Stairs, Stories & S’mores
Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464 (near Palos Park)Families, drop in and challenge yourself by climbing to the top of Swallow Cliff stairs. Then, try the story trail, […]
Families, drop in and challenge yourself by climbing to the top of Swallow Cliff stairs. Then, try the story trail, […]
Learn fire-building skills and stick around for a story and s’mores around the fire.
Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a potluck and s’mores by the campfire.
Enjoy the Preserves on snowshoes then learn different methods for fire building outdoors and make s’mores! Snowshoes provided; 4” of […]
Children will enjoy three fun filled days with outdoor activities, art making and s’mores at the fire. Ages 9-12.
Learn fire-building skills and stick around for a story and s’mores around the fire.
View the glass mosaic art and chat with local mosaic artist Judy Steed at the official opening of her show […]
Hang out by the fire with friends and enjoy a sweet treat. S’mores supplies provided.
View the constellations and hear their mythical tales while enjoying a treat around the campfire.
Learn what it takes to keep our forest healthy and participate in a day of service. S’mores provided.
We’ll observe bird feeder action while noshing on bagels and coffee inside the Museum, then head outdoors for a guided […]
Help staff remove invasive plants through a brush pile burn and treat yourself to s’mores. Ages 10 & up.
Start your morning with birds and bagels! Enjoy a treat while observing local birds at our feeders. Bagels, light refreshments […]
Drop in to learn safe practices for fire building and containment, make fire-inspired art, build your own fire and roast […]
Celebrate the Danish tradition of coziness with hot chocolate and nature books.
Couples and friends are invited to enjoy the nature center grounds at their leisure. Walk our candlelit trails, relax around […]
Learn fire-building skills and stick around for a story and s’mores around the fire.
Cooking outdoors is easy and fun! Learn how to prepare food both over a fire and on a stove. Ages […]
Help restore our woodlands by cutting down invasive species and having a brush pile burn. Then enjoy s’mores and light […]
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a special day of activities including crafts, games, tree tapping, and maple syrup history […]
Celebrate the changing season and learn about Cook County’s wildlife through crafts, themed walks, refreshments and more. Drop-in.
In partnership with Go Ape Chicago, enjoy the Treetop Nets, a nature obstacle course, and more. Food trucks and vendors […]
Overnight training course to learn skills needed to plan and lead group camping trips. Covers safety, day-hiking, tent and stove-set […]
Cooking outdoors is easy and fun! Learn how to prepare food both over a fire and on a stove. Ages […]
Join us for poetry in motion as we explore the forest through our senses. Participants will receive a journal and […]
Art activities, scavenger hunts, food chain demonstrations, and free plant giveaways will delight visitors.
Overnight training course to learn skills needed to plan and lead group camping trips. Covers safety, day-hiking, tent and stove-set […]
Bring in gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books! Any genre and reading level; nature-themed books encouraged. Snacks […]
Meet and chat with noted botanical artist Kathleen Marie Garness and view her recent large drawings of endangered local orchids, […]
Cooking outdoors is easy and fun! Learn how to prepare food both over a fire and on a stove. Ages […]
Explore astronomy on this family-friendly night in the Preserves. Crafts, stargazing and refreshments included. Grove 3.
Join us at Sand Ridge Nature Center for our Mother's Day Mindful Art Program. Celebrate mothers and Mother Earth with […]
Relax and enjoy the sounds of nature as we sit around a campfire, tell stories, enjoy s’mores, and take a […]
Join us for a day of celebration and exploration as we honor the incredible diversity of life at Eggers Grove.
Sounds Natural invites families to enjoy art activities, food, music and workshops with the option to stay overnight in your […]
Join the second oldest continual canoe race in the United States! The race begins at Oak Springs Road in Libertyville […]
Intro to camping for families. Includes meals, all camping gear and outdoor fun. $75/family (group up to 6).
Bring in your gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books! Books can be of any genre and reading […]
You are invited to this annual fishing extravaganza. Give-a-ways to participants, prizes for category winners, and refreshments for all. Event […]
This year’s cicada emergence is a once-in-a-lifetime event! Join us for crafts, games and refreshments and learn what makes this […]
Listen to a nature-themed book read aloud by North Riverside Public Library, followed by an activity. Stay after for a […]
This 2-hour workshop covers camping and outdoor cooking basics. Camping and cooking gear provided. All ages.
Help restore our woodlands by cutting down invasive species and having a brush pile burn. Then enjoy s’mores and light […]
The whole family is invited for a day of outdoor fun! Free fishing derby, tree climb, nature play, animal encounters, […]
Enjoy the lingering daylight on the longest day of the year with stories, songs and s’mores around the campfire.
Part workshop, part campout! Learn camping skills, then spend the night.
Children ages 10-11 will explore the outdoors through fishing, birdwatching, insect discovery, treasure hunts and hands-on animal encounters. Snacks included. […]
Open play, star gazing and s’mores.
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.