All Events

Events in Central Cook County

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.

Winter Pop-Up Fun

Evans Field • River Grove, IL 60171

Borrow a pair of our snowshoes, help with litter pickup, warm up by a fire and play in the snow!