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 […]
Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Kids, get creative! Help decorate a large canvas with stamps, paint and markers. Presented in partnership with the North Riverside […]
Explore the tiny secrets of the woods as we examine plants and small animals both on our walk and in […]
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
Program dla najmłodszych miłośników natury. Z pomocą znanych i lubianych wierszyków poznamy owady, ptaki i inne zwierzęta i poszukamy ich […]
Connect to nature through fun inquiry-based activities. Different theme/activities each month. Drop in.
Celebrate Indigenous Plant Knowledge: 3 Sisters Garden and More Connect to nature through fun inquiry-based activities. Different theme/activities each month. […]
Join us for a lively discussion at Trailside Museum of this book, about consuming meat vs. vegetarianism in the modern […]
Drop in for a fun afternoon of nature discovery. We’ll have nature games, disc golf, art making, kite flying and […]
Disc Golf Chicago and the Forest Preserves of Cook County have partnered to set up a temporary course at Miller […]
Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.
Ages 18 and up.
In partnership with Ride Illinois, join us for a family-friendly event promoting riding bikes. Safety demonstration, techniques, tips, and a […]
Enjoy an afternoon out paddling. Instruction, equipment and kayaks provided.
Join other seniors for a moderately paced, one mile fitness walks in beautiful Thatcher Woods. Led by senior Roberta Jannsen, […]
Learn about the migration route to Mexico and how you can help monarchs and other pollinators! See how monarchs are […]
Enjoy a mindful and meditative guided nature walk in Thatcher Woods, led by Roberta Jannsen, Univ. of IL Extension volunteer, […]
Bring your little one for open nature play time!
Enjoy our "creative-reuse carnival" with games made from repurposed materials! Win prizes, learn about plants and animals, & more. Ice […]
Learn about restoration efforts, goals, and ways you can get involved. Ages 12 & up.
Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s outdoor animal ambassadors.
Join other seniors for a moderately paced, one mile fitness walks in beautiful Thatcher Woods. Led by senior Roberta Jannsen, […]
Drop in at Trailside on the 3rd Thursday of each month to connect to nature through fun themed activities for […]
Participate in the American Indian Center's Food is Medicine event with the resident chef, who will showcase a sampling of […]
Join us on a guided bird walk to see both resident and migratory birds, led by John Elliott of the […]
Celebrate this National Historic Site, its cultural significance, and the history of Chicago. Presentations, demonstrations, site tours, games and activities.
Enjoy a mindful and meditative guided nature walk in Thatcher Woods, led by Roberta Jannsen, Univ. of IL Extension volunteer, […]
Join us for a talk about the equinox on a short, guided nature walk on a paved trail. ADA Accessible.
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.