Partial Solar Eclipse
Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington, IL 60010Use our scope and sun viewers to watch the eclipse safely.
Use our scope and sun viewers to watch the eclipse safely.
Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills.
Bring your own or borrow our optics to observe and record what birds are winging in.
Learn, then observe the American woodcock courtship display in the darkening sky. Ages 7 & up.
This hands-on program demonstrates how to use the natural resources around you. Grove 4.
Learn how to use a map and compass, then practice on a 1.5-mile walk.
This hands-on program demonstrates how to use the natural resources around you. Grove 4.
Come visit to see what we came up with.
A special program for little naturalists. Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3 to […]
Bring your own or borrow our optics to observe and record what birds are winging in.
Celebrate Earth Day by doing your part in helping clean up litter in the Preserves. Supplies available to check-out. Grove […]
Play, plant, paint and pretend with family-fun activities.
Drop by to learn about various ways to be more environmentally friendly.
Walk under the light of the full moon.
Bring your own or borrow our optics to observe and record what birds are winging in.
Walk & Talk hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural […]
The Kenneth Young Center will be offering a FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for adults at Crabtree Nature […]
Our microscopic exploration of the lively waters of Crabtree concludes.
A special program for little naturalists. Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3 to […]
Enjoy a morning in the preserves and learn the basics of photography using a smartphone. Grove 5.
Join the Kenneth Young Center on Friday, May 3rd from 9am to 3pm at Crabtree Nature Center for a FREE […]
Join us for a Mental Health Awareness Month walk. Ages 18 & up.
Interact with some of the important equipment used to preserve and maintain Crabtree.
Celebrate migrating birds on guided bird walks. All birding levels welcomed; binoculars available to lend.
Drop-in for a bird watch from a fixed location.
Explore astronomy on this family-friendly night in the Preserves. Crafts, stargazing and refreshments included. Grove 3.
Join us for a walk in the woodland.
A special program for little naturalists. Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3 to […]
Learn about frog calls, then listen to them on a walk. Ages 10 & up.
In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, participate in all thing’s kites. Timed flying demonstration, crafts, and more.
Help us improve our woodlands by removing this invasive species.
Awaken your senses and renew your bond with nature. Ages 18 & up.
Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills.
Meet some of the most impressive builders and manipulators in the insect world. Ages 6 & up.
Delight in the sights, scents and stories of spring flowers on a guided walk.
You are invited to this annual fishing extravaganza. Give-a-ways to participants, prizes for category winners, and refreshments for all. Event […]
Celebrate everything the Forest Preserves has to offer through animal encounters, arts & crafts, recreation, and much more at this […]
A special program for little naturalists. Read a story, make a craft, and go on an adventure. Ages 3 to […]
Join us for a brief presentation and create your own masterpiece using the traditional Japanese art form of printing fish. […]
Hear who is croaking in the night. Ages 7 and up.
Examine seasonal objects and specimens with a naturalist.
Spend a day investigating fish and their habitat, creating fish crafts and learning how to cast. On the second day, […]
Spend a day investigating fish and their habitat, making fish crafts, and learning how to cast. On the second day, […]
The whole family is invited for a day of outdoor fun! Free fishing derby, tree climb, nature play, animal encounters, […]
Celebrate Pride Month and learn about different types of family arrangements in the animal kingdom.
Join us for a summer walk.
Discover the plants and animals of the preserves through exploration, games and crafts. Ages 7-11. Registration opens April 6 at […]
Discover plants and animals through exploration, games, and crafts. Ages 7 to 11.
Learn the significance of summer in Native American culture while participating in various activities. All ages. Presented with Trickster Cultural Center.
Celebrate the summer solstice by paddling Busse South Pool. Ages 5 & up.
Celebrate the longest day of the year during a 1.5-mile walk.
Discover tiny creatures in our ponds.
Join us for an exciting Children's Concert! Enjoy stories from Barrington Area Library, music from Alloy Horns and nature-themed activities […]
Watch and learn about the glowing insects of twilight on a guided stroll.
Spend a day investigating fish and their habitat, creating fish crafts and learning how to cast. On the second day, […]
Spend a day investigating fish and their habitat, making fish crafts, and learning how to cast. On the second day, […]
Celebrate PRIDE month with a naturalist led nature walk. LGBTQ2S+ people, family, friends and allies welcome.
Spend time with other teenagers in the community, experiencing nature by learning about local plants and animals, and socializing on […]
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.