New Moon Walk & Telescope Viewing
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Enjoy an evening walk and get a close-up view of the night sky. Caminata de luna nueva y observación del […]
Enjoy an evening walk and get a close-up view of the night sky. Caminata de luna nueva y observación del […]
Learn about the importance of dark skies, and then enjoy a leisurely 3-mile hike. All ages.
Come for a guided walk and night sky observations as we admire the constellations and learn about astronomy.
Let the full moon be our guide and walk in the largest Urban Night Sky Place in the world. (Programa […]
Join us for a guided walk and night sky observations as we admire the stars and learn about astronomy.
Calling all amateur astronomers and night sky enthusiasts! Bring your own telescope or use ours for an evening of stargazing.
Walk in the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place during the darkest night of the month.
In 2021, DarkSky International designated the Palos Preserves in southwest Cook County as an Urban Night Sky Place—a location near […]
Celebrate the first day of autumn with a walk.
Join the American Indian Center of Chicago to learn about the Autumnal Equinox. Grove 2.
Watch this rare natural phenomenon here!
Join us (if the sun is shining) to view a partial solar eclipse! We will have special telescope set up […]
Join a family-friendly evening with a cozy fire, s ’mores, a “spooky” story trail, star gazing, pumpkin painting and more. […]
In partnership with Saint Kateri Center of Chicago, listen to storytelling, take a night hike, make a s’more, view stars, […]
Join us for s’mores by the fire, storytelling, astronomy and more. Experience the captivating artistry of international, award-winning bilingual storyteller […]
Celebrate the start of the winter season with a giant bonfire under the night sky. Enjoy winter craft and star […]
Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a potluck and s’mores by the campfire.
A self-guided candlelit walk through our woods will delight visitors as we celebrate the shortest day of the year.
Celebrate the longest night of the year with an evening lantern walk. All ages.
View the constellations and hear their mythical tales while enjoying a treat around the campfire.
Discover Crabtree at night by the light of the Wolf Moon. Ages 8 & up.
Join us for a guided walk and night sky observations as we admire the stars and learn about astronomy.
Star light, star bright, soak in the sounds and stars at Crabtree tonight.
Watch this celestial phenomenon unfold into the wee hours of the morning.
Use our scope and sun viewers to watch the eclipse safely.
Watch this rare natural phenomenon here! Telescopes ready for viewing.
Learn about a partial solar eclipse and view the eclipse through a special solar telescope and eclipse glasses (weather permitting).
Walk under the light of the full moon.
Let the full moon be our guide as we walk in the largest Urban Night Sky Place in the world.
Dark nights are one of the most natural elements of life on Earth. Nearly every ecosystem depends on darkness as […]
Enjoy an evening walk through our woods and get a close-up view of the night sky.
Explore astronomy on this family-friendly night in the Preserves. Crafts, stargazing and refreshments included. Grove 3.
Open play, star gazing and s’mores.
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.