Fossil Quarry Tour
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Learn about Chicago’s ancient history through indoor fossil presentations followed by a visit to the fossil reserve quarry.
Loading view.
History & Culture
Sand Ridge Heritage Day
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Celebrate the rich heritage of the Calumet region. On this day, we will collaborate with various partner organizations that host […]
The Smokey Bear Effect
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Come learn about America’s history of wildfire management and how a little bear influenced the whole nation.
History Hike: Isabel Basset Wasson
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Explore Thatcher Woods while learning about the inspiring life of a local pioneering environmental educator. Ages 13 & up.
Holiday Past
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Visit our pioneer cabins as we celebrate winter holiday traditions. Play with handmade toys, make a craft, and see what’s […]
Kwanzaa Celebration
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center • Chicago, IL 60620Seven days of music and nature-based activities following the seven principles: Day 1: Dec 26 - Umoja (Unity) Day 2: […]
Free
Winter Camp
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120Explore activities while learning the significance of the winter season in Native American culture. Presented by Trickster Cultural Center.
Teen Exploration Day: Day of Service
Miller Meadow-North • Cook County, IL 60130 (near Forest Park)Teens and families, give back this MLK day. Join us for a litter clean-up in celebration of Martin Luther King, […]
MLK Service Day Celebration
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120Participate in restoration, celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and warm up with hot beverages. Ages 10 & […]
Winter Insects
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Believe it or not, some insects are active through the winter. Search for these cold-hardy survivors. Ages 14 & up. […]
MLK Day of Service
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Stop by the nature center to participate in a self-led litter pick-up. Garbage bags and disposable gloves available.
MLK Day of Service
Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of service. Join us for an afternoon of litter clean-up, crafts […]
Event Locations
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.
Event Categories
- All Events
- Adaptive Recreation
- Animal Encounter
- Archery
- Arts & Crafts
- Astronomy
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Camping
- Education
- Film
- Fishing
- Fitness
- Food & Beverage
- Games & Nature Play
- Gardening
- Hiking & Walking
- History & Culture
- Music
- Paddling
- Photography
- Senior
- Snow Sports
- Storytelling
- Sustainability
- Restoration
- Wellness in the Woods
- Yoga
Events Guide
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)Nature Express Bus
Get free transportation to the Forest Preserves for your group.
Learn MoreMonthly Newsletter
Sign up for the Forest Way and receive the latest Forest Preserves news, events and volunteer opportunities each month. View past newsletters.
Sign UpEvent Accessibility
The 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.