All Events

Events in Central Cook County

Halloween Hoot and Howl

Keystone Park River Forest, IL 60305

Join our partners the River Forest Public Library and the River Forest Park District for an evening of slightly spooky […]

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Festival

Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634

In partnership with the American Indian Center of Chicago, join us to celebrate Native American culture with a mini-Powwow. Make […]

Bird painting Step-by-Step: Screech Owl

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Sketch and paint. For both beginners and more experienced artists. All materials provided.

$5

Seed Collecting at Wolf Road Prairie

Wolf Road Prairie • Cook County, IL 60154 (near Westchester)

Collect prairie seeds with us and learn about the story of the prairie. Ages 12 & up.

Annular Solar Eclipse Viewing Drop-In

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Join us (if the sun is shining) to view a partial solar eclipse! We will have special telescope set up […]

Without Limits: Adventure for All

Miller Meadow-South • Cook County, IL 60130 (near Forest Park)

Individuals with physical disabilities and their friends and families can explore nature through adaptive cycling and rock wall climbing. In […]

Thursdays in the Field: Soil and Geology

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Connect to nature through fun themed activities for adults and kids. Hosted by Univ of IL Extension volunteers.

Forest Therapy Walk

Schiller Woods-West • Schiller Park, IL 60634

Forest therapy opens the gateway for creativity and a deepened relationship with self and the natural world. Led by certified […]

National Reptile Awareness Day

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Learn about local reptiles and meet some scaly Animal Ambassadors.

Fall Color Walk (in Polish)

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Take a guided walk in the woods in celebration of Polish American Heritage Month.

Stars, Spooky Stories, & S ’mores

Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

Join a family-friendly evening with a cozy fire, s ’mores, a “spooky” story trail, star gazing, pumpkin painting and more. […]

Walk & Talk

Arie Crown Forest • Countryside, IL 60525

Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]

Day Hiking Leadership Training

Bemis Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60523 (near Oak Brook)

For teachers/youth educators! DHLT gives you all the tools to take groups out into the preserves for the day.

Fall Banan-za!

Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)

Come join the Forest Preserves of Cook County at Go Ape for an unforgettable autumn experience complete with local vendors, […]

Makin’ Music Bluegrass Jam

Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305

Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own and join the jam by playing or listening.

Nature Book Club

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Join us at Trailside to discuss "The Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. For adults,

Lunch with the Raptors

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Learn about the birds of prey ambassador animals as they enjoy their lunch!

Teen Exploration Day: Knitting in Nature

Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305

Learn about the basics of knitting and simple techniques through a tutorial led by staff. Supplies provided. Ages 13 & […]

Evening Film, “Monty and Rose”

Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305

View a screening of “Monty and Rose,” the true story of a pair of endangered piping plovers who beat the […]

Fitness Hike

Brezina Woods • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)

Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster paced with little to […]

Archery

Brookfield Woods • Brookfield, IL 60513

Attend this session to learn the basics of archery. Ages 10 & up; equipment provided.

Annual Turkey Trot Hike

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Walk off that extra helping of turkey and stuffing on this annual post-holiday hike.

Feed the Birds

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Learn about the best bird foods, feeders and landscape elements to benefit our resident winter birds.

History Hike: Isabel Basset Wasson

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Explore Thatcher Woods while learning about the inspiring life of a local pioneering environmental educator. Ages 13 & up.

Bone Appetit po polsku

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Chcesz się dowiedzieć co jedzą zwierzęta w Trailside i jak się nimi opiekujemy? Zapraszamy na program!

Nature Treasure Hunt

Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)

Kids and families are invited to search for various natural items on a short-looped trail. Find all the treasure and […]

Evening Film: “The Magic Stump”

Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305

Join us at Thatcher Pavilion for a screening of “The Magic Stump” – the story of an Illinois tree stump […]

DIY Holiday Bird Feeder Wreath

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Make a festive birdseed wreath to help our feathered friends this winter! Materials provided. Ages 13 & up.

Fitness Hike

Brezina Woods • Cook County, IL 60526 (near La Grange Park)

Fitness Hikes are for those looking to get some exercise outdoors. Fitness hikes will be faster-paced with little to no […]

Story Trail: “The Snowy Day” Drop-In

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Walk a short trail and read the posted story, then pick up a craft and activity bag.