Nature Play
Events
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Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Due to heat and air quality advisories, this event has been moved indoors. Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. […]
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Canceled Thursdays in Nature: Pond Dip Discovery!
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature with University of Illinois-Extension Master Naturalists through fun inquiry-based activities for both adults and kids. Drop in.
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Insect Fest
FeaturedCummings Square • River Forest, IL 60305Join us for this all-things-insect event! Go on a bug hunt, experience an insect petting zoo and more!
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Teen GPS Mystery Adventure
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305A murder most “fowl”! Solve the case and discover who did in the bird! Ages 10 & up w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Junior Naturalist Walk
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Earn a Junior Naturalist badge by taking a short walk, then doing an indoor activity book. Ages 6-12 w/ caregiver.
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Nature Discovery Camp
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join us from 9 am to noon each day for an adventure-packed day camp where kids explore the outdoors through hiking, fishing, field experiments and […]
$50 • Registration Required -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
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Fishing for Community / Pescando Conexiones (Drop-In)
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join us for a morning of fishing on Trailside’s pond. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn fishing basics from our experts, build connections with others and enjoy […]
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Indigenous Games & Activities
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634Join the American Indian Center of Chicago for traditional Indigenous games and activities. Grove 13.
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Wild About Play
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Unleash your wild side! Create enrichment items for our ambassador animals. Groups welcome. Drop in.
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Campus Block Party
FeaturedCamp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Celebrate summer at the campground with family and friends! Enjoy artmaking, games, food and more.
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Yoga and Storytime
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join the Bridgeview Library for a short nature story followed by kid's yoga activities. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
Free -
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Explore the wild side of creativity! Kids ages 3–6 with an adult can enjoy hands-on nature-inspired art and activities. Supplies provided.
Free • Registration Required -
Hip Hop Camp-Out
FeaturedCamp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Running from Friday, July 31 at 3 pm to Sunday, August 2 at noon, this camping experience combines hip hop culture, nature, wellness, and community. […]
Free • Registration Required -
Art in Nature: Sun Printing
National Grove-South • North Riverside, IL 60546With natural materials and drawings, use the sun to make a one-of-a-kind print. Supplies provided. Drop in. Grove 1.
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Back-to-School Community Adventure Day
Featured Weekly Wellness ProgrammingCaldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646Ring in the school year with us! Presented with ICNA Chicago, Niles-Maine Library, Hive Center for the Book Arts and many others.
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Pond Dip Discovery
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Discover what lives on and below the surface of Thatcher Glen Pond? Equipment provided. Ages 5-12 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Read a story, make a craft and go on an adventure. Ages 2 to 6 with an adult. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served […]
Free -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
Free -
Let’s Go Find Some Bugs
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Play bug bingo as we hunt for the best bugs of the summer.
Free -
Wee Wonders: Hummingbirds
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Stories in the Forest
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Join the River Forest Public Library for storytelling! Ages 0-5 w/ adult. Drop in.
Free -
Craftpalooza
National Grove-South • North Riverside, IL 60546Kids, get creative! Help decorate a large canvas with stamps, paint and markers. Presented with the North Riverside Public Library.
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Hummingbird Fest
FeaturedSagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439Let's celebrate hummingbirds and learn how they connect nature, people and culture. View hummingbirds in the garden, chat with naturalist staff all things hummingbirds, visit […]
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Wee Wonders: Hummingbirds
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Environmental Education Camp
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Running from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, this camp helps children build teamwork skills through survival challenges, activities, and games. Group 1 is for ages […]
$25 • Registration Required -
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Thursdays in Nature: Geology – Can you dig it?
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Connect to nature with University of Illinois-Extension Master Naturalists through fun inquiry-based activities for both adults and kids. Drop in.
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Nature Skate Day
Dan Ryan Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60620Bring your best skating routines or just roll along to the music for the third annual Nature Skate Day. The parking lots by Groves 13 […]
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Junior Naturalist Walk
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Earn a Junior Naturalist badge by taking a short walk, then doing an indoor activity book. Ages 6-12 w/ caregiver.
Free -
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Explore the wild side of creativity! Kids ages 3–6 with an adult can enjoy hands-on nature-inspired art and activities. Supplies provided.
Free • Registration Required -
Night of Nature Play
FeaturedEggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617Experience nature at night through open play, star gazing and s’mores.
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Tiny Tot Day
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Join your little ones and enjoy nature through movement, art and sensory play.
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Small Serendipity
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Nature stories, crafts, and activities. Children ages 3-6 w/ adult.
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Wee Wonders: Fall Colors
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Read a story, make a craft and go on an adventure. Ages 2 to 6 with an adult. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served […]
Free -
Faire at the Square-Drop-in
FeaturedCummings Square • River Forest, IL 60305Enjoy our "creative-reuse carnival" with themed games made from repurposed materials! Win prizes and learn about local plants and animals.
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Magical Forest Houses
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Search for tiny, enchanted, homes built by mythical elves. These homes, built with natural materials, are hidden along our Farm Pond Trail. Scan the QR […]
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Fall Nature Fest
FeaturedLaBagh Woods • Chicago, IL 60630Engage with local environmental groups and businesses while enjoying food, games, Jesse White Tumblers, and animal ambassadors. Groves 1–4.
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Aztec Dance Performance: La Danza de los Concheros
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Experience a journey into Mexico’s ancient Aztec culture of music, song and dance. Presented with Xochitl-Quetzal Danza Azteca.
Free • Registration Required -
Wee Wonders: Fall Colors
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
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Teen Exploration Day: Pond Dipping
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Drop in at the Redwing Trail pond to observe wetland inhabitants and macroorganisms. Geared towards teens & their families.
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Yoga and Storytime
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join the Bridgeview Library for a short nature story followed by kid's yoga activities. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Small Serendipity
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Nature stories, crafts, and activities. Children ages 3-6 w/ adult.
Free -
Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Read a story, make a craft and go on an adventure. Ages 2 to 6 with an adult. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served […]
Free -
Nature’s Art Box
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Explore the wild side of creativity! Kids ages 3–6 with an adult can enjoy hands-on nature-inspired art and activities. Supplies provided.
Free • Registration Required -
Nature Play Day
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Help your children connect with nature through stories, art and exploration.
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Party for the Preserves
FeaturedRiver Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Celebrate National Public Lands Day at our annual Party for the Preserves. Arrive in the morning and make a toy boat with natural materials and […]
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Party for the Preserves
FeaturedCrabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Celebrate the places that bring us together with a day of outdoor fun for all ages. Enjoy a bilingual prairie walk, family activities, hands-on seed […]
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Salsa Dance: Party for the Preserves
FeaturedThatcher Woods Pavilion • River Forest, IL 60305Dance into National Public Lands Day and Hispanic Heritage Month with an afternoon of live music, salsa dancing and festive outdoor fun. Bring your family and friends […]
Free • Registration Required -
Party for the Preserves
FeaturedCamp Bullfrog Lake • Willow Springs, IL 60480Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a day of activities. Paddle in 10-person canoes with Wilderness Inquiry. Funkadesi brings joyful tunes blending music from around the world. View the night sky with telescopes and walks. Noon–3 pm: 4H Kick off, […]
Free • Registration Required -
Party for the Preserves: Acoustics Under the Stars
FeaturedCamp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Celebrate the connection between public lands and folk music with performances, a guided walk and hot dog roast. Bring your own instruments and join in […]
Free • Registration Required -
Sounds Like Fall
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Take your little one on a playful, music-filled nature walk. Ages 3-6 w/ adult.
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Sounds Like Fall
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Take your little one on a playful, music-filled nature walk. Ages 3-6 w/ adult.
Free -
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Doggie Date Night
FeaturedDan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Calling all dog lovers! Costume dog parade, crafts, photo booth and raffle prizes. Dogs must be friendly and remain on leash.
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Halloween Hoot and Howl
FeaturedKeystone Park • River Forest, IL 60305Spooky family fun featuring live music, pumpkin painting and more. Presented with the River Forest Park District and River Forest Public Library.
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73rd Annual Powwow
Schiller Woods-East • Chicago, IL 60634Celebrate Native American culture and enjoy traditional Powwow, food and more. Presented with American Indian Center of Chicago. Grove 9
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Nuts About Nature
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Explore the grounds to find native nuts and learn how animals use them for food and survival.sq
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Pumpkinpalooza
Featured Weekly Wellness ProgrammingCaldwell Woods • Chicago, IL 60646Paint pumpkins and bowl, dye buckthorn, play ring toss, maneuver through a fall-themed obstacle course, and more! Supplies limited.
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Sounds Like Fall
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Take your little one on a playful, music-filled nature walk. Ages 3-6 w/ adult.
Free -
Sounds Like Fall
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Take your little one on a playful, music-filled nature walk. Ages 3-6 w/ adult.
Free -
Small Serendipity
River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Nature stories, crafts, and activities. Children ages 3-6 w/ adult.
Free -
Wee Wandering Wednesdays
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Read a story, make a craft and go on an adventure. Ages 2 to 6 with an adult. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served […]
Free -
Teen Exploration Day: Archery
FeaturedDan Ryan Woods-Central • Chicago, IL 60620Learn from certified staff and try your hand at archery. Ages 10 & up. Junior archery available for children under 10. Grove 5.
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Trickster DaWaag (Fall) Camp
Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120Two-day camp for all ages featuring cultural teachings, storytelling, games, artmaking and more! Sponsored by Trickster Cultural Center’s Communities for Positive Youth Development. Free registration […]
Free • Registration Required -
Sounds Natural Creative Retreat
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Enjoy art, wellness workshops, food and music. Limited camping spaces available for optional overnight. Presented with Sounds Natural.
Free • Registration Required -
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making decorative sugar skulls. Vibrantly colored sugar skulls represent the circle of life and are ornamental gifts for friends and […]
Free -
Little Sprouts Sound Lab
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Explore nature through sensory activities, outdoor listening and sound‑making. Ages 2-6 w/ adult. Siblings welcome.
Free • Registration Required -
Wee Wonders: Owls
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
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Night of Nature Play
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion • Chicago, IL 60620Scavenger hunt, games and crafts under the glowing night (black) lights.
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REACH Nature Navigators
Caldwell Woods Wellness Center • Chicago, IL 60646A high-energy outdoor adventure guiding visitors through a Leave No Trace scavenger hunt, shelter building and backpack challenges, wilderness first aid demos, river critter investigations, […]
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Sounds Natural Creative Retreat
Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473Enjoy art, wellness workshops, food and music. Limited camping spaces available for optional overnight. Presented with Sounds Natural.
Free • Registration Required -
Fall Festival
FeaturedRiver Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062Celebrate the season with a special autumn fun day. Beekeeping demonstrations, animal encounters, pumpkin painting, honey sales, activities and more! Admission is free; there may […]
Free -
Wee Wonders: Owls
Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/ adult.
Free • Registration Required -
Yoga and Storytime
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480Join the Bridgeview Library for a short nature story followed by kid's yoga activities. Ages 3-6 w/adult.
Free • Registration Required
