Kids’ Fest
Wampum Lake • Cook County, IL 60476 (near Thornton)Embrace the great outdoors and the wonders of nature. Featuring various community partners offering fishing, canoeing, archery and more.
Embrace the great outdoors and the wonders of nature. Featuring various community partners offering fishing, canoeing, archery and more.
Through indoor instruction and intensive field learning, you will develop familiarity with Silurian and glacial geology, fossils of northeastern Illinois, […]
Embrace adventure through rock climbing, cycling, and kayaking opportunities specially tailored for people of all ages with a primary physical […]
Join us for this all-things-insect event! Go on a bug hunt, experience an insect petting zoo, explore bugs through yoga […]
Join us for a farmers' market with limited free produce and workshops about growing food in your community! All Ages.
Calling all dog lovers! Dog-themed offerings include adoption opportunities, canoe paddles, sniff walks, paw print Olympic medals, pictures, creative reuse […]
Create your own adventure with family and friends through music, nature play, games, artmaking, walks and more.
Sounds Natural invites families to enjoy art activities, food, music and workshops with the option to stay overnight in your […]
Welcome the school year with a day of community give-a-ways, school supply distribution, and adventure such as archery, kids tree […]
Designed for all teens. Receive instruction from certified staff and try your hand at archery.
Join us for activities, viewing, and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes.
Join us as we celebrate summer with a bonfire, activities, walks and more.
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.