Events in Central Cook County
Central Cook County
- Events
- Central Cook County
Storytime & Picnic
Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)Listen to a nature-themed book read aloud by North Riverside Public Library, followed by an activity. Stay after for a […]
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 and up.
Nature Wellness Walk
Miller Meadow-South • Cook County, IL 60130 (near Forest Park)Reconnect with nature. Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led during a leisurely walk. Grove 6.
Fitness Hike
Sunset Bridge Meadow • River Grove, IL 60171Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]
Teen Exploration Day: River Kayaking 101
Schuth’s Grove • Cook County, IL 60546 (near Riverside)Learn how to kayak on moving water. Class includes a 3-mile trip down the Des Plaines River. Instruction, equipment, kayaks […]
Nesting Bird Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Wellness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Thursdays in the Field
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Don't be Rude, It's A Brood: Cicadas Connect to nature through fun inquiry-based activities. Different theme/activities each month. Drop in.
American Indian Summer Solstice
Schiller Woods-West • Schiller Park, IL 60634Join the American Indian Center of Chicago to learn the importance of the solstice to the Native community; enjoy traditional […]
Nature Book Club “Entangled Life” by M. Sheldrake
Forest Park Public Library • Forest Park, IL 60130Join us for a lively discussion of “Entangled Life” by Merlin Sheldrake, a book about fungi and forests. Ages 18 […]
Summer Pride Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Celebrate Pride Month with a casual nature hike to enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of early summer. Family program.
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Nature Obstacle Course
Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)Families, attempt an obstacle course created from natural materials. Nature play, exploration and art activities will be available, too! Drop […]
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Wellness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.
Pond Dip Discovery
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us as we dip our nets in the water and scoop up our discoveries! Equipment provided. Ages 5 to […]
Walk & Talk Hike
Bemis Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60523 (near Oak Brook)Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Story Trail
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Walk a short, looped trail and experience a story unfolding with every step. Onsite activities will be provided. Grove 7. […]
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Art in Nature
National Grove-South • North Riverside, IL 60546Explore the symbolism between art in nature. Create land art, write a poem, and make tie dye using fruits and […]
Wellness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Thursdays in the Field
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Take a Pond Dip: Water Animal Discovery Connect to nature through fun inquiry-based activities. Different theme/activities each month. Drop in.
Insect Fest
Cummings Square • River Forest, IL 60305Join us for this all-things-insect event! Go on a bug hunt, experience an insect petting zoo, explore bugs through yoga […]
Wetland Birds Walk
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Ages 18 and up.
Event Locations
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.
Event Categories
- All Events
- Adaptive
- Animal Encounter
- Archery
- Arts & Crafts
- Astronomy
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Camping
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Education
- Film
- Fishing
- Fitness
- Food & Beverage
- Nature Play
- Gardening
- Hiking & Walking
- History & Culture
- Music
- Paddling
- Photography
- Senior
- Storytelling
- Volunteer
- Wellness in the Woods
- Yoga
Events Guide
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)Nature Express Bus
Get free transportation to the Forest Preserves for your group.
Learn MoreMonthly Newsletter
Sign up for the Forest Way and receive the latest Forest Preserves news, events and volunteer opportunities each month. View past newsletters.
Sign UpEvent Accessibility
The 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.