Try a variety of outdoor recreation activities while spending school break in nature. Drop-in.
Explore, discover, and create! Spend your spring break outside with several outdoor recreation activities.
Support your gardens by building a beehouse for local native pollinators.
Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own and join the jam!
Learn about nature through music, movement, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Mar 13: Gold Hunt Apr 10: Butterflies May […]
Let nature inspire art! Try your hand at different crafts suitable for people of all abilities.
Learn of the native plants while developing basic embroidery skills. Supplies provided.
All skill levels welcome. Materials provided. Ages 15 & up.
Observe bird feeder activity as we make origami animals such as bunnies, insects and birds, including your own favorite animal!
Make chemical-free cleaning supplies, lavender pouches, and native seed bombs. Ages 10 & up.
Join us for poetry in motion as we explore the forest through our senses. Participants will receive a journal and […]
Plant a tree, make your own bird feeder, pick up litter, and more. Family program.
Art activities, scavenger hunts, food chain demonstrations, and free plant giveaways will delight visitors.
Play, plant, paint and pretend with family-fun activities.
Join us for a nature-based art activity. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, experience a story unfold along a short trail. A craft is available to […]
Enjoy interactive programs, kids’ tree climb, guided wildflower walks, bird banding, kid’s nature crafts, gardening info and much more!
Repurpose invasive buckthorn into a personalized walking stick. Equipment provided. Ages 17 & up, or ages 10-16 w/adult.
Learn about nature through music, movement, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Mar 13: Gold Hunt Apr 10: Butterflies May […]
Use nature to inspire art. Try your hand at a variety of arts and crafts.
Meet and chat with noted botanical artist Kathleen Marie Garness and view her recent large drawings of endangered local orchids, […]
Follow a short trail and read a posted children’s nature story. Then pick up an activity bag with a craft […]
Learn basic printmaking techniques using natural materials. Supplies provided. Bring items you wish to decorate.
Join us for activities dedicated to our feathered neighbors! Bird Walk: 8 am Little Sit: 10 am Bird Feeder Craft: […]
Explore astronomy on this family-friendly night in the Preserves. Crafts, stargazing and refreshments included. Grove 3.
Join us at Sand Ridge Nature Center for our Mother's Day Mindful Art Program. Celebrate mothers and Mother Earth with […]
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.