All Events

Events in Central Cook County

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!

Animal Homes Hike

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Bring the family on a guided hike to discover where our local animals will spend the winter.

Dawn Owl Prowl

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Listen for owls as part of the annual Christmas Bird Count with John Elliott from the Chicago Bird Alliance. Ages […]

Winter Break-Out Adventure

Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305

School is out! Join us for fun and adventure during winter break. Snowshoeing hikes, tracking, shelter building and other winter […]

Winter Secrets Hike

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Bring the family on a walk to see what is happening above, within, and beneath the snow.

Winter Artist Showcase

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

This winter season, we will be hosting 'Gathering Nature: Glass Mosaics and Assemblages,' a mother/daughter art show by artists Judy […]

New Year’s Resolution Walk

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Fulfill your resolution of being more active by taking a brisk guided walk on our trails at Trailside. Ages 18 […]

Walk & Talk

Chicago Portage National Historic Site • Lyons, IL 60402

For curious minds who want to know more about the Forest Preserves, these hikes will be led at a slower […]

Family Winter Scavenger Hunt and Campfire

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Enjoy a winter afternoon on a self-guided scavenger hunt. Afterward, enjoy refreshments around the campfire.