All Events

Events in Central Cook County

Autumnal Equinox Walk

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Celebrate the first day of autumn with a walk.

Autumnal Equinox Program

Schiller Woods-West • Schiller Park, IL 60634

Join the American Indian Center of Chicago to learn about the Autumnal Equinox. Grove 2.

Salsa Dance: Party for the Preserve

Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a Salsa Dance Party. Enjoy bilingual hikes and family activities. Programa ofrecido en Espanol.

Theodore Stone Nature Walk

Theodore Stone Forest • Hodgkins, IL 60525

Join us for a walk through the unusual dolomite prairie to see the late-blooming wildflowers. Ages 16 & up.

Nature Story Trail “It’s Fall” by Linda Glaser

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Walk a short trail near the Museum while reading the posted story. Afterwards, stop in the Museum lobby to pick […]

Forest Therapy Walk

Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

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

Story Trail (en Español)

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

Experience a story unfold along a short, looped trail. A craft is available to take home after you complete the […]

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.