Central Cook County
Archery & Games
Thatcher Woods • River Forest, IL 60305Adults and families, enjoy trying archery and playing your favorite backyard games. Instruction, equipment and games provided.
Kid’s Nature Art Workshop
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join Little Bits Workshop for creative fun as we observe nature, draw, paint, or sculpt. Instruction, materials provided. Ages 8 […]
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Wellness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Mindful and meditative guided nature walk. Ages 18 & up.
Summer Prairie Blooms Walk
Silver Creek Family Picnic Area • Melrose Park, IL 60160Ages 18 and up.
Story Time in Polish
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Program dla najmłodszych miłośników natury. Z pomocą znanych i lubianych wierszyków poznamy owady, ptaki i inne zwierzęta i poszukamy ich […]
Senior Fitness Walk
Thatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Story Trail
Bemis Woods-South • Cook County, IL 60558 (near Western Springs)Walk a short, looped trail and experience a story unfolding with every step. Onsite activities will be provided. Grove 7. […]
Kid’s Nature Art Workshop
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join Little Bits Workshop for creative fun as we observe nature, draw, paint, or sculpt. Instruction, materials provided. Ages 8 […]
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Presented with River Forest Public Library. We’ll read stories and do a simple nature activity. Weather dependent. Ages 0 to […]
Gnome Hunt
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305A band of gnomes are living outside on Trailside's grounds! Can you find them all? Pick up a sheet in […]
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
- Animal Encounter
- Archery
- Arts & Crafts
- Astronomy
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Camping
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Education
- Film
- Fishing
- Fitness
- Food & Beverage
- Games & Nature Play
- Gardening
- Hiking & Walking
- History & Culture
- Music
- Paddling
- Photography
- Senior
- Storytelling
- Volunteer
- 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.