Central Cook County
Events
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Worst Case Scenario Hike
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Learn hiking safety and simple first aid on a walk that puts you into “worst case scenarios”! Ages 13 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Space Celebration: Storytime and Craft
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us for an out-of-this-world story-time and outer-space craft during spring break. Ages 2-7 w/ adult.
Free -
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Story Trail: “It’s Spring” by Linda Glaser
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Walk a short trail while reading the story before picking up a take-home craft and activity. Drop in.
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Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Spring Break Fest
FeaturedThatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Youth and families, enjoy time out of school! Try archery, build and play with natural materials, learn orienteering, paint a bird house and more.
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Sacred Wanderings
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Connect with nature and surround yourself with the energy of the natural world. Led by Unity Temple of Oak Park. For information, contact [email protected].
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Zoo Adventure Passport! (ZAP!): Conservation Science Adventures
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Explore through play-based learning, nature crafts and discovery. In partnership with Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Drop in.
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Paper Making Workshop
Evans Field • River Grove, IL 60171Learn how to make paper with recycled materials. Supplies provided. Program held outdoors around a fire. All ages. Drop in.
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Bird Painting Workshop Step-by-Step: Red-winged Blackbird
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Sketch and paint using acrylic paints. For all skill levels. Materials provided. $5/person. Ages 13 & up.
$5 • Registration Required -
Morning Bird Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Learn about spring bird migration patterns and look for local and migrant birds. Limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events. All levels […]
Free • Registration Required -
Trash Bash
FeaturedMiller Meadow-South • Cook County, IL 60130 (near Forest Park)Make spring cleaning more sustainable! Our event partners will be collecting electronics, prescription drugs, household recyclables, bikes, clothing, plastic bags and much more. The Forest […]
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Weaving with Weeds: Spindle Wall Hanging
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Learn about the history of basketry/weaving techniques and create a small wall hanging with invasive plants. Ages 16 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Bluegrass Jam
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Build a simple instrument with us or bring your own guitar, fiddle, etc. All are welcome to play or listen.
Free -
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Children’s Storytime
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity. Indoor program. (Provided orally and in ASL.)
Free -
Thursdays in Nature: Signs of Spring
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature through fun-themed activities and crafts for adults and kids. Drop in.
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Nature Book Club: “The Great River” by Boyce Upholt
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us for a lively book discussion. In partnership with the Forest Park Public Library.
Free • Registration Required -
Earth Day: Day of Stewardship
Evans Field • River Grove, IL 60171Join a litter clean-up and restoration workday. Equipment provided. Ages 13 & up; ages 13-14 w/adult.
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Earth Day
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305There are many things you can do to celebrate our planet Earth. Help us pick up litter, make a bird feeder, take home a tree […]
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“Bone” Appetit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us at feeding time as we give our outdoor Ambassador Animals their dinner.
Free -
Restoration Workday
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Help us restore habitat and control invasive species. Equipment provided. Ages 12 & up; ages 12-17 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Earth Day Cleanup
Jerome Huppert Woods • River Grove, IL 60171Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up litter in the Forest Preserves. Litter pickers and supplies will be available to check out.
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Bird Painting Workshop Step-by-Step: Red-winged Blackbird
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Sketch and paint using acrylic paints. For all skill levels. Materials provided. $5/person. Ages 13 & up.
$5 • Registration Required -
Day Hiking Leadership Training
Bemis Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60523 (near Oak Brook)For teachers and youth educators! Free training provides all the tools to take groups out to the Forest Preserves for the day.
Free • Registration Required -
Spring Wildflower Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Walk as we learn about spring ephemeral wildflowers and the insects that depend on them. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Forest Therapy Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy a mindful and mediative guided nature walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
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Sacred Wanderings
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Connect with nature and surround yourself with the energy of the natural world. Led by Unity Temple of Oak Park. For information, contact [email protected].
Free -
Spring Festival
FeaturedThatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy interactive programs, kids’ tree climb, guided wildflower walks, kid’s nature crafts, gardening info and much more!
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Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Canceled Conservation @ Home: Native Plant Gardening 101
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Learn how to grow and maintain your native plant garden. Native plants and seeds will be available.
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World Migratory Bird Day: The Big Sit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Identify and count wild birds in a relaxing way. Learn how to use eBird or iNaturalist to record sightings. Binoculars available for loan. Drop in.
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All About Birds
Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with bird walks, information on birding and other bird-related activities. Binoculars available for loan.
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Mother’s Day Spring Nature Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us for a casual walk and take in the sights, sounds and scents of spring. Family program.
Free • Registration Required -
Children’s Storytime
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity. Indoor program.
Free -
Open Pond Paddle
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Kayaks are available on a first come, first served basis. Instruction & equipment provided. Ages 5 & up w/ adult. Hosted at Thatcher Glen Pond. […]
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Asia-Pacific Animal Connections
Evans Field • River Grove, IL 60171Visit our interpretive table to learn about the surprising similarities between wildlife in Asia, the Pacific and Chicagoland. Drop in.
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Restoration Workday
Evans Field • River Grove, IL 60171Help restore natural habitats. Supplies & refreshments provided. Ages 13 & up; ages 13-14 w/adult.
Free -
“Bone” Appetit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us at feeding time as we give our outdoor Ambassador Animals their dinner.
Free -
Restoration Workday
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Help us restore habitat and control invasive species. Equipment provided. Ages 12 & up; ages 12-17 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Forest Therapy Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy a mindful and mediative guided nature walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Nature Play Day
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Bring your little ones for open nature play. Enjoy the play space while helping your children connect with nature. Grove 7.
Free -
Thursdays in Nature: Birds
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature through fun-themed activities and crafts for adults and kids. Drop in.
Free -
Flippin’ Logs, Lookin’ for Frogs (& Bugs!)
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Discover who lives under logs in the woods. Worms and bugs abound! Family program.
Free • Registration Required -
Cheers to Nature
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy a relaxing evening with a lecture about current topics in the environmental field. BYOB. Ages 21 & up.
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Trailside through Time
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Walk our scenic trails and discuss how Trailside Museum has changed since the 1870s. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Pride in the Preserves: Flag Raising & Celebration
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us for a celebratory flag-raising, honoring the start of a month dedicated to inclusion, visibility, and community. The raised flags connect to a special […]
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Pride in the Preserves: Flags & Exhibit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305This “raised flags” exhibit highlights the contributions of LGBTQ2S+ conservation leaders whose work has shaped and inspired the conservation movement.
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Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Senior Nature Collaging
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join local artist Phyllis Frick in making collages of plants, animals and landscapes. Ages 55 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Community Book Swap
Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)Bring in your gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books! Books can be any genre and reading level.
Free -
Sacred Wanderings
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Connect with nature and surround yourself with the energy of the natural world. Led by Unity Temple of Oak Park. For information, contact [email protected].
Free -
Forest Therapy Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy a mindful and mediative guided nature walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Story Time in Polish
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Program dla najmłodszych miłośników natury. Z pomocą znanych i lubianych wierszyków poznamy owady, ptaki i inne zwierzęta i poszukamy ich w lesie.
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Children’s Storytime
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity.
Free -
Underground Railroad Walking Tour
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Celebrate Juneteenth with a 1.5-mile walking tour highlighting notable sites connected to Freedom Seekers. Led by the Midwest Underground Railroad Network. Meet at Thatcher Glen […]
Free • Registration Closed -
Nature Wellness Walk
Bemis Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60523 (near Oak Brook)Reconnect with nature. Relax and meditate during a leisurely walk. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Wildlife Pride Walk
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Join a 1.6-mile guided walk to learn about the diverse relationships and anatomy of native wildlife.
Free -
Morning Bird Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds. A limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events. All levels […]
Free • Registration Required -
Trailside Summer Bluegrass Jam
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305As part of America 250, join this all-American music jam! Come play or listen. Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own.
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Community Fishing Clinic
Cermak Woods • Lyons, IL 60534Presented with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Fishing Program, join us for an evening of wildlife watching and fishing fun. Participants will […]
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Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Fishing Bass-ics
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Get hooked on the basics of fishing as we tackle new topics and activities each class. Today we’ll learn what a fish actually is, go […]
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Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
Free -
Thursdays in Nature: Bug Detective!
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature with University of Illinois-Extension Master Naturalists through fun inquiry-based activities for both adults and kids. Drop in.
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Nature Book Club: “Why Rats Laugh and Jellyfish Sleep” by D. Stipp
Forest Park Public Library • Forest Park, IL 60130Discuss the featured book and ponder the hidden depths of familiar animals and ordinary things. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
American Indian Summer Solstice
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634Celebrate the solstice with dancing, drumming, storytelling and a sun-themed art activity. Presented by American Indian Center of Chicago. Grove 13.
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Restoration Workday
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Help us restore our natural communities of woodland and prairie. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up. Ages 10-14 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
Free -
Evening Firefly Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us for a guided walk as twilight settles in and the fireflies begin to twinkle. Family program.
Free • Registration Required -
ADA Nature Walk
Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)Explore the forest and learn about local nature in this accessibility-focused walk.
Free • Registration Closed -
“Bone” Appetit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us at feeding time as we give our outdoor Ambassador Animals their dinner.
Free -
Kayak the Des Plaines
Schuth’s Grove • Cook County, IL 60546 (near Riverside)Kayak 3 miles from Schuth’s Grove to Plank Road Meadow. Equipment and shuttle provided. Beginners welcome.
Free • Registration Closed -
Printmaking 101: Linocuts Workshop
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Learn the art of cutting designs into linoleum blocks and inking prints. All skill levels welcomed. Ages 16 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
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Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
Free -
Red, White & Blue Nature Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305As part of America 250, join a naturalist for a guided hike on our trails and look for our nation’s flag colors in nature.
Free • Registration Required -
Children’s Storytime
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305As part of America 250, listen to a children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity. An ASL interpreter will be present.
Free -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
Free -
Bird Painting Step-By-Step: Indigo Bunting
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Sketch and paint a bird on a 9x12 canvas. Cost: $5/person. All skill levels welcomed. Ages 13 & up.
$5 • Registration Required -
Sacred Wanderings
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Connect with nature and surround yourself with the energy of the natural world. Led by Unity Temple of Oak Park. For information, contact [email protected].
Free -
Morning Bird Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds. A limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events. All levels […]
Free • Registration Required -
Story Time in Polish
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Program dla najmłodszych miłośników natury. Z pomocą znanych i lubianych wierszyków poznamy owady, ptaki i inne zwierzęta i poszukamy ich w lesie.
Free • Registration Required -
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Fishing Bass-ics
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Get hooked on the basics of fishing as we tackle new topics and activities each class. Today we’ll review June’s lesson, dive deeper into fish […]
Free -
Nature Art Meetup
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Join us in sketching whatever intrigues us in nature that day. All art levels are welcome. The experience is self-guided and no instruction will be […]
Free -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Due to heat and air quality advisories, this event has been moved indoors. Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. […]
Free -
Canceled Thursdays in Nature: Pond Dip Discovery!
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature with University of Illinois-Extension Master Naturalists through fun inquiry-based activities for both adults and kids. Drop in.
Free -
Insect Fest
FeaturedCummings Square • River Forest, IL 60305Join us for this all-things-insect event! Go on a bug hunt, experience an insect petting zoo and more!
Free -
Kayak the Des Plaines
Irving Park Road Canoe Landing • Schiller Park, IL 60176Kayak 9 miles from Irving Park Road to Schuth’s Grove. Equipment and shuttle provided. Experience recommended.
Free • Registration Closed -
Nature Wellness Walk
Sunset Bridge Meadow • River Grove, IL 60171Reconnect with nature. Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led during a leisurely walk.
Free • Registration Required -
Teen GPS Mystery Adventure
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305A murder most “fowl”! Solve the case and discover who did in the bird! Ages 10 & up w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Restoration Workday
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Help us restore our natural communities of woodland and prairie. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up. Ages 10-14 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
Free -
National Moth Week: Evening Mothing!
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Learn about this elusive night-time pollinator and visit our “moth traps.” Ages 8 & up w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Fishing for Community / Pescando Conexiones (Drop-In)
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us for a morning of fishing on Trailside’s pond. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn fishing basics from our experts, build connections with others and enjoy […]
Free -
Indigenous Games & Activities
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634Join the American Indian Center of Chicago for traditional Indigenous games and activities. Grove 13.
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“Bone” Appetit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us at feeding time as we give our outdoor Ambassador Animals their dinner.
Free -
High Summer Nature Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Families, join us for a guided walk to experience the beauty of summer.
Free • Registration Required -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
Free -
Art in Nature: Sun Printing
National Grove-South • North Riverside, IL 60546With natural materials and drawings, use the sun to make a one-of-a-kind print. Supplies provided. Drop in. Grove 1.
Free -
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Sacred Wanderings
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Connect with nature and surround yourself with the energy of the natural world. Led by Unity Temple of Oak Park. For information, contact [email protected].
Free -
Canceled Teen Exploration Day: Restoration Workday
Evans Field • River Grove, IL 60171Earn service hours by helping remove invasive species. Equipment provided. Ages 12 & up. Ages 12-15 w/parent or guardian.
Free -
Pond Dip Discovery
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Discover what lives on and below the surface of Thatcher Glen Pond? Equipment provided. Ages 5-12 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Children’s Storytime
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity.
Free -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
Free -
Trailside Resonance: Listening to Nature
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305A guided soundwalk invites you to slow down and listen to woodland trails, river currents, gardens and native animal habitats.
Free -
Weaving a Community
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Learn weaving techniques and its history as well as the natural history of invasive plants. Supplies provided.
Free -
Morning Bird Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds. A limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events. All levels […]
Free • Registration Required -
Story Time in Polish
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Program dla najmłodszych miłośników natury. Z pomocą znanych i lubianych wierszyków poznamy owady, ptaki i inne zwierzęta i poszukamy ich w lesie.
Free • Registration Required -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
Free -
Craftpalooza
National Grove-South • North Riverside, IL 60546Kids, get creative! Help decorate a large canvas with stamps, paint and markers. Presented with the North Riverside Public Library.
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Forest Therapy Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy a mindful and mediative guided nature walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Canceled Cultural Presentation and Dance Exhibition
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634A showcase of Native dance forms and cultural presentations. Presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago.
Free -
Restoration Workday
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Help us restore our natural communities of woodland and prairie. Equipment provided. Ages 10 & up. Ages 10-14 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Join other seniors for a gentle, moderately paced 1-mile walk. Led by Roberta Jannsen, University of Illinois Extension volunteer.
Free • Registration Required -
Fishing Bass-ics
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Please note: This event has transitioned to a self-led fishing experience. Trailside Museum will provide poles and bait for participants 15 and under. All youth […]
Free -
Thursdays in Nature: Geology – Can you dig it?
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature with University of Illinois-Extension Master Naturalists through fun inquiry-based activities for both adults and kids. Drop in.
Free -
Nature Book Club: “I Contain Multitudes” by Ed Yong
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Discuss the featured book and ponder the hidden depths of familiar animals and ordinary things. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Canceled All About Birds
Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)Discover the birds of Cook County through bird walks, info on birding and other bird-related activities. Binoculars available for loan.
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Twilight Creations: Open Art Space
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Musicians, poets and visual artists find inspiration during the twilight hours indoors or outdoors.
Free -
Nature Weaving Workshop for Seniors
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join local artist Phyllis Frick in exploring weaving with natural vegetation, seeds and more. Materials provided.
Free • Registration Required -
Kayak the Salt Creek Water Trail
Bemis Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60523 (near Oak Brook)Kayak 9 miles from Bemis Woods to Plank Road Meadow. Equipment and shuttle provided. Experience required.
Free • Registration Closed -
“Bone” Appetit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us at feeding time as we give our outdoor Ambassador Animals their dinner.
Free -
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Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Moderately paced, 1-mile fitness walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteer. Ages 55 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Twilight Creations: Open Art Space
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Musicians, poets and visual artists find inspiration during the twilight hours indoors or outdoors.
Free -
Sacred Wanderings in Thatcher Woods
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Join Unity Temple of Oak Park as we practice connecting with nature. People with physical challenges are easily accommodated. For info, email [email protected].
Free -
Ambassador Animal Species Spotlight
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Meet one of our reptiles or amphibians and learn about their wild counterparts. Drop-in.
Free -
Forest Therapy Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy a mindful meditation and guided forest therapy walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteers.
Free • Registration Required -
Adaptive Cycling – Fitting, Skills and Riding
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Participants experience personalized bike fittings, hands-on skill development, and a guided ride to build confidence, independence, and enjoyment on adaptive cycles. Grove 6.
Free -
Faire at the Square-Drop-in
FeaturedCummings Square • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy our "creative-reuse carnival" with themed games made from repurposed materials! Win prizes and learn about local plants and animals.
Free -
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Kayak the Des Plaines
Schuth’s Grove • Cook County, IL 60546 (near Riverside)Kayak 3 miles, from Schuth’s Grove to Plank Road Meadow. Equipment, shuttle provided. Beginners welcome.
Free • Registration Closed -
Canceled Trailside Fall Jam
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own and join the jam! All are welcome to join or listen.
Free -
Sonidos Sagrados: Una Exhibición de Instrumentos Aztecas
FeaturedTrailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Explora los sagrados instrumentos aztecas en exhibición del 15 al 27 de septiembre, descubriendo los sonidos, la historia y el significado cultural de la herencia […]
Free -
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Moderately paced, 1-mile fitness walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteer. Ages 55 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Children’s Storytime
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity. (Story provided orally & in ASL.)
Free -
Nature Thursdays ‘What is climate change?’ Drop-In
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature through fun themed activities for all ages. Led by University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists.
Free -
“Bone” Appetit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s ambassador animals.
Free -
Restoration Workday
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Restore habitat and control invasive species. Equipment provided. Ages 8 & up. Ages 15 & under w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Sukkah Building
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join community members to decorate a miniature sukkah from natural materials. All ages are welcome!
Free -
Native American Fall Equinox
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305A green corn celebration focused on traditional foods and the harvest season. Presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago.
Free -
Harvest Moon Evening Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Celebrate the September harvest moon with a peaceful walk through the woods as twilight descends. Ages 18 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Salsa Dance: Party for the Preserves
FeaturedThatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Dance into National Public Lands Day and Hispanic Heritage Month with an afternoon of live music, salsa dancing and festive outdoor fun. Bring your family and friends […]
Free • Registration Required -
Ritmos Sagrados: Danza y Herencia Azteca
FeaturedTrailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Un evento cultural sobre la danza tradicional azteca, destacando instrumentos sagrados, ritmos ancestrales, expresión espiritual y la rica herencia indígena mexicana. English Translation Sacred Rhythms: […]
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All About Canines
Miller Meadow-South • Cook County, IL 60130 (near Forest Park)Learn about the diverse family of canines—from wolves to domestic dogs—and their impact through interactive exhibits and activities.
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Halloween Hoot and Howl
FeaturedKeystone Park • River Forest, IL 60305Spooky family fun featuring live music, pumpkin painting and more. Presented with the River Forest Park District and River Forest Public Library.
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73rd Annual Powwow
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634Celebrate Native American culture and enjoy traditional Powwow, food and more. Presented with American Indian Center of Chicago. Grove 9
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Animal Enrichment Studio
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Learn about animal behavior while crafting enrichment items ambassador animals! Ages 10 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Forest Therapy Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy a mindful meditation and guided forest therapy walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteers.
Free • Registration Required -
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Moderately paced, 1-mile fitness walk. Led by University of Illinois Extension volunteer. Ages 55 & up.
Free • Registration Required -
Children’s Storytime
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by an activity.
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![A close-up of activities at a native seed collection volunteer event.]()
Roving Seed-Collecting Team
Sundown Meadow • Countryside, IL 60525Join the roving seed-collecting team! You’ll explore different preserves, learn to identify native plants and make a direct impact on habitat restoration efforts. No experience […]
Free • Registration Required -
![A group of people standing in a grassy meadow during a seed collecting event.]()
NEWTS: Stewardship Days for New Volunteers
Native Seed Nursery • Western Springs, IL 60558Learn how to collect seeds of native plants. You’ll experience nature in a whole new way and help conserve biodiversity. Beginners welcome!
Free • Registration Required -
![An adult and child creating art in an outdoor setting.]()
Eco-Print Dyeing Workshop
Evans Field • River Grove, IL 60171Create an eco-print with fall leaves and learn how to make your own mini plant press.
Free • Registration Required -
“Bone” Appetit
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s ambassador animals.
Free
